Milisi, IAWA Alumni (Bokgoni Cohort)
“Through I Am, We Are, I learned to be true to myself and to never let my circumstances define my future — now I know that nothing is impossible.”
Today, Milisi is part of the Deloitte Technical Mining Advisory team as a junior analyst. She holds a mining engineering honours degree from the University of Johannesburg. She is a mining tech fanatic and is interested in using AI to build technology that optimizes the mining value chain, this was sparked by her honours research that focused on optimization of long-term production scheduling for a sublevel mine based in Ethiopia. In her spare time, she is an art junkie that loves going to art galleries, jazz festivals, concerts, painting, and listening to all kinds of music. She also enjoys being outdoors, either hiking, meditating at a park/mountain and loves travelling.
Sibongile, IAWA Alumni (Morafe Cohort)
“IAWA helped me discover my strength, build life skills, and face challenges with confidence. The program opened doors I never imagined and empowered me to chase my dreams. Never give up on yourself — you can do it!”
Sibongile shares that I Am We Are has helped her grow personally, develop essential life skills, and navigate challenges with confidence. The programme opened doors to new experiences and opportunities, empowering her to make positive choices and shape her future. Through IAWA, she has gained the guidance and support to pursue her dreams and continue growing into her full potential.
Betty, IAWA Alumni (Bokgoni Cohort)
“I am who I am today because of IAWA. It has supported me through thick and thin. I encourage other youth to join, because it helps you know yourself better and gives you direction on what you need to do with your life.”
Betty's journey with I Am, We Are (IAWA) began in 2015 as part of the pilot Bokgoni Cohort, where she gained confidence, mentorship, and the tools to navigate life’s challenges. She credits IAWA with walking alongside her through difficult moments and opening doors, including covering her UNISA registration fees and connecting her to an internship with Special Olympics South Africa. In 2020, she achieved the milestone of completing her matric, demonstrating determination and resilience. Today, Betty works at Impala Mine while pursuing her dream of becoming an intermediate phase teacher. Her story is a testament to perseverance, community support, and the transformative impact of IAWA.
Tuelo, IAWA Alumni (Morafe Cohort)
“In the program I learned a lot, but mostly about the spirit of ubuntu and understanding that apart from you, there are other people too.”
Tuelo is a proud IAWA alumni from the Bokgoni Cohort, the organization’s pilot programme whose journey is defined by resilience and purpose. He is currently focused on his academic growth, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Geography. His journey began with major setbacks, including not passing Grade 10 in 2021, a moment that reshaped his outlook on life. Tuelo lives by the words of Winston Churchill: “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” Through the problem-solving clarity of Kidlin’s Law and the confidence instilled by IAWA, he now views setbacks as opportunities to do better and lead with purpose.
Thembi, IAWA Alumni (Bokgoni Cohort)
"Through my experience with I Am We Are (IAWA), I gained invaluable insights into the power of teamwork. I learned that collaborative efforts not only facilitate timely completion of tasks but also foster a sense of unity and shared purpose."
Thembi Mtimkulu is a passionate conservationist with a National Diploma in Conservation from Nelson Mandela University, using her voice and skills to protect the environment and inspire others to do the same. Her commitment to nature is matched by her dedication to youth empowerment, where she has become a guiding force for young people finding their purpose. Today, Thembi proudly serves as IAWA’s Program Assistant, helping shape meaningful youth experiences through leadership, coordination, and community engagement. She credits I Am, We Are (IAWA) for nurturing her growth from a curious Grade 8 Ambassador into a confident young leader creating impact on both people and the planet.
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We want to hear from you! Tell us how IAWA has impacted your life, inspired your growth, or shaped your journey—your story could inspire the next generation of young leaders.
