CELEBRATING YOUTH WHO LEAD: VALENTINE MABASO FROM ICE CREAM TO IMPACT: A JOURNEY OF SELF-MASTERY
At JA South Africa, we believe self-leadership is the foundation of youth empowerment. Just as the class of 1976 stood up for their future, today’s youth continue to lead in shaping their communities and rewriting the story of South Africa.
“Youth is at the heart of our work. We are proud to walk alongside them from the moment of inspiration to the realization of their transformation”, says Nelo Spies, Executive Director of JA South Africa.
Are you a JA South Africa alum like Valentine? We’d love to hear how your journey has evolved. Share your story with us and inspire the next generation to rise, build, and transform.
In celebration of Youth Month and under the theme “From Inspiration to Transformation: Mastering Self, ”JA South Africa is shining a light on young people who have taken charge of their futures through entrepreneurship, self-leadership, and purpose-driven action.
With over 45 years of youth empowerment behind us, we continue to celebrate the alumni who exemplify transformation, not only in what they do but in how they see themselves and lead others. One such example is Valentine Mabaso, founder of Taonga Business Group, and a proud alumna of the JA South Africa Company Program.
Valentine's journey began in 2010 when, as a Grade 10 learner, she joined the Company Program. What started as a simple classroom-based experience sparked something deeper, a shift in mindset. Valentine was inspired to take her first leap into entrepreneurship by starting a small ice cream business. That bold step marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to building, leading, and learning.
Fast forward to today: Valentine is an entrepreneur with a passion for helping others grow. Through Taonga Business Group, she offers restaurant consulting and event services. Her ability to transform inspiration into action stems from the mindset of self-mastery and resilience she first cultivated through JA South Africa.
Fast forward to today: Valentine is an entrepreneur with a passion for helping others grow. Through Taonga Business Group, she offers restaurant consulting and event services. Her ability to transform inspiration into action stems from the mindset of self-mastery and resilience she first cultivated through JA South Africa.
“Nobody is coming to save you, and that’s not always a bad thing,” Valentine reflects. “Sometimes, your breakthrough isn't in waiting… It's in building. Start with what you have, right where you are, says Mabaso.