
Foundation News
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:
- Abdulbaki Ahmad
- Achille Tchidehou
- Aluwaine Manyonga
- Alwiya Alawi
- Amanda Khosa
- Ambrose Onapa
- Chambeline Nkah
- Derick Kambo
- Edgar Ochieng
- Elizabeth Dare
- Famous Sosah
- George Karega
- Gloria Badibake
- Godiolla Akimana
- Gugulethu Mudzingiranwa
- Guilhermina Noronha
- Hilda Anekeya
- Ibrahim Tukur
- Jadyn Ligoo
- Joy Offere
- Lameck Owesi
- Lucky Geluk
- Marina Mwaipopo
- Masilo Matlakala
- Mercy Omondi
- Milka Murunga
- Mogomotsi Motshegwe
- Mohamed Awud
- Nadine Kilala
- Nicola van Tellingen
- Nothabo Sibanda
- Nyuma Nthengwe
- Olivia Nassuuna
- Paballo Mbedzi
- Peter Kugunyi
- Philani Ngubane
- Rirhandzu Mkhari
- Robert Pennington
- Rumbidzai Yasini
- Saabira Pandy
- Saba Gebreseilassie
- Steven Kilosho
- Success Ndubuisi
- Talya Kebonte
- Yalenga Chirambo




