Mongwe (29) currently works at Old Mutual, where he builds mathematical models to understand and reduce the financial risks present in life insurance products.
He told the Herald that he feels very honoured making it to the prestigious list, as it gives him an opportunity to expose students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds to this field which is not well-known.
“Being on the list also serves as an example to students and those that will come after us that regardless of your background, you can still go out and achieve the dreams that you have. Your dreams are valid,” he said.
Mongwe for being the best the South African Actuaries Development
Program (SAADP) student in his third year in 2011. At the time
Ramaphosa was the chairman of SAADP.
He passed his Grade 12 in 2008 with flying colours and he was named the Overall Second Best Learner in the province, Best Learner in Mopani District and Best Learner in Physical Science in Limpopo amongst many great achievements.
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As a result he received a scholarship to study actuarial science from the South African Actuaries Development Program (SAADP) and the Vice-chancellor Scholarship from the University of Cape Town (UCT) for his excellent marks.
In 2009 he enrolled for a Bachelor of Business Science degree specialising in actuarial science at UCT and he completed the degree in 2012.
At university he continued his excellent work.
He passed with a distinction in statistics and in the process won class medals for being the best student in second year and third-year statistics modules.
“In 2011 I received the Chairman’s award from SAADP for being the best SAADP student in third year.
This award was presented to me by President Cyril Ramaphosa who was the chairman of SAADP at the time,” he added.
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He previously worked as a quantitative analyst at Standard Bank, where he built mathematical models that were used by the bank traders to trade financial derivatives.
He has also worked as a part-time lecturer for a BTech level Operations Management Course at the Tshwane University of Technology.
Mongwe says all of his achievements would not have happened without the grace of God, his wife, Gavaza Mongwe and his teachers from primary and high school.
“As his wife, I am very proud of his achievements and successes. I know no one more deserving of all he has achieved so far because he is one of the few hardworking people I know,” said Gavaza.
He is currently completing his PhD in artificial intelligence at the University of Johannesburg, he hopes that his research will further Africa’s position in the fourth industrial revolution.
