Thato Mokwebo and Gcina Twala may have had different dreams for their lives, but one thing they shared was the vehicle that helped them get there—The YES programme.
Alexandra, South Africa (28 February 2025) — Thato Mokwebo and Gcina Twala have each gotten closer to their dreams than ever before, thanks to the Youth Employment Service Programme. This World NGO day, we’re taking a look at organisations like YES, and how they serve as vehicles to empowerment; as has been the case for both Thato and Gcina.
Thato Says Yes to Creativity, Tech and Community Betterment
Thato’s journey before YES saw a strong focus on philanthropic initiatives and a budding career in film production.
He co-established Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu (a soup kitchen that provides essential nourishment to school children and underprivileged residents in the Alexandra township) while also looking for opportunities within content creation to further his creativity.
At the Alex Hub of YES, Thato was drawn to the programme’s dedication to empowering youth in the Alexandra community and was headhunted for a suitable role in the YES Drones Academy.
In March 2022, Thato embarked on his journey with YES. During his tenure, he relied on his skills and determination to make significant contributions to the programme.
Through dedicated efforts, he acquired certified experience in the drone industry, accumulating 300 flight hours while working for a prominent drone company. This experience honed his skills in aerial operations and management.
In addition to his achievements in the drone industry, Thato successfully secured funding and support as well as a multinational beverage company for an innovative aeroponics farming project!
With this backing, Thato and his team were able to acquire the necessary resources to commence the construction of aeroponics pods that can be used at his soup kitchen.
Through these initiatives, Ntsika Ye Sizwesethu continues to feed children daily while looking towards introducing more sustainable nutritional value in the community. Mokwebo’s vision for the business is rooted in bringing practical, working solutions to his township.
YES Helps Gcina Grow to Reach New Heights
Before joining the YES programme, Gcina faced numerous challenges—balancing the anticipation of parenthood, pursuing a broadcast journalism degree, and coping with unemployment. Despite the support from her family, the lack of financial independence and the overwhelming pressure weighed heavily on her.
As such, the opportunity to join a content creation programme – the Youth Content Collective (YCC) through the YES programme was a big turning point in her life.
Not only did it provide her with a platform to pursue her passion for media and build a career, it also enabled Gcina to manage a philanthropic organisation alongside her husband—all while expanding her skills and knowledge in media and content creation.
After completing the programme, she embarked on a multifaceted career path, leading her organisation in Alexandra while also using the skills gained from the programme to enhance their impact. At the same time, she secured a position at a reputable media company!
Today, she is a Business Development Project Coordinator, where she plays a key role in driving the growth and success of the company.
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