South Africa is among the most unequal countries in the world marred by economic and social disparities. With a deep commitment towards community empowerment, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) alumna Lesego Makgoba seeks to contribute to the reduction of inequality through her impactful entrepreneurship activities as founder of Nation Rolling Paper and Nation Farming Solutions. 

“My dream for South Africa is a country free of inequality. I envision a nation where everyone has access to opportunities, regardless of their background, and where economic and social disparities are a thing of the past. This is not just a hope; it’s a goal that drives much of what I do, because I believe a more equitable society ultimately benefits the economy,” she says.

Part of her quest to address inequality is to deepen the impact of her businesses’ community initiatives. As a thriving entrepreneur, recognised as one of Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans in 2024 for her business initiatives, Makgoba aims to nurture the township entrepreneurial ecosystem and untap its potential for economic development and sustainable livelihoods.

“My goal is to contribute to literature on the economics of inequality and advocate for policies that reduce inequality through fostering township entrepreneurial ecosystems. Ultimately, I hope in some way to play a part in creating a favourable environment for the next generation of South African entrepreneurs,” says Makgoba, who is currently pursuing a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship.

Read more about her quest to equity and her interests below:

Q: Briefly summarise your studies (including the qualifications you obtained) and your professional career, with special mention of specific highlights/milestones.

A: I completed my undergraduate studies in Econometrics at the University of Pretoria (UP) and went on to pursue an honours degree in Economics at the University of Cape Town (UCT). I am now back at UP, completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship, and plan to pursue a master’s degree in Economics or Entrepreneurship next year.

A significant academic milestone was achieving the third-highest aggregate in South Africa for my O Levels and being the top student in South Africa for O Level Economics. As a result of my academics and high school leadership roles, I was nominated to attend the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) in Washington, DC, in 2013.

Professionally, I founded Nation Rolling Papers while I was a student in 2017. Today it is considered one of South Africa's leading local brands of rolling paper, which is now available in Pick n Pay and Express stores as of last year. I am also an agricultural technician specialising in hydroponic construction. My agricultural journey began with a firewood business, using trees de-bushed from my family farm to fund my farm’s shade net. Additionally, I self-taught hydroponic farming and went on to build hydroponic systems using recycled materials, showcasing innovation and sustainability.

These milestones collectively contributed to my recognition as one of Mail & Guardian's 200 Young South Africans in 2024, an acknowledgment of my commitment to creating impactful solutions in agriculture and entrepreneurship.

Q: To what extent did your studies at UP benefit you in your career and contribute to your success?

A: Studying at UP has been pivotal in shaping my career and entrepreneurial journey. Having studied elsewhere as well, I can confidently say that UP stands out for its ability to equip students with industry-relevant tools and skills. Beyond the formal curriculum, the hidden lessons embedded in the University’s culture – such as innovation, the seriousness of society (student) culture, and a results-driven mindset have been invaluable. As an executive of a society on campus, I faced real-life situations, which prepared me for the challenges I face today. UP is easily one of the best institutions (if not the best institution) in terms of aligning academic excellence with real-world standards, providing a solid foundation for success.

Q: Why did you choose your particular degree course/major(s) and did it meet your expectations or, in hindsight, should you have opted for something else?

A: Honestly, I wasn’t 100% sure what I wanted to study when the time came. I was torn between LLB, Statistics, and Econometrics. I wasn’t particularly passionate about Econometrics at the time, but it felt like an easy choice because I had excelled in Economics and Mathematics, even though I hadn’t figured out my long-term goals yet.

In hindsight, it has worked out exceptionally well. I truly believe Economics is one of the best degrees to pursue, especially for aspiring entrepreneurs. It provides a dynamic and versatile foundation that allows you to navigate and adapt to various industries while understanding the broader market and societal factors that influence success. That said, if I had to do it all over again, I would choose to be a veterinarian. I love animals, and I have a particularly soft spot for special-needs dogs. Caring for animals and making a difference in their lives would have been a deeply fulfilling career path as well.

Q: As a UP and EMS alumnus, what makes you proud to be associated with UP?

A: UP fosters excellence and innovation, with the EMS Faculty blending academic rigor with practical relevance. The University’s commitment to empowering students and alumni to create meaningful change aligns with my values of impact-driven entrepreneurship.

What stands out even more is UP’s exceptional alumni office. They go above and beyond to reach out, ensuring you feel engaged and part of the ongoing conversation. This sense of community and support makes me incredibly proud to be part of the UP family.

Q: Given your academic experience at UP, what advice can you pass on to current students?

A: Make use of every single resource available to you, particularly the Innovation Hub and Careers Office. These are invaluable tools that can help bridge the gap between your academic journey and your future aspirations. When I was in university, I was so focused on just getting through my exams and coursework that I didn’t fully think beyond the entity to the extent I would have liked. When it was all said and done, I found myself frozen, unsure of my next step. Taking full advantage of these resources early on can set you up for success and give you a clearer sense of direction once you graduate.

Q: Going forward, what are your professional/business/personal goals? What is your ultimate ‘dream job’?

A: Professionally, I aim to expand Nation Rolling Paper’s market reach while deepening its social impact through our non-profit initiatives in community farm workshops and assisting in renovating spaces using recycled materials. On a personal level, I would ultimately love to earn a PhD, but only after I’ve relearned to play the piano and made a movie with my friends, just for fun, of course! I would like to contribute to rethinking the economy as we know it. My goal is to contribute tothe  literature on the economics of inequality and advocate for policies that reduce inequality through fostering township entrepreneurial ecosystems. Ultimately, I hope in some way to play a part in creating a favourable environment for the next generation of South African entrepreneurs.

Q: Which business/trade-related publications (magazines/newspapers/blogs, etc.) do you enjoy reading?

A: When I do read on the economy, I turn to Forbes Africa because I am particularly interested in the African economy and opportunities for growth on the continent. However, I am more of a visual and notes person, so I prefer content that I can consume through podcasts and YouTube. For news, I follow Newsroom Afrika, eNCA, CNBC Africa, and various podcasts to remain up to date with politics and the economy. In Africa, the political climate in an economy strongly influences its economic outlook. As a result, a lot of my decisions are inherently informed by the socioeconomic climate.

Q: What/who really inspires and motivates you personally?

A: My mother is my greatest inspiration. Her relentless work ethic and unwavering support have shaped who I am today. There is nothing that she expects from me that she does not do herself. She built me brick by brick with love and resilience, showing me the transformative power of a supportive parent.

Q: Tell us more about yourself, including your likes/dislikes; strengths/weaknesses, business/life philosophy.

A: I thrive on challenges and enjoy creating solutions that blend resourcefulness and innovation. I thoroughly enjoy sports, continuous learning, and competition in general because it makes me better. I believe my strength lies in my analytical thinking, creativity, and adaptability; I can do anything if I put my mind to it. However, I sometimes overthink decisions, which can delay action. My business philosophy centres on creating value while uplifting others, so I value collaboration and joint ventures. My life philosophy is to be so great that they cannot ignore me. Anodyne or controversial, just be difficult to ignore.

Q: How do you handle stress/failure?

A: I handle stress by focusing on actionable steps and grounding myself in the bigger picture. Failure does not exist to me. It is a stepping stone, with some steps steeper than others. I reflect on lessons learned and pivot with determination. Having a very supportive parent also helps in maintaining perspective.

Q: If you could contribute to solving one/some of our societal problems, what would you like to tackle and why?

A: I would focus on addressing economic and spatial inequality by nurturing township entrepreneurial ecosystems. These spaces are brimming with untapped potential, and empowering them could create sustainable livelihoods while tackling unemployment and poverty. This is where the billions will be made.

Q: AI (ChatGPT-4/Generative AI/LLM) is expected to have a significant impact on both tertiary education and the workplace. What is your take on the advantages/disadvantages of AI for students and employees/employers?

A: As an entrepreneur, AI has been a game changer! It has allowed me to save significantly on costs by automating tasks and streamlining processes that would otherwise require a lot of time or external resources. However, in terms of education, I think AI is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s a threat to originality, potentially diminishing the authenticity of student work. On the other hand, it has exposed some of the unrealistic expectations tied to academic grading, pushing institutions to rethink their approach to assessments and the skills they prioritise. If used responsibly, AI can be a valuable tool for learning, problem-solving, and efficiency. However, it must be managed carefully to preserve creativity and integrity.

Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for South Africa and its people?

A: My dream for South Africa is a country free of inequality. I envision a nation where everyone has access to opportunities, regardless of their background, and where economic and social disparities are a thing of the past. This is not just a hope; it’s a goal that drives much of what I do, because I believe a more equitable society ultimately benefits the economy.