Hesai Maharaj is a Human Resources professional with over two decades of experience in the industry, and expertise in finance, performance management systems, payroll systems, and total reward strategies.

Speaking about her contributions to the Trust, she says:
“I by no means come from a privileged background. Each one of us have made it here in our own right. The process of engaging with these young girls, has humbled us to think and see that we can make a difference in someone else’s life. We’ve gone on to see the impact of our work – we understand what our work means to individuals and families; and broadly speaking, to communities. This is what makes our work here fulfilling.”

Nonhlanhla Mabusela is a Chartered Accountant with a Diploma in Political Risk Insurance. She has gained extensive experience across various sectors, including investment banking, mining, and business strategy. Her involvement with the Sedisa Trust is driven by her deep passion for making a difference in communities.

"I realised the true impact of our work when we began engaging with the girls we support. It’s easy to take things for granted and lose sight of the vast needs and challenges that still exist in South Africa. The work we do here brings us face-to-face with these realities.
“I see myself in these young girls. When I look at them, I can’t help but wonder where I might have ended up if I hadn’t encountered the divine opportunities that shaped my path. Our work here allows me to contribute to a meaningful solution. We've had girls take their assessment interviews in cars, and it’s humbling to know that we are helping pave the way for them to achieve great things, like becoming CEOs. That thought is what makes this work truly fulfilling.”

Rosta Mahlaba is a Chartered Accountant with over 20 years of industry experience, this is her perspective on her contributions to the Trust:

“Coming from a small village in Limpopo, I understand what it means to get that life-changing opportunity. I know the uncertainty that comes after completing matric, when you’re unsure about how you’ll fund your degree. This fund is making a profound impact in people's lives. In many households, one person’s success supports five others. What we do here serves a much greater purpose, it’s not just about the young girl who gets the bursary, it’s about what she can do with this opportunity for her family, and her community; and that’s what makes our work so fulfilling.”

Esther Ntsabelle has extensive experience in the manufacturing sector with over 15 years of experience in the industry, this is her perspective on her contributions to the Trust:

"The true meaning of our work lies in the impact that we make in the lives of these young girls, and in their future. Many of us come from families where our parents didn’t have the chance to go to university, and the reality of our country is that black people don’t come from opportunities, and this opens up opportunities for previously disadvantaged groups and marginalised communities. It is one way in which we can contribute to changing that narrative. When I finished school, I couldn’t continue my studies, so I understand how important our work is, we are reaching out to those girls or young women who would not ordinarily have access to these resources. We are creating opportunities where none existed before, and helping young black girls and women realise that their potential should not be defined by their backgrounds.”