Thabiso Motsamayi, founder and CEO of Blackchild Rise, is on a mission to change the lives of South African youth.
Through his business, he helps young people pass the Regulatory Examination (RE5) and secure meaningful job opportunities in the financial sector.
After working abroad for global giants like Disney World in the United States and the iconic Burj Khalifa in Dubai, he returned home with a clear goal, to create a pathway for young black South Africans to break into finance.
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Motsamayi quickly realised that the issue was not a lack of talent, but rather a lack of access. He knew he could help change that.
“Getting the RE5 isn’t too difficult, but it can be tricky. I failed it a couple of times and realised that without the right guidance, it’s easy to struggle. That’s why I started this company. I wanted to close that gap and help others succeed,” he said.
“But more importantly, I wanted to empower the Black child through accessible training and by helping them obtain the certificate that opens doors in the financial industry.”
The company does not only assist in passing the exam. Once done, Motsamayi connects students with employment opportunities through partnerships with major financial institutions such as Liberty, Old Mutual, Metropolitan, Avbob and several banks.
“After helping these students pass the RE5, we help them apply and get the jobs because I know the struggles of getting a job, so I use my own experience to guide them because I know the type of interviews they will go through.”
Since January 2025, Motsamayi, has successfully placed over 50 graduates in jobs, and he plans to reach 100 by the end of August.
“I launched my business last year, and to see that most of my learners have got jobs through my initiative, this is a huge achievement for me. However, I plan to help more students get the RE5 and secure jobs,” said Motsamayi
Both online and in-person RE5 exam preparation is offered for R2500. The programme includes a study guide, eight mock exams with answer sheets and the support of a dedicated facilitator for an entire month.
Lerato Phalane, who is one of the graduates, said it was more than just a course.
“My journey with Blackchild Rise wasn’t easy, but it was life changing. The facilitators were supportive and made the learning process easier. After I obtained my RE5 certificate, they didn’t just stop there; they made sure I got a job,” said Phalane.
Sindiswa Ndaba also thanked Motsamayi for helping her take multiple steps toward building a career. In addition to passing her RE5, she also completed her Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and Face Print, which were often required for placement in the financial services industry.
“I’m very happy and grateful to Motsamayi. He allowed me not just to earn my certificate, but also to find a job in the financial sector. I wouldn’t have done it without his guidance and support,” said Ndaba.
