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The Journey of Mmakgotso Maphoto: Building a Legacy of Impact and Innovation

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In 2016, at just 18 years old, Mmakgotso Maphoto embarked on a journey that would not only transform her own life but also touch the lives of many in her community and beyond. Sitting in her dorm room during her first year of university in South Africa, she made a bold decision that would set the tone for her entrepreneurial journey.

“My father had given me money to do my hair, but that August felt different,” Mmakgotso recalls. “Instead of spending it on my hair, I used the money to register my first business—an events company focused on hosting events that restored hope in people’s hearts.”

Living far from home in a new city, she was determined to build something meaningful. “I wanted to create a business that not only supported others but also allowed me the freedom to afford the life I envisioned, rather than being limited by what was available,” she explains. This determination laid the foundation for a journey defined by resilience, innovation, and a deep commitment to empowering others.

Azuri App: A Digital Solution for the Beauty Industry

Mmakgotso’s entrepreneurial spirit truly took flight in 2020 with the launch of Azuri App, a groundbreaking platform designed to revolutionize the beauty industry. The idea was born out of the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, which devastated many businesses in her township.

“In March 2020, a nationwide lockdown was announced, and the beauty industry was not classified as essential,” Mmakgotso shares. “Families were left destitute as their primary source of income came to an abrupt halt. Witnessing this hardship was heartbreaking.”

Motivated by the need to find a solution, Mmakgotso and a friend began exploring how technology could help. Azuri App emerged as a marketplace for beauty services and products, enabling customers to book appointments, pay for services, and purchase local products. For service providers, the platform offered tools to market their businesses digitally, manage transactions, and gain insights to drive growth. “Azuri App is more than just a platform—it’s a lifeline for beauty entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of a digital economy,” Mmakgotso emphasizes.

Since its launch, Azuri App has grown steadily, leveraging customer feedback and industry insights to remain competitive in a crowded market. “We continuously pivot, introduce innovative features, and simplify processes to enhance customer experiences,” she explains. “It’s about staying ahead while keeping the needs of our users at the heart of everything we do.”

Raising Giants: Empowering the Next Generation

Mmakgotso Maphoto’s passion for nurturing leadership and innovation finds a strong outlet in her role as Board Secretary of Raising Giants Organisation, a transformative non-profit dedicated to empowering young people across South Africa and beyond.

Raising Giants was established to address the systemic challenges faced by youth, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds, by equipping them with tools to lead, innovate, and make a meaningful impact in their communities. The organization focuses on key areas such as education, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, offering mentorship, resources, and platforms to harness the potential of young leaders.

“For me, Raising Giants is more than an organization—it’s a movement,” Mmakgotso shares. “It’s about creating a culture of growth, encouraging young people to dream boldly, and providing the support they need to turn those dreams into reality.”

Her role involves shaping the organization’s governance and strategic direction, ensuring that its operations align with its mission to uplift young leaders. “I oversee board activities, ensure compliance with governance best practices, and actively contribute to decisions that impact the lives of young people,” she explains.

A Personal Connection

Mmakgotso’s relationship with Raising Giants is deeply personal. She first joined the organization at the age of 11 and was mentored through her formative years into adulthood. “I’m a product of Raising Giants,” she says with pride. “The guidance and support I received shaped who I am today. Now, I have the privilege of paying it forward, helping others unlock their potential.”

This full-circle journey fuels her dedication to the organization. “Being part of Raising Giants has taught me the value of mentorship and the transformative power of community. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the work we do creates opportunities for others to lead with confidence and conviction.”

Key Initiatives and Impact

Raising Giants runs flagship programs that include leadership development, workshops, networking events, and skills development tailored to young entrepreneurs.

“Our programs are designed to cultivate leadership at every level,” Mmakgotso explains. “Whether it’s helping a young person excel in school or guiding an entrepreneur through the complexities of running a business, we focus on creating long-term impact.”

One highlight is its involvement in shaping policies that directly benefit the youth. “One of my favorite aspects of my role is influencing the development of frameworks that support the aspirations of young leaders,” she shares. “These policies aren’t just guidelines—they’re the foundation for real, meaningful change.”

Challenges and Triumphs

Mmakgotso’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As a young, Black, female entrepreneur, she has faced barriers in spaces where her presence is often questioned.

“I often find myself swimming against the tide, navigating the triple marginalization of being young, Black, and female,” she says. “Even in rooms where I’ve earned my seat, I constantly feel the need to prove my abilities.”

Despite these hurdles, Mmakgotso remains steadfast in her belief in the power of learning. “Growth is a lifelong process,” she reflects. “As long as we have breath in our lungs, each day is an opportunity to develop further, disrupt the norm, and be the glitch in the matrix.”

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

For Mmakgotso, entrepreneurship is as much about personal growth as it is about business success. Her advice to emerging entrepreneurs is clear: “Be dynamic and open-minded, and understand that your business is not who you are. Start a business with a problem-solving vision, and even if it fails, you do not go wrong,” she advises. “Find God, partner with Him, and strive to create a better environment for more than just yourself.”

A Journey Fueled by Hope and Community

Reflecting on her journey, Mmakgotso credits her resilience to the support of her community and the lessons learned along the way.

“Leadership isn’t about having all the answers,” she says. “It’s about being courageous enough to navigate uncertainty, inspire others, and remain committed to the vision, even when the road gets tough.”

Through Azuri App, Raising Giants, and her relentless commitment to innovation, Mmakgotso is creating a legacy of empowerment, resilience, and meaningful impact. “The best is yet to come,” she says with conviction. “Every day, we’re shaping a brighter, more inclusive future together.”

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