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Amanda Luxande MSc in Environment and Development, University of Manchester Amanda studied a BSc degree and majored in Zoology and Ecology at the University of Cape Town. Between theoretical studies she has been engaging with key global environmental issues through her internships at the South African National Biodiversity Institute in the field of conservation planning as well as the Department of Water Affairs in aquatic resource protection. Amanda believes that a degree in Environment and Development will equip her with the necessary skills to contribute towards the achievement of sustainability for environmental resource use in the promotion of socio-economic development in South Africa. “Natural resources are crucial for the development of the South African society and the upliftment of its livelihood.” she said Aubrey Shabane MBA in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development, Leeds University Aubrey had to overcome many adversities to accomplish his dream of attending university and completing a degree. At the end of 2000, he obtained a B.Com degree from the University of South Africa. He says with the knowledge he’ll obtain he intends to lobby for mentorship programmes whereby small business managers can get on-the-job exposure to the best management practices. Aubrey feels that although there has been the creation of an entrepreneurial and small business enabling environment, the majority of South Africans are unable to take advantage of the opportunities afforded to them. A keen sportsman who plays rugby, volleyball, soccer and squash, Aubrey has demonstrated great drive and determination in his business ventures and career achievements. Janine Ogle MA in Public Policy, University of Nottingham Policy-making that can influence people’s lives positively is what Janine Ogle hopes to derive from her year abroad as a Nelson Mandela Scholar. Janine attained a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and Anthropology from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal in 2002. She subsequently went on to complete her honors in Gender Studies. She also wants to complete her PHD with a focus on the affects of Affirmative Action and Employment Equity in South Africa. After her doctoral studies she would like to continue her work in policy-making but at a national level. Upon completing her chosen course of study, Janine, intends to work for the Kwa-Zulu Natal local government playing a key role in the policy-making process of the province. Morgan Mkhatshwa MBA in HealthCare, University of Leeds Morgan holds a B.Sc Honors with majors in Botany and Zoology, B. Ed in Educational Management and MBChB in Medicine and Surgery. With the Nelson Mandela Scholarship, he wants to pursue a MBA in Healthcare to help him manage a hospital and empower him to maintain equilibrium within the department by providing additional skills for personnel in management positions and providing sound strategic input to manage facilities adequately. He has an insatiable thirst for knowledge and continues to complete various courses in the field of medicine. “The MBA degree will be an empowering tool for me, as an educator, I will have no problem in disseminating the acquired information and skills to my colleagues and those keen to learn.” Noxolo Kahlana MA in Social Development, University of Manchester Leaving Accenture after two years of consulting, then working for the Youth Development Trust helped Noxolo realise that her passion for social development work especially on youth matters. She was convinced that her knowledge from the BCom in Information Systems she had obtained was not sufficient, hence she felt the need to study towards a Masters degree in Social Development specialising in youth development work. “When I return home, I look forward to being one of the key drivers behind funding projects, managing national and continental youth development projects in South Africa and the rest of Africa. I also would like to Help fund and effectively run Youth and Community centres and other youth employability programmes,” says Noxolo. Ramesh Dass M Phil in Bioscience Enterprise, Cambridge University. Being awarded the Nelson Mandela Scholarship has made Ramesh’s dream of studying abroad an honored reality. At the end of his final year of study at medical school, Ramesh Dass was awarded the Abe Bailey Travel Scholarship to tour England and Scotland where he got a chance to visit the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. Ramesh believes he has a role to play in improving medical services in South Africa. “I am committed to South Africa and its healthcare. Much needs to be done to correct the mistakes of the past, strengthen the present and provide for the future health and growth of our great country and its people,” he said. This degree can combines medical knowledge with his interest in businesses associated with the health sector. Riona Govender PhD in Human Rights, University of London After completing her BA degree (Cum Laude) at the University of Natal, she obtained her B.Sc Honors in Psychology and Masters degree in Community and Development studies. Riona is a research analyst for Health and Development Africa and pursued to study abroad presently there is only one university in South Africa that offers interdisciplinary post-graduate opportunities in Human Rights. Over the past two years she been involved in research on the rollout of anti-retroviral therapy for HIV/Aids and has co-authored many papers on issues pertaining to the pandemic. When she returns from completing the year abroad as a Nelson Mandela Scholar, she wants to implement government effectiveness in building and sustaining a strong human rights society. Shehnaz Cassim MA in Development Studies, University of London With a strong interest in human rights and conflict resolution, she completed a BA in Film and Media Studies followed by a postgraduate Diploma in African Studies and Honors degree in Political Science. In 2003 she taught in the One World language school in Cape Town, was sponsored by the Global Children’s Organization to travel to Croatia and Bosnia and worked as a personal assistant to Zackie. After completing her Masters, she would like to continue her work at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. “By pursuing a degree in development studies with the concentration on human rights, war and forced migration I would be able to support and critique policy development in South Africa.’’ Upon her return from the United Kingdom, she would like to work in the area of policy development, either at an NGO or within government. Sibusiso Sibulelo MSc Development Studies, University of London Sibusiso holds a BSc Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Cape Town. Sibusiso sees the HIV/Aids epidemic and poverty as being shackles that need to be broken down as soon as possible. “This is the new struggle for Africa. As a concerned and affected party, I am compelled to take-up arms against this new struggle,” he said. He sees businesses as having a key role in developing partnerships with government to achieve balanced economic growth. “Profits must no longer be the only priority for business. There must be triple bottom line reporting pertaining to people, planet and prosperity.” His interest is becoming more involved in socio-economic development and community projects in when he returns home. Tess Padayachee MA in Speech-Language Pathology, Birmingham University She obtained her Bachelor of Communication Pathology (Speech Language Pathology) degree from the University of Durban-Westville. As a Nelson Mandela Scholar, she wants to do a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Tess recently started the Video Fluoroscopy Unit at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital which consists of a team of three doctors, a radiographer and the Speech Therapy Department. Most of the patients she works with suffer from speech difficulty linked to Aids-related illnesses therefore she is convinced in cpompleting her course she can make a positive contribution to dealing with the HIV/Aids pandemic. After completing her Masters, she would like to continue her work at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.