Lerato Agency creates opportunities for young people within one year of its existence

Creating employment and learnership opportunities for young people in our industry has been our greatest highlight since Lerato Agency opened its doors one year ago. They are proud to be celebrating this important milestone following a productive year of working on amazing projects.

Lerato Agency’s first year anniversary is a testament that opportunities can be created during times of crisis. The company was established in 2020 when South Africa was under harsh lockdown due to the Covid 19 pandemic.

‘Our company was established at a time when many other businesses in our space were shutting down. The fact that we have been able to make it this far speaks to the resilient and bold character of our team. And here we are again celebrating this milestone during another stringent lockdown, but this does not stop us from moving forward,’ says Lerato CEO Pat Mahlangu.

Despite the challenges associated with starting a new business we have been able to employ a full-time team and bring in two young people who were selected through a fellowship program facilitated by our sister company Pat on Brands (POB).

The vision is to build a formidable team of digital marketing experts and creatives, while supporting youth development. This year Lerato Agency welcomed Sethabile Hlengwa, 25, who is about to complete her studies at Boston Media House.

Sethabile, who was actively job searching before being selected for the POB fellowship said the opportunity to work with Lerato would open doors for her. ‘As a full time, work experience, I think it has given me an idea of the fast-paced media industry and the urgency of delivering new projects in real time,’ she says.

Nozipho Claudette Nhlengethwa views working with the team as a great platform to explore and grow as a creative. ‘This opportunity will give me a great head start for my career in the creative industry and build my portfolio as a designer. What I have learnt so far working with Team Lerato is that I need to be consistent and disciplined in my craft,’ says Nozipho.

True to the spirit of our company name which means Love in Sesotho, we have helped to craft the narratives of some of South Africa’s most admired brands across digital platforms.

The company has worked on campaigns for brands like SAMRO, Brand Africa, SA Jewelry Week and Lanseria Smart City amongst others. They were also one of 20 companies to win media space valued at R175 000 from Tractor Outdoor as part of their 20in21 SME marketing Initiative.

‘We have proven that you can never be too young as a company to help others grow. I am adamant that Lerato agency will celebrate more successful years to come, as we look forward to building ourselves into an industry hub for developing talent, while producing brilliant campaigns. The brands we have worked with have given us an opportunity to prove our worth and showcase the strength we have as a digital firm,’ Mahlangu says.