Keotshepile Maureen Jonathan
Youth in Business & Entrepreneurship
Nominee's Province:
Eastern Cape
Age:
31
Project Name/Description:
Managing Director – Jonoago Group (Pty) Ltd
Keotshepile Maureen Jonathan is making waves in the Northern Cape’s transport industry. Based between Kathu and Kuruman, she leads Jonoago Group, a company that puts community needs at the heart of its transportation services. Her journey started modestly in 2019 with a single VW Polo operating as an Uber. “I remember earning just around R500 during what we called a ‘mampara week’—those early days taught me the value of patience and hard work,” she says. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs and married to a fellow hustler, Keotshepile's entrepreneurial spirit was nurtured early. “Selling that Polo to buy a minibus was a turning point—it was the moment I realised this business could grow into something meaningful.” At Jonoago Group, Keotshepile oversees operations, customer relations, and strategy. She believes the company’s strength lies in its values: “We are committed to service excellence and putting our community first. In this industry, resilience and adaptability aren’t just ideas—they’re a necessity.” Her leadership has been recognised in provincial media, highlighting the company’s role in local economic growth. “Being acknowledged for contributing to our community’s development motivates me every day,” she says. Operating in a male-dominated space hasn’t been easy. “It takes real determination to be taken seriously as a woman in this space,” Keotshepile says. “But those challenges have made me more innovative and consistent. I want to show other women they belong in this industry.” Looking ahead, she aims to modernise the taxi industry by bringing in professionalism, empathy, and innovation.
