Out of 12 000 applications, she was recently selected as one of the 10 women in the MTN Foundation’s R1 million Women in Digital Business Challenge. She is the founder of Ezamazwe Education Centre for Innovation, an education development agency that provides early literacy support to children from disadvantaged backgrounds. As part of the Top 10, she won R100 000, which she plans to invest back into her business.

Her two branches are based in Lenyenye, where they focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) literacy as well as coding and programming. Being an economist by profession, she says she continuously seeks solutions to problems facing the community and she believes that education closes the gap. Despite women making up just over 50% of the South African population, their representation in the broader IT industry is not as strong as it should be, she feels.

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MTN SA believes it is the responsibility of talented women to demonstrate their potential within Stem sectors, especially in a country facing significant skills and youth employment challenges. “The prize money is intended for use as working capital, business development, acquiring tangible assets, and investing in business technology hardware, software, or intellectual property,” said Lesimola Selepe, senior manager for community programmes at the foundation.

The entrepreneurs will embark on a four-month mentorship journey, receiving expert guidance on business growth and the adoption of marketing strategies. Additionally, they will receive assistance in improving the financial and business management skills necessary to run a successful small business.

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Mphele told Herald that she is over the moon by this recognition and that the money will help to improve ICT systems, buy more laptops and tablets, and will also enable her to finally start online classes in vernacular languages that are high in demand from people overseas. The programme selection process started in August when applicants had to pitch their business ideas to the judges.

“I’m excited about this achievement, as it has afforded me the opportunity to be mentored by the nation’s best business mentors and it will really help take our centre to the next level.” Ezamazwe will host a career exhibition at their main branch in Lenyenye on October 12. For more information call 060 412 4271 or 073 191 9740 or 072 373 3304.