Bashley Mashego, a Market Research Administrator at Nedbank, recently shared her career journey at the Nedbank YES (Youth Employment Service) event held on August 21. Her story, marked by personal challenges and professional growth, highlights the impact of youth employment initiatives in South Africa, particularly for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Mashego joined the Nedbank YES programme in 2019 after hearing about it from a friend. She was eager to find employment and took the opportunity when it was presented. “I registered for the programme, received an interview invitation, and eventually got the call that I had made it,” she recalled. From there, her corporate career began, and in 2020, she secured permanent employment within Nedbank’s Group Market Research team.

Reflecting on her early days at the bank, Mashego described how daunting it was to step into a large corporate environment. “I was a 21-year-old girl from Orange Farm, and it was intimidating to be in such a big building with executives,” she said. “But despite the nerves, I knew this was an opportunity I had to embrace.”

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Overcoming personal adversity to achieve career milestones

Raised by a single mother on the outskirts of Johannesburg, Mashego faced several personal hardships growing up. Her father was largely absent, and she dealt with insecurities about her appearance. “I always hated how my skin looked and the darkness between my thighs,” she shared during her speech. However, her biggest challenges came in 2021, when she lost two family members within a short period. These events triggered a period of severe depression, leading to suicidal thoughts.

Despite the emotional turmoil, Mashego pushed forward, continuing her studies and pursuing career growth. She is currently studying towards a Diploma in Media Practices with a specialisation in Digital Marketing and hopes to further her studies up to the doctorate level. Her determination and perseverance led to her receiving the prestigious Nedbank Achievers Award, an accolade that recognises employees for their significant contributions to the business.

Career growth through the YES programme

Mashego credits the YES programme for opening doors in various fields of marketing and giving her the tools to build connections within the industry. “The YES programme allowed me to get exposure in different areas, including consumer research, public relations, social media, and brand management,” she said.

In addition to professional development, the programme provided her with financial stability, allowing her to support her family. “My mom is a 66-year-old pensioner, and without the YES programme, she would have had to depend solely on the SASSA grant. Now, thanks to the opportunities I’ve had, I’ve been able to provide for my family,” Mashego said.

One of her early challenges at Nedbank was learning how to present effectively. “I had never made a presentation before,” she recalled. “My first attempt was a disaster, but it was a valuable learning experience.” Over time, she improved her skills and has since spoken at national events and radio stations such as Umhlobo Wenene and Power FM, sharing her journey with thousands of listeners.

Mashego’s story is one of resilience, and while she acknowledges the difficulties she has faced, she remains determined to keep growing, both personally and professionally. “The struggles I’ve had are proof that my story is worth living, and I will continue to carry that forward,” she said.