Scholars 2006
Rachel Adams
Rachel Adams was born on the 9th of March 1981 in Gweru, Zimbabwe. She is studying towards her B.SocSc Honours degree in Social Anthropology at the University of Cape Town, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Rachel received many awards both in high school and at university. She has demonstrated keen interest in social and political issues, as well as in research.
Writing about what Madiba's leadership means to her, Rachel says:
'His leadership means to me that I also have the task of following in his footsteps in seeking to make my own individual contribution to the continuing freeing of the African continent.'
Nyasha Chigwamba
Nyasha Chigwamba was born on the 2nd of August 1983 in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is studying towards his M.Sc degree in Computer Science at Rhodes University, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Nyasha has held leadership positions both in high school and university. He has also earned many awards for his academic prowess.
In motivating his application for the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship, Nyasha wrote:
'Mandela's leadership to me is immeasurable.'
Zethu Dlamini
Zethu Dlamini was born in Mbabane, Swaziland on the 21st of June 1980. She is studying towards her Honours degree in Media and Communication at the University of Cape Town, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Zethu has participated actively in social issues, especially with regard to women. She has been the recipient of many academic awards.
In writing about Madiba's leadership, Zethu says:
'Mandela's courage, humility, nobility and commitment to his beliefs, to social transformation, equality and reconciliation, have taught me the value of collective success in fostering societal fulfillment.'
Chet Fransch
Chet Fransch was born on the 12th of February 1976 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. He is studying towards his BA Honours degree in French at the University of Stellenbosch, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Chet has held many leadership positions in high school and university. He has excelled academically and, having a keen sense of social responsibility, served in various organisations.
Chet strives to develop integrity and character as an individual and leader, saying:
'Persistence, effort, and a clear understanding that we are not solitary beings but part of a wider community, can only help us to become better people, not just as true South Africans, but as true Africans.'
Janet Jobson
Janet Jobson was born on the 24th of June 1984 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is studying towards her BA Honours degree in Political and History at Rhodes University, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Janet has served in numerous leadership positions at high school and university. She has earned various awards for her academic as well as sporting endeavours.
in motivating for her nomination as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, Janet wrote
'What I am going to do, what I am trying to do, is to make a positive impact on this country's attempt to attain true equality and reconciliation for its people'
Tristan Görgens
Tristan Görgens was born on the 19th of September 1983 in Grahamstown, South Africa. He is studying towards his B.SocSc Honours degree in Development Studies at the University of Cape Town as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Tristan has held many senior leadership positions in communities and at university. He has also contributed significantly towards the upliftment of others, especially youth.
Commenting on Madiba's leadership and its message for the youth, Tristan wrote:
'His message is clear ...Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice.'
Pie-Pacifique Kabalira-Uwase
Pie-Pacifique Kabalira-Uwase was born on the 21st of August 1980, in Kigali, Rwanda. He is studying towards his B.Sc Honours degree in Physics and Computer Science at the University of KwaZulu Natal, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
In addition to his strong academic capacity, Pie-Pacifique has demonstrated significant commitment to nation-building and fostering leadership, especially among youth.
On writing about his journey as a refugee from the Rwandan genocide, Pie-Pacifique says:
'I understand the power of following my dreams. I pursue the much needed peace and reconciliation in Africa, including my home, Rwanda.'
Thando Mgqolozana
Thando Mgqolozana was born on the 27th of August 1983 in Cape Town, South Africa. He is studying towards his Masters degree in Nursing Science at the University of the Western Cape, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Thando has held leadership positions both in high school and university. He has been honoured for his academic achievements several times.
In his motivational essay entitled 'What the leadership displayed by Nelson Mandela in his life means to me', Thando wrote:
'Four concepts surface clearly: Courage, Persistence, Forgiveness, and Tolerance.'
Nonkululeko Ngidi
Nonkululeko Ngidi was born on the 11th of August 1986 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. She is studying towards her Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree in Economics at the University of KwaZulu Natal as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Nonkululeko's leadership and academic qualities have been recognised by her peers as well as the academic fraternity.
In seeking to emulate the qualities of Madiba, Nonkululeko identifies the following qualities:
'He is a persistent leader and a fighter in that he does not give up until he achieves whatever he has planned, regardless of the obstacles.'
Melika Singh
Melika Singh was born on the 29th September in Newcastle, South Africa. She is studying towards her Masters degree in Industrial Psychology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Melika has been actively involved in a range of organisations and programmes. She has been recognised for her academic talent as well as her capacity-building skills.
In writing about what the leadership of Nelson Mandela means to her, she says:
'I live in a country where I am considered equal and allowed to become anything I want to be and I want to be a champion for Africa. This place, its leaders, its history, have made me acutely aware of the pain and suffering that people face have made me into a humanitarian.'
Nkazi Sokhulu
Nkazi Sokhulu was born on the 19th of December 1984 in Durban, South Africa. He is studying towards his B.BusSc Honours degree in Finance at the University of Cape Town, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Nkazi has received numerous academic awards and is noted for his exceptional leadership skills. He has also been recognised for outstanding ability in the area of his current studies.
In expressing his concept of leadership, Nkazi writes:
'It is that ability to pass on the baton to those you believe can do better than you because of specific traits they exhibit. It is an amazing characteristic, which few leaders possess. It is a characteristic embedded in team-work ... the most powerful tool in being a success.'
Vincent van Bever Donker
Vincent van Bever Donker was born on the 11th of March 1983 in Cape Town, South Africa. He is studying towards his Masters degree in English Literature at the University of the Western Cape, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Vincent has been actively involved in various leadership positions and has also consistently made the Dean's merit list.
Of the powerful influence of Madiba's example in his life, Vincent writes:
'His example helps me to push through difficulties I face in my own leadership roles through the knowledge that someone has successfully gone before me.'
Piet van Rooyen
Piet van Rooyen was born on the 10th of May 1984 in Sasolburg, South Africa. He is studying towards his B.Mus Honours degree in Music at the University of the Free State, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Besides being an accomplished cellist, Piet has also gained numerous academic awards. He is committed to community development and has lectured in cello and musical theory in a development programme.
Of his philosophy and approach to leadership, Piet writes:
'My approach is to help every individual to develop the needed dedication and self-motivation to become great musicians who can stand tall in the new South Africa.'
Luzelle Yon
Luzelle Yon was born on the 29th of December 1984 in Walvis Bay, Namibia. She is studying towards her Masters degree in Political Management at the University of Stellenbosch, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Luzelle has received various academic awards and was one of the top achievers in the Faculty of Humanities in 2004-5. She has held various leadership positions at university as well as off campus.
Of her role model, Luzelle writes:
'When looking at the life of a great leader such as Mandela, I ask myself what distinguishes him To me his understanding that there is a clear distinction between being in a leadership position, and being a leader, singles him out.'
Bonga Zuma
Bonga Zuma was born on the 16th of October 1982 in Empangeni, South Africa. He is studying towards his B.Sc Honours degree in Biotechnology at Rhodes University, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Bonga has been recognised for outstanding achievements as an undergraduate.
Bonga holds the following vision for the future:
'My personal dream is tied to my professional dream: I would like to increase involvement and excellence in science among black communities. I am sure of only one thing. It is possible for a single person to change the world for the better, as demonstrated by Nelson Mandela.'
