What do you do?

I am currently the communications coordinator for Southern Africa at Afrobarometer. Afrobarometer is a pan-African, non-partisan survey research network that conducts representative polls of adult Africans to better understand what citizens’ experiences and evaluations are in key policy areas such as health, education, housing, and economic development. .

The resulting snapshot gives policymakers insight on African views throughout the continent, and brings more African perspectives into the global development dialogue for reflection and planning for the kinds of communities, countries and world we want to live and thrive in. .

My role is multifaceted, but primarily takes responsibility for managing a portfolio of countries in Southern Africa in matters relating to the effective communication and dissemination of survey findings, turning complex data into clear and compelling insights to inform policy making. It is a broad area of responsibility that incorporates research, multi-country partner engagement, content marketing, brand positioning, media relations and digital communications. .

What are some highlights of your career so far?

I am most proud of the global acclaim that my work has earned. In 2022, I was awarded the St Antony’s College scholarship to support my attendance at the University of Oxford’s International Politics Summer School, granted annually to a candidate in the cohort who displays the potential to use the opportunity as a catalyst for future career development. More recently, I was featured in the London Financial Times as one of the 2023 Women of the Future, 50 Rising Stars in ESG, a global list that highlights trailblazing young women working across all industries, geographies and sectors in ESG. I am also an Adjunct Fellow (non-resident) at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and a recipient of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Award, the United States flagship program for investing in the next generation of young, African leaders. .

Looking back, what advice would you give to current students?

UCT offers a special place for students to thrive so aim high with your career aspirations. Set aside old beliefs and old paradigms and step into the possibilities of the future. Envision prospects that never were before and put yourself in a position to achieve some incredible feats. I believe that education truly sets people free, so embrace your freedom. .

Importantly, don’t ignore opportunities far from home if they arise. Go out into the world and develop capabilities that are not just relevant for the world as it is now, but also for the world that is to be. We live in a diverse, multicultural and interconnected global society, and we’re in the business of building bridges, not walls. .

What pulled you towards your field?

My dedication to the realisation of human rights and social justice, coupled with a deep desire to one day take on significant responsibility in informing and shaping policy change and innovation on pressing socio-economic matters in Africa, has fuelled my motivation to work in the field that I do. .

Now more than ever, I believe that Africa needs a new crop of leaders who deeply understand it and who, when the opportunity presents, can build bridges and work effectively with their counterparts in other parts of the world.

What lesson have you learned about the world of work?

The world of work is both daunting and exhilarating. Initially, it will appear more daunting than exhilarating, especially as a fresh graduate. But when you let go of that fear, you will expose yourself to what you are capable of doing and what you can achieve. Choose faith over fear, always.