Achievements Founded Just-In-Time Logistics, a transport and logistics company built from the ground up – often funded through part-time work. Founded Mind Newtrition, a youth-focused initiative supporting literacy, public speaking and entrepreneurship development in underprivileged areas. Lecturing at academic institutions including the University of Johannesburg and AFDA, with a focus on inspiring and mentoring future business leaders and supply chain professionals Presented at academic and industry events, including talks on revitalising retail and mental wellness in leadership Mentors I deeply admire my mother, Nancy Lumka Duba – she has been a constant source of strength, discipline and wisdom. Growing up in a rural community with limited resources, she instilled in me the values of hard work, humility and service to others. Her resilience and unwavering support have shaped much of who I am today. Professionally, I have been inspired by several mentors and lecturers throughout my academic journey, especially those who challenged me to think critically and dream beyond my circumstances. Their belief in my potential helped me develop confidence, pursue further education and eventually become an educator myself. I also draw inspiration from entrepreneurial leaders who build solutions for real-world problems, especially in underdeveloped areas – people who balance purpose and profit to make a lasting impact. Their work reminds me that success is not just about personal gain but about uplifting others along the way.
Profile LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcebomngoma-entre preneurinresidence/?originalSubdomain=za Growing up in rural KwaZulu-Natal, Mcebo Mngoma, 30, always felt a pull toward leadership and public influence. Today, that passion fuels his work as the founder and chief executive of Africurator, the technology wing of Y3K Today. Africurator is a digital innovation platform focused on curating Africa’s creative and entrepreneurial ecosystems. As chief executive and business development lead, Mcebo oversees strategic execution, builds investment partnerships, manages stakeholder relations and leads the rollout of products and services. In 2023, he won the Class Leadership Prize for the University of Cape Town’s Genesis Project cohort and was selected for the IBM Techscale Series 6 cohort in 2025. He also spearheaded the establishment of the first Hult Prize national coordination team in South Africa, expanding it into the country’s largest student-led social entrepreneurship movement. Mcebo credits his strength to mentors like Richard Perez of the Hasso Plattner d-school Afrika, and the teachings of Emperor Haile Selassie I, whose leadership philosophies inspire his values. “My family and the desire to build a better one motivate me daily,” he says. “Entrepreneurship is how I heal, lead and teach – not just for profit, but for people.” Qualifications BCom in Entrepreneurial Management, University of Johannesburg Achievements Selected for the IBM Techscale Series 6 cohort (2025) with the Africurator Technology start-up Awarded the 2023 Class Leadership Prize for the University of Cape Town (UCT) Post Graduate Diploma in Management
Mcebo E’zra’ Mngoma
in Entrepreneurship for the Genesis Project Formed the first Hult Prize South Africa national
“I WAS NOT BORN POSSESSING KNOWLEDGE; I AM FOND OF ANTIQUITY AND EARNEST IN SEEKING IT” – CONFUCIUS
coordination team and helped build a vibrant student social entrepreneurship movement, positioning South Africa as the largest home of the Hult Prize initiative in the country Mentors I look up to Haile Selassie I, former Emperor of Ethiopia, because in his time of leadership he shared a great deal of knowledge on building thriving African states. His teachings have influenced most of my life, and I carry them as a toolkit to navigate situations that require balanced decision-making. I have encountered one person in my life who fits the criteria of a mentor or role model, and that is Richard Perez, Director of the Hasso Plattner D-school Afrika at UCT. Perez came to my aid when I needed a sense of belonging in a brutal environment that was systematically excluding me from being part of something. He offered me a chance to build from the ashes and reclaim my glory, refining my venture creation skills and building something that has attracted the attention of major corporations
Tiisetso Ramasoga
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO 55
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