Biography

Unarine Mugogovhali is a journalist and communications strategist from Gauteng, South Africa, who is passionate about socio-economic development and youth empowerment. She holds a Bachelor of Social Science from Rhodes University, majoring in Journalism & Media Studies and Economics. She is currently pursuing an Honors degree in Economics at the University of South Africa.

Unarine started her career and advocacy journey by volunteering at the Johannesburg Society for the Blind. There, she supported visually impaired learners with their studies and helped make the learning environment more inclusive and accessible. This experience deepened her commitment to inclusion and equal access to opportunities for everyone.

She later served as a Social Media Lead at the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry South Africa (YCCI.SA), developing and managing digital communications while promoting programs and initiatives that support young entrepreneurs and encourage youth participation in the economy.

Her passion for youth empowerment also led her to advocacy and policy work. Unarine served as a Youth Policy Member with Youth@SAIIA, an initiative of the South African Institute of International Affairs that provides young people with opportunities to engage in policy and development discussions.

In all her work- journalism, communications, education, or youth advocacy – Unarine believes meaningful and sustainable development should create opportunities for everyone and leave no one behind.