Yolanda Mogano, Law, Leadership, and The Power of Being Open to Learn

In 2019, while navigating her first year of law school, Yolanda Mogona stepped into the Activate! Change Drivers network. What began as a friend’s referral quickly became a defining chapter in her journey. “The program aligned with my interests and gave me the tools to pursue them,” she recalls.

The Activate! Experience

Graduating from the 2019 cohort, Yolanda found more than just training she discovered a community of peers who remain colleagues and friends today. The program taught her project management through practical exercises, like mapping timelines with ropes, and instilled the importance of contextualizing conversations for communities.

“Leadership is not separate from society. We are in leadership because we are in community,” she explains. This philosophy continues to shape her approach to workshops, where she lays foundations before engaging communities, ensuring voices are heard and valued.

One standout memory was a training in KwaZulu-Natal, where discussions expanded to international leadership. “It opened my eyes to how leaders across Africa care for their communities. It was the year of emerging we learned, cared for each other, and grew together.”

Law and Service

Today, Yolanda works at a specialized law clinic, assisting those who cannot afford legal representation. She attributes this path to Activate!: “I don’t know if I’d be on the same path without it. I gained a network of minds I can call on for justice and legal issues.”

Her role also includes mentoring interns, where she passes on the lesson that shaped her: be open to learn. “That advice has carried me through law, tech, and beyond. It’s how I connect with people and grow.”

Leadership Lessons

Yolanda emphasizes that leadership is service. It requires humility, openness, and the ability to adapt. “You might be on the frontline of a demonstration one day, and the next day you’re doing administrative work or cooking at a soup kitchen. Leadership is about serving in whatever way is needed.”

She cautions young activists against spreading themselves too thin. “Hone your skills. Equip yourself with knowledge before you advocate. Leadership requires openness and people skills you’re serving people, not just causes.”

Staying Consistent

For Yolanda, consistency after the program means staying connected. “Stay in touch with fellow activators, volunteer, initiate discussions, and use the network as a foundation. Do the work in front of you. Even small contributions build the knowledge you’ll need later.”

She encourages new activators to initiate conversations, even with just a handful of peers. “Invite three or five people, sit down, and talk. You’ll be surprised at how fruitful those discussions can be.

Yolanda’s Core Principles for New Activators

• Be Open to Learn: Approach every space with intellectual humility.
• Hone Your Skills: Equip yourself with knowledge before taking a public stance.
• Maintain Authenticity: Let the network amplify your unique voice rather than replacing it.
• Avoid Plateauing: Do not spread yourself too thin across unrelated issues without mastery.
• Build People Skills: Remember you are serving human beings, not data points.
• Stay Grounded: Use mentorship and peer networks to sustain momentum.

Youth and Democracy

With local elections approaching, Yolanda urges young people to register and engage with policies. “Don’t vote for vibes. Familiarize yourself with what parties stand for and choose those that align with your values.”

She acknowledges that many youth feel politics doesn’t reflect them, but insists civic education and active citizenship are key. “Democracy is not just voting it’s holding leaders accountable, asking questions, and shaping politics to reflect young people.”

A Call to Learn and Serve

For Yolanda, leadership is service, and service begins with openness. “Work on yourself, but also work for others. Be open to learn, be yourself, and serve in whatever corner of the earth you occupy.”

Her advice to new activators is simple yet profound: be open to learn. “That openness will carry you through law, activism, and life. It’s how you connect, grow, and serve.”

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About The Author:

Sandile Mlangeni is a 2019 Activate Connector for Gauteng province, he is passionate about youth activism. He regards it as important to contribute his views and experiences to recognised entities seeking to develop communities. He started his journey as an activist in 2012 when he started collaborating with community-based organisations in his hometown in Tsakane and Kwa-Thema Ekurhuleni.