December 2024 Stakeholder Update

Dear stakeholder

As 2024 draws to a close, we want to reflect on a year of remarkable achievements, solid connections, and shared purpose within the vibrant Mandela Rhodes community. From the Class of 2024’s graduation to the transformative impact of our alumni, the year has been a testament to the power of collective vision and dedication to shaping Africa's future leaders.

Stakeholder relations

Building relationships with like-minded organisations continues to be a priority for the MRF as we seek to expand our brand presence and impact cross the continent and globally. In late September, MRF CEO Judy Sikuza represented the MRF at the Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture delivered by Nobel laureate Abdulrazak Gurnah who touched on the very important theme of “Realising Our Shared Humanity”. 

As part of her selection as a 2024 World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Judy attended the programme’s 20th anniversary gathering in Singapore. The Prime Minister of Singapore Lawrence Wong delivered the keynote address sharing important insights on building inclusive and sustainable futures.

From left to right: His Excellency Lawrence Wong (Prime Minister of Singapore), Judy Sikuza (CEO of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation) and fellow YGL members.

In November, MRF CEO and Programme Director Coralie Anyetei represented the Foundation at The Earthshot Prize, a global environmental award founded by Prince William. The MRF also hosted a private gathering for some of The Earthshot Prize special guests, where exchanges and lessons were shared about the importance of building leaders who can think about the sustainability impact of the decisions made today for the benefit of future generations.

From left to right: Hannah Jones (CEO of The Earthshot Prize), Billy Porter (co-host of the 2024 Earthshot Prize ceremony), and Judy Sikuza (CEO of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation).

Meet the Class of 2025

The Mandela Rhodes Class of 2025 has been announced! Comprising of 64 young leaders, the Class of 2025 is represented by 18 African countries, including for the first time, Tunisia. Scholars will complete postgraduate studies across 26 study disciplines at eight South African institutions of higher learning. 
 
As ever, study disciplines are diverse, ranging from Astrophysics to Agricultural Technology to Bioinformatics. Scholars will also participate in the transformative Leadership Development Programme, focusing on the Foundation’s principles of reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. 
 
To date, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation has awarded over 730 scholarships to exceptional young scholars and future leaders between the ages of 19 and 29 from 37 African countries, who want to use their talents to serve the continent.
 
Click here to meet the Mandela Rhodes Class of 2025.

Alumni thought leadership

Our second alumni thought leadership webinar was held in November. Alumnus and EdTech expert Athenkosi Nzala (South Africa & University of Cape Town, 2019) hosted an informative webinar on his technology-driven educational platform eDanndoo. The platform aims to enhance educational quality by equipping teachers transitioning to online teaching, with skills, resources, and ongoing support delivered via personalised and adaptive training experiences. This is especially critical in the rural classroom format.

Watch the webinar recording: https://bit.ly/3CYiYDs

Keep an eye on our socials for our next alumni thought leadership webinar (on the power of FinTech in Africa) to be held early in the new year.

Athenkosi Nzala (South Africa & University of Cape Town, 2019).

Scholars' voices

By amplifying and celebrating our Scholars we are inspiring the next generation of leaders while building a pipeline for a robust alumni network.

In celebration of South African Heritage Month, we featured an interview with Yamkela Ntshakaza (South Africa & University of Cape Town, 2023) who is pursuing a Masters of Music dissertation in African Ethnomusicology at the University of Cape Town. In addition to highlighting the connection between music and mental wellbeing, Yamkela shared his dream of opening a creative arts therapy centre in his hometown of Makhanda.
  
In October Frank Uche Mike Ogwang (Uganda & University of Cape Town, 2024) shared his personal journey of growth and leadership development as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar. Also in October, scientist-in-training Janet Wasinda (Nigeria & University of the Witwatersrand, 2024) was featured live on Voice of Wits radio speaking about her Masters research on molecular and cell biology.
 
In November we promoted an article by Wrixon Mpanangombe (Malawi & University of Cape Town, 2023) to mark World Cities Day. Wrixon, who is completing a Master of City and Regional Planning at the University of Cape Town, shared his views on what is required to achieve sustainable urbanisation in Africa.

From left to right: Yamkela Ntshakaza (South Africa & University of Cape Town, 2023, Frank Uche Mike Ogwang (Uganda & University of Cape Town, 2024), Janet Wasinda (Nigeria & University of the Witwatersrand, 2024), and Wrixon Mpanangombe (Malawi & University of Cape Town, 2023).

Programme news

The Mandela Rhodes Leadership Development Programme extends beyond our scholars. In October our Programme team had the privilege of connecting with the PGDip in Leading Transitions and Socio-Ecological Ethics students at Stellenbosch University. 

The session focused on the powerful link between inner growth and impactful leadership. Insights on the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) were shared, as well as exploring the qualities that help us meet complex challenges with courage and integrity.

It was an opportunity to unpack the MRF’s unique approach to leadership, where character and self-awareness are the foundations of sustainable, compassionate change. Engaging with students committed to meaningful change reminds us why this work matters.

From left to right: Coralie Anyetei (Programme Director at The Mandela Rhodes Foundation), Prof Rika Preiser (Associate Professor at the University of Stellenbosch’s Centre for Sustainability Transitions), and Edward Keenan Jacobs (Associate Programme Manager at The Mandela Rhodes Foundation).

Welcome to Adrian Paulsen

After a rigorous external recruitment process, we are delighted to announce that, on 6 January 2025, MR alum Adrian Paulsen (South Africa & University of the Western Cape, 2018) will join the Foundation as the External Relations Officer. In this role, Adrian will assist in delivering on the Foundation’s brand, communications, marketing and alumni relations objectives.

With a Masters in the Arts, Adrian’s previous role as a Senior Data Optimisation Specialist saw him leading data-driven marketing initiatives and managing projects to optimise content creation. Adrian is also passionate about education. In his spare time, he consults to a registered NPO that equips high school learners with skills to make informed career decisions.

Adrian Paulsen (South Africa & University of the Western Cape, 2018).

Read more about Adrian here.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, safe and blessed festive season.
See you in 2025!

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation