14/08/2026
Jonathan Gerson's journey has never been straightforward.
As a teenager, an unexplained medical condition suddenly left him struggling to walk, changing the course of his life overnight. Like many South Africans, he had the determination to succeed but simply needed someone to believe in his potential.
That opportunity came through a Business Practice Learnership at Signa Academy
The programme equipped Jonathan with practical business skills, but perhaps more importantly, it gave him the opportunity to prove himself.
Rather than simply completing the learnership, Jonathan looked for ways to add value. Recognising the need for assessors who could support learners in different languages, Jonathan saw an opportunity to contribute and stepped forward. His initiative and work ethic caught the attention of Signa's leadership, opening the door to a permanent position in the Group's Finance Department.
Today, Jonathan is building a career, regaining the independence he once feared he had lost, and investing in someone else's future by helping fund his younger sister's university education. His success has become an opportunity for another person to pursue theirs.
This is how impact is created through opportunity.
It begins with one person being given a chance. It grows when that person chooses to make the most of it. And it multiplies when the benefits reach families, communities, and future generations.
In Jonathan's words:
"Life begins with you, and without goals you can't achieve anything."