From unemployment to junior mechanic: how a YES placement at Bicycle Services Company helped 25-year-old Yamkela Kwayimani find boundless purpose, support his family and plan his own shop. This Placement was facilitated by Bighearts Africa, on behalf of Mogapi Education Group.
**How a Bighearts Africa YES placement at Bicycle Services Company unlocked skills, confidence, and a path to entrepreneurship.** **George, Western Cape** — At **Bighearts Africa**, we know that boundless training opportunities are hard to come by - but sometimes, all it takes is one chance - we’ve seen again how a first opportunity can change a young person’s trajectory. For **Yamkela Kwayimani** (25), that opportunity arrived through our [YES Youth Programme](/yes) placement with **Bicycle Services Company (BSC)** in George — and it has already grown into a promotion and a clear plan for the future. When Yamkela walked into BSC a year ago, bicycles weren’t yet a passion — they were a doorway into the world of work. Today, he’s been promoted to **junior mechanic** and talks about the craft with real excitement: working with his hands, solving practical problems, and picking up new techniques every week. ## Hands-on mentorship fuels growth Mentorship has been central to Yamkela’s progress. Under the patient, practical guidance of **head mechanic Sean van Niekerk**, he’s encouraged to learn by doing — not just by watching. > “Sean doesn’t just explain things in theory; he lets me do the work myself. That helps me learn more confidently.” > — *Yamkela Kwayimani* Owners **Roger Blewett** and **Danny Fowler** have fostered an environment where potential is spotted and nurtured. Their support, together with Sean’s mentorship, created space for Yamkela to build both technical skill and professional confidence. ## Skills and confidence, one service at a time Over the year, Yamkela has strengthened a broad set of workshop capabilities, including: - Full and partial builds, from frames to finishing - Diagnosing and tuning **gear** and **brake** systems - Replacing worn components and performing safety inspections - Workshop communication, teamwork, and customer interactions > “It’s a great environment. I work with my hands every day and I’m learning new things all the time.” > — *Yamkela Kwayimani* ## From uncertainty to purpose Before the programme, Yamkela was navigating the uncertainty of unemployment. The structure, support and accountability of the YES placement helped him regain momentum. One of his proudest milestones this year was **buying school shoes and uniforms** for his younger siblings — a moment that shifted how his family sees him: not just as a son or brother, but someone they can rely on. ## Looking ahead: a business of his own With a promotion in hand and a growing skills base, Yamkela is now focused on a bigger dream: **opening his own bicycle repair shop** that blends careful workmanship with community service. > “Yamkela’s journey captures the heart of what YES is about — capability, confidence and community impact,” says *Christine de Wet* of **Bighearts Africa**. “We’re proud of his progress and excited for what’s ahead.” Our thanks to **BSC** for being the kind of employer-partner every youth deserves: attentive, practical, and invested in long-term growth. Partnerships like these turn placements into careers and potential into purpose. --- *About the programme:* The [YES Youth Programme](/yes) places motivated young people with committed employers, pairing real-world experience with mentorship and wraparound support.