SOPHIE MOTAUNG - FROM KOTA TO CONFIDENCE

Katlehong’s Sophie Motaung is proof of how opportunity, determination, and the right support can open new doors for young people. At just 23 years old, Sophie joined Junior Achievement South Africa’s Social Equity Program (SEP) in May 2025, determined to explore ways to develop herself and her future.

For Sophie, entrepreneurship wasn’t a far-off concept. It was something she saw every day in her community. Growing up, she noticed the popularity of street food and snacks, especially the famous kota, a hearty quarter-loaf sandwich filled with chips, cheese, polony, and sauces. This inspired her Social Equity Program team’s business idea: selling sandwiches. By building on what she knew best, Sophie and her team tapped into a familiar market while learning how to run and manage a real business.

What stood out most for Sophie wasn’t just the sales experience, but the financial planning skills she gained. “SEP gave me exposure to financial planning, which has been one of the greatest takeaways,” she shares. “It’s a skill I’m still using and learning every day.”

The Social Equity Program is about more than just running a business - it’s about preparing young people with the skillset and mindset to thrive in the global economy. For Sophie, the program was a chance to develop practical tools, work alongside peers, and grow in confidence as a young entrepreneur.

Today, she encourages others to step forward and take advantage of programs like Social Equity Program. “Opportunities like this can change the way you think about yourself and your future,” she says.

Sophie’s journey reflects the very heart of Junior Achievement South Africa’s mission: to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. By blending real-world learning with mentorship and hands-on experience, programs like the Social Equity Program continue to transform lives, empower communities, and create pathways for youth to lead with purpose.