A bridge between local innovation and global solidarity
Back, Carl Leshilo (Student Hubs of Convergence), Nicole Louw (Naturally Nivana); Yolanda Magugu (Student Hubs of Convergence), Winston Letwaba (Advanced Academy), Lehlohonolo Molahlehi (Clap and Tap Choir), Herschelle Howley (VIP Boxing) and Wensley Jackson (Hubs of Convergence). Front, Professor Veonna Goliath (Social Development Professions), Dr Bruce Damons (Director of Engagement Office) and Ongeziwe Mamane (Comnet Hydroponics).
The session focused on aligning project goals with institutional priorities, capacity building for student teams and laying the foundation for collaborative monitoring and evaluation.
“This is not just about funding; it’s about belief in our students as community innovators,” said Wensley Jackson, National Programme Coordinator for THRV. “It’s a turning point.”
In October 2024 funding and collaborative opportunities emerged through the L2LA programme - an executive leadership exchange connecting US-based civil society leaders with innovators in the Global South.
The 2024 exchange was co-convened by Reverend Dawn Sanders (US) and Pastor Jacobus Nomdoe, founder of The Hope Revolution Vision (THRV), a partner of Mandela University.
The L2LA visit brought together six US leaders from organisations, such as Alfred Street Baptist Church, United Methodist Inner City Mission, Cllctivly (Funder) a prominent Baltimore-based platform advancing Black-led social change.
“The L2L Abroad visit was not just symbolic. It opened real opportunities for collaboration, funding, and peer learning,” said Dr Bruce Damons, Director of the Engagement Office. “Our students are now part of an international ecosystem of innovation.”
The visit provided a space for deep reflection and alignment with Mandela University’s engagement philosophy, anchored in reciprocity, convergence, and the recognition of community knowledge. Faculty engagements and storytelling sessions illustrated how academic programmes and community-rooted innovations can intersect to tackle global challenges.
The six student-led projects and innovative initiatives funded under the Student Hubs of Convergence and incubated under Hub 1: Individual and Collective Wellness, include:
VIP Boxing by Herschelle Howley uses boxing as a transformative tool to steer young people - especially boys - from drugs and violence towards discipline, identity, and community purpose.
The Clap and Tap Choir by Lehlohonolo Molahlehi revives traditional choral music to preserve culture, inspire unity, and create safe, expressive spaces for youth in townships.
Naturally Nivana by Nicole Louw promotes self-care, wellness, and natural hair product entrepreneurship.
The Advanced Academy by Winston Letwaba provides mentorship, tutoring, and academic support to high school learners, targeting gaps in access and confidence within under-resourced schools.
Comnet Hydroponics by Ongeziwe Mamane introduces sustainable hydroponic farming systems to local communities to tackle food insecurity, and
Art for Hope by Keenan Damons elevates African creativity and heritage through visual storytelling, honouring local narratives and reclaiming space for cultural identity and healing.
These projects are poised for cross-cutting impact, with the potential to scale across other thematic Hubs in the HoC model.
Strategic alignment for implementation
As the Leader2Leader and THRV partnership deepens, Mandela University reaffirms its commitment to co-creating socially responsive, locally rooted innovations. These projects reflect a broader vision, one where student-led entrepreneurship is not only encouraged but integrated into the fabric of University engagement.