June 2026 Stakeholder Update

Dear Stakeholder

Over the past three months at the MRF, we have had moments filled with deeply reflective thought leadership engagements, impactful leadership development programming, and inspiring research questions from our Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships PhD recipients. All of these, seeking to be present to the world as it is, and how we become more humane as we endeavour to develop and embody the kind of leadership that allows true dignity, understanding, and transformation for Africa and all its people.

As such, we feel it congruent with our values that we share this encouraging news; while pairing them with the reality of what is also currently happening in South Africa – where our Pan-African, Mandela Legacy organisation is based, and interacts intimately with the rest of the continent where we currently have scholars hailing from 38 African countries. We hope that the complexity of what we hold in our work can be received with all its inspiration, and equal reality testing - as we keep exploring together what it means to truly create a society where we are accountable to each other, while we seek to create belonging.

Xenophobic tensions in South Africa

The ongoing xenophobic tensions in South Africa are deeply troubling to us, affecting many across the country, including members of our current scholar community. At The Mandela Rhodes Foundation, this moment speaks to something core to who we are, and what we stand for. This moment goes beyond a political position, but a deeply human one – grounded in the values that shaped Madiba’s vision when he established this Foundation. Our work affirms that our strength lies in the richness of our diversity across the African continent, and it is through the exchange of these varying perspectives, experiences, and wisdom, that a more just and flourishing future becomes possible for all of Africa.

In 2019, the Foundation spoke out against xenophobic violence, upholding a vision of an Africa rooted in dignity, shared prosperity, and the understanding that we are each other’s keepers - as our Founding Patron Mr Mandela compelled us to embody when the Foundation was launched in 2003. Guided by these values, and mindful of the lessons history teaches when division takes root - we hold that there can be no place for violence or exclusion in the Africa we are working to build together.

The Foundation will continue to monitor the situation and engage as appropriate with all key stakeholders where we have our Scholars, Alumni, and other related parties.

Thought Leadership

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Podcast – Episodes 9 and 10

Our podcast series continues to create space for thoughtful dialogue on leadership, drawing on diverse perspectives from across the continent and beyond.

In April we released Episode 9 featuring Nigerian philosopher Dr Bayo Akomolafe. In this episode, he invites leaders to slow down and engage more deeply with uncertainty and complexity. Instead of viewing leadership as a skill to be mastered, Dr Akomolafe reframes it as an emergent practice - one that develops when we remain present with challenges that fall outside conventional notions of success.

Listen to the episode here.

In May we released Episode 10, which follows the journey of Egyptian MRF alum and SJMS recipient Reem Elsayed - from her early work as a community pharmacist to her current role as an Oxford-based researcher. Drawing on firsthand experiences in overstretched clinics, Reem shares how these moments sparked a deep commitment to health systems reform to benefit women across North Africa.

Listen to the episode here.

MRF podcast episodes 9 and 10.

International Baccalaureate keynote address

In April MRF CEO Judy Sikuza delivered a keynote at the International Baccalaureate African Education Festival in Johannesburg, addressing educators and sector leaders under the theme Building Ubuntu through education in Africa: Shared humanity, unique context. Her address emphasised the need to move beyond individual achievement and embed Ubuntu as a lived ethic, shaping learners into ethical, relational leaders who use their passions and skills towards creating more humane societies.

MRF CEO Judy Sikuza delivering her keynote address at the International Baccalaureate.

Stakeholder Relations

Strengthening partnerships: Africa Month with Oxford University Press

Strategic engagements remain critical to advancing our mission. In May, Judy - together with a group of UK-based Mandela Rhodes alumni - was hosted by the Oxford University Press (OUP) senior leadership team. 

The gathering created a meaningful space to reflect on the enduring partnership between the two organisations, and the collective impact on African education and leadership development over the past 18 years. It also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships and celebrate African scholarship, reinforcing our shared commitment to transformative education and leadership across the continent.

MRF CEO Judy Sikuza, UK-based Mandela Rhodes alumni and key stakeholders at the OUP-hosted Africa Month event in Oxford.

Programme news

First year programme

In April and May the First Year Programme built momentum through its first regional pod gatherings, reconnecting scholars after the Leadership Retreat and deepening LDP themes. Scholars extended Enneagram work and engaged the MRF Podcast through peer-led learning. Each pod offered distinct experiences, with the Cape Town group participating in a creative composting and painting process, while the Johannesburg group undertook a learning journey to Liliesleaf Farm. Both created grounded spaces for connection and growth, while a virtual Connection and Community session further strengthened relationships through co-regulation practices.

From left to right: The Class of 2026 at the Johannesburg and Cape Town pod gatherings

Scholar stories

Mandela Rhodes Scholars do more than excel academically - they also find their voice and confront complex realities as they step into purposeful leadership. This quarter, we spotlight stories of bold storytelling and deep personal growth.

First-year scholar George Karega (Kenya & University of Cape Town, 2026) was a curious child determined to say more. His journey traces the power of voice - championing inclusion, questioning unequal systems, and advocating for opportunities that reach the many, not the few. Read George’s reflection here.

Second-year scholar Tumelo Matobo (Lesotho & University of Cape Town, 2025) reflects on the shift from deep personal introspection to active engagement with the world - embracing uncertainty and practising collective leadership. Read Tumelo’s story here.

From left to right: George Karega and Tumelo Matobo.

Alumni relations

Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships

Following a rigorous selection process in June, we are proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships for doctoral study in the UK:

Francisca Timothy (Nigeria & Stellenbosch University, 2023) plans to complete DPhil in Biochemistry at The University of Oxford. This PhD investigates how the body's immune cells detect and eliminate invading microorganisms and why this process sometimes fails, allowing infections to persist. Francisca’s research seeks to ensure relevance to African health realities by using local clinical isolates and patient-derived immune cells to better reflect regional disease patterns.

Ulemu Kanyongolo (Malawi & University of Cape Town, 2023) plans to complete a PhD in Law at Durham University. This PhD will investigate ways to reimagine Malawi’s legal response to Image-Based Sexual Abuse (IBSA). The research will examine how patriarchal structures and colonial perceptions shape Malawi’s legal response and how feminist and decolonial approaches can improve legal protections.

Our best wishes go with these exceptional Mandela Rhodes alumni as they take this important next step in their academic journeys. Congratulations!

Find out more about the Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships here.

From left to right: Francisca Timothy and Ulemu Kanyongolo.

As we move into the second half of the year, we do so with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. In a time marked by both challenge and transformation, we remain committed to nurturing thoughtful, ethical leadership that is responsive to the complexities of our continent. We are grateful for your continued partnership in our work.

With warmest wishes,

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation