Foundation News
March 2024 Stakeholder Update
The first quarter of 2024 has been busy and fruitful. The Class of 2024 completed their first leadership workshop in February and applications for the 2025 cohort are well underway, with interest from candidates from 50 African countries!
Board update
As previously communicated, Chair Professor Njabulo S. Ndebele steps down at the end of March, after 21 years of tireless service. Justice Kate O’Regan, a current Trustee, will assume the role of Chair from 1 April.
We are delighted to announce that three new Trustees will be joining the MRF Board in April. Mr Mustaq Brey brings extensive experience in business and philanthropy, Ms Peggy Sue Khumalo is a trailblazer in the financial sector, and Dr Rethabile Melamu is a leader in the field of social entrepreneurship. Their passion for Africa and dedication to driving positive change align perfectly with the Foundation's values.
We are excited about the fresh perspectives and insights that Mustaq, Peggy Sue, and Rethabile will bring to our Board. Their collective expertise will strengthen our efforts to empower young leaders who will shape the future of our continent. Read the full media statement here.
Top left Ms Peggy-Sue Khumalo, top right Mr Mustaq Brey and bottom centre Dr Rethabile Melamu.
Stakeholder relations and thought leadership
In February, MRF’s CEO participated in the 2030 Reading Panel, chairing a discussion on lessons about proactive provinces making policy and programme interventions, to improve reading outcomes.
In mid-March, the MRF and Rhodes Trust held a joint event celebrating entrepreneurial leadership in Africa, in San Francisco at the Salesforce Institute. We had two alumni from the Rhodes community and two from the Mandela Rhodes community, with Dr Kiss and Ms Sikuza facilitating the discussion. The event was well received by stakeholders attending as they become friends of MRF and Rhodes Trust, and further conversations will be had in exploring collaboration possibilities with the relevant stakeholders.
March 2024. Entrepreneurial leadership panel discussion. From left to right: Dr Elizabeth Kiss, Dr Gladys Ngetich, Esethu Cenga, Dr Vuyane Mhlomi, Elim Shanko and Judy Sikuza in San Francisco.
2023 Yearbook
We are thrilled to release the Mandela Rhodes Foundation’s 2023 Yearbook! This special edition commemorates 20 years of nurturing exceptional leaders, while reflecting on our journey to date. You can read it here.
Staff news
Ben Rycroft joined the Foundation at the end of January as the new External Relations Director. A seasoned marketing and communications professional, Ben heads up the communications and alumni relations functions.
Mantombi Makhubele joins the Foundation 1 April as the new Associate Communications Manager. With a Masters in journalism she joins us from the Stellenbosch Business School, and we look forward to her depth of knowledge and experience in helping take our communication platforms to greater heights.
Top: Ben Rycroft and bottom: Mantombi Makhubele.
Programme news
Following a virtual orientation, the Class of 2024 attended an in-person Introductory Workshop in Cape Town. Scholars explored leadership topics, including self-discovery with the Enneagram and Leadership in Context at Robben Island. CEO Judy Sikuza led a Masterclass on "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," and discussed leading in complex times in a leadership conversation with Peggy-Sue Khumalo.
The second-year programme team is hard at work preparing for the first Module of the Second Year Programme taking place at the end of March. We are once again partnering with the Sustainability Institute and look forward to delivering a Programme which offers scholars the opportunity to learn more about sustainability while putting their leadership into practice.
February 2024. The Class of 2024 at the Introductory Workshop in Cape Town.
Alumni developments
An exciting opportunity for Madiba month (July) is in store for alumni this year through the launch of regional alumni gatherings. Presented as a means for connection, community building and sparking energy, alumni (as seeds of change) will be invited to engage in rigorous theme-based events, with contributions from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, experience levels and perspectives. The MRF will provide funding for these gatherings informed by a proposal-based process. If you would like to organise or be part of these gatherings contact joseph@mrf.org.za to be put in touch with alumni in your region. Keep an eye on communication from the MRF for more information.
June 2023. Informal alumni gathering in Johannesburg part of the buildup to the MRF's 20th anniversary.
To conclude, I thought it fitting to end with a quote from Mr Nelson Mandela that serves as a reminder of our mission at the Mandela Rhodes Foundation. In July 2003 at the launch of Mindset Network, a non-profit organisation improving education in Africa, he said: “Education is the most powerful weapon which we can use to change the world."
Warm regards
Judy Sikuza
Chief Executive Officer
