Breaking barriers, building futures: A township journey into finance

Growing up in the township, money was never a topic of conversation. Not because we didn’t care, but because survival came first. Every rand had a job. Whether it was groceries, transport or school shoes, our focus was on getting by, not getting ahead.

Financial education felt like something that belonged to other people. Something reserved for those who had more. But the truth is, once I began learning about money, really understanding how it works, everything changed. It became clear to me that money is more than currency. It’s a tool. A door-opener. A way to rewrite stories for people and communities like mine.

As a young professional in finance, I’ve realised that leading with purpose isn’t just about goals or growth charts. It’s about making finance relatable, accessible, and even empowering, especially for young people who’ve never had a seat at the table. Because when someone from your background steps into a space you never thought possible, it shifts your thinking. It tells you that maybe, just maybe, you can get there too.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the true value of money lies in what it can unlock, choices, dignity, opportunity. Financial literacy gives young people the confidence to plan, to build, and to dream beyond just making it through the month.

That’s why I’m passionate about breaking the barriers that make finance feel out of reach. I want to be part of changing the narrative, from fear to familiarity, from exclusion to inclusion.

Impact, to me, isn’t measured in spreadsheets or numbers. It’s measured in how many people feel more confident, more informed, and more in control of their future. It’s measured in the spark that’s lit when someone sees a version of themselves doing something they never imagined possible.

We all have a role to play in making finance more human. By sharing our stories and lifting each other up, we can create a future where success in finance isn’t just for the few, it’s something we all have a shot at.