For Mangkgateng Mary Seshibe, impact has never been something abstract. It is tangible, visible, and deeply personal. Sometimes it’s a locally sourced gift box from her business, Eden Events. Other times, it provides a pack of sanitary pads for a girl who doesn’t have access to sanitary products. In her eyes, both are about dignity.
Manghgateng’s career kicked off when she joined the YES programme, sponsored and hosted by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). She joined as an alumni aata analyst, and gained technical grounding in R, Python, and Power BI. She used these tools to measure how GIBS graduates’ lives changed after completing their studies. The role sharpened her analytical ability, grew her confidence, and connected her with mentors who recognised her potential. Mostly recently she works as an Economics intern at a Strategic Management Services company.
Before joining YES, Mangkgateng spent six years at the Gauteng Department of Education as a quality assurer, ensuring the accuracy of matric exam marking. She also completed three qualifications in Economics from Tshwane University of Technology and is now pursuing a Master of Commerce in Economics at Wits. Her academic discipline and data skills became the foundation for the social impact work that now defines her.
Entrepreneurship has always been her second language. Eden Events, which she founded in 2016, employs young people and sources handmade products from local artisans, turning community craftsmanship into economic opportunity. Pads-R-Us, the NGO she established, supplies sanitary products to schools, fighting period poverty, and helping girls stay in class with dignity.
In 2019, Mangkgateng was named one of South Africa’s Top 100 Shining Stars in Education, recognition that cemented her as a leader and changemaker. “I measure success by impact,” she says. “If someone’s life is better because of what I have built, then I know I am on the right path.”
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Author: Nhlalenhle Dlangalala from ByDesign Communications on behalf of Youth Employment Service.
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