Inspiring change: A Journey of Empowerment
From Orange Farm to Entrepreneurial Success
Businesswoman, Petronella Mofokeng harnessed her early experiences to ignite a powerful entrepreneurial journey. She has consistently sought to empower others through knowledge and opportunity. Currently pursuing an MBA while balancing her roles as a devoted wife and mother of two daughters and one son, Petronella is a living testament to the assertion that greatness knows no bounds.
In a world where barriers often define our paths, one woman's relentless determination is rewriting the narrative of possibilities. She harnessed her early experiences—both the challenges and the triumphs—to ignite a powerful entrepreneurial journey. With a national diploma in Human Resources and a degree in Industrial Organisational Psychology, she has consistently sought to empower others through knowledge and opportunity. Currently pursuing an MBA while balancing her roles as a devoted wife and mother of two daughters and one son, she is a living testament to the assertion that greatness knows no bounds.
She is a partner in a tax audit and advisory firm named KnM Human Capital and Advisory, where she serves as the HR Director. In addition to her role at KnM, she is also a partner in a logistics and corporate events company called Abundant Consulting Services.
Our writer Bianca Mashao takes a look at her inspiring mission to illuminate the hidden potential within individuals, proving that with the right support, anyone can overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. Petronella also shares her story of resilience, ambition, and a profound commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Tell us about your business
The core purpose of our business is to manage an academy for unemployed youth and people with disabilities, emphasizing empowerment and independence through education and training that equips individuals to secure jobs or start businesses. Our academy fosters inclusion by integrating people with disabilities into the workforce, enhancing economic productivity and promoting a diverse, innovative workforce.
We challenge stereotypes and dismantle barriers by encouraging organizations to embrace diversity, which enriches workplaces and fosters varied perspectives.
Additionally, we create a supportive community that helps participants build networks, gain confidence, and develop social skills essential for the job market. By advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities and raising awareness about their capabilities, we aim to inspire inclusive practices across other organizations. Our focus on youth and individuals with disabilities aligns with sustainable development goals related to quality education, decent work, and reducing inequalities, ultimately transforming lives and contributing to a more inclusive society.
Tell us about HYPE, what exactly do you do there?
Hype Youth is a dynamic, 100% black-owned Level 1 BBBEE youth development company based in Edenvale, Gauteng, dedicated to equipping young adults for the workforce. Focused on jobseekers aged 18-35, we offer programs and services that go beyond conventional training, providing tailored initiatives designed to meet the evolving needs of both job seekers and employers.
Established in 2013, Hype Youth aims to be a transformative force in youth development by ensuring participants receive high-quality training, valuable workplace exposure, and continuous support, particularly in a challenging job market marked by rising unemployment rates.
Since our inception, we have evolved our curriculum to combine theoretical knowledge with hands-on experiences, addressing the specific requirements of both job seekers and employers. As we reflect on our journey, we are motivated by the challenges faced, which have strengthened our commitment to creating positive change.
As we reflect on our journey, we are motivated by the challenges faced, which have strengthened our commitment to creating positive change. Looking to the future, Hype Youth remains dedicated to empowering young people, preparing them not just to enter the workforce, but to innovate and lead, ultimately shaping a brighter future for our nation.
What kind of impact would you like to make through this initiative?
Our mission centers on economic empowerment for individuals, particularly those with disabilities, by equipping them with essential skills and job opportunities for self-sufficiency and independence. We strive to create environments where diversity and inclusion are integral to organizational culture, enabling marginalized groups to feel valued and contribute effectively.
Our aim is to transform mindsets, fostering the belief that education and support can help overcome barriers regardless of one's background. We emphasize sustainable change through long-term initiatives like the Tlholo M Foundation and HYPE disability academy, which support ongoing growth and empowerment.
What are some of the challenges you have faced since you started your business?
Since starting our business, we have faced significant challenges that have influenced our growth. Funding and financial constraints initially hindered our ability to access capital for expansion as a disability academy. Raising awareness about inclusion and diversity for individuals with disabilities required extensive effort, as many organizations did not prioritize this from the start.
Additionally, changing societal stigmas and mindsets around disabilities posed a major challenge, necessitating persistent efforts to highlight the value that individuals with disabilities contribute to the workforce. Building partnerships with businesses has also demanded determination, as the long-term benefits of investing in skills development for disabled individuals are not always recognized. Staying updated on policy and regulation changes has been crucial, as these can directly impact our operations.
How long have you been in business and what would you say has been the hardest lesson?
I’ve been in business for 11 years, and the hardest lesson I’ve learned is that perseverance and adaptability are key to surviving the ups and downs. There have been moments when resources were scarce, but the ability to stay focused on the mission, especially empowering individuals with special needs, has helped me push through challenges. Another tough lesson has been balancing passion with sustainable business practices, ensuring that our impact continues while remaining financially viable.
Credits: Photographer: Clemence Zengeni - Maraj Studios
Makeup: Tsholofelo Mothibi @Chazberrysignature and hair
Hair styling: Brenda Musekiwa @ Aminahair
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