The Mandela Rhodes Foundation

70 years ago, thousands of women stood together at the Union Buildings and made their voices heard.

On 9 August 1956, they marched against the apartheid pass laws, carrying a message that still resonates today: “Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo.” You strike a woman, you strike a rock.

Their courage reminds us that leadership is not always found in positions of power. Sometimes, it is found in standing together, challenging injustice and imagining a more just future.

Seven decades later, their legacy calls on each of us to continue building an Africa shaped by reconciliation, education, entrepreneurship, and leadership. To lead with courage. To serve with purpose. And to recognise that lasting transformation begins when ordinary people choose to act.

Today, we honour the women who marched, the women who continue to lead, and the generations of African women who are shaping what comes next.

Celebrating the Class of 2025!

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation recently celebrated the graduation of its 2nd-year scholars, marking the culmination of a transformative journey of connection and leadership.

As the Class of 2025 gathered, they were reminded that graduation is not an ending but an invitation to carry their growth into the world and contribute towards a more just and generative future for Africa.

From the keynote address by Delecia Davids (South Africa & Stellenbosch University, 2020) to reflections on what it means to step forward as young African leaders, the evening was a celebration of growth and the responsibility that comes with leadership.

As each scholar received their Mandela Rhodes Shield, they crossed the room not simply as graduates but as members of a growing alumni community. We wish the Class of 2025 all the best in their journeys as they continue to make an impact on the African continent and beyond.

At the final second-year workshop, The Mandela Rhodes Foundation’s 2025 cohort gathered for a day of reflection, reconnection and meaningful conversation as they continue navigating their leadership journeys.

The day included a recap of the first module, a team pulse check, and a fireside conversation on cultivating grounding and belonging in transition. MRF CEO Judy Sikuza, Director of Operations Ernst Ge**er, and Operations Manager Gigi Edross-Jeppie shared personal reflections on moments of transition, what helped them stay grounded, and the insights they gained about belonging and creating a sense of home wherever they found themselves.

As they move forward, the question remains: What will you carry with you, and what are you ready to leave behind?

Reflecting on ten years since becoming a Mandela Rhodes Scholar, Ajohche Awungjia (Cameroon & University of the Western Cape, 2016) shares how the Foundation helped shape her journey, from academia to music, and the lessons that continue to inspire her path.

Read her story from the link below:
https://www.mandelarhodes.org/news-impact/alumni/ten-years-on-choosing-movement-music-and-new-beginnings/

Meet the recipients of the 2026 Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships.

Congratulations to Francisca Timothy (Nigeria & Stellenbosch University, 2023) and Ulemu Kanyongolo (Malawi & University of Cape Town, 2023).

Click on the link below to find out more or to learn more about their journeys.

https://www.mandelarhodes.org/news-impact/news/introducing-the-2026-shaun-johnson-memorial-scholarship-recipients/

Mandela Day is not just a day; it’s a commitment to creating lasting change.

This year to support U-Turn's mission of empowering people to overcome homelessness, The Mandela Rhodes Foundation donated clothing and food, while our team members jumped into the kitchen to help prepare dinner. We are still collecting pre-loved clothing which you can donate at The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Building, Cape Town; the U-Turn Claremont Store; the U-Turn Melville Store and the U-Turn Pretoria Store until the end of the month.

How can Africa build a digital future that serves its own people?

In this episode of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Podcast, CEO and host Judy Sikuza sits down with Gabon's Minister of Digital Economy, and Innovation, Mark-Alexandre Doumba, to explore leadership in a rapidly changing world.

Together they discuss entrepreneurship, ethical decision-making, AI, digital transformation, and why Africa must play a leading role in shaping the global digital economy. Mark-Alexandre also shares the values that have guided his journey: respect, long-term thinking and building meaningful relationships.

This is a conversation about leadership that looks beyond today's challenges to tomorrow's opportunities.

Listen now from the link below:
https://www.mandelarhodes.org/news-impact/podcast/africas-digital-future-mark-alexandre-doumba-on-innovation-policy-and-leadership/

“It is in your hands to make a better world for all who live in it.” - Nelson Mandela

From scholars to alumni, each quote is a reminder that Mandela's legacy is not only something we remember. It is something we choose to live with.

These reflections celebrate the many ways our community continues to honour Madiba's vision for a more just, compassionate and inclusive Africa.