ELISHUA NGOMA

Elishua is a data scientist and researcher passionate about using data and technology to drive positive social change. She holds a Master's degree in Data Science and an undergraduate degree in International Relations and Development Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand. Over the past few years, Elishua has gained experience analyzing complex data sets to identify trends and inform strategies. Her career aspirations include becoming a leader in the responsible development of AI and using data-driven solutions to address social issues.

“See Hurdles As Opportunities for Growth”

Q: Tell us a few things about you! Your background, your childhood and early beginnings! 

I am deeply rooted in my faith, which guides my values and actions. Growing up as the youngest of five children in a single-parent household in Johannesburg, South Africa, taught me resilience and the importance of community. My mother, a beacon of strength, instilled in me the virtues of hard work and perseverance. I have a profound love for animals and enjoy spending time outdoors, immersing myself in the beauty of nature.

Q: What are some of the key challenges in your society currently?

South Africa faces significant challenges, including a lack of effective governance and leadership, which has led to issues such as state capture and rampant corruption. According to Transparency International, South Africa scored 44 out of 100 on the 2020 Corruption Perceptions Index, highlighting the pervasive nature of corruption. Additionally, the high unemployment rate, particularly among youth, is alarming, with Statistics South Africa reporting a youth unemployment rate of 64.4%. Crime rates are another major concern, impacting the safety and quality of life for many citizens.

Q: Share with us some of the hurdles that you had to overcome in your life so far? How did you handle them? 

One of the most significant hurdles I faced was completing my education amidst financial constraints and personal challenges. This taught me the value of education and the importance of relentless pursuit of my dreams. I also struggled with the constant pressure of comparison, driven by a desire to excel. My mother raised me to strive for excellence, which, while beneficial, sometimes led to a state of constant striving and not fully appreciating my achievements. Learning to stop comparing myself to others and embracing my unique path, I realised that God created me for something special. This perspective shift has been instrumental in my personal growth.

Q: Why is the role of a mentor important for you? 

Having a mentor like Raghupathy Narayanamurthy (Raghu) has been invaluable. It can be easy to feel isolated in your journey, but having someone to talk to and grow with is priceless. Raghu has helped me stay accountable and provided a different perspective on various challenges. His advice and support have been crucial in navigating my career and business ventures, reminding me to keep my eyes on the big picture. As the saying goes, "The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence; it is to act with yesterday's logic" (Peter Drucker). A mentor helps navigate these turbulent times with wisdom and foresight.

Q: Do you have a lesson that life has taught you and you would like to share? 

The biggest lesson life has taught me is that things will work out. When facing hurdles, it's important to see them as opportunities for growth rather than sources of stress. Be gracious with yourself when you make mistakes, take accountability for your actions, and view each challenge as a stepping stone to becoming a better version of yourself.

Q: Name a project, a foundation or a person in your country that you think is doing great work in helping improve other people's lives! 

Fumani Mthembi, co-founder of the Pele Energy Group, is doing exceptional work in transforming rural, township and peri-urban communities into thriving economies through infrastructure and impact investments. In a country grappling with an energy crisis and frequent load-shedding, the efforts of Pele Energy are revolutionary and hold the potential to bring about significant change. Similarly, Ms Ndlovu, CEO and Co-Founder of QP DroneTech, is making strides in the drone industry, a traditionally male-dominated field, while also driving social enterprise initiatives through the YMCA.

Q: What are some of the challenges that women in your country face and what efforts are being made towards gender equality?

Women in South Africa face numerous challenges, including lack of access to sanitary towels, which affects their education. Many underprivileged girls miss school during their menstrual cycles, leading to high dropout rates. However, various organisations are now fighting to provide free sanitary products. Additionally, women in STEM fields often feel under-supported and leave these male-dominated industries. The government has initiated programmes to encourage more companies to hire women. Gender-based violence (GBV) is another critical issue and August is dedicated to raising awareness and supporting victims of GBV through educational campaigns.

Q: Share with us a motto you live by. 

"Do everything as unto Christ”.

This means that in all my endeavours, whether volunteering, working in corporate, or building my businesses, I strive to do everything with excellence and kindness. Treating everyone well and being the hands and feet of Jesus to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate is a guiding principle in my life.

Q: If you had all the money needed to launch the project of your dreams, can you describe what you would do? 

I would establish a chain of schools with two distinct branches. The first would cater to individuals who dropped out of school, helping them complete their education while acquiring technical and tech skills. The second would be a specialised primary and secondary school where students, in addition to traditional subjects, would learn about agriculture, horticulture, environmental studies, technology and leadership. These schools would aim to develop well-rounded individuals equipped to contribute positively to society.

Q: Anything else that you may wish to add?

I would like to express my gratitude for this splendid programme. My conversations with my mentor have been incredibly enriching, and I am growing significantly through this experience. Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the Global Thinkers Forum Mentoring Programme.