Meet the Class of 2026

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is proud to announce the Class of 2026! This year, 45 outstanding young leaders join our community, representing 16 African countries - including Benin for the very first time. Their postgraduate studies will span seven universities across South Africa, reflecting the rich academic diversity that continues to define the programme.

As always, their fields of study are wide-ranging, from Food Science to Engineering to Climate Change to Artificial Intelligence. This cohort reflects the growing breadth of pan-African excellence we seek to nurture. Among them is a deaf Scholar, which reminds us of the importance of embracing diverse experiences, abilities, and ways of leading that are fully inclusive and reflective of African leadership today.

Below are the names of the 2026 Mandela Rhodes Scholars. Click on their individual bios to find out more:

1. Abdulbaki Ahmad
2. Achille Tchidehou
3. Aluwaine Manyonga
4. Alwiya Alawi
5. Amanda Khosa
6. Ambrose Onapa
7. Chambeline Nkah
8. Derick Kambo
9. Edgar Ochieng
10. Elizabeth Dare
11. Famous Sosah
12. George Karega
13. Gloria Badibake
14. Godiolla Akimana
15. Gugulethu Mudzingiranwa
16. Guilhermina Noronha
17. Hilda Anekeya
18. Ibrahim Tukur
19. Jadyn Ligoo
20. Joy Offere
21. Lameck Owesi
22. Lucky Geluk
23. Marina Mwaipopo
24. Masilo Matlakala
25. Mercy Omondi
26. Milka Murunga
27. Mogomotsi Motshegwe
28. Mohamed Awud
29. Nadine Kilala
30. Nicola van Tellingen
31. Nothabo Sibanda
32. Nyuma Nthengwe
33. Olivia Nassuuna
34. Paballo Mbedzi
35. Peter Kugunyi
36. Philani Ngubane
37. Rirhandzu Mkhari
38. Robert Pennington
39. Rumbidzai Yasini
40. Saabira Pandy
41. Saba Gebreseilassie
42. Steven Kilosho
43. Success Ndubuisi
44. Talya Kebonte
45. Yalenga Chirambo