The Africa we build together: A Heritage Month reflection

During Heritage Month, Judy Sikuza, CEO of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, emphasizes that African heritage is about more than history; it involves collective efforts to build the future. The foundation has invested over two decades in young leaders from 38 African countries, promoting cooperation and a sense of Pan-African identity. Graduates share that their experience with the Mandela Rhodes community made them feel more African and helped them discover common causes, reinforcing the idea that African leadership is rooted in service and solidarity. Since 2005, over 54% of scholars have come from outside South Africa, demonstrating a deliberate Pan-African approach. Philani Ngubane, a current scholar, reflected on how the program challenged his assumptions about South Africa's role on the continent.