On 6 August 2026, in celebration of Women’s Month in South Africa, our conversation turned to “Leading with Purpose: Women Driving Change through Thought Leadership, Careers and Entrepreneurship.”
And while the discussion centred on the experiences of women, the lessons that emerged were relevant to every young person trying to build a career.
Perhaps the most important message of the session was that success should never stop with us. Jacinta Roest-Tshidzumba, co-founder of youth@WORK described leadership as opening doors for others. Early in our careers, much of our energy goes into finding doors and hoping someone will open them. As our careers progress, our responsibility changes.
When you have a seat at the table, pull up another chair.
When a door opens for you, hold it open for someone coming behind you.
Confidence doesn’t come first. Courage does.
A powerful theme ran through the discussion: you do not have to feel ready before you begin.
Jacinta spoke candidly about moments in her own career when she questioned whether she was ready for greater responsibility or leadership.
Her lesson was simple: confidence often comes after we act.
Waiting until we feel completely prepared can mean watching opportunities pass us by. Growth requires stepping outside our comfort zones, accepting that we will not always have all the answers and being willing to learn along the way.
For young people entering the workplace, that matters. Your first role is not expected to represent the finished version of you. It is where you begin discovering what you are capable of.
Don’t wait to be chosen
Moderator Lerato Kyaka, Founder of African Ambition Consulting Agency & Bold African Network, challenged young people to take greater ownership of their careers.
Her message was not to sit on the sidelines waiting for somebody to recognise your potential.
Put your foot forward. Volunteer. Ask questions. Understand how the organisation works beyond your immediate role. Learn from other departments. Look for problems you can help solve.
As Lerato put it:
“You don’t wait to be chosen. You choose yourself.”
Being curious and willing to stretch beyond a job description can expose young people to opportunities they might otherwise never encounter.
Stay curious, especially about technology
Wendy Mosetlhi, Head of Business Development at Mail & Guardian, brought another important dimension to the conversation: adaptability.
AI and digital transformation are already changing industries and workplaces. Her advice to young people was not to approach technology only with fear, but to learn how to use it responsibly.
The people who thrive in the changing workplace will be those who remain curious. Most importantly, keep developing yourself.
Wendy emphasised that strong professional relationships are built on consistent delivery. Networking should not begin the moment you need something. Meaningful relationships are built over time by becoming someone people know they can rely on.
Sometimes you have to create the opportunity yourself
Muvhuso Matakanye, YES Participant, Hospitality Assistant at Awelani Eco Tourism Lodge, student at Limpopo Chefs Academy and entrepreneur behind Vhungoho Farming, shared the reality of balancing studies and entrepreneurship, including the difficult days when the pressure can feel overwhelming.
Her approach is to keep moving forward, one day at a time.
Rather than waiting for the perfect opportunity, she has learned to create opportunities for herself. Taking a chance on one business idea ultimately resulted in R50,000 in funding to support her business.
Her question to other young people was a valuable one: Instead of constantly asking, “What if it doesn’t work?” — ask “What if it does?”
Watch the full youth@WORK Think Tank Thursday: Leading with Purpose – Women Driving Change through Thought Leadership, Careers and Entrepreneurship session on YouTube:
