Fort Hare Activist School Leadership Programme (FHAS)

Ayanda Ndletyana is a Master’s graduate with a background in Development Studies, Philosophy, and Economics. Ayanda's research interest is in the education landscape and its relations to youth unemployment. Her activism is therefore on policy reforms that align with education and economic inclusion for the youth.

Additionally, she is an emerging researcher, currently working at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection, where she contributes to key projects within the Humanity faculty. Her work involves the strategic editing of Priority Research Projects and the authorship of Op-Eds that resonate with her research. Through these contributions, she bridges the gap between academic inquiry and socio-economic analysis.

What do we fight for together?
Advocating for a future where youth employment and quality of education is a right, not a privilege. 

Asange Nyati is a committed social work student and emerging community leader with 3 years of practical experience in individual counselling, group work, youth development, community outreach, awareness campaigns and advocacy. She has successfully led initiatives that promote sustainable change, including a food gardening project in Motherwell and school-based awareness campaigns in Port Elizabeth that address substance abuse and its impact on young people.

She demonstrates a strong capacity for public speaking, project management and community development. Her counselling and advocacy skills are grounded in empathy and a deep understanding of social challenges. Her background in modelling complements her professional journey, as it reflects her creativity, confidence and ability to engage with diverse audiences.

Together we fight for a country where every person is valued and treated with dignity and humility, guided by a steady light of hope that reminds all communities that challenges are temporary, and renewal and growth are always within reach. 

 A dedicated science student at Nelson Mandela who is passionate about leadership. The current Faculty of Science SRC Representative for 2025, and previously the Deputy Chairperson of "Science Students Association, which shaped her leadership and advocacy skills. Dipuo is actively involved in the NMU's science curriculum renewal project, contributing to efforts of aligning the science curriculum with Africanisation goals. In the second semester, she will be the facilitator for the "Social Consciousness and Sustainable Futures" module, offered to provide NMU students with a platform to have critical conversations on identity, justice, sustainability and justice.

What do we fight for together? 
Together we fight for an inclusive world where everyone in society is truly free, protected and lives a life that is reflective of their basic human rights

Mxolisi is a researcher in the field of Political Science and International Relations, with a particular focus on conflict resolution, political violence, peace & security. His research interests are driven by his desire to see an African continent that is peaceful and free of all forms of violence. Mxolisi’s writing work experience goes beyond scientific research. He also works as a journalist and an editor for Ikhutseng Bua, a local newspaper based in Ikhutseng, Northern Cape province. His writing is based on the philosophy of Ubuntu, and he seeks to use journalism to build a just society.

In addition, as a researcher, he uses ethnography as a qualitative tool of data collection, which allows him to collect rich data. While this is his preferred method of data collection, Mxolisi is also skilled in quantitative data collection. He holds a wealth of experience in student mentorship and volunteering. With the rapid change in technology and tools to disseminate information, Mxolisi is keen to upskill and learn video and audio production. These skills will be invaluable in his quest to produce documentaries, short films, audio, and video podcasts.
 

What do we fight for together?
For a just and inclusive global society where even the least fortunate can access basic needs such as shelter, food, and water.

Born and raised in Mount Frere (Eastern Cape), Luthando Sipho Mbana discovered leadership at a tender age through tutoring his peers, representing his primary and high school in various school competitions, being a debater, a public speaker, and a scout. These formative experiences sparked a lifelong passion for turning ideas into impact. 

After matriculating, he pursued a Diploma in Economics at Nelson Mandela University, from which he recently graduated, and is currently pursuing his Advanced Diploma in Economics. He is a proud graduate of the Social Consciousness and Sustainable Futures course. He is currently enrolled in the Flourishing as a Global Digital Citizen short learning programme.

Luthando is the chairperson of the Rethinking Economics for Africa chapter at Nelson Mandela University for 2025. He is also a faith–anchored changemaker through his ecumenism work, building bridges across diverse Christian traditions and interfaith groups through dialogues on faith, social and ecological justice, and collaborative charity efforts. He envisions an economics that can shape policies for social justice, care, and regeneration; Educational spaces that honour healing, culture, and African knowledge systems, including youth that is empowered to lead ethical, inclusive, and transformative change.

Tyanikazi Cuba is a fourth-year social work student, activist, and community advocate dedicated to advancing social justice, gender equity, and sustainable development. She combines academics with practical experience, working part-time with children at the Protea Child and Youth Care Centre, where she provides emotional support and facilitates therapeutic activities. 

Tyanikazi is a member of the Beyond the Classroom Leadership Programme, where she deepens her political awareness and leadership capacity. She is a facilitator in the Singamadoda Positive Masculinity Programme under the Nelson Mandela University’s Transformation Office, where she leads conversations with young men on dismantling harmful gender norms and promoting healthier, non-violent masculinities. She is also an SDG Campus Ambassador, where she promotes the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with a particular focus on Gender Equality and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Tyanikazi hopes to deepen her activism, pursue a path in the political space and continue being part of more transformative spaces.

What do we fight for together? 

Together we fight silence, exclusion, and injustice. We fight for truth, justice, and a future shaped by the people not power.

Aphelele Maliwa is a driven legal academic and committed activist advancing gender equity and inclusivity in South Africa’s higher education sector. Currently serving as Junior Investigating/Advocacy Officer at the University of Fort Hare Gender-Based Violence Prevention and Gender Diversity Office since January 2024, she plays a key role in initiatives to prevent gender-based violence and foster diversity.
Aphelele combines her academic pursuits with practical experience, working on various GBV projects and collaborating closely with civil society organizations to create meaningful impact.

Skilled in both national and international human rights law, Aphelele is dedicated to creating inclusive environments, believing legal advocacy is vital for social transformation. She is especially invested in elevating the voices of marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQIA+ community, through dialogue, outreach, and empowerment.

As an emerging leader, Aphelele pursues continuous growth and learning. She is committed to building supportive platforms that promote awareness, encourage self-acceptance, and inspire confidence. Guided by a vision for lasting systemic change, she strives to ensure every individual’s rights and dignity are respected and upheld.

What do we fight for together? 
“We fight to gain control and to address the shortcomings that have set us back.”

Nontanda Bongoza is a passionate advocate for inclusive financial empowerment and equitable economic participation. She is currently pursuing a Master of Commerce in Economics degree at the University of Fort Hare, where her research focuses on the Effect of Remittances on Financial Inclusion and Inequality in the SADC region.

Studying economics has equipped Nontanda with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret data, understand complex systems, and critically evaluate policy impacts. Her academic background, combined with her experience as a research assistant and tutor, allows her to merge theory with practical solutions for real-world challenges.

She is the founder of Bold Beginnings, an initiative dedicated to equipping young children, especially in underserved communities, with financial literacy and foundational life skills. Nontanda believes that meaningful transformation begins with empowering the next generation to make informed decisions.

Through the Fort Hare Activist School, she looks forward to deepening her impact, learning from like-minded changemakers, and contributing meaningfully to a more just and economically inclusive society.

What do we fight for together? 
Together, we fight for a South Africa where community-led action drives systemic change, young minds are empowered with knowledge, and every voice plays a role in building a just and liberated future.

As a dedicated LLB student at the University of Fort Hare, Sibusiso has channelled his passion for justice, human rights, and legal ethics into transformative action. His leadership as 2024/25 Faculty of Law Student Council Chairperson drives student advocacy and institutional collaboration.  He thrives in high-impact advocacy settings, ranking in the Top 50 globally at the 2025 Nelson Mandela World Human Rights Moot Court and Top 32 in the PIL Moot Court.

Beyond the courtroom, Sibusiso mentors’ peers as a Criminal Law, Logic & Ethics Tutor and advances social change through UFH’s Peer Education Program. His work is rooted in the belief that law must serve communities.  He applies this principle through strategic leadership in student governance and rights activism.

Sibusiso aims to leverage legal innovation and community-centered advocacy to build equitable justice systems across Africa.
 

What do we fight for together? 
For justice, Equality and transformative change that empowers every South African to live with dignity. 

Lisakhanya Magandela is a 3rd-year LLB student at the University of Fort Hare with a passion for human rights advocacy and gender justice. She specializes in strategic litigation, policy development, and youth empowerment through her roles as Gender & Climate Change Officer at Amnesty International UFH, General Legal Counsel for Junior Chamber International, and Treasurer General of the UFH Law Student Council.

Lisakhanya has demonstrated exceptional advocacy skills as a semi-finalist (Top 8) in the SAUDC national debate tournament and through active participation in moot court competitions. She develops impactful gender-based violence prevention initiatives, earning recognition as UFH's 2024 Most Outstanding GBV Prevention Champion. Her work focuses on implementing human rights protections, analyzing legal frameworks for gender equity, and creating platforms for marginalized voices in legal spaces.

She aims to expand her expertise in constitutional litigation and international human rights law to advance systemic change for women and children in South Africa.

What do we fight for together? 
Together, we fight for a safer community for women.

Bulelani Mantshiyose is a 4th-year Law student at the University of Fort Hare. He aims to become an advocate. Bulelani has achieved notable success in public speaking and debate adjudication, including Overall Best Public Speaker and Top 8 Best Debate Adjudicator at the Southern African Universities Debate Championship 2024. He has also contributed to the Executive Mayor's Debate Championship in East London and he is a Debate Adjudicator for Eastern Cape provincial debates.

He has worked as a Supplemental Instructor for Business Management, Commercial Law, and as a Learning and Writing Consultant, helping students with assignment drafting whilst in university. Bulelani has shown the ability to balance between academics, work and helping others advocate for themselves through discourse.
 

What do we fight for together? 
We fight for a youth that is consciously aware of their living conditions and has the ability and knowledge of how to solve them as well as the ability to articulate such through discourse.

Mr Sphamandla Madlala is a highly dedicated, inspired and passionate fourth year B. Ed student from WSU Komani campus. A student leader leading an initiative called Students Society, boasting membership of over 600 students from WSU Komani campus, assisting in bringing hope, unity, and ubuntu amongst students irrespective of their political differences and otherwise.

His passion for this initiative, called the Students Society, had been inspired by the consistent poverty, social inequality, and lack of political education for students due to self-isolation and family background environment impacts. The Students Society (in his leadership with his counterparts) had managed to help students make ends meet through the rolling out of food parcels, had managed to restore the spirit of ubuntu amongst students, where in June 2025 students contributed from their pockets to hire lawyers for students facing disciplinary hearings, the list is endless.
His remarkable contribution to enhancing the quality of education has been identified as a beneficial contribution towards the WSU Tutorship programme as a tutor in various modules, namely the professional studies and Business studies, from 2023 to 2025. He had been awarded yearly by the Tutorship programme in recognition of his outstanding contributions as a tutor in shaping the world of academia in WSU to success.

Mr Madlala has participated in the One Day Leader Season 8 at the age of 19 with an interest in sharing his political, social, and economic knowledge with other young great minds of South Africa by using his creative thinking skills and problem solving reasoning capacity. Sphamandla is inspired by the likes of Marcus Garvey, MalcomX and Steve Biko.

Kamva Mbangata is a driven undergraduate Bachelor of Laws (LLB) student at Walter Sisulu University. He has demonstrated his commitment to the legal field through various notable achievements. He served as the Chairperson of the WSU Moot Court Society, where he refines his advocacy and public speaking skills, he is also an active debater.   

Kamva's activism in human rights is evident through his participation in prestigious moot court competitions. He was a participant in the Christof Heyns African Human Rights Moot Court Competition in Rwanda, showcasing his expertise on the continent's human rights landscape. Furthermore, he competed in the Children's Rights Moot Court Competition, hosted by the University of Leiden in the Netherlands, in partnership with Baker McKenzie, one of the world's leading law firms. Additionally, he reached the top 16 in the Public Interest Law Moot Court Competition at Wits University, further solidifying his reputation as a skilled and dedicated advocate for human rights. As a debater he has participated in SAUDC the biggest debating competition in Southern Africa.             

Through his involvement in these international and national competitions, Kamva has consistently demonstrated his passion for social justice and democracy. He is a tutor under the WSU School of Law, a former residence mentor and poised to make a meaningful impact in the legal field, driven by his commitment to creating positive change.

Mlondolozi Mvikweni is a legal scholar deeply committed to social justice and transformation. He holds an LLB from Walter Sisulu University, where he is currently pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM). Mlondolozi’s published research and active participation in academic conferences focus on the intersection of law, social justice, and transformation.

His professional experience includes roles as a Writing Centre Consultant, Academic Advising Assistant, and currently as a Private Law Tutor in the School of Law at Walter Sisulu University. These roles have strengthened his academic support skills and enhanced his ability to communicate and teach.

Mlondolozi is also a passionate activist for student rights and broader social justice issues in his community. His leadership includes managing student documentation, organizing academic forums, and facilitating inclusive student discussions that promote decolonial and feminist perspectives.

Aligned with the transformative agenda of Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) South Africa, Mlondolozi advocates for feminist, anti-racist, emancipatory, anti-neoliberal, and internationalist values. He is committed to fostering agency, equity, and representation among the underrepresented, aspiring to be a strategic ally to movements and institutions driving democratic renewal and meaningful change, both in South Africa and globally.

What do we fight for together? 
Together, we fight for a just and equitable society where every individual enjoys agency, dignity, and full representation. We stand united against systems of oppression, patriarchy, racism, neoliberal exploitation, and colonial legacies that perpetuate inequality and social injustice. Our collective struggle is to dismantle these barriers and to empower marginalized voices through transformative spaces and inclusive democracy. We fight for feminist and anti-racist values, international solidarity, and progressive alliances to advance democratic renewal and structural change. Our ultimate goal is a world where social justice, equity, and human rights become lived realities for all.

Anathi Mbhekelwa is a dedicated leader and advocate for youth empowerment and inclusive development. With a strong academic background in Management and Project Management from Walter Sisulu University, Anathi has built a reputation for his commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs. As a Student Entrepreneurship Ambassador and Project Officer for Enactus WSU, he led community-based projects and student-driven initiatives that addressed social and economic challenges.

Currently, Anathi serves as the Institutional Facilitator of the Wadhwani Foundation's Ignite Program at Walter Sisulu University, where he guides aspiring entrepreneurs through a 14-week entrepreneurship development program. His facilitation has equipped youth with the confidence and tools to build sustainable ventures. Anathi's leadership extends beyond South Africa, having represented the country at the 2025 Southern African Youth Development Council (SAYDC) in Botswana, where he was awarded Best Country Representative.

As a member of Council I: Peace, Security & Good Governance, Anathi championed Sustainable Development Goal 16, focusing on strong institutions and access to justice. He also contributed to policy discussions on geopolitics, particularly South Africa's diplomatic relations with the United States. Anathi's nuanced understanding of governance and global youth participation has made him an effective advocate for youth innovation and inclusive development.

With a growing reputation as a committed advocate, Anathi continues to support meaningful economic participation across Southern Africa. His professionalism, purpose, and energy make him a valuable asset in promoting youth empowerment and development. Through his work, Anathi inspires young people to build sustainable ventures and contribute to their communities' growth and prosperity. His dedication to empowering youth and promoting inclusive development has made a positive impact, and his continued efforts are likely to inspire future generations.