Business: Meet Matshidiso Machetje, A Remarkable Entrepreneur Championing For Youth With Disabilities

“My name is Matshidiso Machetje, I am the founder of Mohauwathuto Innovative Centre, where we are committed to advocating for youth with disabilities through empowering work readiness programmes and skills development initiatives.

Our mission is to dismantle the significant barriers this demographic faces in accessing education and employment opportunities. We are particularly concerned about the alarming gap in the number of graduates with disabilities, often exacerbated by insufficient educational financing and a lack of assistive technology within higher education institutions. To tackle these issues, we offer tailored mentorship and resources that guide students through the complexities of educational financing, while actively partnering with various stakeholders to create scholarship and bursary pathways specifically designed for students with disabilities.

Additionally, at Mohauwathuto Innovative Centre, we go beyond financial assistance by offering comprehensive training interventions designed to empower young individuals with the essential skills required for success in the workplace. Our work readiness programmes emphasise practical skills, effective interpersonal communication, and professional development within an inclusive environment that nurtures confidence and independence. We are committed to enhancing recruitment and selection processes for leadership programmes, ensuring that youth with disabilities receive equitable opportunities that promote their growth and visibility across various sectors.

Our dedicated team strives to cultivate a supportive community, facilitating workshops, networking events, and skill-building sessions that not only improve employability but also foster collaboration and peer support among participants. By investing in these young individuals, we aim to reshape societal perceptions and showcase the unique talents they contribute to the workforce.

In my leisure time, I enjoy crocheting, a pursuit that facilitates the expression of creativity and fosters patience. This craft has imparted significant lessons regarding persistence and meticulous attention to detail—attributes that I apply in my professional endeavours at Mohauwathuto. Furthermore, crocheting serves as a metaphor for our mission: just as each stitch contributes to an overarching creation, every participant’s journey is essential to the development of a more inclusive society.

Ultimately, Mohauwathuto innovative Centre is not merely advocating for youth with disabilities; we are actively reshaping the landscape of education and employment to ensure that all individuals can succeed. By addressing systemic barriers and fostering a culture of inclusion, we are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for young people with disabilities.”

To find out more about Mohauwathuto Innovative Centre, simply visit their website www.micentre.org.za or email Matshidiso at maria@micentre.org.za