Under the auspices of our founding patron Nelson Mandela's dream to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa, we invite listeners to hear authentic and personal stories of remarkable African leaders and trailblazers about what it takes to rise to leadership and what shaped their journeys. While embodying Mandela’s values towards a just and equitable society.
At The Mandela Rhodes Foundation, we believe in creating space for diverse perspectives and meaningful dialogue. The opinions and views shared by contributors and guests are their own and are not necessarily those of the Foundation.
13. Rooted and rising: Leading with authenticity and audacity.
What does it mean to create your own story?
In this episode, Afro-soul singer, songwriter and entrepreneur T’neeya reflects on identity, creativity and the courage to lead as your most authentic self. From navigating different cultures to building a career on her own terms, she shares how embracing who she was became a source of strength and creativity.
31 Aug 2026
12. Beyond the seat at the table: Peggy-Sue Khumalo on purpose, power and identity.
What does it mean to move beyond representation and leverage influence to drive lasting impact?
Peggy-Sue Khumalo joins MRF CEO Judy Sikuza to explore leadership and the responsibility that accompanies opportunity, from the boardroom to the communities we serve.
20 Jul 2026
11. Africa's digital future: Mark-Alexandre Doumba on innovation, policy, and leadership.
What does it take to lead at the intersection of entrepreneurship, technology, and public service? In this thought-provoking conversation, MRF CEO Judy Sikuza speaks with Gabon's Minister of Digital Economy and Innovation, Mark-Alexandre Doumba, on building businesses that solve real-time challenges before stepping into government to shape national policy.
From financial inclusion and AI governance to Africa's place in the global digital economy, Mark-Alexandre reflects on why ethical leadership requires humility, long-term thinking, and the courage to help shape systems rather than simply critique them.
25 May 2026
10. From silence to systems change: Reem Elsayed on power, gender and who gets care
What began as quiet observations in overcrowded clinics became a lifelong commitment to transforming health systems. In this deeply reflective conversation, Mandela Rhodes alum Reem Elsayed, a PhD student at Oxford University, traces her journey from community pharmacist to health systems researcher. She reveals how personal experience, courage and values-based leadership can help drive meaningful structural change for women across North Africa.
Through reflections on power, access and equity, Reem explores what it means to lead with both empathy and conviction in spaces where care is often unevenly distributed.
20 Apr 2026
9. When leadership meets uncertainty: Dr Bayo Akomolafe on leadership pitfalls and cracks in our knowing.
What if the "clarity" we seek in leadership is actually a barrier to real transformation? In this episode, Nigerian philosopher Dr Bayo Akomolafe invites us to "slow down" and meet the "monsters" of our time - the things that don't fit into our neat categories of progress and success. From the passing of his father to the "death spirals" of ants, Bayo explores why leadership isn't a human skill we master, but an "eruption" that happens when we stay with the trouble.
19 Feb 2026
8. From liberation movement to transformative leadership: Mrs Graça Machel on power, people and purpose
In this episode of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Podcast, Mrs Machel reflects on intergenerational leadership responsibility, education as a driver of dignity and transformation, and the quiet work of healing and reconciliation.
From her early political awakening under colonial rule to serving as Mozambique’s first Minister of Education, she challenges narrow ideas of power, questions who development is really for, and calls on young Africans to lead now, not later.
Leadership is ultimately reframed as service, inner work, and moral courage, positioning Africa as a vital moral voice in shaping global futures.
26 Nov 2025
7. African sovereignty, self-reflection and mental resilience with Dr Sangu Delle.
Dr. Sangu Delle advocates for African economic liberation and confronts cultural expectations around men's mental health in a conversation with Judy, highlighting the importance of self-reflective leadership for Africa's future; this is an interview.
27 Oct 2025
6. From the Cape Flats to Silicon Valley: Dr Shehnaaz Suliman on courage, purpose, and global health leadership.
Dr. Shehnaaz Suliman recounts her inspiring journey from activist to biotech leader, discussing courage, purpose, and leading with empathy in global health, in an interview about African leadership.
25 Aug 2025
5. The courage to lead differently with Rachel Nyaradzo Adams
MRF CEO Judy Sikuza interviews Narachi Leadership founder Rachel Nyaradzo Adams on courageous African leadership rooted in transformation, healing, and authenticity.
18 Jul 2025
4. Africa’s agency: Prof Elizabeth Nanziri on rethinking Africa’s position in the world.
Judy Sikuza interviews Professor Elizabeth Nanziri, a development economist, about Africa's global position and reclaiming agency through values-driven leadership to achieve sustainable development.
22 Apr 2025
Youth Entrepreneurship in Africa with Kenechukwu Ikebuaku
In this episode, we talk to MRF Alumni Dr Kenechukwu Ikebuaku, CEO of Mozisha and 2014 Mandela Rhodes Scholar. Dr Kenechukwu explores his journey from selling bread as a child to support his mother, to Al's impact on the labour market, and what it takes to build something meaningful on the African continent.
He speaks candidly about failure, identity, and resilience. This conversation is a powerful reminder that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its boldest believers.
6 Mar 2025
2. Why Africa needs healed leaders with Tumelo Moreri
In this episode, Tumelo Moreri, a 2014 Mandela Rhodes Scholar and actuarial scientist turned healer, shares her personal journey from analytical disciplines to spiritual and healing work.
This conversation challenges traditional notions of leadership and invites us to consider what it means to be a “healed leader”.
Find out why Tumelo feels Africa’s future depends on leaders who embrace collective healing.
22 Jan 2025
1. Balancing Legacy and Leadership with Judy Sikuza
In the inaugural episode of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Podcast, we explore the remarkable journey of Judy Sikuza, the youngest CEO in the history of Nelson Mandela’s legacy organisations. Join host Mantombi Makhubele as she delves into Judy’s inspiring journey: from growing up during the apartheid state of emergency to becoming a transformative leader on the continent.
We hear how Judy’s spiritual grounding and values-based leadership shaped her vision for the future of African leadership as she celebrates five years as CEO of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation. This episode offers insights for aspiring leaders on resilience, purpose, and making an impact in a complex world.
17 Jan 2025
Introducing: The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Podcast
Don't miss this inspiring conversation featuring Judy Sikuza as she celebrates five impactful years as CEO of the Mandela Rhodes Foundation. She shares her insights, challenges, and aspirations for the continents next generation of leaders.
Who has been a guest on The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Sangu Delle
Dr Shehnaaz Suliman
Rachel Nyaradzo Adams
Professor Elizabeth Nanziri
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Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
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Who hosts The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Podcast?
Judy Sikuza host the show. Published by The Mandela Rhodes Foundation.
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Does The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Podcast take guests?
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