With 51 DNI Bursaries awarded to date, our Heroes share their stories, their struggles, and their successes.
Our Impact
From the compassionate outreach of Angels Care to the life-changing impact of The Inspiration Foundation and The DNI Bursary Scheme, The Fanaka Foundation is driven to uplift communities in need.
unlocking potential
Nhlakanipho Mntambo
“Every day at DNI, I’m surrounded by a team of dedicated professionals who inspire me and help me grow”
Joining DNI has been a milestone in my journey, one I’ll hold close for the rest of my life. My path began at Hilton College, a place that shaped me deeply, instilling in me the resilience and drive to overcome obstacles. Although my first year pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering at the University of Pretoria didn’t go as planned, it led me to discover new avenues.
I spent nearly a year working at Capital City Church International, where I gained invaluable experience and dedicated my evenings to building my business acumen through online courses. Starting a small car wash business in Pretoria gave me practical insights into entrepreneurship and taught me the power of perseverance and adaptability.
Today, I’m grateful to work at Sebenza, one of DNI’s affiliates, where we focus on enhancing the lives of commuters in South Africa by providing access to free internet and enriching content. Every day at DNI, I’m surrounded by a team of dedicated professionals who inspire me and help me grow.
This journey has shown me that every experience is a stepping stone to greater opportunities. I hope my story encourages others to seize the chances they’re given and make a lasting impact. Thank you, DNI, for being part of this journey and for helping me realise my potential.
I grew up as the eldest of five in a family where challenges were part of daily life. My mother, a domestic worker, and my father, a construction worker, taught me resilience and the power of commitment. They instilled in me the value of education despite our financial struggles, and after my father passed away when I was in grade six, I dedicated myself even further to academic excellence.
Through the highs and lows, I stayed at the top of my class, discovering a particular passion for mathematics and physics. That love led me to competitions and awards, and eventually, a transformative experience in ICT through the “Code Like a Girl” program, where I placed third and felt the spark that would light my future.
Determined to make the most of my opportunities, I pursued Computer Systems Engineering at Tshwane University of Technology with support from NSFAS. Even after my mother passed away, I took on a parental role for my younger siblings and remained committed to my studies. Each challenge reinforced my resolve to succeed and help my family. My journey took me to an internship at Empire Partners Foundation, followed by Inspired Change Solutions, where I grew from software engineering to IT support.
Today, I am proud to be part of DNI, a place where professional growth and open communication flourish. Here, I’m surrounded by experienced mentors and given the resources to advance my skills, staying at the forefront of technology—driven by a spirit of resilience and the desire to inspire others facing their own uphill climbs.
Melta Mabye
“Each challenge reinforced my resolve to succeed and help my family”
Sibusiso Mahotso
“When I discovered game development, I realised that technology and storytelling were powerful tools for impact”
Growing up in Katlehong, a township marked by hardship, I learned early on that resilience and dedication were the keys to changing my future. From my first days at Sonqoba Primary School through Phumulani Secondary, I was determined to rise above my circumstances. Focused on subjects like Pure Mathematics and Physics, I balanced my studies with part-time work as a cashier, learning valuable lessons in discipline, customer service, and time management. This balance of school and responsibility shaped me into a driven learner and nurtured a passion for technology that would later define my career.
When I discovered game development, I realised that technology and storytelling were powerful tools for impact. Driven by this vision, I pursued a Bachelor’s in Information Technology at North-West University. Through projects, tutoring roles, and hands-on experiences, I grew both technically and personally. Despite a challenging job market, I persisted, gaining critical experience as a call centre agent and sales representative before securing an internship at DNI with The Starter Pack Company.
Today, as a developer, I am living the dream I first imagined back in Katlehong. My journey has been a testament to the power of hard work and hope, and I am committed to using my skills to inspire and uplift my community.
