A Full-Circle Moment with Alumna, Mentor, and Inspiration — Zenadene Lazarus (RF2011)

This term, Jeppe Girls had the privilege of welcoming back Zenadene Lazarus — a Ruth First recipient, mentor, and shining example of resilience and determination — to address the school during their Women’s Month assembly series.

Zenadene Lazarus (RF2011) and Jeppe High School for Girls Headmistress, Mrs. Sybil Bhagwan

Zenadene was part of the very first Ruth First cohort in 2011. She shared that she was shocked when Mrs. Bhagwan called to invite her to speak, confessing that she never saw herself as remarkable. She reminded the girls that she was neither Head Girl nor the top academic achiever — but that humility is exactly what makes Zenadene’s story so powerful. She embodies the truth that when potential is nurtured through holistic, high-quality education, lives are transformed.

After Matriculating in 2015, Zenadene faced her first major setback: multiple university rejections for her chosen degree paths. She was, however, accepted at Wits, where she completed a Degree in Construction Studies (2016–2018) and went on to earn the Top Student Award for Honours in Quantity Surveying (2019).

Even with this outstanding achievement, her path into the professional world was not easy. Struggling to secure employment, she eventually landed an opportunity at Standard Bank in 2020. From there, she rose swiftly — first as an Analyst in Treasury Capital Management (2022) and then as an Associate in Corporate Finance within Investment Banking across Africa (2023). Remarkably, throughout her demanding career, Zenadene remained committed to the Ruth First Trust, serving as a mentor, this is her 10th year — a testament to her belief in giving back.

Earlier this year, she embraced a new chapter as a Senior Associate in Sustainable Finance at Nedbank, where her focus on impact lending allows her to align finance with positive change. Alongside her career, she is pursuing her Master’s in Sustainable Energy, further deepening her commitment to building a better, more sustainable future.

In her address, Zenadene reflected on her journey — from her family’s move from Durban to Johannesburg, to the lessons of gratitude, perseverance, and joy that have shaped her. She encouraged our learners to:

• Be proud of showing up

• Be grateful for the small things

• Accept that life will always have challenges — but remember, it’s what you make of them that counts

• Protect your peace and stay in your lane

She left the hall with a powerful message that resonated deeply:

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity.”

The moment was made even more special when Zenadene reconnected with Tshaamano Mabubu (RF2017), her former mentee (pictured left). Today, Tshaamano is back at Jeppe teaching Mathematics, supporting the STEM Club, and completing her online Data Analytics degree through the University of London. She is also the award-winning founder of Buddy Learning. Seeing mentor and mentee reunited — both now leaders and role models — was a true full-circle moment for the Ruth First community.

We are deeply proud of Zenadene and grateful for the inspiration she continues to share with the next generation of Ruth First recipients.

Robyn Hill

Trust Manager

Ruth First Jeppe Memorial Trust

ruthfirstjeppetrust@jeppegirls.co.za

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