Euginia Mokone

What does your company do?

Addnum is a forward-thinking educational institution, proudly registered with the Department of Education. Our mission is to create a global platform for the African child—nurturing confident, entrepreneurial, and future-ready learners. Our Core Focus Areas: • Early Childhood to Primary Education: We serve children aged 3 to 12, offering a robust foundation that blends academics with leadership, creativity, and global awareness. • Entrepreneurship Education: We integrate entrepreneurial thinking into our curriculum, equipping learners with practical skills to innovate and lead. • STEM Excellence: With a strong emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, we prepare learners to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. • Adult Training Programs: Beyond childhood education, Addnum offers specialized training for adults, empowering them with the knowledge and tools to start and sustain successful businesses. • School of Arts: Our arts program develops and showcases creative talent, enabling learners to participate and compete on international stages. Philanthropic Impact: Our foundation identifies and nurtures young talent, providing scholarships, mentorship, and exposure to global opportunities. We believe every child deserves a chance to shine, regardless of their background. Our Vision: To raise globally competitive African children who are deeply rooted in their identity and equipped to lead with confidence, innovation, and purpose.

What is your biggest success?

My greatest success in running Addnum has been the ability to create and grow other impactful ventures. Through the profits generated by Addnum, I was able to build a fully-fledged school and open another branch in Mpumalanga. That same foundation enabled me to acquire an Engen petroleum franchise in Kempton Park, expanding my footprint beyond education. In addition, I founded Eugenia M Global Group, a platform dedicated to collaboration—bringing together entrepreneurs and helping them thrive and achieve sustainable success. Beyond business, my heart lies in giving back. Through my philanthropic arm, the EM Foundation, we identify and nurture young talent, sponsor school children, and create life-changing opportunities for future leaders.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

Running Addnum has come with both rewarding milestones and significant challenges. Our biggest hurdles have included: Financial Sustainability in a Complex Economy: • Balancing expansion plans with limited funding, especially in the early years when external support was minimal. 2. Changing the Mindset Around Education: • Introducing STEM and entrepreneurship at an early age was met with skepticism initially, but has now become one of our biggest strengths. 3. Talent Retention and Training: • Attracting and retaining passionate, forward-thinking educators who align with Addnum’s philosophy has been an ongoing challenge. • Training our “guiders” (not traditional teachers) to adapt to a new model of facilitation and mentoring takes time and continuous development. 4. Scaling Without Compromising Values: • As we grow, ensuring every new branch or initiative fully embodies Addnum’s vision, values, and learner-centered approach remains both a challenge and a priority.