Changeblazers

Clement Ledwaba

BSc Computer Science student at the University of Witwatersrand.

Tell us about your background:
As Randy Pausch once said, “We cannot change the hand we are dealt with, just how we play it”. I am a boy from Mohlakeng (Gauteng, South Africa), a location where the environment has killed many talents. I am proud to say that I am a flower that grew through concrete, and where flowers blossom, there is hope.

What drives you to succeed?
I am where I am today because of the support from my mother, but what inspires me to face and overcome challenges is the life I have in mind for my younger siblings. No matter the hardships, hearing them say “Big brother, we’re looking up to you”, makes it worthwhile.

After passing my matric with six distinctions (As), I became part of the Ninety One Changeblazers programme. Being part of Changeblazers was my first step towards success. The programme is helping me unlock my potential by meeting different people that have greatness within them. This inspires me to push myself further than I would have otherwise. That for me is priceless, hence I can say without a doubt that I'm a Changeblazer for life.

What are your goals?
Not so long ago, I was invited to speak at an awards ceremony hosted by my high school. One of the learners said to me, “I have looked up to you from when I was in primary school”. I smiled because I realised that I was actually inspiring people and changing lives. Inspiring change and becoming a role model for younger kids in communities like Mohlakeng has always been one of my goals. I am happy to see this materialising so soon.

What achievements are you most proud of?
I’ve received a number of awards, including an award for being placed second from schools in my district, and an invitation to join the Golden Key Society in my first year for being in the top 15% in my degree. But all awards considered, I am most proud of being the first learner from my primary school to be named on the school’s ‘Top Achiever for the Year’ board. I feel honoured to have my name engraved somewhere where it will not be forgotten.