St John’s D.S.G. Old Girl, Yvone Mabuza, Class of 1992, is a determined and energetic lady. After a few stints in the HR Industry as well as Sales and Marketing, Yvone eventually fell in love with IT after returning home from two years abroad. Between 2000 – 2003 she not only obtained an IMM Diploma but also a cocktail of IT courses, including Microsoft C++, Borland Delphi and Microsoft Internal Solutions Developers – after which she was lucky enough to find employment.
During the 2007 recession in South Africa, Yvone unfortunately found herself unemployed which gave her the push she needed to invest her energies in her own company, Elangeni Consulting Services.
During this time she had hoped to grow her software skills and provide services to Government Departments, but it was proving impossible due to SITA (SITA is the IT business for the largest employer and consumer of IT products and services in South Africa -the Government) owning that space. As a result, she had to diversify – she became one of the first women to get certified by Krone to enter the IT cabling space. The following eight years was another revolution, she contested SITA to register SMME’s (small and medium businesses) on their contracts to make the procurement easier for these sectors.
That battle successfully came to an end in 2012 and today many SMME’s benefit from being listed on the SITA procurement contracts – an achievement she is very proud of. This success led her to forming a partnership with Unics Technologies, a company that offers Infrastructure Solutions & Fibre Services to both Government and home users.
After being diagnosed with Lymes disease in 2018 and being told by doctors that there was minimal chance of survival, Yvone developed a passion towards alternative healing through the SCIO (Scientific Consciousness Interface Operations System) as nothing makes her happier than to see others healthy.
However, even with all her personal and business success, her greatest achievement of all is her children!
It was such a pleasure to catch up with this tough, gritty and life loving lady for this month’s Heart-to-Heart.
What did you love most about St John’s D.S.G.?
I loved my school matron, Ms Mullins, the Principal, Ms McLean, and let me not forget my dearest friends Philile, Gugu and Hlengiwe – who were not just staff members but friends who welcomed me into the St John’s D.S.G. family. These amazing ladies at times even opened their doors for me in their homes, as I never got to go home much being from the Eastern Transvaal. They are still a part of my life today and I’m grateful.
St John’s D.S.G. allowed me to showcase my talents in public speaking. I felt accepted and part of a family. The weekly Chapel Services and SCA, which seemed mundane at the time, have kept me striving for greatness to this day. I’ve come to realise that what you despised when you are young, you end up loving – especially when you’re in trouble!
What does success mean to you and how did St John’s D.S.G. equip you for life after school?
Success to me means being kind, not only to yourself but to others. Proverbs 18:16 (ISV) says “A person’s gifts opens doors for him, bringing him access to important people” BUT don’t forget that it takes people to get you where you want to be, therefore your gifts should make a way for others too.
What advice do you have for our current girls and their families?
To the girls – appreciate the investment your parents have made to ensure that you are enrolled in one of the best schools in South Africa. Learn to live in the “now” whilst at St Johns D.S.G. because it will soon end, and you will miss it. As you are also present in the moment don’t forget to plan for your future. As the anonyms quote states: “Nobody plans to fail. They just fail to plan.”
To the families – please support your daughter’s vision for her future. Remember that not everyone is born to be a doctor, but everyone is destined for greatness.
