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04 September 2019 | Story Xolisa Mnukwa | Photo Xolisa Mnukwa
Koffie Yinkah
“I believe the Hesselbein Global Academy annual fellowship programme was vital for me as a potential public servant of South Africa to serve the people of this country in government one day.” – Kofi Yinkah

University of the Free State (UFS) third-year BAdmin student, Kofi Annan Yinkah, formed part of the Hesselbein Global Academy annual fellowship programme, hosted by the University of Pittsburgh in the United States of America (USA). Originally from the East Rand in Johannesburg, Kofi represented the UFS as one of the top-50 students who were selected out of 450 global applicants.

The Hesselbein Global Academy annual fellowship programme aims to connect young leaders from all over the world with well-equipped professionals who are leaders in the fields of business, government, and education. This programme was established for the purpose of cultivating and producing cadres who will become experienced ethical leaders, armed and qualified enough to address and solicit solutions for critical issues experienced by diverse societies throughout the world.

“The fellowship covered topics that have helped to broaden my critical thought processes and concerns about societal issues in our country and all over the world. It has also emphasised the importance of implementing change through effective governing-policy development and establishment,” Kofi says.

He describes his experience at the fellowship as “out of the ordinary,” and believes that it has had a progressive influence on his life. He explains how it has unlocked his mind through enlightened engagement with student leaders from various countries in the world, including Nigeria, England, Canada, Chile, Trinidad and Tobago, Vietnam, China, United States of America, and Ireland.

One of the most important tools he believes his experience has equipped him with, is understanding the significance of employing a solution-driven approach to various situations. He is confident that this will give him the necessary skills and knowledge to work effectively in teams.

Kofi explains that he found out about the fellowship programme via social media. He encourages UFS students to use online platforms to source information about opportunities that can offer them meaningful experiences for learning and growing. 

News Archive

SRC interim member takes giant leaps – in high heels
2014-02-24


Photo: Jerry Mokoroane

Passion. Commitment. Drive. Enthusiasm. All these characteristics are embedded in Masabata Mokgesi, SRC interim member: Postgraduate Council of our Bloemfontein Campus. This lady has taken giant strides in both leadership and academic roles, establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with.

Mokgesi  has completed her BA Honours degree with distinction. She is currently enrolled for a master’s in Media Translation, with the intent of attaining her PhD before tackling the work domain. Her excellent academic performance led to her being awarded the UFS Golden Key Scholarship Chapter Award last year.

Mokgesi is a master when it comes to time management, since she has to pay attention to several responsibilities simultaneously. As a leader, a research administration intern at the National Research Foundation and lecturer at the university, she has her hands full.

“I have always believed in myself and that there is still more one can achieve, hence, I never got comfortable in the lot I have achieved thus far,” says Mokgesi.

But wait, there is more! This remarkable young lady is also into fashion and modelling, having won Miss Mangaung Municipality and Miss ConLaur?s titles. “There is a perception that academics are in most cases dressed inappropriately, and I surely want to break that stigma. We can always look after our well-being,” she added with some laughter.

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