Empowering Youth · Building Leaders ·
Through structured mentorship, leadership development, and strategic partnerships, we bridge the gap between potential and opportunity.
The Foundation is committed to ensuring that mentees become confident, determined and ethical leaders of the future.
My name is Thapedi Refilwe Mphego. I was born and raised in Burgersfort, a small town in Limpopo characterised by rural surroundings, limited infrastructure, and constrained access to opportunity. For many young people growing up there, exposure to professional careers, structured mentorship, and networks that enable career progression is not readily available. While ambition is abundant, the pathways to realise it are often not visible or accessible.
My journey began in this environment. I attended Calvin College in Burgersfort, where I served as Deputy Head Girl and completed my matric. While I was fortunate to receive a solid educational foundation, I did not have access to the level of career guidance, mentorship, or professional exposure that is often available in more resourced environments.
Through determination, I pursued a Bachelor of Laws at the University of Pretoria and later relocated to Cape Town to begin my legal career. Since commencing my articles at C&A Friedlander Inc in 2013, I have progressed to become an executive (director) in the dispute resolution practice at ENS. I currently serve as Chairperson of the Cape Town Attorneys Association and as a Council Member of the Legal Practice Council in the Western Cape. I have also had the privilege of serving as an Acting Judge in the Western Cape High Court.
These roles have provided access to professional networks, opportunities, and platforms that were not readily visible to me while growing up. They have also highlighted the structural gap that continues to exist between capable young people and the opportunities that could significantly change the trajectory of their lives.
The Thapedi Refilwe Mentorship and Leadership Foundation was established to address this gap in a deliberate and structured way. It is rooted in the belief that talent is universal, but access is not. The Foundation seeks to ensure that young people, particularly from under-served communities, are not limited by a lack of opportunities, exposure, guidance, or resources.
The Foundation is a targeted intervention aimed at building ethical, capable, confident, and work-ready young leaders who are equipped to participate meaningfully in both the economy and society.
A look at Foundation sessions designed to equip mentees with necessary tools.
2026 Leadership Development Programme
Admitted Attorney & Notary · Teaching Assistant, UCT
Clinical Psychologist · 25+ years' experience
Our programmes, initiatives, and the materials that make the Foundation's work possible.
To cultivate a generation of ethical, confident, and purpose-driven leaders who will contribute meaningfully to their communities. We envision a future where every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, has equitable access to mentorship, opportunity, and professional networks that enable them to realise their full potential.
To empower young people through structured mentorship, leadership development, career guidance, and personal growth. We bridge the gap between potential and opportunity by connecting aspiring leaders with accomplished professionals who provide guidance, support, and meaningful exposure. Through these relationships, we develop ethical leaders who lead with integrity, accountability, compassion, and service — individuals who are equipped to succeed professionally, uplift their communities, and contribute to building a more just, inclusive, and prosperous South Africa.
We deliver a structured mentorship programme designed to prepare young people for success in their careers, leadership roles, and personal lives.
Our programme combines a carefully designed curriculum with monthly development sessions, one-on-one mentoring, practical workshops, and meaningful learning experiences. Each mentee is paired with accomplished professionals who provide personalised guidance, career coaching, workplace exposure, and ongoing support throughout their journey.
We develop the whole person by focusing on leadership, emotional intelligence, ethical decision-making, communication, professional etiquette, financial literacy, career planning, and workplace readiness. Through access to experienced mentors and professional networks, our mentees gain the confidence, skills, and exposure needed to navigate the world of work and seize opportunities.
Above all, we believe that great leadership begins with strong character. We are committed to developing ethical leaders who lead with integrity, accountability, empathy, and a spirit of service. By investing in the next generation, we are shaping professionals who will strengthen organisations, uplift communities, and contribute to a more prosperous and equitable South Africa.
One-on-one and group mentorship connecting youth with professionals across industries. Quarterly workshops on career, leadership, and life skills.
Public speaking training, ethics and professional responsibility sessions, and confidence-building initiatives led by experienced leaders.
We serve young people who are committed to personal growth, leadership, and creating a meaningful impact in their communities.
Our programme is open to high school learners, tertiary students, recent graduates, and young professionals from across South Africa, with a particular focus on individuals from historically disadvantaged and under-resourced communities.
We support young people who are seeking guidance, mentorship, professional exposure, and the skills needed to navigate education, employment, and leadership with confidence. Whether preparing for university, entering the workforce, or building a professional career, our mentees receive the support, networks, and practical tools to unlock their full potential.
By investing in driven young people today, we are developing ethical leaders who will strengthen organisations, serve their communities with integrity, and contribute to South Africa's long-term social and economic development.
Partner with us today to empower youth and create leaders.
Building early confidence and exposure to career pathways.
Navigating higher education with mentorship and networks.
Transitioning from academia into the world of work.
Growing careers with guidance, exposure, and support.
Open to driven young people across South Africa — with a focus on historically disadvantaged and under-resourced communities.
Partnering with the Thapedi Refilwe Mentorship and Leadership Foundation is an opportunity to invest in South Africa's future while advancing your organisation's social impact, talent development, and transformation objectives.
Our corporate partners receive more than recognition — they become active contributors to developing the next generation of ethical leaders and professionals. As a corporate partner, you will benefit from:
Help transform the lives of talented young people through mentorship, leadership development, and career readiness programmes that create lasting change.
Engage with ambitious, work-ready young professionals who have been equipped with the skills, values, and leadership qualities required in today's workplace.
Strengthen your Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments by supporting measurable youth development initiatives that deliver tangible social outcomes.
Eligible partnerships may contribute towards your organisation's Skills Development and Socio-Economic Development objectives in accordance with the B-BBEE Codes of Good Practice.
Provide your employees with meaningful opportunities to volunteer as mentors, share their expertise, and make a lasting difference in the lives of young people while developing their own leadership capabilities.
Demonstrate your organisation's commitment to ethical leadership, youth empowerment, and nation-building through a credible and impactful partnership.
Receive updates on programme outcomes, mentee progress, and the tangible impact of your investment, enabling you to report confidently to your stakeholders.
