Conversations with African trailblazers in a new podcast series

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation today announced the launch of a compelling podcast series. Each podcast will delve into the lives and behind the scenes stories that helped shape the journeys of some remarkable African leaders.

Under the auspices of Nelson Mandela’s dream to build exceptional leadership in Africa, the series begins with the life story of the Foundation’s CEO, Judy Sikuza. Appointed to the role at 33, Judy became the youngest CEO across all three official Nelson Mandela legacy organisations, embodying the spirit of leadership, resilience and excellence that Madiba envisioned for Africa.

An angle that resonates While the public space is crowded with inspirational content, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation podcast series stands out by offering an authentic and personal narrative about what it takes to rise to leadership, with a uniquely African lens. The series is not just about breaking barriers, it will also share some trials and triumphs of various leaders. People who rose to these positions with grace, integrity and a commitment to uplift others.

‘The Mandela Rhodes Foundation’s mandate is to cultivate healed leaders on the African continent who consistently strive for growth through self-awareness and introspection. It will appeal to aspiring African leaders looking to courageously manage complexity and build bridges across divides, thereby acknowledging our Ubuntu (shared humanity). It’s important for us that the podcast series reflects this’ says CEO Judy Sikuza.

Episode One The first episode explores Sikuza's formative years in the old Transkei, Eastern Cape, against the backdrop of being born in 1985 – the year of the state of emergency. It reflects on her academic years leading up to her decade long career at The Mandela Rhodes Foundation. Here she will share some challenges and inspirations that influenced her as CEO, and her ever-evolving understanding of leadership.

Future episodes will include trailblazing conversations on the Foundation’s founding principles of reconciliation, entrepreneurship, education and leadership.

About Judy Sikuza Sikuza is a 2007 Mandela Rhodes Scholar, a 2024 Young Global Leader selected by the World Economic Forum and non-executive Board Director of Oxford University Press South Africa. She is also a devoted mother, a Fulbright Scholar and an Archbishop Desmond Tutu Leadership Fellow. Her dedication to leadership and education has made her a sought-after speaker at institutions like Cambridge University, Oxford University, the Graça Machel Trust, the Obama Foundation and the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls.

Listen to Judy's radio interview with SAFM