Through his youth-led education institute, Dimakatso Koketso Lekola is turning his own journey of support and opportunity into a mission to help other young South Africans from underserved communities build brighter futures.
Pretoria, South Africa (17 August 2026) – Having grown up in a rural community, Dimakatso Koketso Lekola understands the limitations such an environment can place on a young person. Yet he also strongly believes those circumstances should never define a person’s future.
That belief lies at the heart of his passion project, the DK Lekola Global Education Institute – his youth-led organisation that empowers the next generation of South Africans with the tools, mindset and opportunities to thrive, especially in high-demand industries such as STEM, healthcare, engineering and technology.
The Institute provides mentorship, academic support and career guidance to young people from underserved communities. Its life-changing impact was recently recognised in the Civil Society Category of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans 2026!
The Civil Society category honours young leaders aged 35 and under who are driving positive social change, championing advocacy and strengthening democracy across communities in South Africa. For Dimakatso, being listed alongside other changemakers working on the ground to uplift communities was both humbling and motivating.
While Dimakatso works in the financial services sector by day, supporting risk, legal and compliance functions, his heart remains firmly in education beyond the boardroom. For him, the national recognition affirms that investing in youth, even with limited resources, creates real change.
“This award is a reflection of that work and of every learner, teacher and volunteer who has been part of the Institute since our first matric cohort in 2022. It is also pushing me to expand our reach through initiatives like Skills Project 2030, and to create more pathways for young people into scarce-skills careers,” Dimakatso tells us.
This award also builds on previous recognitions he has been grateful to receive, including the Community Builder of the Year Award, the Raising Legends Award, a Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) Award for Humanitarian Leadership, recognition as a Sunday World Unsung Hero, selection among the BeVisioneers: Mercedes-Benz Fellowship Top R500, and GradStar Top 500 recognition.
The 25-year-old changemaker credits his growth and success to those who supported and invested in his journey:
“Mrs Seshita Shalang and her family supported me financially and emotionally to finish school and get to university. Mr Morris Mahlare challenged me to think bigger through the Tsebo Education Network. Brighton Baloyi has been a constant source of support and encouragement throughout my journey. Tando Tyakume, Michelle Le Grange and Zainab Suliman opened doors for me at university and through project work that built my confidence and resilience. My first manager, Jacques Botha, shaped my professional path in risk and compliance. Their belief in me taught me the value of hard work, service and paying it forward, which is exactly what I strive to do now through mentorship and community development.”
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