Tebogo Rapakgadi is a passionate civic leader, law graduate, and founder of the Orange Farm Academy, a grassroots initiative offering free tutoring and academic support to high school learners in one of Gauteng’s most underserved communities. With over 250+ learners registered, the academy not only improves academic outcomes but also serves as a preventative space against gang involvement, substance abuse, and school dropout.
Graduating with 20 distinctions from the University of Limpopo in 2023, Tebogo’s academic discipline is matched only by her social activism. A proud YALI alum, she applies human-cantered design thinking to create programs that are responsive, inclusive, and impactful.
She is also an Ambassador for the Thuli Madonsela Foundation, where she supports democracy-building initiatives. Tebogo’s civic service spans the public and private sectors—having worked for Bayport Financial Services, Statistics South Africa, and the Department of Education (as a teacher assistant). She is also a trained Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) volunteer at her local fire station.
Tebogo’s leadership is rooted in research and communication. In 2023, she completed an emerging researchers program hosted by the Human Sciences Research Council and five South African universities. She also runs a current affairs blog, Analy Online, where she writes thought-provoking commentary on politics and law.
With her sharp mind, grassroots credibility, and commitment to educational equity, Tebogo Rapakgadi is not only creating access—she’s building a new culture of youth-led change.
