The University of the Free State (UFS) is celebrating a rare and remarkable achievement after Mogomotsi Motshegwe, a young political scholar and civic activist, was named with 45 others as part of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship Class of 2026, a distinction the university has not received in many years. For Motshegwe, the recognition is both a deeply personal milestone and a historic moment for the institution.

“This recognition means a great deal to me,” he said, reflecting on the achievement that has placed the UFS back on the Mandela Rhodes map. “Coming from the UFS – where it has been a long time since a student received this award – it feels like both a personal milestone and a moment of pride for the university. It reassures me that the work I have been doing has value.”

His journey towards this prestigious scholarship began years earlier, rooted in a commitment to strengthening youth participation in South Africa’s democracy. In 2023, Motshegwe joined Futurelect as a Public Service Fellow, a turning point that reshaped his understanding of political engagement among young people.

He explained that, through conversations and collaborative work with other fellows, he realised that the issue was not apathy, but exclusion. “Young people are not disconnected from politics because they don’t care,” he said. “They don’t feel seen, informed, or included.”

This insight led him to establish GenZ4Politics, a youth-driven initiative dedicated to simplifying politics, offering civic education, and equipping young people with leadership skills. Since its founding in 2023, the initiative has grown into a structured platform that has built partnerships, implemented youth programmes, and expanded to communities across the country.

But the road has not been without obstacles for Motshegwe. The biggest challenges have been the persistent mistrust in political institutions, limited access to civic education, and the widespread belief among young people that politics does not relate to their daily lives. “I’ve had to meet young people where they are using relatable language, digital platforms, and programmes that connect politics to everyday life,” he said. Creating safe spaces for dialogue and showing to young people the tangible impact of their voices has helped shift their attitudes, he added.

His leadership is also shaped by his participation in influential regional and international platforms. Through his work with policymaking bodies and youth forums, he has gained a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges facing young people in Southern Africa. These experiences, he said, taught him how to engage constructively with policymakers, advocate effectively, and translate youth concerns into actionable policy recommendations.

“These platforms helped me see how youth perspectives can shape national and regional decisions,” he said. They broadened his awareness of continental challenges and sharpened the leadership qualities now recognised by the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.

For Motshegwe, the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is not merely a financial award, but also a leadership journey aligned with his personal mission. “The scholarship represents more than financial support; it is a transformative journey that aligns with my values and aspirations,” he said. He is particularly drawn to the scholarship’s pillars of education, entrepreneurship, reconciliation, and leadership, which he believes will “amplify my impact and deepen my ability to serve with humility, vision, and integrity”.

As he prepares to join a cohort of young African change-makers, Motshegwe remains focused on his long-term vision: building platforms that empower young people to drive change in their communities. His goal, he explained, is to continue contributing to policy solutions that make South Africa’s democracy more inclusive and responsive to the needs of its youngest citizens.

“I want to refine my leadership philosophy and continue to build opportunities that give young people a voice,” he said. “Our contributions matter and shaping a better democracy begins with empowering the next generation.”