Khathutshelo Rasilingwane’s life changed when she moved from Venda to Gauteng in 2004, where the daily struggles of living without proper housing and basic services sharpened her resolve to fight inequality. As a member of the Gauteng provincial legislature, Khathuselo, 35, is an advocate for accountability, dignity and better service delivery. Her work involves oversight of government departments, pushing for transparent use of public funds and ensuring that laws passed benefit citizens. For Khathuselo, leadership is personal. Her proudest moments include helping an older woman secure the RDP house she had been denied for years and reclaiming a sports ground in Tembisa that now serves hundreds of young people. “It’s moments like those that remind me why I chose to serve,” she says. Khathuselo is also driving a reading initiative in Tembisa to give children access to books and learning opportunities. She believes leadership means showing up in spaces that weren’t built for you — and excelling regardless. “Someone is still waiting for justice and dignity,” she says. “That’s what gets me out of bed every morning.”