16/06/2024
From apprentice to acting site manager!
Read about Lebogang Monnaapula’s journey, how he is thriving at DeNovo Mining Resources, and inspiring the youth.
From the rugged terrain of Kuruman, comes a story of Lebogang Monnaapula, a young man who defied the odds and rose from despair to soar to new heights.
Lebogang's journey began in poverty, he was the youngest of three siblings and was raised in a humble home. He suffered tragedy early in life when he lost both his parents while he was still in school. His oldest sister, despite having three of her own children, had to assume the responsibility of caretaker and the family faced many hardships.
Lebogang was determined to create a better future for himself and his family. He maintained his focus on his studies and completed his matriculation in 2014. After matriculating, to obtain a career in financial accounting he continued to further his studies. However, the burden of his family obligations compelled him to drop out of college early and head back to Kuruman to help his siblings. He supported his family by working in retail.
Lebogang's life changed at this point when he stumbled upon the opportunity to apply for a technical apprenticeship. Despite lacking the formal qualifications, and relying on the learnings he received from his father, who was a mechanic, he applied for the apprenticeship and was successful.
In 2020, while doing his apprenticeship, Lebogang came across a job listing for a technician at DeNovo. Despite his early doubts and fears, Lebogang jumped at the opportunity, applied for the job, and got hired.
The DeNovo team was highly impressed with Lebogang and he was promoted to fitment technician within the first 6 months of his tenure. He continued to excel and was further promoted to the position of Team Leader in 2022 after, once more, receiving high praise from his supervisors. Lebogang is currently an acting Site Manager, his third promotion since joining DeNovo in 2020.
Lebogang remained humble despite all the recognition and success, never forgetting the hardships that had moulded him into the person he is today. He attributes his success to a "brother" figure, a mentor who had inspired him to "man-up" in the face of adversity and who continues to be his guide.
Lebogang is a beacon of hope and inspiration for the youth. He is a reminder that no matter where you are from or what obstacles you may encounter, you have the ability to control your own destiny through hard work and determination.
