Meet our Growth Interns at Zalingo –
Helping test and grow Africa’s first multilingual AI assistant.
🌍 Nkcubeko Somfiyana
📍 Johannesburg, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, isiXhosa, isiZulu
An Honours student in Public Management and Governance at the University of Johannesburg, Nkcubeko is passionate about communication, innovation, and inclusive technology.
🌍 Muzinocolo Nkalanga
📍 Johannesburg, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Others
A final-year Computer Science student at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), Muzinocolo is skilled in Java, JavaScript, and Kotlin, and passionate about using tech to solve real-world challenges.
🌍 Naimah Isaacs
📍 Johannesburg, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English
A student of International Business at Mancosa University, Naimah is passionate about global innovation and bringing African voices into the digital age.
🌍 Mavundadavhi Ronewa Cherity
📍 Thohoyandou, Limpopo, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: Tshivenda, English, Chinese
A final-year Master’s student in English Literature at the University of Venda, Ronewa is passionate about language, literature, and cultural exchange.
She’s preparing to pursue a PhD in 2026 while studying Chinese to deepen her global perspective.
🌍 Themba Zwane
📍 Midrand, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: Xitsonga, Chewa, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Tshivenda, Setswana, Sesotho, Sepedi, isiNdebele, Shona
A Human Resource graduate who recently completed the YES program with PPC Cement in the Finance Department, Themba brings a wide linguistic range and a commitment to inclusive innovation.
🌍 Pester Mbhetse
📍 Soweto, Johannesburg, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: Xitsonga, English
An IT graduate based in Soweto, Pester is passionate about technology and innovation that empowers African communities through local languages and smart solutions.
🌍 Bless Mutombo
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Others
An IT student based in Cape Town, Bless is eager to grow in the tech space and contribute to Africa’s digital future through hands-on learning and innovation.
🌍 Tyronne Dahlen
📍 Pretoria, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Afrikaans
A Master’s student in Research Psychology based in Pretoria (the Jacaranda City), Tyronne is passionate about understanding human behavior and using technology to bridge communication and knowledge gaps in Africa.
🌍 Andisiwe Siyothula
📍 South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, isiXhosa
Exploring opportunities in tech sales and IT, Andisiwe is passionate about continuous learning and digital empowerment. She’s currently expanding her skills through online learning to help shape Africa’s tech future.
🌍 Tanya Mukarati
📍 Middelburg, Mpumalanga, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Shona, isiZulu
Currently studying for a Higher Certificate in Marketing, Tanya is passionate about communication, branding, and digital innovation. She’s excited to explore opportunities to grow while contributing to Africa’s AI future.
🌍 Rifuwo Arise Dzamukeri
📍 Pretoria, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Xitsonga, basic Sepedi
A cum laude graduate in Information Science from the University of Pretoria, Rifuwo is currently sharpening his software development skills at CapaCiTi. He’s passionate about tech, learning, and building inclusive digital solutions.
🌍 Ziyanda Nozombile
📍 Matatiele, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Spanish
Currently an intern at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) in Matatiele, Ziyanda brings curiosity, professionalism, and a global perspective to her work with Zalingo.
🌍 Malesela Podu Mokonenyana
📍 Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: Sepedi (Northern Sotho), Setswana, English
A BCom Transport and Logistics Management student at the University of Johannesburg, Malesela is passionate about mobility, innovation, and digital transformation across Africa.
🌍 Rethabile Kalane Maklein
📍 Welkom, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: Sesotho, English
A Bachelor of Commerce in Law student at the University of South Africa, Rethabile is passionate about access to justice, digital equity, and using AI to uplift local communities.
🌍 Nelisa Mandla
📍 Johannesburg, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, isiZulu, isiXhosa
With a background in Information Technology (Software Development), Nelisa is passionate about leveraging technology to solve real-world challenges in African communities.
🌍 Comfort Mahlatse Matlho
📍 Tzaneen, Limpopo, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Sepedi, Northern Sotho, Xitsonga
Currently an intern in Marketing & Communication at Letaba TVET College, Comfort has a background in Linguistics and Translation. He is passionate about language access, education, and inclusive communication through technology.
🌍 Rachel Mosupye
📍 Makapanstad, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: Setswana
With a background in Forensic Science and Technology, Rachel is deeply curious about Artificial Intelligence and its power to drive meaningful change. She’s particularly interested in how AI can revolutionize investigations, justice, and innovation across Africa.
🌍 Pokuhle Duma
📍 Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: isiZulu, English
Pokuhle is a values-driven individual guided by integrity, compassion, and honesty. She holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Geography and Environmental Management from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and currently works as an Inspector at PPCEB.
Passionate about creativity and expression, Pokuhle is also exploring digital platforms like TikTok to share her voice and connect with others.
🌍 Kearabetswe Brigette Morebudo
📍 Pretoria, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Setswana
With a degree in International Relations, Brigette brings a global perspective and a deep commitment to inclusive innovation. She is excited to explore how multilingual AI can empower African communities and bridge digital divides.
🌍 Thapedi Gary Bright Masinamela
📍 South Africa
🗣️ Languages: Sepedi, Setswana, Sesotho, isiZulu, isiXhosa, Xitsonga, Tshivenda
A beginner technician offering basic IT support services, Thapedi is focused on growing his hands-on technical skills while contributing to accessible tech innovation in Africa. He brings a strong multilingual foundation to Zalingo’s mission of inclusion.
🌍 Goitsemodimo Phaloane
📍 Johannesburg North, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Afrikaans
A recent graduate with a Bachelor in Public Administration (Class of July 2025), Goitsemodimo is driven by a strong work ethic, adaptability, and a passion for continuous learning. Her proactive mindset and eagerness to grow make her a strong advocate for tech-driven innovation in public service.
🌍 Moloko Serumula
📍 Benoni, Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Sepedi
Moloko is currently studying towards an LLB while working in operational support at a fuel management company. With a strong interest in law, technology, and innovation, he is excited to contribute to the growth of multilingual AI in Africa.
🌍 Gift Phiri
📍 Krugersdorp, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Others.
With a background in technical engineering (electrical and mechanical), Gift also holds certifications in Full Stack Development and SolidWorks. He’s passionate about bridging hands-on engineering with smart, digital innovation across Africa.
🌍 Kagiso Precious Ngaleka
📍 Johannesburg, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: Multiple South African languages
Kagiso is a passionate young South African eager to contribute to meaningful innovation. With a strong interest in technology and language inclusion, she’s excited to support Zalingo’s mission while gaining hands-on experience with African AI.
🌍 Aviwe Yose
📍 Midrand, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: isiXhosa, isiZulu
Aviwe holds a Diploma in ICT, majoring in Communication Networks from Walter Sisulu University. With several Cisco certifications in cybersecurity and network security, she brings a strong technical edge to the Zalingo team.
🌍 Luthando (L.Tee) Mgquba
📍 Ngcobo, Eastern Cape, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, isiXhosa
Originally from the small village town of Ngcobo in the Eastern Cape, Luthando works as a Training Coordinator at Boxer. He holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration. Luthando is passionate about growth, education, and helping shape the future of African AI.
🌍 Khanyisile Zita
📍 Mdantsane, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: isiXhosa
Khanyisile is a Master’s student in Agricultural Extension at North-West University, where her research focuses on using radio broadcasting to share agricultural information with smallholder farmers. Energetic and eager to learn, she brings a deep commitment to community-centered innovation.
🌍 Boikhutso Vincent Titties
📍 Ganyesa (Vryburg), North West, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Setswana
Boikhutso recently completed a Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours in Electronic Engineering. Passionate about emerging technologies, he is excited to contribute to the development and growth of Africa’s multilingual AI future.
🌍 Phenyo Serei
📍 Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: Setswana
Phenyo holds a National Diploma in Human Resource Management and is passionate about using technology to drive social and workplace innovation. He brings a grounded perspective and strong community spirit to Zalingo’s multilingual AI mission.
🌍 Ompha Désireè
📍 Gauteng, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Tshivenda, Afrikaans
Ompha is a first-year IT student with a strong interest in cybersecurity and the future of language technology. She’s passionate about building tools that empower communities and protect information in the digital age.
🌍 Happiness Mapinda
📍 Bizana, Eastern Cape, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, isiXhosa, isiZulu
Happiness is a Chemical Engineering Honours student from Bizana with a passion for problem-solving and technology that serves people on the ground. She brings a scientific mind and multilingual strength to the Zalingo team.
🌍 Lindokuhle Dladla
📍 Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: isiZulu, English
Lindokuhle is currently pursuing an LLB at the University of Fort Hare. With a growing interest in justice, language, and tech, he brings a thoughtful and future-minded perspective to the Zalingo team.
🌍 Affan Ebrahim
📍 Cape Town, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Afrikaans
Affan is currently studying IT Application Development at Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT). With a strong interest in building future-forward digital tools, he brings both technical skill and language diversity to the Zalingo mission.
🌍 Asive Aura Thabile Dingindlela
📍 Kokstad, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: isiZulu, isiXhosa, English
Asive has a background in Paralegal Studies and Legal Secretary training. A dedicated information seeker and lifelong learner, she’s passionate about staying informed, improving herself, and empowering others through knowledge — especially in her home languages.
🌍 Wonga Petse
📍 Durban, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: isiXhosa, English, isiZulu
Wonga is a recent Honours graduate in Management Accounting, with a passion for numbers, strategy, and meaningful innovation. Based in Durban, he brings strong analytical thinking and multilingual communication skills to the Zalingo mission.
🌍 Floyd Webster Kettledas
📍 Gariep Dam, Free State, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: English, Afrikaans
Floyd is an ICT specialist passionate about technology, personal growth, and expanding his language skills. Based in Gariep Dam, he is eager to contribute his talents to innovative projects while exploring opportunities to learn a third language.
🌍 Patience Jama
📍 Nelspruit (Malelane), Mpumalanga, South Africa
🗣️ Languages: Siswati, English
Patience holds an Honours degree in ICT Application Development and is a passionate tech enthusiast who loves exploring the full potential of technology. Based in Nelspruit, she brings her multilingual skills and innovative mindset to the Zalingo mission.
🌍 Nahom Melkamu Worku
📍 Ethiopian, currently in Cassino, Italy
🗣️ Languages: Amharic, English
Nahom is an Economics with Data Science student at the University of Cassino, Italy, with hands-on experience in graphic design, social media management, and digital content creation. He currently works as a Graphic Design and Social Media Assistant for Scuderia Unicas, his university’s Formula 1 race car startup, while also collaborating remotely with a startup in Ethiopia.
He has contributed his creative skills to multiple hackathons, earning recognition for branding, visuals, and promotional content. Passionate about technology built for Africa, by Africans, Nahom brings creativity, multilingual skills, and a strong digital media background to the Zalingo mission.