We’re proud to launch the Sonata SA Youth Program, welcoming our first cohort of four graduates to our Cape Town office.
Delivered in partnership with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, the year-long program combines hands-on experience across client services, legal, compliance, and tax with structured training through the Sonata One Academy, alongside a professional compliance qualification.
Tim Andrews, CEO says:
“As a fast-growing, highly connected business, we’re in a unique position to offer graduates the chance to learn fast and make an impact—working across teams, supporting clients, and solving real-world challenges. This cohort brings great energy and ambition, along with a clear willingness to step outside their comfort zones. They’re a strong reflection of our values—Challenge, Change, Connect, and Commit—and we’re delighted to support them as they launch their careers.”
Meet the cohort
- Siyamthanda Stokwe – LLB, University of the Western Cape. An aspiring KYC specialist, keen to apply her legal training and build experience in regulation and compliance.
- Tlotlo Sekgabi – BA Law, North-West University. Interested in developing her knowledge of compliance and the private markets industry.
- Reatlegile Mekgwe – LLB, University of Johannesburg. Passionate about banking law, with a focus on building a career in financial regulation through practical experience in compliance and risk.
- Senzo Novukela – BCom Law, Boston City Campus. Focused on applying academic knowledge in a real-world setting, developing expertise in risk and compliance.
SA Youth and Harambee
All four graduates were recruited via SA Youth, an inclusive, data-free platform connecting entry-level talent with opportunity, with Harambee as an anchor partner. The platform helps break down traditional barriers to employment—ensuring candidates, regardless of access to devices, data, or other resources, can discover and apply for roles aligned to their skills and potential.
Nicola Hawkins, Talent and People Manager says:
“Our experience working with SA Youth and Harambee has been exceptional. We’ve been impressed by the quality, determination, and ambition of the candidates. Youth unemployment—even among graduates—remains a significant challenge in South Africa, and we’re proud to support young talent as they enter the workforce, equipping them with skills and experience they can build on.”
Sonata One’s Cape Town hub is home to more than 70 colleagues across legal, compliance, tax, technology, and client services, working as one connected global team—creating a dynamic environment for learning, collaboration, and growth. During the internship, graduates will rotate across teams, while also gaining exposure to the wider global business.
Tim Andrews concludes:
“It’s a privilege to invest in motivated young people stepping into their careers. We’re a business that exists to make a difference—improving financial futures and retirement outcomes through access to private markets for investors around the globe—and that same focus applies to our people. As we scale, we’re creating opportunities for individuals to do meaningful work and build rewarding careers. The Sonata SA Youth Program reflects that ambition—opening doors, bringing in fresh perspectives, and strengthening our business as a result.”
Find out more
To learn more about careers at Sonata One, visit sontaone.com/careers or reach out to Nicola Hawkins.
