In the bustling heart of Johannesburg, where innovation meets the drive, Hillbrow businesswoman Noluvuyo Gqadu has carved a niche for herself as a leading light in tech education for the young. It’s no surprise, then, that she has been honored with the Entrepreneur of the Year award at the esteemed TransUnion Rising Star Awards. Gqadu, the founder and managing director of Code Ngwana, has demonstrated what passion, dedication, and technological savvy can achieve in a community.
Coding for a Brighter Future
Code Ngwana, Gqadu’s brainchild, is more than just a coding lab—it’s a beacon of hope and a powerhouse of potential for the children of Hillbrow. It stands as a testament to Gqadu’s belief in the transformative power of digital skills. Her journey began with a realization during her tenure in the corporate sector: a digital skills gap was leaving crucial tech positions unfilled, despite South Africa’s high unemployment rates. This paradox sparked a vision in Gqadu, one where equipping the younger generation with coding skills from an early age could bridge this gap and open doors to abundant opportunities.
From Passion to Impact
Gqadu’s venture into the entrepreneurial space began with teaching her children how to code. Recognizing the transformative impact it could have, she expanded her mission to the broader community. Code Ngwana started as a premium extra-curricular service but has since evolved into a community-oriented tech lab offering free coding lessons to children within Hillbrow, disrupting the cycle of disadvantage and creating a pipeline for future success in the digital economy.
Awards and Accolades
The TransUnion Rising Star Awards, an annual event celebrating emerging leaders, recognized Gqadu’s contributions to fostering a culture of digital literacy among the youth. The event, marked by the gathering of distinguished personalities and industry stalwarts, shines a light on individuals making significant strides in their respective fields.
Visionary Leadership Recognized
TransUnion CEO Lee Naik highlighted the importance of nurturing top talent and the critical role of partnerships in driving economic growth and financial inclusion. Similarly, Laura Barker, founder of the Rising Star program, expressed her delight at the expanding reach and impact of the awards in nurturing and recognizing talent across various industries.
A Diverse Array of Winners
The 2023 TransUnion Rising Star Awards honored leaders from diverse sectors, showcasing the rich tapestry of talent and visionary leadership across South Africa. Among the winners were Rufaro Daring Mapanda in Banking & Financial Services and Mogale Modisane in the Environment category, with each winner bringing a unique blend of skill, passion, and dedication to their fields.
Conclusion: Celebrating Gqadu’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
Noluvuyo Gqadu’s recognition as Entrepreneur of the Year is more than just an individual accolade; it’s a celebration of the spirit of entrepreneurship that drives societal change. Her work with Code Ngwana is creating a legacy that will resonate for years to come, not only within Hillbrow but also as a blueprint for community-driven tech education initiatives worldwide. Her story is a compelling narrative of how one woman’s drive can catalyze a movement towards a more inclusive and technologically empowered future.