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19 November 2018
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Story Valentino Ndaba
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Photo Xolisa Mnukwa
“I’m an embodiment of the dreams of those whose lives have been marked by great struggles,and I want to propel and re-write the African child’s narrative.” - Priscilla Brandt
Priscilla Brandt, first-generation LLB graduate, saw the opportunity to upgrade her career through the Graca Machel Trust, and grabbed the bull by its horns. Brandt pitched her skills and expertise to one of the trust CEO’s who happened to be part of a GLS panel discussion which was held on the University of the Free State (UFS) Bloemfontein Campus. Shortly afterwards, the organisation contacted her with an offer for a Legal and Governance research internship.
The Graca Machel Trust is an established Pan-African organisation that focuses on child health and nutrition, education, women’s economic and financial empowerment, leadership, and good governance. The trust functions under the leadership of Graca Machel, who is one of the world’s leading advocates for the rights of women and children and has stood as a social justice and political activist for years.
Brandt said her journey started in the township streets of Galeshewe, Kimberley, and was characterised by infinite difficulties and resolute challenges. However, her circumstances in no way deterred her from standing fervently in her trust and pursuit of a full and purpose-driven life.
According to Brandt, her university career involved working at several odd jobs concurrently in order to help take care of her family and to financially maintain herself throughout her varsity years. Despite her adverse circumstances, she managed to collect a vast array of domestic and international academic achievements.
She was the first female chairperson of the Black Lawyers Association Student Chapter at the UFS, served on the UFS F1 Leadership for Change programme, and represented the university in Japan. In addition to that, she formed part of a work and study-abroad programme in America for three months. She was a delegate to the International Youth Leadership Conference in the Czech Republic and was selected by the office of the Commonwealth Secretary General for the 33Sixty Conference in Singapore. Furthermore, she was nominated by the UK Humanitarian Affairs organisation to be part of the eighth University Scholars Leadership Symposium at the United Nations in Thailand.
Her knowledge and belief in her capabilities and work ethic drives Brandt to constantly challenge herself and strive for a life and character that embodies excellence.
A new society on Kovsie grounds
2013-06-06
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ESA members outside the Faculty of Education. From left: SentshoTseki, KabeloNoosi, RefilweMabengu and SemakaleMoiloa.
Photo: Linda Fekisi
6 June 2013 |
The Education Student Association (ESA) is the latest addition to the associations on the Bloemfontein Campus. ESA is made up of 12 executive members who have a portfolio in the Faculty of Education’s governance structure. They serve as a voice to 1 600 students in this faculty.
Chairperson, SentshoTseki, describes ESA as “new, fresh and out there. We are here for students and we want to build a structure that is recognisable. Our goal is to facilitate students’ participation in programmatic and faculty-wide feedback. We also want to represent the students in management and governance structures.”
With just a few weeks since its establishment, the association has been involved in a community project in Ladybrand. “Community engagement with the schools around the Free State area lies at the heart of our association. We went to Ladybrand to motivate learners and also give them necessary information about university,“ Tseki added.