Transform SA

From launching Rural Goddess in a small room on Jeppe Street in Johannesburg with a single industrial sewing machine to seeing one of her signature designs worn at the G20 Summit and establishing a retail presence at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, founder Isha Mboyisa has transformed a vision rooted in faith, identity and African heritage into one of South Africa’s inspiring entrepreneurial success stories.

From becoming the first Black national netball player from the Eastern Cape to represent South Africa internationally to earning the title of professor and now serving as a Judge of the Eastern Cape Division of the High Court, Professor Nomthandazo Patience Ntlama-Makhanya has built a legacy defined by excellence, resilience and public service.

Abenathi Mtshiyo is proving that talent, determination and cultural pride can transform humble beginnings into extraordinary success. Born and raised in Libode in the Eastern Cape, the contemporary fashion designer and creative director has built a growing reputation in South Africa’s fashion industry through her innovative designs, styling and creative direction.

South Africa has strengthened its commitment to inclusive digital transformation with the appointment of technology leader and digital transformation advocate Lady Mariéme Jamme as the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities’ Special Envoy for Technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The National Lottery Commission (NLC) has appointed Tembinkosi Bonakele as the new Chairperson of its Board, marking a significant leadership transition for one of South Africa’s most important public institutions. Bonakele, who has already been serving as a member of the NLC board, succeeds Professor Barney Pityana, who resigned from the position in July 2025 before completing his five-year term.

South Africa’s youth unemployment crisis is often measured in percentages but behind every statistic is a young person with ambition, talent and untapped potential. While creating jobs remains a national priority, employment alone will not solve the challenges facing the country’s next generation. Young professionals need quality education, mentorship, skills development and opportunities that prepare them to thrive in an increasingly competitive and technology-driven economy.

The Johannesburg Business School (JBS), through its Centre for Entrepreneurship (JBSCE), officially launched the first day of its three-day JBSCE × B-BBEE Commission Youth Month Symposium, bringing together leaders, policymakers, entrepreneurs, academics and young people to engage in critical conversations on South Africa’s economic future.

The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) has announced a R1 million investment aimed at supporting transformation and skills development within South Africa’s legal sector. The announcement was made during the Legal Sector Code Media Breakfast, hosted by the Legal Sector Charter Council in partnership with the NEF, bringing together key stakeholders, industry leaders, legal practitioners and members of the media to discuss the progress and future of transformation in the profession.

By Dr Themba Hadebe Opinion– South Africans are living through another cycle of sustained economic pressure as rising fuel costs continue to filter through the economy, pushing up the price of transport, food and household goods. At the same time, broader global uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical tensions are adding further worry and dread to an already financially stressful landscape for South Africans.

For Elvis Mugondo, the founder of Fhulufhelo Tours, success has been built on perseverance, vision and a deep passion for people. His journey began in the rural village of Ha-Davhana in Limpopo, where dusty roads and limited opportunities formed part of everyday life. Despite these challenges, Mugondo developed a strong work ethic and determination that would later shape his entrepreneurial journey.