Future Leaders Class of 2022
Nonkundla Sinah Maso
Nonkundla Sinah Maso is a young woman who holds the strongest belief that a just and equitable society is possible if everyone works together to achieve this goal. She recently completed her Masters of Laws (LL.M.) from the University of Cape Town. She also holds an undergraduate degree in Health Sciences from the University of the Witwatersrand as well as a Post-graduate degree in law (LL.B.) from the same institution. Growing up in Katlehong, she witnessed a lot of gaps in access to not only resources but also information, which motivates her to work hard to close this gap. She is passionate about her community and communities like hers, and wishes to work within those spaces to ensure that the community gets access to the resources and information that they need. She hopes to build a strong and lasting relationship between herself and ASRI, as well as with the fellow in her cohort, through her participation in the 2022 ASRI Future Leaders Programme.
Ruvimbo (Rue) Hamadziripi
My name is Ruvimbo (Rue) Hamadziripi, I consider myself to be a change agent at heart. I hold two bachelor’s degrees, one in Social Work and other in Social Sciences specialization in Social Policy and Management from the University of Cape Town. I am currently pursing my master’s degree in Social Sciences specializing in Social Policy and Management at the University of Cape. My mantra is to blossom wherever I am, by that I mean I desire to make a difference in the overall effectiveness and efficiency of a system or an institution. To be more direct I have an interest in monitoring and evaluation as well as the desire to improve the livelihoods of the vulnerable through any means possible where structures or entities in society who pledge to rectify the social ills of our nation are held to a higher standard where the services they provide are continuously defined, refined, and developed to an aspiring to level of optimal functionality ultimately benefiting the beneficiaries they serve.
Muhammad Shakeel Garda
Muhammad Shakeel Garda is a graduate of LLB, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies and International Relations, both of which were completed at Wits University. He served the Muslim Students Association as Head of Politics and Transformation and later Deputy Chairperson at Wits, and is currently the President of the MSA Union, the organization’s national structure. With a passion for South Africa’s Islamic heritage borne of the sacrifices of slavery and trade that shapes his family history, Shakeel spends his time documenting the archival, visual and cultural background of community life and hopes to merge his interests in Islam, law, media and society in the coming years. He believes the ASRI FLP is a vital step toward that realization.
Shaakira Davood
My name is Shaakira Davood and my interest in leadership and activism started in high school. The extra-curricular activities I partook in allowed me to experience leadership and a peak into community outreach and the social environment around us. I took up Geography as an extra subject in grade 10 as I was interested in earth systems and was not exactly sure where I wanted my career to go after matric. And so decided the best bet would be to do an extra subject to see what I’d be more inclined towards. This informed the decision to take up Environmental Science as a major and while studying the Human Geography module, I found myself passionate about human involvement in our earth space. This moved me towards environmentalism and activism. Especially as a proud South African citizen, I love my country immensely. However, we have many deep-rooted issues and an apartheid history which I believe is essential to unpack to gain socio-economic justice. I applied to ASRI to do the FLP course this year for self-growth and development. I am also particularly interested in learning and hearing the viewpoints of others on the topics of the course because it allows you to view topics through different lenses and allows you to be more open-minded.
Zuhayr Mahomed
Zuhayr Mahomed is a post graduate student at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, currently completing a Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics. He has a deep-rooted passion for issues of social justice and has held leadership positions in a number of student societies and civil society organisations, including the SABDS Coalition. Ideologically, Zuhayr firmly believes in the call for decolonisation and belongs to Azanian bloc of Pan-Africanism and Black Consciousness. He is currently an intern at the Co-operation and Policy Alternative Centre.
Phumla Ifeoma Eneanya
Phumla Ifeoma Eneanya is studying towards a Master’s degree in Development Studies at Wits University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics and International Relations, and a joint Honours degree in Development Studies and International Relations.She is interested in finding ways to contribute to the economic development and growth of Sub-Saharan Africa. Her current research explores understanding African diasporas as potential development actors through their contribution to economic development in their home countries through various ways of investment.Phumla aspires to be a consultant working in economic growth, public policy, transformation, sustainable development, and systematic change within governments, companies, and civil society. She is passionate about development and improving her community through policy implementation and transformative work. The ASRI FLP programme speaks directly to her passion; being a part of this programme is nothing short of a privilege in her estimation. She hopes to learn, grow, and evolve into a leader who contributes to systematic and systemic change not just in her community, but across the African continent and the world.
Keletso Kgalema
Hailing from the Limpopo Province in a village called Ga-Mampuru in the mining town Steelpoort is 26 years old Keletso Kgalema. The founder of the award winning NPC SHEroine Leads. Keletso completed her high school in Ashbury School in the East Rand where she learnt her passion for community development and women empowerment through programmes established by the school to help communities. In 2016 while studying Marketing Management she collaborated with likeminded youth in her village to form Steelpoort Academics Network, An NPO focusing on improving the education in public schools in rural communities. She is currently registered studying Law with the University of South Africa. Amongst her many achievements Keletso was one of the award winners for Sunday World’s Unsung Heros for 2021, 3rd Place in the Young Women in Entrepreneurship Challenge by the UN and Gender Links. In the mist of the pandemic Keletso represented the National Youth Resilience Initiative as an ambassador at the SaferSpaces Conference discussions on how the prosperous development of a young generation of South Africa can be achieved to form an inclusive and safe society with equal opportunities for everyone to thrive. Keletso associates with Democracy Works Foundation which assisted her in completing Project Management, State of Nation Module and Thought Leadership from the University of Pretoria. I Keletso “Madam Speaker” Kgalema believe that when our achievements are determined by our choices and the effort we put in our daily lives and not the circumstances of our birth only then we will be living in a fair society and if you truly believe in something stay committed.
Putuma Balintulo
My name is Putuma Balintulo. I am an inquisitive, motivated, fearless, adaptive, and resilient 24-year old. I was born and bred by the dusty and mountainous communities of in the Eastern Cape. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Geology and Environmental sciences and a Bachelor of Science Honors in Environmental sciences, both obtained from Rhodes University. I am currently registered for a Master of Science in environmental Sciences at Rhodes University. During my time in university I have engaged in several educational and leadership programmes such as GreenMatter, Rhodes University SRC Alumni, ACCESS HPW core-lecturer, SAHIRE researcher, and SSLI-OTS. I am an energetic, adventurous and proactive individual who enjoys reading, travelling and spending time in nature. I am very passionate about environmental sustainability, leadership, and social justice. My long-term goal is to contribute to the betterment of our society by bringing transformative change and creating adaptive and resilient communities in the face of global change and environmental degradation and to also contribute to curbing hunger and poverty through environmentalism and restoring agriculture.
Esther Schippers
Esther Schippers is passionate about storytelling and the capacity it has to allow us to acknowledge those around us. She completed her Bachelor of Arts (Law) degree at the University of Stellenbosch, majoring in Political Science and English Literature, and is completing her LL.B., also at Stellenbosch. She believes that words have the ability to spark hope and encourage others to reflect on their own beliefs and value systems. She is inspired by writers who consider their communities and choose to weave their own stories into greater political contexts. She is interested in black feminisms, the intersection of art and activism, and hopes to learn more about food security in the South African context. She looks forward to understanding more about South African civil society and engaging with like-minded youth in the ASRI FLP. She places great importance on building strong relationships with those around her and doing what she can to make things better.
Masedi Ncamani
My name is Masedi Ncamani, 24 years old; I am a Rhodes University Honours graduate in Politics, International Relations, and Chinese. My passions are people, community justice and cohesion, environmental- and animal welfare, small businesses, international affairs, and politics. I pursue any causes within and outside of my passions with sheer tenacity and dynamism. Outside of work I enjoy crocheting, gardening, fitness, reading, and food. What I hope to gain from the ASRI FLP includes grounding my largely ‘theory’ background in a space that will push me towards specialising and honing my skills. I also look forward to building a network with people who have interests in furthering and developing South Africa in creative and sustainable ways.
Humairaa Mayet
Humairaa Mayet is currently working toward a Master’s degree in International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand, after having completed her Bachelor of Arts and Honours degrees at Wits. Humairaa has a committed interest in the Social Sciences and hopes to pursue a career in the academy. Deeply passionate about issues of social justice, Humairaa works with several political organisations, including the South Africa Boycott, Divest, Sanction Coalition (BDS), the Workers and Socialist Party (WASP), and the Socialist Youth Movement (SYM). She is also the chairperson of the Wits Palestine Solidarity Committee (PSC) and has served on multiple school councils. As a freelance writer Humairaa contributes monthly pieces to To EmpowHER, a women-led publication, and 25OneHundred, a youth collective. Humairaa seeks to bring about positive change in any and all of the spheres in which she finds herself and looks forward to working with ASRI, an organisation which has values which strongly align with her own.
Aqeelah Hendrickse
Aqeelah Hendrickse was born and bred in Stellenbosch, subsequently attaining her degree in Social Work from the University of Stellenbosch. Throughout her university studies she engaged in spaces that aimed to initiate change, including the Muslim Student’s Association (MSA) and the global volunteer-led campaign Charity Week. Career-wise Aqeelah hopes to utilise the skills gained in the ASRI FLP to secure employment in project management. Aqeelah as she has a keen interest in civil society and its ability to deliver change. She enjoys listening to podcasts, traveling, and watching series online, and is particularly intrigued by Malaysian series.
Yoliswa Sikhosana
Yoliswa is a is a graduate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal where she is currently enrolled in a Master’s degree in Public Policy. Her academic exposure to the field of International Relations during her undergraduate years have allowed her to view South Africa’s domestic politics as inherently tethered to global politics, assisting her in getting a more wholistic understanding of governing policies.Yoliswa is passionate about social justice and has written extensively about human rights violations in her academic research. Her Honours thesis was on the progressive policy of decriminalising sex work, arguing that not decriminalising it would be an affront to women’s rights and and to women’s bodily autonomy.She has also been involved in democratic processes through her involvement with the IEC, co-running a voting station in her capacity as a deputy presiding officer.Alongside her involvement with ASRI, she is also currently doing work at the Impact Centre of the Human Sciences Research Council, measuring the impact of science in society. Working under the guidance of notable members of the research and policy space, Yoliswa has been exposed to big science projects such as the SKA Telescope, ATTRACT and LEAP-RE. She hopes to continue to do work that ties into social advancement, social equity, democracy, governance, research and academia and believes that ASRI Future Leaders Programme is a great opportunity to do just that.
Yameen Motala
Yameen Motala has a variety of interests ranging from developments in basic education to local history along with urban planning, land restitution, and commercial aviation (network planning and aircraft acquisition). He has a passion for community work and engaging in learning activities with others. Some of the community-based organizations he has previously worked with include the District Six Working Committee, Reclaim the City, and Boorhaanol Islam Movement. After completing a Bachelor of Social Science degree at the University of Cape Town (majoring in International Relations and Public Policy & Administration), he completed a graduate Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) and an Honours Degree in City Planning from the same university. Currently, he is enrolled in the Auwal Socio-Economic Research Institute (ASRI) Future Leaders Programme 2022, and is looking forward to learning as much as possible from this expansive and multi-disciplinary programme, and to make the most of this opportunity.
Tahera Nontokozo Msomi
My name is Tahera Nontokozo Msomi, a graduate in Political Science and International Relations from the University of Johannesburg. I am pursing an Honours degree in Historical Studies this year.I am an intersectional activist whose focus and passion are gender, the climate, and most importantly, social justice. I have always tried to partake in spaces that advocate for change and to be counted among people who effect change in their communities. I am currently a member of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Youth Activism Program which aims to empower young people to bring about positive change to their various communities.I am a bubbly, introverted individual who enjoys watching different sports and I binge-watch series in my free time.I am very honoured to be partaking in this fellowship as I do feel that it will build me and empower as an individual.
Seabata Malebo
I am 27 years old and grew up in the Free State, South Africa.As a young boy that was raised in a community that was not privileged, with challenges that resulted from the socio-economic issues. I vowed to make a positive impact in improving the lives of ordinary South Africans after receiving the necessary skills and education to ensure an efficient and effective implementation of policies that aim to alleviate socio-economic issues and uphold the Constitution.In 2016 I was awarded an international scholarship to study in Istanbul, Turkey, where I read a degree in Political Science and International Relations, topics close to my heart because of my enthusiasm to be of service to South Africa and its people.I also believe that International Relations and Political Science plays a significant role in alleviating the socio-economic issues, given how foreign investment, conducting business, and tourism greatly boost and stabilize the local economy.I hope the ASRI Future Leaders Programme will provide me with the skills to become the leader South Africans need, one who ensures the betterment of all South Africans and upholds the constitution of our beautiful country.
Jezri Krinsky
I am an economics student currently finishing a masters degree in applied development economics at Witwatersrand. I care deeply about a number of social justice causes, and view economics as a central tool to help further many of these. This is because many ideas from dominant schools of thought in economics form the backbone of hegemonic ideologies promoting devastating neoliberal policies. This link between academic economics and neoliberal policy is nuanced and complex, and there are many mainstream economic ideas which promote either less radical variants of neoliberalism, or even a shift to other variants of capitalism more constrained by both state and social forces. Nevertheless I view both understanding and countering these links as an important component of larger social justice movements.I have volunteered as an executive member for a number of student organization, at Witwatersrand, including Inala (a food sovereignty and climate justice student forum), and Rethinking Economics for Africa. I have also done some volunteer work for the Institute for Economic Justice.The central issues that concern me are the need for large scale poverty reduction and the need to limit ecological damage as much as possible. This requires a massive reduction in inequality; though these issues are also intricately connected to many other forms of social oppression.
Faeeza Lok
Faeeza Lok is a social entrepreneur, change catalyst and a bunny chow lover. Her core belief is that equality is not just an ambition; but a right for all and she has committed herselfto righting the injustices of inequality. She was the founding member of South African Asian Youth Group and The Chinese Association Youth division where she positively impacted communities to celebrate traditional and cultural awareness and increase involvement by providing platforms for them to share their voice to solve urgent social and economic needs.Growing up in Hong Kong, she experienced first-hand the challenges of being a minority.This shaped her worldview that ‘it’s possible for all to be included and there is power with having a unique opinion.’ This drove her to start Voice of the people movement (VOTP); a grassroots initiative aiming to connect and build our community one voice at a time, starting in Tembisa, Johannesburg. Faeeza’ s background is in BSC (food sciences) specializing in food technology. Her ambition was to use food as an equalizer to assist those that have diabetes, such as her family. This passion for helping translated into her becoming a HIV counselor at the University’s clinic. Faeeza’s career started as a food scientist at University of Pretoria, ,however, she realized her capability for change could only scale if she improved her sales and marketing ability, hence she joined Huawei as Channel Sales manager. Upon leaving Huawei, Faeeza joined Sidon Health to further her marketing skills, that would, ultimately, sow the seeds to start VOTP. She realized the importance of eliminating period poverty and the responsibility upon her as a young woman leader. Driven by this belief, and desire to change, she joined MINA as the head of business development where she doubled the client base and orders at Mina; and grew accounts by 33%. She reformulated the packaging and refreshed the visual appeal of the brand for more intuitive use. Her ambition is to be intrinsically involved with South African politics where, her experiences as a young person, would bring accountability, transparency and inclusivity to create a better country for all. This would culminate in the ambition to form a political party to focus on creating a more inclusive society where all South Africans can have an equitable share of the economy. Faeeza loves the outdoors where she can connect with herself, decompress and re imagine the future. She loves to hike and walk with a passion for exploration and new experiences. This sense of adventure, coupled with her personal and professional background, can best be summed by up by the African proverb: ‘If you want to go fast go alone. If you want to go far then go together.’
Tshidiso Lediga
Tshidiso Lediga, is an entrepreneur, leader, and student of life. She is currently completing her final year in Media Writing and Communications at the University of Cape Town. She owns a maintenance and design company that brings young, unemployed women into careers in artisanship traditionally dominated by men.Having attended the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, Tshidiso is passionate about the challenges women face, particularly issues of empowerment, employment, gender based violence, and education.She is excited to be a part of a network of people who are equipping themselves to make South Africa a better place. Nothing beats enriching yourself in efforts to enrich others, and that is the philosophy she has carried close to her heart. In these challenging times, it is organisations such as ASRI that provide hope that there are in fact people working hard to shape the minds of those who will later lead.
Zethu Albanie
I am currently doing a Master of Philosophy degree specialising in theories of justice and inequality at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and I hold a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from UCT. Growing up I had always believed that I was meant to be a voice for the voiceless and speak out against the injustices our people endure daily. This was one of the reasons I opted to study law. However, studying law was a challenging path for me. Many unpleasant, insightful, and vital realisations occurred to me, not just for myself, but also for my passion for activism. I have learned about to the various laws that govern South Africa, as well as how they influence the lives of ordinary people, many of whom do not even have access to this legal system that purports to represent them. This quickly taught me that the law is not synonymous with justice and that our judicial system was not established with individuals like me in mind. Consequently, in both my academic and personal pursuits, I have given much of my work, time and heart to the pursuit of justice, equity, and transformation in South Africa. I believe that this programme will help aid in this pursuit.
Zaynura Jehan Dolley
Zaynura Jehan Dolley holds an LLB Law Degree from the University of KwaZulu Natal (2019) and having completed vocational training, is currently attending to her admission as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa. She has a keen interest in the diversity of people and culture; behavioral psychology, socio economic influences and how it all comes together in the creation of the end product that is the individual – and further how that affects the spaces they occupy in society. She has worked with various non profit organizations and led community service initiatives throughout high school and college, most especially through the Muslim Students Association (MSA) Howard College and the Association of Muslim Accountants and Lawyers (AMAL-SC) which she chaired in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Having qualified as a semifinalist in the Ellie Newman Memorial Moot Competition in 2018, she was earmarked as reserve for the All Africa Moot held in Ghana, before representing UZKN in the National Child Care Moot competition hosted by the Center of Child Law at the University of Pretoria, where she and her partner were semifinalists. An avid reader, with determined interests in self betterment and enlightenment, she is not one to shy away from a challenge!
Chiara Jeptha
I am a Political Science and Governance as well as an Industrial Sociology graduate from the University of Cape Town. I am passionate about youth-centered and led activism, and for the past four years I have dedicated my time to the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) as a youth policy committee member, focusing largely on gender-related issues, to ensure that young people’s voices are amplified in spaces that often silence or ignore them. The YPC has become a way for participants of youth@SAIIA programmes to take negotiation and research skills to the next level to increase the voices of children and youth in policy and decision-making spaces. Together with other members of the YPC, I now advocate for youth participation in policy spaces and contribute to numerous policy processes at a local, provincial, national, and global level. I have been part of the national drafting committee that has provided national youth statements and inputs for the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence & Femicide, the National Youth Policy, the Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill, and multiple youth submissions on issues of gender.
Nkosiphendule Mbasa Ngcoza
My name is Nkosiphendule Mbasa Ngcoza, a Master of Arts student in Sociology of Development at Rhodes University, South Africa. I am a former member of the Rhodes University Oppidan Committee and Rhodes University Student Representative Council (SRC). My research interests lie in the use of the critical realism paradigm to ‘evaluation research’ through middle-range development theory to ensure effective development programmes. Evaluation research is crucial for being able to explain which social (development) programmes/policies work and why. In 2021, I had an opportunity to be a Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) research intern through the Rhodes University Governance and Development Unit (GDU). I enjoyed the time I spent at a district municipality, an area of government that has been identified as a key agent of change by way of implementation at the grassroots level. I am interested in researching the relationship between practice and theory with a view to bring about development in South Africa.
Farah Abdurahman
Farah Abdurahman describes herself as a connector, creative and passionate facilitator who grew up all over Cape Town. She recently graduated with an Honours in Social Policy and Management from the University of Cape Town. Together with her partner, she founded F&M Crafts, an online handmade jewellery store – specializing in personalized beaded jewellery and convenes and facilitates a youth programme called #YouthArise, which aims to equip youth with the necessary skills and connections needed to change their lives and their respective communities. She has also co-founded a media company, Four.More Media, focused on creating content that will help individuals, community organisations and small businesses tell their own stories. Farah was the project coordinator in the University of Cape Town’s Orientation department and has also hosted discussions, on radio and other platforms, that focuses on individuals sharing their journeys for learning and connection. Farah’s passions lie in the development of others and she believes that finding purpose through and understanding your own story is central to amplifying your impact on society.
Amanda Pamela Mavuso
Amanda is a 26-year-old young woman from uMkhondo, previously known as Piet Retief, a small town in Mpumalanga. She also identifies as a social justice and gender activist with interests in policy studies, research, feminist studies, and redress. Amanda graduated from the Tshwane University of Technology with a National Diploma in Public Management in 2019. She further graduated with an Advanced Diploma in Project Management in the Tshwane University of Technology in 2021. Amanda has a track record in student activism as well as political constituency deployment. She is also a published writer who has written for a Feminist Agenda piece 2016, The Red Pen and the TUT BATHO.To be given an opportunity to be a part of the Future Leaders Programme is a life changing opportunity which I hope will expand my knowledge of the South African context for policy matters, governance, and redress. I look forward to engaging different people from different backgrounds, and to learn from their various perspectives and life experiences. Most importantly, I wish to expand my understanding of local politics while referring to local case studies and to expand my network. I think this programme will definitely influence my ability to navigate my career in a more mindful and intentional way.
Sumaiyah Patel
Sumaiyah holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics, International Relations, and Development Studies, as well as an Honours degree in Politics and International Relations, both obtained from the University of Johannesburg. She recently obtained a Level 5 Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. Sumaiyah is passionate about education, research, and eradicating gender-based violence. Whilst at university, Sumaiyah became part of the Eliminate Domestic Violence (EDV) Youth Council, an international student chapter organisation. Through this initiative she attended and co-ran workshops on gender based violence. She enjoys combining artistic skills and expression with learning and creating awareness. She believes research and education are important tools that have the power and potential to make a difference in society. The classroom presents an amazing opportunity to enrich the mind, share diverse perspectives, grow confidence, and encourage critical thinking. She enjoys teaching as well as learning.
Ahmed Ghoor
Ahmed Ghoor is studying for a B.Sc. in Mathematical Statistics and Computer Science at the University of Cape Town, and has also been studying Islamic Studies under various teachers in South Africa and abroad. He is currently the chairperson of Effective Altruism UCT and the UCT Muslim Students Association (MSA), and has previously helped facilitate initiatives for Effective Altruism Stanford and the MSA Union. Since many attempts to do good are based on very little research and often do more harm than good, he tries to combine his disciplines to take a reason- and evidence-based approach to his activism. His undergraduate mini-thesis drew on tools employed in statistics, in conjunction with effective altruism research and theories of ethics, to assess whether it was worth investing resources into mitigating the risks posed by developments in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Ahmed hopes that engaging with experts and future leaders on the ASRI FLP will widen his methodological toolbox and understanding of the current context to find new ways of effectively impacting on the world within his spheres of influence.