Welcome to the University of Cape Town News
Wamkelekile, Welkom
UCT’s largest Mandela Rhodes cohort yet
29 April 2026 | Story Myolisi Gophe. Photo Adrian Paulsen, iStock Read time 5 min.
Twenty-five UCT students joined this year’s Mandela Rhodes Foundation scholarship programme.
A new cohort of young African changemakers is taking shape at the University of Cape Town (UCT), as 25 students joined this year’s Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) scholarship programme – the largest group from the university in the foundation’s history.
Drawn from a wider cohort of 40 scholars across the continent, these UCT recipients mark a significant and growing presence in one of Africa’s most prestigious leadership development initiatives.
Founded in 2002 by former president Nelson Mandela, the MRF is dedicated to building exceptional leadership capacity across Africa. Its scholarship is more than financial support; it is a transformative journey that brings together academically accomplished, socially conscious postgraduates committed to shaping the continent’s future. At UCT, this year’s scholars span a wide range of disciplines, experiences and ambitions, united by a shared commitment to lead with purpose.
The year-long programme combines comprehensive funding for postgraduate study with an intensive leadership curriculum grounded in the principles of education, reconciliation, entrepreneurship and leadership. Through residential workshops, mentorship and a dynamic pan-African network, scholars are challenged to grow both intellectually and personally – equipping them not only for academic success, but for meaningful impact far beyond the university.
Meet the UCT scholars
Alwiya Alawi (Kenya)
A lawyer awaiting admission as an Advocate of the High Court of Kenya, with experience in litigation, corporate law and refugee policy. She has led education and mentorship initiatives and plans to pursue a master’s in law.
Amanda Khosa (Zimbabwe)
A conservationist working across research, storytelling and community engagement. Her work on human–wildlife coexistence promotes youth participation and inclusive, community-driven environmental stewardship.
Ambrose Onapa (Uganda)
An engineer and social entrepreneur co-leading agribusiness ventures that reduce post-harvest loss and create livelihoods, supporting thousands of young people and farmers across Africa.
Edgar Ochieng (Kenya)
An advocate and LLM candidate in international law. A leader and essayist, he works at the intersection of law, climate and development through research and social enterprise.
George Karega (Kenya)
A journalist and founder of a global media platform connecting over 200 000 members. An award-winning storyteller, he mentors youth and advances African narratives through digital media.
Godiolla Akimana (Burundi)
An environmental health graduate advancing public health, water access and youth enterprise. She leads community-based solutions and plans to pursue a master’s in public health.
Guilhermina Noronha (Mozambique)
A gender equality and education advocate who founded a youth organisation empowering thousands of young women while addressing child marriage and access to education.
Hilda Anekeya (Kenya)
An educator focused on equitable learning and youth mentorship. She founded a school library and mentorship programme and advocates for mental health and storytelling.
Ibrahim Tukur (Nigeria)
A disability rights advocate and headmaster of a school for the deaf. He leads training and awareness programmes to expand access to inclusive education.
Jadyn Ligoo (Kenya)
A researcher focused on urban inequality, governance and justice. Her interdisciplinary work spans multiple countries and promotes inclusive policy solutions.
Lameck Owesi (Kenya)
An architect and entrepreneur promoting sustainable building and inclusive design. He trains workers and contributes to research on housing and urban development.
Lucky Geluk (South Africa)
A scholar, artist and content creator using storytelling to address social and public health challenges, including mental health and inequality.
Marina Mwaipopo (Tanzania)
A medical doctor bridging clinical care and public health. She co-founded a women’s health initiative and aims to strengthen equitable surgical systems.
Masilo Matlakala (South Africa)
A medical student and neuroscience researcher focused on motor system disorders, combining academic excellence with leadership and mentorship.
Mercy Omondi (Kenya)
A journalist and filmmaker whose award-winning work explores inequality. She advocates for education and girls’ empowerment through storytelling.
Nadine Kilala (Tanzania)
A climate researcher advancing community-led environmental solutions and policy, supporting inclusive climate governance across multiple regions.
Olivia Nassuuna (Uganda)
A social entrepreneur focused on inclusive finance and sustainable development, with experience spanning consulting, business and grassroots leadership.
Paballo Mbedzi (South Africa)
Founder of I HEAR YOU, leading initiatives that address gender-based violence and social development through advocacy and dialogue.
Philani Ngubane (South Africa)
A clinical psychology master’s candidate focused on community-based mental health and youth resilience, combining research with social justice activism.
Rirhandzu Mkhari (South Africa)
A medical student and immunology researcher developing innovative TB diagnostics, active in global surgery advocacy and student leadership.
Robert Pennington (Eswatini)
An economics and international development graduate focused on governance and policy, with experience in global institutions and youth-led initiatives.
Rumbidzai Yasini (Zimbabwe)
A social worker and advocate for girls’ rights, founder of a community organisation supporting education, health and protection for vulnerable children.
Saabira Pandy (South Africa)
A medical doctor and public health candidate focused on health systems and social determinants, advancing equity through policy and collaboration.
Saba Gebreseilassie (South Africa)
An emerging neuroscientist researching brain infections and function, combining scientific inquiry with science communication and public engagement.
Talya Kebonte (DRC)
A medical student and aspiring neurosurgeon focused on global surgery and health equity, with research on childhood blindness and surgical access in Africa.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
