When Thabo Lekgwathi arrived for his first interview at Nedbank three years ago, he was early. Ninety minutes early. Wearing worn jeans and carrying a quiet determination, he was applying for a place in the bank’s NQF Level 5 Client Services programme.
He didn’t yet realise that this day would mark the beginning of a long-term career in technology. He got the role. Today, Lekgwathi is a valued member of Nedbank’s Group Technology (GT) division, contributing to platforms that support the bank’s digital strategy and client delivery.
His journey reflects Nedbank GT’s commitment to nurturing internal talent, enabling upward mobility, and fostering a culture where learning and growth are embedded.
“I came into the programme with no prior corporate experience,” says Lekgwathi. “What made the difference for me was the environment, there was support, mentorship, and a culture that allows you to develop at your own pace.”
That environment is no accident. Nedbank GT has intentionally built internal pathways for talent development, creating opportunities for young professionals to grow into specialist and leadership roles. Initiatives such as the GT Hackathon series, mentorship networks, and graduate readiness programmes are designed to enable practical growth and long-term careers in tech.
Today, Lekgwathi plays an active role in that ecosystem. He mentors new recruits, participates in internal learning forums, and champions inclusive career development. His story reflects a broader shift within the division, where values-led leadership and capability-building go hand in hand.
“Thabo’s journey exemplifies the kind of growth we want to enable within GT,” says Nedbank Group Technology Divisional Executive for Strategy, Thando Lukhele. “He entered the business with potential, and through the right environment, that potential was realised. Now he’s creating space for others to follow a similar path,” Lukhele adds.
Inclusive development is a strategic priority for Nedbank GT. Programmes such as Wired4Women, GirlCode Career Days, and university partnerships signal an ongoing commitment to creating accessible entry points into technology careers. The focus is not only on attracting talent but also on building and retaining it.
Lekgwathi’s growth from service desk support to full-time technology contributor practically demonstrates that strategy. At a time when the industry faces both a youth unemployment crisis and a widening digital skills gap, his story offers a model of what’s possible when companies invest in people and potential.
“We often speak about transformation and talent pipelines,” he says. “But real change happens when businesses build structures that help people grow, not just when they arrive, but throughout their careers.”
One of his highlights earlier this year, says Lekgwathi was visiting the headquarters of tech-giant Microsoft in Seattle, United States.
“My trip to the United States for Microsoft Build (the annual conference for software engineers) from May 17 to May 24 was more than just attending a global tech event. It was a deeply personal milestone. As my first international journey, it reshaped how I see myself and my potential. I never imagined that I’d one day travel abroad to represent the work I do.
Lekgwathi adds the learning opportunities from the trip were immense. “Gaining deeper insight into Dataverse Model-Context Protocol (MCP) setups has opened the door to stronger, more secure platform environments at Nedbank by ensuring Custom Copilot Agents have access to the data that’s only needed.
It complements the Copilot Studio Kit I deployed, which helps us better govern custom copilots’ inventory and amplify the value of AI-assisted solutions across the bank. These tools strengthen our ability to innovate with accountability and that’s the kind of work that drives me.”
As South Africa strives to promote opportunities for Youth, Thabo’s story stands as a reminder of what can be achieved when opportunity, purpose, and support converge.
“Working for Nedbank has given me that opportunity, to make a purpose-driven impact through innovation. As the administrator of the Power Platform, I’m privileged to be at the core of how we empower teams to build, automate, and improve their work, all while ensuring governance, compliance, and security,” he concludes.
