LUYANDA MADLEBE - SETBACKS INTO STARTUPS

When Luyanda Madlebe walked into Junior Achievement South Africa’s Social Equity Program (SEP) in October 2024, she was at a crossroads. Having just lost her job, she admits she had “lost her direction.” But she also knew one thing for certain: she didn’t want to simply get another job, she wanted to build something for herself.

At 37 years old, Luyanda had always been fascinated by entrepreneurship. The Social Equity Program gave her the tools, structure, and confidence to begin turning that fascination into reality. Together with her team, she worked on a project that combined cleaning and education: cleaning schools and communities while also teaching young people about the importance of cleanliness. For Luyanda, this was more than just a project; it was an early exercise in problem-solving, teamwork, and building a sustainable solution for community needs.

The lessons she gained through the Social Equity Program continue to live with her today. Now the proud owner of KwaManduli, her shop in Dobsonville, Soweto - selling groceries, ice cream, and meat - she applies the Social Equity Program’s teachings daily in her business. From financial planning to customer care, the Social Equity Program has equipped her with the skillset and mindset to grow as an entrepreneur.

What stands out for Luyanda isn’t just her shop’s success, but the impact she’s had on those around her. She has become an inspiration to people in her community, including a former supervisor who now follows her entrepreneurial journey with admiration.

For Luyanda, the Social Equity Program was the turning point that transformed uncertainty into opportunity. “I didn’t want another job. I wanted to build something for myself, and the Social Equity Program gave me the foundation to do that,” she reflects.

Her story reflects the very mission of JA South Africa: to inspire and prepare people to succeed in a global economy. By offering real-world learning and entrepreneurial tools, the Social Equity Program has not only helped Luyanda chart her path, but also inspired those around her to dream bigger.