By Mzukona Mantshontsho
MJOJO FINANCE PLAY is about making financial literacy fun, relatable, and accessible for children and youth in South African public schools.
Mjojo Finance Play uses the arts—storytelling, theatre, music, dance, and poetry—to teach money management in a way that speaks to young people’s realities, especially in under-resourced communities.
I recently spoke to Founder at Mjojo Finance Play Victoria Ofentse Montshiwe about how her upbringing led to her journey in Financial Literacy today?
“Growing up in Soweto, I saw firsthand how a lack of financial knowledge affected families and limited opportunities. My own mother was resourceful and entrepreneurial, and she taught me the value of stretching every rand. That foundation, along with my experience as an educator in township schools, made me passionate about bridging the financial education gap through creativity”, she says.
What is your view in terms of success in Financial Literacy?
“Success in financial literacy is not about how much money you have—it’s about what you do with what you have. It’s being confident in your ability to make smart decisions with money, understanding value, and creating opportunities for yourself and others”, she adds.
Tell us about your early life, school, and qualifications:
I was born and raised in Soweto. I graduated from the University of Cape Town with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education and taught Creative Arts, Drama, and Choir in Soweto public schools for over a decade. I’m currently pursuing my Master’s Degree in Cultural Policy and Management at Wits University.
What does your role mean to you?
It means being a bridge—between information and imagination, between education and empowerment. I take great pride in creating work that speaks to young minds and unlocks their potential.
What are the most critical resources for your successful leadership?
A strong team, community support, creativity, resilience, and a clear vision rooted in service. I also value partnerships with like-minded organizations who believe in our mission.
What can we expect going forward?
The very first Mjojo Finance Play was performed in 2016 at Soweto Theatre. Since then, we’ve reached over 100 schools, and we registered formally as a company in 2023. Going forward, we’re launching a national campaign called “Start with One Rand”, touring all nine provinces from September 2025.
Advice to young people, especially women, starting projects or businesses?
Start with what you have and where you are. Your idea doesn’t have to be perfect, just purposeful. Ask questions, seek mentors, and don’t wait for permission—create your own platform. Small steps become movements.
Thoughts on COVID-19 and small businesses?
COVID-19 taught us the importance of digital resilience and financial planning. Small businesses must invest in emergency savings, diversify income streams, and embrace technology to remain flexible and connected.
What legacy do you want to leave?
I want to leave a legacy of creative education—one that shows future generations that learning can be joyful, powerful, and transformative. I want to help raise a generation of financially literate, confident, and responsible citizens.
How does your work directly contribute to the community?
We educate children through school visits and performances, provide them with workbooks and resources in their home languages, and build capacity in youth through performance arts. We make financial knowledge accessible and relatable to kids who may not otherwise receive it.
Highs and lows of your career?
A high was seeing learners perform what they had learnt in their own languages and styles—it proved our model works. A low was having to self-fund and pause some programs due to lack of sponsorship, but this also pushed us to innovate.
When you’re not at work, what do you do? Where can we follow the program?
I enjoy writing, attending performances, and spending time with my children. You can follow Mjojo Finance Play on: LinkedIn and Facebook: Mjojo Finance Play
