One hundred high school learners gained practical money skills, mentorship and dignity support through MTN Group Fintech’s MoMo Nation Rise Up initiative, a Mandela Month community programme designed to help young South Africans build financial confidence before they enter adulthood.
For many young South Africans, the bridge from school to opportunity remains difficult to cross with 37,6% of youth between 15–24-year-olds not in employment, education or training. That is why financial literacy must become a practical life skill taught early, consistently and in ways that help learners make confident decisions about money, work and their futures.
Celebrated on 18 July, in commemoration of Nelson Mandela, people around the world are encouraged to spend 67 minutes uplifting their communities and collectively build a better tomorrow for everyone. In South Africa, where over a third of the population is aged between 15-34, our country’s future will be shaped by the next generation.
The MoMo from MTN Nation Rise Up initiative wrapped up International Mandela month at Cosmo City. The MTN Group Fintech employees rallied up and got into classrooms, as mentors, combining financial literacy sessions, career and leadership stories with a learner-led community impact challenge where ideas will be considered for possible funding. The MTN Group Fintech team also prepared winter support and dignity care packs along with meals for the learners.
Uplifting South Africa’s MoMo from MTN nation
MTN Group Fintech’s purpose has always been rooted in advancing financial inclusion. “For South Africa’s youth, financial literacy is not just about understanding money; it is about building the confidence to make informed decisions, access opportunities and shape more secure futures,” says Nikiwe Tanga, Chief Legal Officer at MTN Group Fintech. “Through MoMo from MTN Nation Rise Up, we want to equip learners with practical money skills, mentorship and the belief that their ideas and voices can create lasting impact in their communities.”