Mandela Rhodes Foundation: building on Mandela’s legacy

Could you give us an update on the status and operations of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation as we move deeper into 2025?

As we move through 2025, The Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) continues its mission of building exceptional leaders in Africa through our flagship Scholarships and Leadership Development Programme (LDP). Our LDP gives young African leaders life-changing experiences through top-tier leadership training and mentorship. We continue to strengthen our alumni network, helping our Scholars stay connected and keep making an impact in their fields. We’re also stepping up our thought leadership efforts, like launching our new podcast series, to spark spark meaningful conversations about leadership across the continent.

Why do you believe The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is important to Africa as a whole?

The MRF is more than just a South African institution, it’s a Pan-African leadership incubator. Our mission is rooted in the belief that Africa’s future depends on ethical, courageous, innovative, competent and visionary leaders. By bringing together talented young Africans from diverse backgrounds, we encourage crossborder collaboration and equip them with some of the tools needed to drive meaningful change. The challenges facing our continent require a collective effort and, through our work we are creating a network of leaders who will shape Africa’s future and positive transformation.

What are some of the values that The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is built on and how do those values shine through in your work?

The MRF is built on four core principles inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy: reconciliation, entrepreneurship, education and leadership. These principles guide our programme and decision-making. We prioritise ethical and transformative leadership, promote dialogue and understanding among diverse people, encourage innovative thinking and entrepreneurship and emphasise the power of education as a catalyst for change. Personally, these principles influence my approach as CEO—helping us remain inclusive, forward-thinking and deeply committed to empowering young leaders.

What are some of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation’s goals for 2025?

In 2025, we are focused on four key goals: Firstly, expanding our Pan-African outreach from the current 37 countries where we have representation, by identifying and supporting more young leaders from no-intake countries, particularly in West and North Africa. Secondly, strengthening our alumni network to create long-term impact beyond the Scholarship period. Thirdly, enhancing our thought leadership role, by engaging in meaningful conversations on leadership in Africa, through platforms like our podcast and other strategic partnerships. Fourthly, we aim to deepen our leadership development programme offering by making it more context relevant to the leadership skills required to move Africa into its rightful place as an equal citizen in the global world.

What can you tell us about your newly launched podcast series? Why a podcast?

Our new podcast series, called The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Podcast, is an exciting extension of our leadership development initiatives. We want to appeal to aspiring African leaders looking to courageously manage complexity and build bridges across divides. And we want to stand out by offering an authentic and personal narrative about what it takes to rise in leadership, with a uniquely African lens. The podcast series will also delve into some trials and triumphs various leaders faced, while rising to the top with grace, integrity and a commitment to uplift others.

What is your goal with the podcast and who do you hope it touches and influences the most?
Our goal is to inspire and challenge emerging leaders across Africa. We want to spark critical conversations about the kind of leadership our continent needs and provide practical insights that can help young people shape their own leadership journeys. We hope the podcast resonates with aspiring leaders, MRF Scholars and alumni and anyone passionate about Africa’s progress.

Do you believe we have the right kind of leaders in Africa at present? What more would you like to see from them?

While Africa has many remarkable leaders who are making a difference, we also face leadership challenges that hinder progress. We need more leaders who are principled, forward-thinking and deeply committed to ethical governance. I would like to see more inclusivity, especially greater representation of young people and women in leadership spaces. It is also crucial that leaders embrace accountability and focus on long-term solutions rather than short-term gains.

What type of leader is required to truly make a lasting difference on the continent? What are the characteristics that will make it work?

I think a leader who makes a lasting difference should embody integrity, resilience, competence, innovation and vision. They should be willing to listen, learn and adapt while staying true to their principles. Not being afraid to make tough decisions, emotional intelligence and the ability to unite people across differences are also important traits. Most importantly, I believe a great leader should prioritise service over self-interest and actively work to uplift others.

What are you most proud of as the CEO of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation?
I am most proud of the incredible young leaders we have supported through our Scholarship and Leadership Development Programme. Seeing their growth and impact across various sectors gives me immense hope for Africa’s future. I am also proud of the strides we have made in expanding MRF’s influence, helping ensure that our work remains relevant and responsive to the needs of our continent.

What do you still want to achieve as the CEO? How will your leadership skills help you achieve those goals?

Looking ahead, I want to see the MRF deepen its impact, by reaching even more young leaders across Africa and fostering stronger collaboration within our alumni network. I aim to position MRF as a leading voice in African leadership development. My leadership approach—rooted in inclusivity, strategic thinking and a deep commitment to social change—will be instrumental in achieving these goals. By continuously learning and adapting, I hope to leave a legacy of growth and empowerment at the MRF

As published in Leadership Magazine.
https://www.leadershiponline.co.za/magazine/425/