From Determined Student to Empowered HR Professional.

Mbalenhle Masuku, a 25-year-old from Soweto, found a pathway to professional growth through Signa Opportunity’s YES Programme while pursuing her Bachelor of Arts Honours in Psychology at UNISA. Raised in a resilient Johannesburg household that valued empathy and service, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Social Sciences, majoring in Psychology and Counselling.

Hosted by Ukuhamba Prosthetics and Orthotics, Mbalenhle stepped into an HR Administrator role that became a defining moment in her journey. Exposure to a professional workplace enabled her to apply her academic knowledge in practice, build confidence, and develop essential workplace skills, reshaping how she viewed her future.

Reflecting on the experience, Mbalenhle shares, “Becoming a YES candidate has truly changed my life. I’ve gained invaluable work experience, boosted my confidence, and built skills for the real world.”

Beyond professional capability, the programme helped Mbalenhle develop a stronger sense of direction, independence, and belief in her potential. She expresses sincere gratitude to her host and sponsor for investing in her journey, noting, “Thank you for believing in me and for investing in youth like me. Your support changes lives, families, and communities.”

Looking ahead, Mbalenhle plans to advance her career in counselling while paying the opportunity forward by sharing her story to inspire other young people to seize similar pathways. Her message to fellow youth is both simple and powerful: “Believe in yourself, learn relentlessly, and maximise every opportunity.”

Mbalenhle’s journey reflects the YES programme’s impact at the heart of Signa Opportunity’s work, demonstrating how meaningful workplace exposure can transform determination into confidence, purpose, and lasting opportunity for South Africa’s youth.