From Filling Tanks to Building Platforms
Lebogang Sean Mohlala
I was born and raised in Nkomazi, a rural area in eastern South Africa, near the Eswatini border. Growing up there played a big role in shaping who I am today.
As the eldest of four siblings, I naturally carried a sense of responsibility from a young age, not because anyone forced it on me, but because I wanted to lead and support my family. I was raised by supportive, present parents, alongside my maternal grandmother and uncle, who also played an important role in my upbringing. Having that strong support system gave me stability and guidance as I grew up.
Looking back now, I realise that my passion for technology started much earlier than I thought.
My father owns an internet café back home and, as children, we often helped run it. I spent a lot of time assisting people with CVs, online applications, navigating software, document formatting and basic troubleshooting. At the time, it felt like just helping out. But without knowing it, I was developing a curiosity about technology, how people interact with it, and how these systems work behind the scenes. I didn’t realise then that those small moments would shape my future.
Supporting different users with varying levels of digital literacy taught me patience, problem-solving skills and adaptability. Over time, I realised I wanted to go beyond just using technology. I wanted to understand it and build solutions within the IT space.
During school, I worked hard academically and got involved in debating, public speaking and drama. Although I was naturally reserved and not always the most outgoing person, I found confidence in my academics and used that as my strength to push myself to do well.
After matric, I followed my passion and applied to study Information Technology at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), where I completed a Diploma in ICT Application Development.
Getting there was not easy. I travelled from Mpumalanga to Durban not fully knowing where I would stay or whether things would work out, but I knew I had to take the chance. I had to apply for NSFAS funding to make my studies possible, as my parents could not afford the cost of tertiary education. Fortunately, things fell into place, and I was accepted and given accommodation.
University life came with challenges. Being far from home without my support system and dealing with financial uncertainty was difficult at times, but I stayed focused on the bigger picture. I knew I had finally stepped into the field I had always wanted to be part of, and that sense of purpose kept me grounded and motivated through the challenges.
After graduating, reality hit. Like many graduates in South Africa, finding work in my field was not easy. Despite having completed my qualification, breaking into the industry proved challenging without experience. As the eldest at home, I wanted to help ease the burden on my family while continuing to pursue my dream.
While applying for IT-related opportunities, I took a job as a petrol attendant at a garage in Mpumalanga. I worked there for just over a year. That season of my life was not easy, but it was defining. During the day, I filled up cars at the petrol station. At night, I studied for IT certifications and kept applying for opportunities, refusing to believe that my situation would stay the same forever.
I obtained my AZ-900 certification knowing it would add value to my skill set and hopefully create more opportunities for me in the future. One of my interviews took place straight after writing the exam, while another happened when I was still working at the petrol station.
During this time, a friend introduced me to The Academy of Accelerated Technology Education (AATE). I took the opportunity and applied, balancing the selection process alongside work and my studies.
When I received the news that I had been accepted into The AATE programme, it was a moment of excitement and relief. For the first time in a long time, it felt like everything I had been working towards was finally starting to come together.
After some time, I was placed at Investec, which made the opportunity even more meaningful.
The AATE programme completely changed my life. I was introduced to the learning platform, Udemy, which became a powerful tool for my growth and learning. The AATE team continuously supported me throughout the programme, checking in regularly and motivating me to keep growing and believing in myself.
At Investec, I was exposed to a completely new environment. Although I originally thought I would focus on software development, I was placed within a data team. That experience broadened my perspective and introduced me to another side of technology that I had not considered before. I also had the opportunity to work with teams across different countries, including India and the UK, which expanded both my technical knowledge and my understanding of the industry.
One of the biggest transformations I experienced was personal. Coming from a more reserved background, I initially found it difficult to interact confidently in a corporate environment. Over time, however, the welcoming and supportive culture at Investec helped me grow more comfortable with speaking up, engaging with others and believing in myself. I grew not just as a professional, but as a person.
A specific conversation with my manager has stayed with me; he asked me what I wanted to achieve and I told him I wanted to become one of the best engineers and fully understand technical conversations in any room I walk into. His response was powerful and changed my perspective completely. He told me he would help make me the best engineer I could be. That was the first time someone in that environment spoke about my future with that level of belief.
Completing the learnership and earning my ICITP professional designation as an ITCP(SA): Software Engineer was another moment that meant a great deal to me. Being recognised as a professional in the technology industry made me realise how far I had come, from the young man who once helped customers at his father’s internet café and worked as a petrol attendant, to where I am now, pursuing my dream.
Towards the end of the programme, all the hard work paid off. I was offered a permanent position as a Platform Data Engineer at Investec. For my family and I it was a moment to remember – a full-circle experience and a journey I’m incredibly proud of. From working as a petrol attendant in Mpumalanga to building a career in the tech industry at a world-renowned bank, I can safely say that where I am now is something I once only dreamed about. And my experience is proof that with persistence, support and the right opportunities, your life can completely change.
Today, I look back at my journey with pride. Not because it was easy, but because I never stopped moving forward. It reminds me that progress is possible, no matter where you start.
To anyone in a similar position, my advice is simple: give your best to every opportunity that you receive. Even when you feel like you are not doing enough, keep going. People see potential, even when you don’t see it in yourself. Stay consistent, stay hungry, and trust the process.
Looking back at where I started, I carry everything I have overcome with pride. It reminds me that no matter where you come from, your story can change.
This is only the beginning of my journey.