Future Leaders Class of 2016

Kukhanya Ncube

Kukhanya Ncube is a recent graduate. He holds a BSocSci degree in Environmental & Geographical Sciences, and Public Policy Administration from the University of Cape Town; and a BA Honours degree in Environmental Management and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) from the University of the Western Cape. He is currently studying for his Masters in Environmental Law at the University of Western Cape. At UCT, Kukhanya volunteered with Inkanyezi – an NPO that mentors high school learners from less privileged backgrounds. Kukhanya was the Marketing & Event Coordinator at Inkanyezi, and also completed the Urban Sustainability Internship programme with the City of Cape Town, where he worked as an Energy and Climate Change Assistant in the Environmental Resource Management Department. He is passionate about the ASRI Future Leaders Fellowship Programme because it deals with social issues faced by South African communities, and covers themes in which he is very interested such as law, public policy, and issues like renewable energy and climate change.

Aslam Bulbulia

Aslam Bulbulia is a Wits graduate with a degree in Political Studies and Philosophy. He is currently finishing his Masters in Development Planning, researching the integration of migrants in Johannesburg. While studying, Aslam had an active extracurricular life tutoring primary and high school students, performing stand-up comedy, getting involved in breakdancing, parkour and gymnastics and completing research internships with the Johannesburg Development Agency and Mining Qualifications Authority. He was also active in the Wits and National Muslim Students Associations and South African Artists Against Apartheid. In between his Masters coursework and research, he took time off to work, teach and travel during which he found his wonderful wife, also a planner. Back in Johannesburg, Aslam has renewed his commitment to helping build inclusive and just cities, through an artists’ collective called AwethuArt. Through ASRI, he hopes to grow and learn how best to serve current and future generations.

Lebogang Shikwambane

Lebogang Shikwambane is a recent graduate who obtained her Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Witwatersrand in Johannesburg. She was also a talk show host and researcher on the Rise Talk Show, initiated by the Soul City Institute. The television program provoked conversation around critical issues that affect young women between the ages of 15 and 25 and encouraged intergenerational exchanges, while inspiring young women to be greater than their circumstances. She is passionate about South Africa and believes in the power of art, culture and the strength of her generation to shoulder the future. She also carries a passion for social development and justice and believes that the ASRI Future Leaders Fellowship Program will instil in her the necessary skills to develop social projects that seek to alleviate the institutionalised oppression of marginalised people.

Mawethu Nkosana

Mawethu Nkosana is an artist, a youth activist, a thinker and a creative. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Science from Wits University. A former BlackBerry Brand Ambassador, Mawethu has freelanced in multiple sectors, most recently being a Junior Copywriter for a digital company. Leadership and initiative are traits visible both in his story and in the projects he has started, such as the ‘Conversations: Art Colloquial’, which aims to evoke a dialogue on current affairs and academic themes through photography, poetry, music, screenings and commentaries. He was also the runner-up for the National Treasury Public Speaking Challenge. Mawethu is a former RCL President for two consecutive years, a class representative for Politics at university, a COP17 2011 Youth delegate, a former member of WASO and a true afropolitan who is passionate about Africa and is eager to learn and share.

Rodney Kukubo

Rodney Kukubo is a graduate who completed his secondary schooling at Graeme College High School for Boys. He then went on to complete his Bachelor of Commerce degree at Rhodes University, majoring in Economics and Management. He is currently enrolled at the University of Johannesburg, completing his Honours Degree in Economics. His academic interests are focused around public finance, particularly at the Local Government level. His Honours research observed the effect of the Local Equitable Share on own-revenue generating abilities of municipalities in South Africa. During his time at Rhodes, Rodney was a peer educator for three years with the Student HIV/AIDS Resistance Campaign (SHARC), where he provided HIV/AIDS related workshops that educated and provided vital insight for students and the community at large. His main aspirations for the ASRI Future Leaders Fellowship Program include reflecting on his past studies and learning all the right aspects to help him become an accountable and knowledgeable public servant.

Moswane Mafule Morlan

Moswane Mafule Morlan is the co-Founder and Secretary General of the Faculty of Best Advisory (FBA). He holds a BSc in Archaeology and Geography, as well as a BSc Honours in Geography, Environmental Policy Development, Food Security and Environmental Sustainability from the University of the Witwatersrand. He is currently pursuing his MSc in Geography and Environmental Science at the University of the Witwatersrand. Moswane is passionate about education and spends most of his time participating and running FBA projects such as career guidance, motivation sessions and mentorship in high schools and tertiary institutions in South Africa. Moswane has visited many schools in Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga to encourage a culture of reading and academic excellence as a way to help young people access higher levels of education. He is hoping to grow and learn from the ASRI Future Leaders Program, and continue to make the world a better place.

Hlakudi Gert Malatji

Hlakudi Gert Malatji is a recent graduate with a National Diploma in Management and a B-Tech in Management from the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). During his tertiary tenure, Hlakudi served as a Student Academic Mentor, providing academic support to his fellow students. In 2011, Hlakudi was awarded the Top Achievers Award at a prestigious event organised by the Faculty of Management Sciences at TUT. Thereafter, he did his internship with the Department Of Trade and Industry as a Trade and Industry Advisor, and also served as a member of the Internship Forum as a mediator between the interns and the Human Resources Directorate. Hlakudi has attended several developmental short courses, which include: Breaking Barriers into Public Service offered by National School of Government (PALAMA); Due Diligence Training; Investment Appraisal, and Risk Analysis. Currently, Hlakudi is the core-founder and chairperson of the Malusi Youth Development Organisation in Booysens Pretoria.

Munaka Phathutshedzo

Munaka Phathutshedzo was born in Limpopo Province and matriculated from Dzata Secondary School. His first degree was a Bachelor of Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), majoring in International Relations and Political Studies. He then went further to do his Honours Degree in Development Studies at Wits University. Thereafter, Phathu went on to do a Masters Degree in Social Development. The title of his research project was the “Experience of Rural Leaders in Accessing Institutions of Higher Learning”. Since doing his Masters, Phathutshedzo has been working for the Thusanani Foundation as a Project Coordinator. His love and passion is for the development of South Africa, as well as Africa as a whole. Munaka hopes that through the ASRI Future Leaders Programme, he will be able to gain more knowledge and experience of different fields, as ASRI is a diverse organization.

Bongeka Makatsa

Bongeka Makatsa is a recent graduate of the University of Pretoria, where she studied Political Science within International Studies. During the course of her studies, the University offered her tremendous opportunities through her involvement in various campus societies. Through these societies, Bongeka worked and served disadvantaged communities in and around Pretoria. The most fulfilling experiences were when she was able to help primary school children in various ways, which contributed towards better results and an overall better future for the youth of South Africa. Her aspirations for the ASRI Future Leaders Programme are to use what she has learned in the classroom, together with practical knowledge, to become a well-rounded leader who can go amongst the people and have a positive impact on their lives.

Mxolisi Masango

Mxolisi Masango studied at the University of Pretoria and obtained his Bachelor of Arts in Law in 2015 – majoring in International Relations. He is currently pursuing his postgraduate studies in Law. In 2015, Mxolisi completed the Legal Vacation Program with Corruption Watch, and has served on the House Committee of Kollege Residence as the State Secretary and Treasurer at the Sundowns Tuks Branch. He was also the Mentor at Junior Tukkie. Mxolisi is actively involved in community work with a key focus on outreach projects at orphanages and old age homes. In 2014, he received the Community Engagement Certificate from the Junior Tukkie Society for outstanding community work in that year. His aspirations for the ASRI Future Leaders Programme are to acquire the necessary leadership skills and experience that will enable him to become an efficient leader in society, and go on to become an influential and prominent leader in government and civil society.

Lucky Mongwe

Lucky Mongwe is a community activist and a youth leader. He holds an undergraduate degree in Politics as well as an Honours Degree in Public Management and Governance, both from the University of Johannesburg. His Honours research paper was a critical analysis of South Africa as a developing state. Lucky participated in the Service Delivery Committee at the Pimville Golf Course, and also served in various positions as a youth leader. He is passionate about youth and community development and is often involved in genuine community struggles. Lucky is also a former member of the Pimville Steering Committee for Developmental Projects. He aspires that the ASRI Future Leaders Programme will enhance his level of understanding of government policies, and develop him to become a prominent leader in the future.

Mpho Hlongwa

Mpho Hlongwa is a recent graduate who has just completed a degree in Political Sciences, International Relations and German at the University of Pretoria. She is currently a Youth Presenter at Elevate Education – an NGO based in the United Kingdom and Australia – where she evaluates and presents study skills to high schools in Pretoria and Johannesburg. Mpho has extensive experience with international organisations. In 2009, she was selected to represent South Africa at a two-week youth and reconciliation program called the Regenbogen Projekt in Poland and Germany. In 2013, she lived and worked in Hamburg with a German volunteering agency called Diakonisches Werks & FSJ. Thereafter, Mpho participated in three international youth conferences with Cultur Cooperation in Berlin and Denmark. She is one of the supporting founders of a church youth holiday program called KidsWeek, which was established in 2008 for migrants and disadvantaged people. Currently, Mpho is the Founder and Chairperson of the Youth For Africa Foundation – a student advocacy group at TUKS that works with students from different faculties and high schools. Through the ASRI Future Leaders Programme, Mpho aspires to gain effective knowledge in skills regarding project management, and hopes to network and exchange knowledge and ideas with Fellows with whom she is honoured and excited to work.

Mahlodi Kgatle

Whenever the characteristics ardency, diligence and an insatiable appetite for learning collide, it is undeniably a statement about Mahlodi Kgatle – an Honours student at the University of Pretoria, furthering her interests in Marketing. Mahlodi hopes to explore the industry by delving into the minds of consumers, seeing them not as drivers of an economic system but as cognitive and emotional creatures. When she is not reading about the psychology of consumers, Mahlodi is managing Fosta Marketing Consulting Services, a subsidiary of The Young Executive that aims to inculcate the culture of entrepreneurship amongst the youth of South Africa. Mahlodi’s inspiration stems from her Presidency role, which she held in 2015 at the Golden Key International Honour Society’s Pretoria Chapter. In this role, she acknowledged that the greatest leader is the greatest servant and as such, if servitude is below you, then leadership is beyond you.

Victoria (Tori) Bungane

Tori Bungane is an aspiring development professional with a focus on rapid industrial growth and innovation on the African Continent. Tori holds a Bachelors Degree in Economics, Philosophy and Politics from UNISA, and is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in Economics and Data Science. Her work with the UNIDO SPX project aims to increase industrial localization, and has profoundly impacted her passion for creating avenues for upward mobility and self-determination for people in emerging economies. Tori also has experience in the private and government sectors, having worked closely with young entrepreneurs in South Africa and witnessed their challenges. Therefore, helping to establish a context conducive for small business is a central goal in her career objectives. An avid writer, Tori contributes periodically for Khalala and African Green Element Magazines. As an ASRI Future Leaders Fellow, Tori hopes to be shaped into a dynamic thought leader, masterful orator and a catalyst for tangible change as well as an impactful member of society.

Gopolang Helen Mororiseng Makou

Gopolang, a Rhodes University graduate, holds an undergraduate degree with majors in Philosophy, Law and Economics along with an Honours degree in Philosophy; and is currently enrolled for a Master of Arts degree in Social Science Methods at Stellenbosch University. While at Rhodes, Gopolang participated extensively in volunteer efforts, including serving as a literacy tutor for the Inkwenkwezi Shine Group programme (a programme which delivered tailored literacy lessons to foundation phase learners), as well as serving as a “thinking skills” tutor at GADRA Matric School (a school that offers learners support in retaking their National Senior Certificate examinations).

Safiya Umar

Safiya Umar is an Honours graduate from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) Johannesburg. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Johannesburg. Safiya was awarded a Post Graduate Merit Scholarship at WITS to pursue a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Business Science and Human Resource Management. While at WITS, she served as a research assistant at the School of Economics and Business Science (SEBS). Her greatest achievement within academia was winning First Runner-Up in her third year Information Knowledge Management class. Another significant accomplishment was being awarded the Best Presentation Award for her research paper, which was a case study of the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg General Hospital. Safiya has formally served as the Temporary Lead Generator at Platinum Life Insurance Company, where her focus was to grow the Platinum Life enterprise through telephone marketing. She has also served her community at the Ahmed Kathrada Lenmed Hospital Surgical Ward. Her aspirations for the ASRI Future Leaders Programme are to uphold the mission and founding principles of ASRI and to be noble and to embody the spirit of justice, equality, freedom, peace and truth.

Thapelo Amad

Thapelo Amad is a Junior Chamber International (JCI) Local President and Chairperson of the Economic Freedom Fighters (Ward 10). He is also a tutor at his community madrassa, and a former Secretary General at iThemba Lama Africa – a civil rights response movement. Thapelo studied Islamic Theology for five years at Jaami’ah Darul Uloon Newcastle and graduated in Kwa-Zulu Natal at Jamia Faizul Uloom. He completed his Level Four Qualification in Entrepreneurship at the University of Johannesburg, where is currently still a student pursuing postgraduate studies. Thapelo is involved in the ASRI Future Leaders Fellowship Programme because he sees a need for transformation in people’s lives, and believes that unlocking untapped doors in a person’s academic background can lead to growth in all spheres. He believes that the programme will not only contribute academically, but will also incubate personal leadership skills that will contribute positively to the communities we lead.

Li’Tsoanelo Zwane

Li’Tsoanelo Zwane was born and raised in Gugulethu – a township in Cape Town. She pursued a Bachelor of Education degree at the University of the Western Cape, which she went on to complete Cum Laude. She went on to pursue an Honours degree majoring in Applied Linguistics and Developmental Psychology at the University of Cape Town. She is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree focusing on Inclusive Education at the University of the Witwatersrand. Li’Tsoanelo has been involved in various leadership programmes and has assumed various leadership roles. She was appointed the Vice President of the Golden Key International Honour Society (UWC Chapter), a role she fulfilled between 2013 and 2014. She was one of 18 team members of the South Africa-Washington International Program, an intense seven-month leadership program comprising of a six-week work exposure in Washington DC, USA. She was also selected as one of 40 students who participated in the Emerging Leaders Program at the University of the Western Cape, which is aimed at not only personal development, but also the harnessing of leadership potential. Li’Tsoanelo is passionate about education and gender equality.

Shagufta Pasta

Shagufta Pasta is a writer and social planner with a Bachelors of Arts from the University of British Columbia and a Masters in Planning with a specialization in Social Policy and Planning from the University of Toronto. Her Masters project examined how planners can better deconstruct and address conflicts that surround new mosque developments. Post graduation, Shagufta helped raise funds for poverty alleviation programs in British Columbia by managing and coordinating the UBC United Way Campaign, and organizing community projects through the United Way in Toronto. In 2010, Shagufta started Seriously Planning, a blog that discusses stories, faith and cities. The blog led to marriage and a move to Johannesburg in April 2015. New to Joburg, Shagufta currently runs a monthly book club that brings together her three favourite things: interesting people, great books and tea. Her goal for ASRI is to discover how she can best contribute to Joburg.

Sophia Abdool

Sophia Abdool is a vibrant young Somali woman who grew up in South Africa. She completed her tertiary education at the University of Johannesburg where she majored in Psychology as well as Anthropology. Sophia worked hand in hand with SASA to create awareness for the youth by setting up soccer games for young men in her community to keep them off the streets. She has been previously employed at her university’s Psychology Department where she assisted fellow students. She is excited about the ASRI Future Leaders Programme, as it inspires her to challenge herself. She is eager to gain experience from the Fellowship as it will create new gateways for her.

Umihan Abdool

Umihan Abdool is a former student at the Institute of Natural Health where she qualified as a Therapeutic Massage Therapist in November 2011. She furthered her education by studying Iridology, Ethno-medicine, Pregnancy and Sport Injury in 2012. Ever since she completed her studies, she has become a business-minded individual, growing her practice and her Creative Packaging brand. As one of the translators at the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR), Umihan has helped the UNHCR understand many perspectives that affect individuals within the organization.

Safia Khan

Safia Khan is an aspiring hyperpolyglot. For a number of years, she volunteered her services as a copy editor in the education and corporate sectors. She has a keen interest in Early Childhood Development and holds a Bachelor of Social Science Honours degree in Political Science from the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Her research looked into the extent to which students identified with and grouped together based on race at the Howard College Campus of UKZN and the impact that these findings may have for future integration if extrapolated across the country. She hopes that ASRI’s Future Leaders Programme will equip her with the expertise to assist people of vulnerable circumstances to communicate their plight to individuals and institutions that can partner with them in finding sustainable solutions.

Shamiela Michaels

Shamiela Michaels is a 2016 ASRI Future Leaders Programme Fellow. She holds a Bachelors Degree in History and Political Studies from the University of the Western Cape. Throughout her studies, she has offered her services as a volunteer administrative assistant for a community based organization that assists the elderly. As an ASRI Future Leaders Fellow, Shamiela would like to enhance her research skills. Her research interests include employment creation, access to higher education for all and climate change. She also hopes to use the skills acquired during the 2016 ASRI Future Leaders Fellowship Program to positively contribute to civil society.

Sabeehah Motala

Sabeehah Motala holds an LLB degree from the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, as well as a certificate in International Law from the University of Geneva Summer School. She has most recently worked as a legal intern at Lawyers for Human Rights’ Refugee Law Clinic, providing legal assistance to asylum seekers and refugees. While studying in the UK, she volunteered at the Camden Community Law Centre, was involved in the Oxford Lawyers Without Borders Human Rights Conference and has served as an editor of the prestigious SOAS Law Journal. As a result of her interest in human rights, she also hosted events on feminist legal theory and European human rights law. Sabeehah hopes that the ASRI Future Leaders Fellowship will provide a strong foundation from which to begin working towards supporting social development and the promotion of human rights in South Africa.

Kekeletso Maryam Mphuthi

Kekeletso Maryam Mphuthi is currently an Arabic Language and Islamic Studies Teacher. She is a lawyer and teacher by profession with a degree in Law from the Open University of Sudan, as well as a Diploma in Education and a Certificate in Arabic Language from the International University of Africa. She also has a Certificate in Islamic Studies from Verulam Islamic Institute. Kekeletso has taken courses in Professional Project Management, Management of Human Resources, and Management of Non-Governmental Organizations within the Development Studies and Research Institute at the University of Khartoum. Additionally, Maryam has also worked with The Green Crescent Islamic Information Centre as a secretary in Lesotho, Joy FM as an Islamic Presenter also in Lesotho, the International Muslim Youth Development Project as a Secretary General in Sudan, the International Muslim Women’s Union as the Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs in Sudan, and the Cambridge International Institute as a lecturer and teacher. Joining the ASRI Future Leaders Fellowship Programme will enable her to achieve her goals in serving people.

Yasmin P. Mashaba

Yasmin P. Mashaba is an ANC Youth League member and a well-known young leader in her community. She serves her community wholeheartedly in her position as a role model, motivator, and community organiser at the Protea South Community Project, as well as the Thandanani Orphanage for children affected by HIV and AIDS. Her aspirations and dreams with regards to the ASRI Future Leaders Community Project are to further develop and gain skills, while also nurturing her ability to be innovative in creating solutions for the betterment of civil society. She believes civil society centres the human rights of people who come from deprived or underprivileged backgrounds, and helps them gain access to success, prosperity and progress.

Muhammed Lwande Makwetu

Muhammed Lwande Makwetu is an Executive Member of the Alawi Husainy Ninowy Zawiya in Cape Town. After graduating from the Madina Institute One Year Intensive Program in Islamic Sciences in 2014, Muhammed joined the Institute’s Internship Program, where he worked as a tutor and was eventually entrusted with the supervision of the curriculum, timetable and exam facilitation, while participating in various marketing and student recruitment activities. Muhammed has currently turned his sights on becoming more involved in his community and has recently started participating in various projects, such as clothing drives, serving food to the needy and stationery drives for school children. Through the Prophetic Model of the Final Messenger of God – Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) – a model of love, compassion and mercy towards all and malice towards none, Muhammed’s vision is to rebuild communities with principles and values that drive all individuals towards making positive contributions to society.

Zimasile Shabangu

Zimasile Shabangu is a recent graduate from the University of Zululand. During his studies in commerce at the university, he served as the Media and Communications Officer of the Black Management Forum’s Student Chapter, as well as the Secretary General of the Business Management Students Society. He has contributed tirelessly towards the upliftment of his fellow citizens in the communities in which he has been based. During his younger years, Zimasile served as a volunteer for the Red Cross Society and was part of the Business Against Crime initiative that ensured safety for schools located in disadvantaged communities. He also shared skills gained from his studies with local unskilled businesswomen around the university by equipping them with the fundamentals of Business and Financial Management. Zimasile has also assisted in the establishment of a vegetable garden for the elderly so they can sustain themselves, and also volunteered at a local NGO in his hometown, which provides food for the needy. He is excited to be a part of the ASRI Future Leaders team and is passionate about people. He believes that being part of the team will help achieve his goals of being a change agent who strives for fair, just and sustainable livelihoods for all.

Mthokozisi Ebrahim Maseko

Mthokozisi Ebrahim Maseko is an Imaam at the Rockville Masjid in Soweto. He is an Islamic Scholar by profession, and is also furthering his Honours degree in Islamic Studies at the University of Johannesburg. He had previously served as an Imaam in Lotus Gardens, Pretoria for two years before moving on to his current Masjid in Rockville. He is a member of the Gauteng Shurah Council where he is currently Secretary of the Ulama Council Committee. He is also a member of Qaswatul Islam, his local Masjid organisation, where he is an Islamic Advisor. Through the ASRI Future Leaders Programme, he aspires to develop and equip himself with social management skills that will enable him to work more effectively within South Africa’s diverse society. He hopes to bring about change while also enhancing his skills to better work within the organisations in which he is currently involved.

Shaazia Ebrahim

Shaazia Ebrahim is a recent graduate of a Bachelor of Arts with Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Stellenbosch University. While at Stellenbosch, she was a member of the Golden Key Society and is still an active member of their alumni. Shaazia is interested in social justice and environmental sustainability and was involved with UNASA’s community outreach programmes and environmental endeavours. She was also a member of the Islamic Society in Stellenbosch, as well as the Student Political Organisation of Stellenbosch. Shaazia looks forward to meeting new and dynamic people through ASRI’s Future Leaders Fellowship Programme, and strives for social justice through becoming an agent of change.