Ten years of mentorship adds up to thousands of changed trajectories - businesses started, careers redirected, confidence built. Here is some of what mentees, mentors and partners tell us.
Real mentees and mentors, across our partner programmes - V&A Waterfront, Pernod Ricard, Fix Forward, What about the Boys and more. These are their words.
Pogisho built his fashion brand, Tornado Softnyce, over nearly ten years through trial and error, with no formal training. Working with his mentor Pamela Nkuna, he closed the gaps that were costing him: time management, communication and finances. He learnt to track costs, manage sales and build structure, and today he moves with clarity and purpose.
Leonard came from Alexandra with a vision bigger than his resources and a string of rejections behind him. Through the Pernod Ricard programme, his mentor Ben taught him that a great idea is not enough - people need to understand it. He learnt to communicate, slow down and find his niche. Doors began opening: successful pitches, incubation, stronger networks.
Lebogang grew up in the township, where finding a job is one of the biggest challenges, and chose to create his own opportunity. Paired with a mentor who believed in him, he registered his brand and opened his own dry-cleaning business. Now he plans to register as a mentor himself, to help other young people turn their dreams into reality.
Letlhogonolo had a stroke at 17. What began as a foundation for stroke survivors now supports people living with all forms of disability. Her mentor, Tshilidzi Ramanyime, helped her lead with understanding and believe in her journey. She has since drafted her business profile and been interviewed on Capricorn FM about her NPO.
A decade ago, Lydia was navigating a painful divorce. Instead of retreating, she joined NMM as a mentor - a decision that became her lifeline and launched a new career at the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, where she now helps SMMEs raise capital. Guiding a construction cohort on the Fix Forward programme taught her the true meaning of resilience.
Tumelo grew up without positive male role models. Mentoring on the What about the Boys programme gave him the chance to be the guidance he wished he had. One question from a mentee changed everything: "Why do adults say one thing and live another?" Some of his boys went on to excel in science and academics. For him, it is work that will outlive him.
Dr Diane Boorman spent years sprinting up the corporate ladder before finding her greatest legacy in the quiet conversations of mentorship. Her mentee Paul taught her resilience - selling eggs one week, drafting complex tenders the next. "Diane Boorman is my mentor, my biggest supporter, and the reason my business has moved from a lower level to a higher one," says Paul Masilo.
After a long career in law and the corporate world, Henk joined NMM in retirement, drawn by its structured approach and commitment to sharing success. Mentorship taught him that success is not about having all the answers - it is about asking better questions, and about belief. "Mentorship doesn't change people; people change themselves. We are simply invited to be part of that journey."
My mentor taught me new skills like time management, and I have become more confident. A great experience with a mentor with a lot of knowledge.
It is great to have someone who takes an interest in you and your business. My mentor helped me position it better for my target market and align my strengths to the services I should offer.
Mentorship helped me take my passion and turn it into a business proposition with clear, measurable value. I learnt to tell the difference between features and benefits.
My mentor helped my business partner and I rethink the model and redefine our strategy. I am growing, and my business is growing.
I was fortunate to be assigned to Mr. Gareth Pike. He drew from his own lessons in life to encourage me, and has already reached the goals I have set for myself.
Because of her, I have an approved funding application from the National Youth Development Agency and a professional letterhead for proposals. I have achieved a lot through her assistance.
Being a mentor linked up with my background in sales. I learnt to give advice impartially and help someone be in a position to succeed.
"Authentic and challenging, honest and courageous, bringing out the best in our mentors and mentees."
"A professional, reliable, collaborative and innovative partner. We can confidently recommend them."
"Their professionalism, dedication and attention to detail made this initiative a resounding success."
"Their unwavering commitment to excellence and accountability has made them an invaluable partner."
The Power of Two
Every pairing creates two winners. Find a mentor, give your time, or help fund the work.
South Africans in our 2030 vision
