Tefo Mosienyane (Chairman)

Kantha Naicker (Trust Treasurer, Selections Lead for KZN, FS provinces)

Kantha Naicker attended Lester B.Pearson United World College in Canada from 1990 to 1992. In addition to serving as the Managing Director at Evolve Accounting, Kantha currently serves as Vice-Chair of the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA). She is a previous director of the Association of BEE Professionals. As a mother to a UWC graduate herself, she also serves as the unofficial parent liaison for current South African students enrolled at UWCs.

Vishaal Singh (Engagement, Partnerships, and Relationship Management)

Chad Sonn (Selections Lead for WC, NC, EC provinces)

Born and bred in Cape Town, I attended the UWC in Costa Rica between 2008 and 2010. I completed my undergraduate degree in International Politics and Economics in the US, followed by a master’s degree in International Relations at the University of Cape Town. UWC instilled in me a strong sense of internationalism and a sincere appreciation of diversity. The experience infinitely broadened my horizons and truly opened my eyes to the world. I currently work for a risk management consultancy as a business intelligence analyst, focused on African markets."

Thobile Nzimande (Communications)

"My name is Thobile Nzimande and I attended Red Cross Nordic United World College (RCNUWC) between from 2009 until 2011. UWC was more than a school, it was a home away from home and has given me more than education. It has given me lifelong friends and skills that I continue to use in my young adult life. One thing from UWC that I use almost every day is cultural sensitivity i.e. being aware that other people’s culture is different from mine and that will affect how they perceive and process things. Therefore, I should always strive to understand them before making any judgement. Understanding culture has also helped me in my professional pursuits in the Data Analytics field as data tells a story of people and people are shaped by their culture."

Pumla Maswanganyi (Engagement and Partnerships)

"I am Pumla Maswanganyi, a Tsonga girl from Katlehong, and an alum of UWC Maastricht (the Netherlands), from the pioneering class of 2012. Saying that UWC changed my life would be an understatement, as the experience did a lot more for me than I can quantify in words. The best thing about being in the first class at Maastricht, was that from the first day, we were tasked with creating the UWC experience that others would inherit the following years. This made me realise that UWC is not the physical space that you live in, but the formative 3 AM discussions that make you reflect on the present, while pressing forward with faith about the future. As a 15 year old walking into it, not only did UWC open my world (literally), but I also discovered more of myself, as I was surrounded by 50 people that mirrored my passion for the world. When I reflect on my time at UWC, I realise that my experience still continues to shape me in more ways than expected. It served as the foundation for my current role as a development consultant working on equitable trade between Africa and the States, with a focus on holistic short and long term strategies to increase the life chances of youth and women."

Noor Mutsaerts (Student Liaison)

"My name is Noor Mutsaerts, I studied at the United World College in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina, from 2006-2008. In Mostar, I experienced the importance and challenges of reconciliation and post-conflict education first-hand. By sharing my life with classmates from different conflict areas (e.g. Bosnia, Iraq, Rwanda, Palestine), I learned how friendships can form despite differences in personal beliefs, that we all share a common humanity, but also that certain differences will remain. Working in a refugee camp further taught me to bring my ideals into action. UWC inspired me to strive for equal opportunities for all. Trained as a medical doctor, I became passionate about creating fair opportunities to live a healthy life, independent of where you are born. I am currently doing my PhD in vaccine-preventable diseases in South Africa. My research focuses on improving immunisation schedules while ensuring vaccine safety and immunogenicity. As a result, I hope to make a small contribution to reducing childhood morbidity and mortality."

Nora Hanke - Louw

Originally from Germany, Nora attended Lester B. Pearson United World College in Canada from 2003 – 2005. She currently works for South Africa’s Higher Education and Training Department. She is the former national chairperson of the South African Young Water Professionals. She holds two Masters degrees, one from Stellenbosch University and another from the University of Dundee in the UK.

 

"My name is Asemahle Mgayi, I attended the Mahindra United World College of India (Muwci) from 2016 and recently graduated in May 2018. Attending Muwci enhanced the way I see community and the value which it has on the lives of individuals. While inspiring me to invest more in the communities I am part of. It challenged every ounce of my beliefs and ignited an ability to be more critical of the world I inhabit and mindful of the ways I contribute to it. Throughout the two years, this journey set before me a series of transformative hurdles which facilitated so much growth and grounded me in gratitude for the amazing opportunity I had received. Most significantly, it enhanced my pride for my country, continent and my culture. It assisted me to relearn the essence of who I am and the soils I come from. Currently, I am taking a gap year in South Africa. Which has allowed me to assist my National Committee with various projects, has given me ample time along with my team members to carve Elea Africa into a UWC short course, while exploring different avenues to acquire Law internships. Participating in Law internships will give me a jump-start to my International and Human rights Law degree which I intend to start in September 2019."

Asemahle Mgayi (Recent Graduate)