Connecting South Africa’s Learners to Brighter Futures

By: De-Shark

When Lindelwa Mahlalela founded LeeConnect in 2019, her goal was simple yet profound: to ensure that no South African learner missed out on university or bursary opportunities because of a lack of information. Today, her education technology company has helped more than 11,000 learners across the country navigate the often-confusing road to higher education and its impact is still growing.

Mahlalela’s journey began with firsthand experience in the education sector, where she saw the challenges, learners faced when applying for universities and funding. “Many learners have the talent and determination to succeed, but they simply don’t know where to begin,” she recalls. The moment that truly sparked her mission came when she met a young girl who, despite excelling in her matric exams, didn’t know how to create an email address. “I realised that something as simple as the right guidance at the right time could completely change a young person’s future,” Mahlalela says.

Determined to bridge this information gap, Mahlalela started LeeConnect with her own phone, using WhatsApp to share university opening dates, bursary opportunities and application links with learners one at a time. Word soon spread and as demand grew, she expanded LeeConnect through school visits, career expos and eventually, a dedicated mobile app that matches learners to university courses based on their academic results.

The name LeeConnect combines Mahlalela’s own nickname with her mission: connecting learners to opportunities. “We connect learners to universities. We connect learners to bursaries. We connect learners to career information. Most importantly, we connect young people to brighter futures,” she explains.

LeeConnect offers much more than information. Its mobile app personalises the search, allowing learners to discover exactly which courses they qualify for. The company also provides application support, bursary information, career guidance, school presentations and resources that demystify the higher education application process.

What sets LeeConnect apart is its blend of technology and human support. Instead of leaving learners to navigate hundreds of options, the platform simplifies their choices and empowers them to take confident steps toward their futures. “We combine technology with real human support,” Mahlalela notes. “That saves time, reduces confusion and gives learners confidence.”

The main beneficiaries are high school learners in Grades 11 and 12, but LeeConnect also supports parents, schools and educational institutions. As Mahlalela points out, “Most of our learners are the first in their families to ever attend university.”

Like many entrepreneurs, Mahlalela faced obstacles chief among them, securing funding and building trust. “I overcame these challenges by remaining consistent, listening to learners’ needs, building strategic partnerships and continuously improving our services,” she says. Along the way, she learned to rely on a growing team and to focus on sustainable growth, rather than doing everything herself.

The response from the community has been resoundingly positive. “Seeing learners gain university acceptance, secure bursaries and thank us for changing their lives is a milestone we are honoured to be a part of,” she says.

Mahlalela envisions LeeConnect becoming South Africa’s leading education platform, expanding into other African countries and reaching even more learners in rural areas. The goals are ambitious: grow the app, build more partnerships, expand career guidance programmes and develop additional tools to simplify access to higher education.

For those considering their own entrepreneurial journeys, Mahlalela’s advice is clear: “Start with solving a real problem. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. Stay consistent and remember that success is built one step at a time. Don’t be afraid to fail every setback teaches you something valuable.”

She also emphasises the importance of patience, relationships and mentorship: “No entrepreneur succeeds alone. Building relationships is just as important as building the business itself.”

Mahlalela wants people to understand that LeeConnect is more than just a digital tool. “It’s a movement dedicated to ensuring that every learner has access to educational opportunities, regardless of their circumstances. Our mission is to make higher education more accessible, one learner at a time.”

Anyone interested in supporting LeeConnect’s mission can download the app, invite the team to educational events, partner to reach more learners, or make donations to help learners access university support. “Every download, partnership and referral helps us create more opportunities for South Africa’s future leaders. Together, we can help thousands more learners unlock opportunities and build brighter futures.”

For more information, follow LeeConnect on social media or contact them directly to get involved in empowering the next generation of South African leaders.

LeeConnect contact number: 060 314 1638