Growth and Gratitude: A Journey of Possibility
Kabelo Mokgatla
I grew up in a small town called Taung in the North West Province of South Africa, the fifth of six children in a close-knit household. My parents worked hard to provide for us; my father in the mines and my mother as a street vendor selling food. At the time, I didn’t recognise our circumstances as being difficult, our basic needs were met. I remember Christmases always being a joyous occasion, something to look forward to, and as a child, that was enough.
In 2011, our family relocated to Rustenburg. That move marked a turning point in our lives. We encountered financial pressures and difficulties which we had not previously been exposed to and this weighed heavily on our family. Not only could I see the change, but I could feel the toll it took on my parents’ relationship. It was a tough period and school became my place of solace. My mother encouraged my love for learning and reminded me that education could open doors we could not yet see.
From primary school, I worked hard and consistently performed well academically. I joined a new school in grade 6, I was named the top learner, and it gave me the confidence and motivation to keep pushing forward. In high school, I gravitated towards mathematics and science, and my teachers always encouraged me to aim higher. Even then, I knew education would be my path to a different future, not only for myself, but for my family too.
In 2018 I enrolled at the University of the Free State. University life was challenging, both academically and emotionally. There were moments of doubt, anxiety and uncertainty, but I kept reminding myself of my ‘why’: my family and the possibility of a better future for all of us. I was there for a reason, to change the cycle, giving up was never an option.
Being accepted into The AATE programme after university opened doors I had never imagined. The programme was challenging yet rewarding.
I was placed at Investec for the duration of my learnership, where I was exposed to different teams, projects and ways of working. This did not only allow me to grow my skills, both personally and technically, but to network with incredible people. The environment was nurturing and I felt supported every step of the way. I learnt how to navigate professional spaces, build confidence and grow as a person.
My journey with The AATE led me to earning my professional designation as an ITCP(SA): Software Engineer. This, coupled with my hard work and dedication, led to my absorption into Investec as a permanent employee on the 1st of December 2024, a moment that still feels surreal. Investec exceeded my expectations, not only as a workplace, but as a community that genuinely values its people. For the first time, I felt stability and purpose in my career.
The impact of this opportunity extended far beyond me. I am now able to support my siblings with their education and contribute financially at home. I have helped renovate my family’s house, restoring a sense of dignity and pride. Being able to uplift my family has been one of the most meaningful outcomes of my journey so far. It is a blessing to be able to give back and have my family gathering with a renewed sense of energy and hope for the future. I am deeply grateful to my parents for their sacrifices and unwavering belief in me, even during the tough times. They paved the way for my success and always inspired me to keep striving for excellence.
Throughout my journey, I have been provided with invaluable guidance and support from my mentors, leaders and colleagues, as well as the entire team at The AATE. Their faith in my abilities has motivated me to push beyond my limits and go further than what I ever thought was possible.
I had the opportunity to travel to the UK for work, my first time travelling abroad; the first in my family to do so and the first from The AATE. It was a life-changing experience that broadened my perspective and showed me how far opportunity can reach. I was also selected to represent Investec at the G20 Young Entrepreneurs’ Alliance Summit, where I connected with inspiring leaders from around the world. These experiences reinforced the power of mentorship, networks and believing beyond your current circumstances.
Looking ahead, I remain committed to growth, not only my own, but that of others who come from similar backgrounds. I want to use my skills, experience, and opportunities to create pathways for young people, helping them to see what is possible, realise their potential and build confident, sustainable futures.
I always believed that success was possible, even if I didn’t know what it would look like. Today, I stand on a strong foundation that empowers me to keep progressing. My journey has taught me to embrace challenges, remember my ‘why’, and stay rooted in where I come from.
Transformation is not about where you start, but what you choose to build along the way. With perseverance, education and the support of those who believe in you, possibility becomes reality.
