The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Podcast

The Mandela Rhodes Foundation
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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.

Episodes

  1. Jul 20

    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.

    11. Africa's digital future: Mark-Alexandre Doumba on innovation, policy, and leadership.

  2. May 25

    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.

    10. From silence to systems change: Reem Elsayed on power, gender and who gets care

  3. Apr 20

    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.

    9. When leadership meets uncertainty: Dr Bayo Akomolafe on leadership pitfalls and cracks in our knowing.

  4. Feb 19

    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.

    8. From liberation movement to transformative leadership: Mrs Graça Machel on power, people and purpose.

  5. 11/26/2025

    7. African sovereignty, self-reflection and mental resilience with Dr Sangu Delle.

    This episode blends big-picture thinking with some intimate truths. Sangu makes a compelling case for African economic liberation while also confronting old cultural expectations on men's mental health. Judy guides the conversation that shows why authentic, self-reflective leaders are essential to Africa’s future.

    7. African sovereignty, self-reflection and mental resilience with Dr Sangu Delle.

  6. 10/27/2025

    6. From the Cape Flats to Silicon Valley: Dr Shehnaaz Suliman on courage, purpose, and global health leadership.

    In this inspiring episode, Dr Shehnaaz Suliman shares her remarkable journey from a young activist in apartheid South Africa to becoming a biotech leader in Silicon Valley. Guided by Madiba’s call to serve, Shehnaaz reflects on the courage forged in the struggle for justice, her fight for equitable HIV access across Africa, and what it means to lead with empathy in global boardrooms. This conversation explores how adversity can be a superpower, how African leadership can redefine global health, and why rediscovering our shared humanity is an ultimate act of progress.

    6. From the Cape Flats to Silicon Valley: Dr Shehnaaz Suliman on courage, purpose, and global health leadership.

  7. 08/25/2025

    5. The courage to lead differently with Rachel Nyaradzo Adams.

    MRF CEO Judy Sikuza in conversation with Rachel Nyaradzo Adams - founder of Narachi Leadership on what courageous leadership looks like in an African context. They explore leadership beyond titles and authority, rooted in personal transformation, healing, and authenticity. Drawing on Rachel’s experience in leadership development, we delve into how African leaders can embrace vulnerability, vision and integrity to navigate an increasingly complex and fast-changing world.

    5. The courage to lead differently with Rachel Nyaradzo Adams.

  8. 07/18/2025

    4. Africa’s agency: Prof Elizabeth Nanziri on rethinking Africa’s position in the world.

    MRF CEO, Judy Sikuza speaks with Professor Elizabeth Nanziri - development economist about Africa’s global positioning, how to reclaim agency in a world shaped by inequitable systems, and why inclusive, values-driven leadership is essential for achieving sustainable development. This episode challenges assumptions and offers fresh insights on what it takes to build economic resilience on the continent.

    4. Africa’s agency: Prof Elizabeth Nanziri on rethinking Africa’s position in the world.

  9. 04/22/2025

    3. 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.

    3. Youth Entrepreneurship in Africa with Kenechukwu Ikebuaku.

  10. 03/06/2025

    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.

    2. Why Africa needs healed leaders with Tumelo Moreri.

  11. 01/22/2025

    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.

    1. Balancing Legacy and Leadership with Judy Sikuza.

  12. 01/17/2025

    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.

Trailer

About

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.

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