Draft:Mbongiseni Mkhatshwa

Mbongiseni Mkhatshwa (born 28 October 1998), a South African entrepreneur, businessman, and student at the University of the Free State (UFS), has made significant strides in both education and social impact. As a passionate advocate for accessible education, he has emerged as a formidable force, not only as an entrepreneur but also as a student activist.

Early Life and Education
Mbongiseni Mkhatshwa was born in Mgobodi, located in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa. Following the completion of his secondary education, he embarked on his academic journey at the University of the Free State, where he pursued degrees in Psychology and Sociology. Eager to expand his knowledge and skills further, Mkhatshwa also undertook studies in Digital Media and Marketing Principles at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

The Birth of a Non-Profit Organization
In response to the educational disparities faced by Grade 12 learners, particularly in rural areas, Mkhatshwa founded the Youth Life After Matric (YLAM) non-profit organization. His mission? To bridge the information gap and empower young people to pursue tertiary education. Many learners lacked access to crucial information about university options, scholarships, and career paths. YLAM stepped in to change that.

FOYA Nomination and Recognition
Mkhatshwa’s impactful work caught the attention of the Founder of the Year Awards (FOYA). In 2023, he was nominated in the ‘Edupreneur of the Year’ category, competing alongside representatives from Ghana and Kenya. Although he didn’t secure the award, the nomination itself was an honor a testament to the collective effort of everyone involved in YLAM.

Kovsie Pulse: A Student Blog
Undeterred by the FOYA outcome, Mkhatshwa continued his journey. He founded Kovsie Pulse, a student blog at the University of the Free State. Kovsie Pulse serves as a platform for students to share their experiences, insights, and perspectives. Through this initiative, Mkhatshwa amplifies student voices and fosters a sense of community within the university.