Scholars 2007
Aalia Ismail
Aalia Ismail was born on the 4th of February 1986 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. She is studying towards a B Social Science Honours in Policy and Development Studies at the University of Cape Town, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Aalia has held a number of leadership positions at school and university, while maintaining an excellent academic record. She has shown a keen interest in socio-political issues, and has been very involved in debating and student journalism.
In reflecting on the concept of leadership in the African context, Aalia notes:
I believe that Africa has great potential if our leaders realize that leadership is about compromise, and about embracing humanity, rather than about 'being right'.
Ayanda Khala
Ayanda Khala was born on the 15th of July 1982 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is studying towards an MA in Dramatic Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Ayanda has been involved in a number of community outreach programmes using film and drama as tools for social upliftment. Ayanda's interest in socio-political issues is evident in her service as an IEC election officer, and as a peer-counsellor at university.
In writing about the impact of Nelson Mandela's leadership on her life, Ayanda comments:
For me, strength of character, compassion and an acute sense of self-worth are essential for a young black woman forging her way forward in an environment so alive with possibility. There is no more noble an example of a leader who embodied and planted seeds of such ideals as Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
Boiumelo Magolego
Boitumelo Magolego was born on the 20th of March 1985 in Pretoria, South Africa. He is studying towards an M Engineering in Computer Engineering at the University if Pretoria, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Boitumelo has had an exceptional academic record in both school and university. His passion for IT is clear, as his intention to use his experience and knowledge in the field to lessen the socio-economic class divide in South Africa. Boitumelo has also held a number of leadership positions at school and university.
In writing about the concept of leadership, Melo comments:
Leadership is about being bold, dreaming big and standing up to weather the storm of criticism. Leadership is about having the humility to say I am sorry and I was wrong in my actions. Leadership is about sacrificing one's personal gratification and enjoyment such that others may experience it.
Bryony Green
Bryony Green was born on the 19th of February 1984 in Harare, Zimbabwe. She is studying towards an MA in English Literature at Rhodes University, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Bryony has held numerous leadership positions at school and university. She has excelled academically throughout her university career, and has shown a commitment to using education as a tool for social development.
In her essay on Nelson Mandela's leadership, Bryony writes:
Leadership requires the courage to challenge the status quo, the courage to confront the injustices present in our society and to play an active role in changing them.
Buhle Zuma
Buhle Zuma was born on the 8th of March 1983 in Empangeni, South Africa. He is studying towards an MPhil in Intercultural and Diversity Studies at the University of Cape Town, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Buhle has received many awards for academic excellence during his university career. He has also been extensively involved in community outreach projects, often taking on leadership positions within these projects and organizations.
In writing about his vision for the future, Buhle notes:
My vision for South Africa is a nation that continues to give birth to leaders of character and consequence. Men and women of principle, who will stand firm on the shoulders of past and present great leaders committed to maintaining South Africa as a rainbow nation pregnant with possibility.
Cebile Tebele
Cebile Tebele was born on the 16th of November 1979 in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe. She is studying towards a BCom Honors in Industrial Psychology at the University of Zululand, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Cebile has an exceptional academic record, a fact that is supported by the academic awards she has received during her university career. She has also held leadership positions, and organized workshops around issues of HIV/AIDS.
In reflecting on her own personal ambitions, Cebile writes:
I want to be a leader that will leave a mark. I am a Zimbabwean, and I am proud of it. Whatever I do, will be for the benefit of my country. I will be a principled, influential and remarkable leader, and make my country proud.
Clement Mogodi
Clement Mogodi was born on the 11 of September 1979 in Polokwane, South Africa. He is studying towards an MA in Clinical Psychology at the University of Zululand, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Clement has excelled academically throughout his university career. He has held many leadership positions at university, and in community organizations. Clement is also a pioneering entrepreneur, winning the National Innovation Competition in 2005.
In writing about the impact of Nelson Mandela's leadership in his own life, Clement notes:
Mandela has demonstrated that not only is change inevitable, but it is also important for one to become the change that they want to see. Mandela is an intellectual, a visionary, but also an executor, he is a people-orientated leader.
Daphney Singo
Daphney Singo was born on the 3rd of February 1983 in Thoyandou, South Africa. She is studying towards an M Science in Experimental Nuclear Physics at the University of Cape Town, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Daphney has been extensively involved in promoting access to science in disadvantaged communities in South Africa. She is dedicated to increasing the profile of young black women in the sciences, and through her involvement in tutoring programmes in schools and university she is actively supporting future women scientists.
In reflecting on her own work, Daphney writes:
I am determined to acquire all the necessary skills required to lift this great nation to greater heights; and to make it my responsibility to see that other women are motivated to acquire scientific knowledge and skills.
David Maimela
David Maimela was born on the 4th of May 1982 in Nelspruit, South Africa. He is studying towards an MA in International Relations at the University of Pretoria, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
David has been extensively involved in student politics at both school and university. He has held leadership positions in a number organizations, and is currently the National President of the South African Students Congress.
In reflecting on Nelson Mandela's leadership, David notes:
Mandela was not necessarily his own creation as a leader. He led par excellence not only due to his personal wisdom but he is a leader who led in a collective movement. This is what sets him apart from a populist, as opposed to a popular leader, admired by both friends and foe
Graeme Hoddinott
Graeme Hoddinott was born on the 23rd of April 1984 in Amanzimtoti, South Africa. He is studying towards an M Social Science in Research Psychology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Graeme has excelled academically throughout his university career, and held many leadership positions. He won the provincial chess championship nine times, and currently coaches the provincial team and runs chess development programmes in disadvantaged communities.
In reflecting on Nelson Mandela's leadership, Graeme writes:
I am inspired by the truth that he lived by, the truth that every person is a blessing and that we all have the right to live with decency and happiness. This in the face of brutality and injustice on a personal and societal level.
Jeremias Sitoi
Jeremias Sitoi was born on the 18th of July 1975 in Maputo, Mozambique. He is studying towards a M.Maritime Sudies in Economics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Jeremias has excelled academically throughout his university career. He is committed to using his degree to find a way to improve the socio-economic conditions of people living in Southern Africa.
In writing about Nelson Mandela's leadership, Jeremias notes:
His leadership inspires me, and means that fundamental aspect that one needs to become a true leader is the ability to influence others in a constructive and efficient way, in order to maximize common needs.
Judy Sikuza
Judy Sikuza was born on the 6th of December 1985 in Mthatha, South Africa. She is studying towards a BA Honours in Industrial Psychology at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Judy has excelled in a number of fields, receiving academic, sporting and cultural awards while at university. Judy has been involved in community outreach projects, and held a number of leadership positions in student organizations. Judy was also awarded provincial colours for cricket.
In writing about the impact of Nelson Mandela's leadership on her own life, Judy notes:
Mandela's leadership to me means hope of a better future in the midst of current pain, persecutions, trials and tribulations; and that no matter what I am now, it does not dictate what I will become in the history books.
Leanne Johansson
Leanne Johansson was born on the 5th of September 1984 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is studying towards a B Social Science Honours in Development Studies at the University of Cape Town, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Leanne has received numerous academic and sporting awards in both school and university. She has held leadership positions in a number of student organizations, and was selected as a recipient of 2005 Goldman-Sachs Global Leader Award.
In her essay on Nelson Mandela's leadership, Leanne writes:
His leadership lends agency to his followers to construct their worlds themselves, providing a liberated landscape on which to do so.
Lunga Radebe
Lunga Radebe was born on the 2nd of October 1985 in Sebokeng, South Africa. He is studying towards a BA Honours Dramatic Arts in Performing Arts Management at the University of the Witwatersrand, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Lunga has excelled academically throughout his university career, and has received many awards in recognition of his academic prowess. Outside of his studies Lunga has pursued training as an opera singer, and has volunteered for various organizations.
In reflecting on Nelson Mandela's leadership, Lunga writes:
What the leadership displayed by him means to me is a feeling which words cannot express entirely - for what he has done for South Africa as a country has moved the world.
Marlon Burgess
Marlon Burgess was born on the 28th of August 1980 in Cape Town, South Africa. He is studying towards a BA Honours Social Anthropology at the University of Cape Town, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Marlon has received many awards for academic excellence. He has also been extensively involved in youth development and social activism programmes, particularly working in the field of spoken word poetry and hip hop.
In writing about what the leadership shown by Nelson Mandela means to him, Marlon notes:
It is the quality of self-sacrifice personified by Mr. Nelson Mandela that lives as an ideal for me to work toward; an ideal that proves that such self-sacrifice is possible.
Nyika Machenjedze
Nyika Machenjedze was born on the 9th of April 1980 in Harare, Zimbabwe. He is studying towards an MA in Human Rights at the University of Fort Hare, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Nyika has excelled academically throughout his school and university careers. He has been very involved in social upliftment projects both within his university as a peer counselor, and in the broader community through programmes dealing with HIV/AIDS.
In reflecting on what the leadership displayed by Nelson Mandela means to him, Nyika writes:
It builds in me compassion, self-control, respect, forgiveness, acceptance, perseverance, and unconditional concern for those around me.
Rikus Oswald
Rikus Oswald was born on the 18th of July 1984 in Cape Town, South Africa. He is studying towards an MA in International Relations at Stellenbosch University, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Rikus has held a number of leadership positions at school and university, while maintaining an excellent academic record. He has been very involved in community projects, such as HIV/AIDS peer facilitation, and was the President of the Stellenbosch chapter of the Golden Key International Honour Society.
In writing about Nelson Mandela's leadership, Rikus comments:
Through his leadership South Africa turned a corner from a highway to destruction onto the narrow road of reconciliation. This wobbly and difficult road still stretches far into the future; but with the inspirational leadership of many South Africans we can continue to walk this road.
Rumbidzai Goredema
Rumbidzai Goredema was born on 12 April 1986 in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe. She is studying towards a B Social Science Honours in Diversity Studies at the University of Cape Town, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Rumbi has excelled academically and held many leadership positions at university. She has shown a keen interest in socio-political issues, and is extensively involved in community upliftment projects in Cape Town.
In reflecting on the concept of leadership, Rumbi notes:
Because we often only see the political side of leadership, and the political gains made by politicians, it is often forgotten that all great political dreams are borne of a great personal dream...noble personal goals should be the driving force behind political action.
Sheetal Vallabh
Sheetal Vallabh was born on the 18th of April 1997 in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is studying towards an MA in Clinical Psychology at the University of Cape Town, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Sheetal has held a number of leadership positions throughout her university career, while maintaining and excellent academic record. Her background in different fields - both law (for which she attained an LLM with distinction) and psychology speak to her desire to be of service to her community.
In reflecting on the concept of Leadership, Sheetal writes:
By virtue of our humanity we will err, struggle and suffer at some time in our lives, in different ways, and in varying degrees. It is how we embrace our humanity that matters. When a leader embraces his or her humanity and overcomes his or her suffering with humility and dignity, he or she will inspire people to do likewise.
Tristram Atkins
Tristram Atkins was born on the 29th of March 1977 in Cape Town, South Africa. He is studying towards a BA Honours in Film Production at the South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance, as a Mandela Rhodes Scholar.
Tristram has excelled academically and received numerous awards for his dramatic and film productions. Tristram has been involved in developing programmes to facilitate film production and dramatic skills in disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape.
In writing about what the leadership shown by Nelson Mandela means to him, Tristram notes:
The qualities that I admire most are his willingness to sacrifice himself for a just cause, the reconciliation and forgiveness he shows towards his oppressors, the disciplined life he leads, but mostly I admire him for his ability to dream and lead others to dream.
