We’re incredibly proud to highlight another extraordinary alumnus who’s made significant strides in both her professional and personal life—meet Yolanda Mackay, Principal Legal Counsel – Team Leader: Product Solutions Cluster, Litigation at Absa Group, and an SSP alumna.
Educational Foundations
From 2003 to 2007, Yolanda thrived in the nurturing environment of Mc Auley House Convent. Backed by an SSP scholarship, she fully embraced a world of learning and leadership, actively participating in societies like Rotary Club and Junior City Council. Her educational journey at Mc Auley House provided her not only with academic rigor but also life skills that formed the bedrock of her future endeavors.
Academic Accomplishments
Upon graduation, Yolanda continued to excel, earning a bursary from Mc Auley that helped her secure an LLB degree from the University of the Witwatersrand. Through grit and determination, she graduated with honors (cum laude), setting the stage for her to delve into the legal profession.
Stellar Legal Career
Yolanda’s journey in law began with roles at two of South Africa’s leading law firms, Webber Wentzel and Norton Rose Fulbright. She worked her way up to a director role, specializing in Insurance and Medical Malpractice law. Her extensive legal expertise didn’t go unnoticed, and she was later appointed to a senior in-house legal counsel position at Absa Bank’s Litigation department. Today, Yolanda leads a team of five legal experts, contributing to diverse retail sector products. Her relentless dedication recently earned her a promotion to Principal Legal Counsel, a title that brings along exciting new challenges and opportunities.
Balancing Family Life
Even as she navigated the demanding world of law, Yolanda and her husband became parents, welcoming two children into their family. This balancing act further demonstrates her dedication to both her professional and personal life.
Words of Gratitude
“I am eternally grateful for my years at Mc Auley House. I know I wouldn’t have had access to such an enriching education and the life skills it endowed me with without SSP’s invaluable support,” says Yolanda.
Yolanda Mackay’s life story is a testament to the transformative power of an SSP scholarship. Her journey—from a budding leader at Mc Auley House to a distinguished legal professional—is an inspiration to all current and future SSP scholars, affirming that the sky truly is the limit.
Join us in celebrating the boundless possibilities that an SSP scholarship can open up for deserving young minds. Invest in the future; invest in SSP.