As South Africa marks 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprisings, we celebrate a new generation of young Transnet employees who are helping shape the future. We spoke to six young professionals about the lessons of 1976, their career journeys and their hopes for South Africa’s youth.

Adoneca Brown Infra-Worker
TRIM Beaufort West | 22
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career at Transnet, and what has your journey been like so far?
What inspired me to pursue a career at Transnet was the hardworking people, the great relationships and the way they work together as a team to get the job done. My journey at Transnet has been very motivating and educational.
Q: What skills or experiences have helped you grow the most as a young professional?
What has helped me grow the most as a young professional is the guidance of my teammates. They have shown me how to do the work and are always willing to help when I struggle with something.
Q: How do you believe young employees can drive innovation and positive change within Transnet?
I think young employees can drive innovation and positive change within Transnet because we have fresh minds and ideas. We often see solutions where others can’t seem to find one that will benefit the company.
Q: What opportunities do you think are most important for empowering young people in South Africa today?
I think it’s very important that young people in South Africa get opportunities to work, learn and achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Learnerships, work opportunities and contracts empower young people. Knowing that someone my age, or even younger, can get a stable job or valuable experience gives many young people hope.
Q: If you could send one message to the youth of South Africa, what would it be?
Never give up. No matter how hard things get or how difficult life becomes, keep pushing forward and have faith that one day you’ll be where you want to be.

Yolanda Mnqanqeni
Young Professional in Training, Graphic Designer: Communications (TPT) | East London | 27
Q: This year marks 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprisings. What does the legacy of the young people of 1976 mean to you as a young professional at Transnet today?
The legacy of the 1976 youth is deeply inspiring and humbling. It reminds me that the freedoms and opportunities I have today came at a great cost. As a young professional at Transnet, it motivates me to work with purpose, use my voice and contribute meaningfully to my space. Their courage encourages me never to take my role or opportunities for granted, but to use them to make a positive impact.
Q: How has learning about the events of 1976 shaped your perspective on opportunity, education and leadership?
Learning about 1976 has made me appreciate education as a powerful tool for transformation. It has also shown me that leadership is not defined by age or position, but by courage and conviction. The youth of 1976 stood up for what they believed in, and that has shaped my perspective on taking initiative, being proactive and striving to grow both personally and professionally.
Q: What skills or experiences have helped you grow the most as a young professional?
My growth has largely been driven by continuous learning, adaptability and collaboration. Working in communications has strengthened my creativity, attention to detail and ability to understand different audiences. Engaging with colleagues and learning from experienced professionals has also been invaluable.
Q: If you could send one message to the youth of South Africa, what would it be?
Believe in your potential and never underestimate the power of your voice. Stay committed to your goals, continue learning and don’t be afraid to take up space and create opportunities for yourself. The future is in your hands. Be bold, be resilient and keep pushing forward.

Ayonela Bickersteth
Young Professional in Training: Business and Continuous Improvement | TFR Pretoria | 23
Q: How has learning about the events of 1976 shaped your perspective on opportunity, education and leadership?
Learning about 1976 reshaped how I see my role at Transnet. The youth of ‘76 didn’t just protest and fight, they demanded access to opportunity through education, even when the system was designed to limit them. They taught me that opportunity isn’t just handed out, it’s built. They also showed that leadership isn’t about age or title, it’s about refusing to accept, “This is how we’ve always done it.” Leadership for me means bringing honest data to the table, even when the numbers are uncomfortable. Integrity is my leadership language. That courage with purpose is my blueprint today.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career at Transnet, and what has your journey been like so far?
I chose Transnet because it moves more than freight or passengers, it moves the entire South African economy. If Transnet stops, opportunity stops. I wanted to be part of the engine, not just a spectator. My journey as a young professional has been a PDCA cycle in real time. It’s uncomfortable. Growth always is. But 1976 taught me that real change starts in discomfort. From learning the basics of rail and logistics to contributing to improvement projects within weeks, that journey has taught me that persistence beats perfection.
Q: How do you believe young employees can drive innovation and positive change within Transnet?
As a young professional, I believe we can drive innovation by bringing fresh ideas, embracing new technologies and being open to continuous learning. Young employees have fresh eyes, digital fluency and the energy to test ideas quickly. Innovation starts by noticing what others accept as normal. As younger professionals, we are curious, adaptable and quick to learn. We can help improve operational efficiency through data-driven solutions, automation and innovative problem-solving, while supporting Transnet’s goals of improving service delivery, enhancing sustainability and strengthening South Africa’s transport and logistics infrastructure.
Q: If you could send one message to the youth of South Africa, what would it be?
The youth of 1976 fought for access to education. Our fight is to use education to move South Africa forward. Logistics is the heartbeat of this country. When freight and goods don’t move, jobs don’t move and opportunity stalls. So my message is simple: learn your trade and use your tools. You don’t need a title to lead. You need courage, discipline and persistence. Start small, start where you are and use what you have. Above all, act with purpose. That’s how we honour 1976 and deliver for 2026 and beyond.

Reabetswe Rakgoale
Young Professional in Training: People Management & Organisational Effectiveness | TCC Johannesburg | 26
Q: This year marks 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprisings. What does the legacy of the young people of 1976 mean to you as a young professional at Transnet today?
The legacy of the 1976 youth reminds me not to take the opportunities I have today for granted. Their courage inspires me to keep growing, use my voice positively and contribute to building a better future.
Q: What similarities do you see between the challenges faced by young people in 1976 and those facing youth today?
While the challenges have changed, many young people still face barriers to opportunity. Today, unemployment and inequality remain major issues, requiring the same resilience, determination and hope that the youth of 1976 demonstrated.
Q: What achievement in your career are you most proud of, and why?
One achievement I am most proud of is balancing my academic journey with my professional responsibilities. Pursuing my master’s degree while working and contributing to organisational development initiatives has required dedication, resilience and effective time management. It has taught me the importance of continuous learning and perseverance, and it motivates me to keep growing both personally and professionally.
Q: If you could send one message to the youth of South Africa, what would it be?
My message to the youth of South Africa is simple: don’t let your circumstances define your future. Keep learning, keep showing up and keep believing in your potential. Opportunities may not always come easily, but resilience, hard work and a willingness to grow can open doors. Most importantly, when you succeed, reach back and help someone else rise with you.

Reabetswe Rakgoale
Young Professional in Training: Finance | Transnet Property | Cape Town | 28
Q: This year marks 50 years since the 1976 Youth Uprisings. What does the legacy of the young people of 1976 mean to you as a young professional at Transnet today?
The legacy of the young people of 1976 represents courage, resilience and the determination to drive meaningful change. Their fight for equality and better opportunities laid the foundation for many of the freedoms and educational opportunities we enjoy today. As a young professional, their sacrifice reminds me that these opportunities were hard-earned and come with a responsibility to contribute positively to society, continuously develop my skills and help create a better future for the next generation.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career at Transnet, and what has your journey been like so far?
I was inspired to pursue a career at Transnet because of the organisation’s critical role in South Africa’s economic development through logistics, infrastructure and trade. Since joining Transnet Property as a YPT Finance trainee in February 2025, my journey has been both rewarding and transformative. I have gained valuable experience in financial analysis, reporting and stakeholder engagement, while working with colleagues across the business has deepened my understanding of Transnet’s objectives and the Reinvent for Growth strategy.
Q: How do you believe young employees can drive innovation and positive change within Transnet?
Young employees can drive innovation by embracing digital transformation and leveraging technology, data analytics and automation to improve efficiency and decision-making. In finance, innovative systems can strengthen reporting, forecasting and overall business performance. Young professionals also bring fresh perspectives and a collaborative mindset, enabling cross-functional teamwork that can generate practical solutions to organisational challenges.
Q: What opportunities do you think are most important for empowering young people in South Africa today?
Access to funding, financial education, career guidance and workplace exposure are essential for empowering young people in South Africa. Youth-focused funding programmes can help aspiring entrepreneurs turn ideas into viable businesses, while financial literacy equips them with the skills to manage resources responsibly. Equally important are career counselling, mentorship, internships and job-shadowing opportunities, which expose young people to the world of work, help them make informed career choices and prepare them for long-term success.





































