Foundation News
June 2024 Stakeholder Update
The second quarter of 2024 was packed with excitement, meaningful engagements and rich experiences, as the Foundation continues in its efforts of building exceptional leadership in Africa.
MRF CEO joins Young Global Leaders forum
In April, to mark her selection as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, MRF CEO Judy Sikuza was interviewed by Newzroom Afrika and BizNews. The Young Global Leaders forum, established by the World Economic Forum, serves as a platform to identify and engage promising leaders under the age of 40 from various sectors around the world.
Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s leadership, where even the most seemingly insurmountable differences were bridged through mutual respect, understanding, and a commitment to the common good, Judy hopes to leverage the platform to connect and collaborate with other leaders interested in principle-centered leadership. She aims to explore how to use power and influence to unite people, build bridges across divides, and seek a third way, as Mr Mandela did. Read more here.
The YGL Class of 2024's first gathering in Geneva, May 2024.
Thought leadership
In celebration of Africa Month in May, CEO Judy Sikuza reflected on how, at the end of Apartheid, Nelson Mandela chose a path of peaceful negotiation towards a humane and just society.
In her article titled Empowering the next generation of Mandelas, she challenged readers to emulate Madiba by imagining an Africa governed by principles of humanity, where values like compassion, empathy, respect, fairness, and kindness towards all, regardless of background, beliefs, or circumstances, is practiced. Read the full story as published in the Daily Maverick.
Global Fellowships Forum
The annual Global Fellowships Forum (GFF) took place in Montreal in May exploring the increasingly important theme of AI. MRF was represented by Programme Director, Coralie Anyetei, who did a presentation on assessing Scholar candidate readiness and impact. She said "it was really affirming to have the work that we do, acknowledged by other global scholarships in the leadership space. The MRF is uniquely positioned to equip young leaders with the courage and competencies required to do the inner work of healing and reconciliation, in order to be impactful in their various endeavours".
Coralie was joined by three MRF alumni: Simangele Mbana (South Africa & University of the Witwatersrand, 2008), Lethabo Motswaledi (South Africa & University of Cape Town, 2016) and Kira Düsterwald (South Africa & University of Cape Town, 2017) who contributed to the discussions on AI based on their respective fields. We are excited to announce that MRF will be hosting the GFF in 2025 and look forward to sharing African excellence with the rest of the world.
From left to right: Coralie Anyetei, Simangele Mabena, Kira Düsterwald, and Lethabo Motswaledi.
Introducing the winners of the 2024 Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships
We are delighted to announce the recipients of the 2024 Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships for doctoral study in the UK. Melody Asukile (Zambia & University of Cape Town, 2016) is heading to University College London to research diagnosing and treating focal epilepsy in Zambia and South Africa. Praise Tembo (Malawi & Rhodes University, 2023) is going to Glasgow University to investigate if affirmer molecules can revitalise mitochondria to promote healthier lifespans. We wish them both the very best for this next important step in their academic careers! Read more here.
Left to right: Melody Asukile and Praise Tembo.
Programme news
The Class of 2024 experienced Regional Pods in April, a virtual Connection Session in May and most recently, in June, the mid-year workshop focused on reconciliation and reparation. Some workshop highlights include a provoking conversation with Sifiso Khanyile, director of the documentary A New Country, and renowned artist Lady Skollie. There was also a panel discussion exploring what it means to be African, by Tapi Tapi founder, Tapiwa Guzha and MRF CEO Judy Sikuza.
From left to right: Edward Keenan-Jacobs, Sifiso Khanyile, Lady Skollie, Coralie Anyetei and Judy Sikuza in conversation at the mid-year workshop in June.
The second-year programme teams are currently undergoing their second Virtual Touchpoint. This touchpoint, also known as a Virtual Studio, allows teams to experiment with design tools and receive feedback on their progress. Each team will present a progress update, including a design statement and a "How Might We" question, to the holding team and their alumni advisor. Alumni advisors are paired with teams based on their alignment with the team's manifesto. Their role is to offer guidance, share insights from their own experiences, and help the teams navigate challenges. The involvement of alumni advisors is crucial as it provides scholars with a broader perspective and enhances their ability to develop effective solutions for their chosen themes of impact as a group.
Some second-year Scholars preparing vegetables at the Sustainability Institute in April, after learning about the concept of Ilima. Ilima is a Xhosa practice of communal farming or helping someone needing help, in their home. The term describes the collaborative effort of community members working together.
Alumni thought leadership
We are excited to launch our first quarterly alumni-inspired thought leadership webinar in July! MR alumnus and epidemiologist Dr Alex de Voux, (South Africa & University of Cape Town, 2005) will address the need to change some of Africa's public health deficiencies for better health equality on the continent. She will also share how being a Mandela Rhodes scholar has influenced her career path and helped her achieve her goals. Please join the webinar on Tuesday 30 July 2024 from 17:00 – 18:00 (SAST) on Zoom
Dr Alex de Voux (South Africa & University of Cape Town, 2005).
Remembering Justice Yvonne Mokgoro
We continue to mourn the passing of Justice Yvonne Mokgoro, a South African legal trailblazer, who died on 9 May in Johannesburg. As a Founding Trustee of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation, she served for 20 years, bringing invaluable expertise, wisdom, and passion to our mission of empowering the next generation of African leaders through education and leadership development. Her leadership, guidance, and unwavering commitment to our organisation have left a lasting impact on our work and values. Read the full media statement here.
Justice Yvonne Mokgoro
Farewell to Julia Brown
It is with a mix of sadness and understanding that after 18 years of service, Julia Brown has decided to leave the MRF to explore the next phase of her journey. Throughout her time with us, Julia has been a cornerstone of our team, contributing significantly to our growth and success. Her commitment, care, kindness and hard work have been greatly appreciated, and her presence will be missed by all of us. We wish her all the very best for the next chapter in her life.
Julia Brown
Warm regards
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation
