QASA member, Mamaswa Ralefeta, is currently employed with Vodacom – a milestone achieved with the support and guidance of QASA. We caught up with her to learn more.
QASA: What has your experience at Vodacom been like so far?
Mamaswa Ralefeta (MR): I had imposter syndrome as I didn’t believe I am here in this big reputable company, but the culture in my department is just beautiful. The people are warm, welcoming and very inclusive. I get to experience firsthand how intentional communication can create a culture of dignity and collaboration. I’m learning, growing, and continually bettering myself and my skills.
QASA: How did the QASA programmes assist to prepare you?
MR: Graduating from the QASA Work Readiness Programme was more than a milestone, it was a mindset shift. Through its holistic approach, I gained vital skills in communication, workplace etiquette, teamwork, stress management and digital literacy that have proven invaluable during my internship at Vodacom.
Most importantly, QASA helped me believe that accessibility and innovation aren’t just buzzwords. They’re guiding principles. At Vodacom, I now get to help amplify voices, connect colleagues and ensure that no message gets lost in the crowd. It all started with a community who saw potential and dared me to embrace it.
QASA: What message would you share with other persons with disabilities?
MR: To my fellow trailblazers with disabilities, your journey into the workplace is not just about finding a job, it’s about stepping into your divine purpose with boldness. The world may not always be ready, but you are. With every skill, every act of resilience, and every moment of self-belief, you are rewriting narratives and creating space where dignity and innovation thrive.
Preparation matters, whether through programmes like QASA or personal growth, equip yourself with tools that speak for you when others won’t. The workplace needs your voice, your insight and your vision. So, step in not as someone asking for permission but as someone offering possibility.
