NONJABULO SOKHELA

What does your company do?

At Nepoworx, our vision is to see every member of a household meaningfully contributing to South Africa’s GDP. We believe that true economic transformation begins with empowered individuals, young people accessing opportunities in high-growth sectors, parents building sustainable businesses that create generational legacies, and communities becoming self-reliant and resilient. Our work is rooted in building capacity: we support and develop SMMEs, equip young people with market-relevant skills, and ensure that historically excluded communities are actively involved in the Just Energy Transition. In essence, our mission is to drive job creation, tackle pressing societal challenges, build entrepreneurship, and enable holistic community development. As a proudly youth-owned organisation, we are strong advocates for the inclusion of young people in the mainstream economy particularly within the renewable energy sector. Our services are underpinned by research and global best practices, ensuring that our approach remains innovative, responsive, and impactful.

What is your biggest success?

One of my most significant achievements has been serving as a member of the National Business Initiative (NBI) Just Energy Transition (JET) Working Group, where I contribute to shaping South Africa’s energy transition policies. My focus has been on advocating for the meaningful inclusion of youth, women, and SMMEs within the green economy. This role has enhanced my expertise in policy development and reinforced the importance of inclusive, stakeholder-driven solutions to complex national challenges. Additionally, I serve on the SAPVIA Solar PV Committee and am a SDG7 Youth Constituency Ambassador through a platform aligned with UNIDO, championing access to clean and affordable energy for underserved communities. At an international level, I participate in the Startup20 and Y20 task forces under the G20, where I serve within the Just Energy Transition Prosperity Working Group under the Green Horizons initiative. These experiences have deepened my commitment to inclusive development, cross-sector collaboration, and elevating underrepresented voices in shaping a more sustainable and equitable global energy future.

What has been your biggest hurdle?

One of my biggest hurdles has been navigating a male-dominated industry as a young Black woman in a leadership role. I’ve often had to confront biases and stereotypes that questioned my abilities, not due to lack of competence, but because of preconceived notions about my age, gender, and race. Earning respect in spaces where leadership is typically reserved for older males required consistent resilience and excellence. Additionally, the scarcity of relatable mentors and role models presented a significant challenge. At times, this created a sense of isolation. To counter this, I sought out professional networks and communities that offered support and shared experiences. Despite these barriers, I chose to see them as opportunities for growth. I focused on building deep expertise, delivering consistent results, and demonstrating a leadership style grounded in authenticity and professionalism. These experiences have strengthened my resolve and shaped me into a more capable, confident leader.