Lacy Mojela
Nominee's Province:
Limpopo
Age:
34
Project Name/Description:
Founder – The Brilliant Man
Born into humble beginnings, Lacy Mojela turned adversity into inspiration, forging a path that would not only transform his own life but the lives of many others. “Growing up under challenging socio-economic conditions,” Mojela says, “I saw education not as a privilege but as a powerful equaliser—a lifeline for myself and my community.” Today, he stands as a respected educator, linguist, community developer, and founder of The Brilliant Man, an initiative committed to empowering young minds through education and leadership. “Despite financial setbacks that delayed my university journey by three years, I never wavered. My resilience carried me through multiple qualifications, including a Postgraduate Diploma in Inclusive Education, laying the foundation for my mission: to uplift the African child through inclusive, values-based education,” he added. From launching the Igniting Excellence Competition to mentoring public speaking champions and organising leadership seminars, his work speaks volumes. Every initiative is a testament to his unwavering belief that every child deserves a chance to succeed. “I measure impact not through awards, but in transformed lives,” he says. “A proud alumnus of the YALI Civic Leadership Program, I remain a lifelong learner, drawing motivation from the changes I see in my learners and the challenges I once overcame. My dream is to expand The Brilliant Man across South Africa—building a legacy of purpose, resilience, and opportunity. “I want to be remembered as a transformational educator—one who built communities by first believing in every child.”
