Nineteen Batswana Mandela Washington Fellows Depart for United States

Correspondent | Thursday June 13, 2019 09:07

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is one of the U.S. Department of State’s premiere exchange programs and empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. Botswana’s 19 Fellows hail from across the country and have a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences.

During this program, all Fellows will hone their skills at a U.S. higher education institution for six weeks, then participate in a three-day Summit experience in Washington, D.C. with leaders from the public and private sectors. 

This year, 700 outstanding young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa will participate. The Fellows, who are between the ages of 25 and 35, have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive impact in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries. In 2018, Fellows represented a diverse group of leaders from 48 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa. Twenty-five Fellows identified as having a disability, and 51 percent of Fellows were women. 

Below are the names of the 19 Botswana Fellows and the institutions where they will be based in the US during the program: 

Keletso Seabo – University of California – Davis 

Bonolo Monthe – The University of Texas at Austin 

Dineo Tshosa – Kansas State University 

Christopher Seagateng – Appalachian State University 

Mompoloki Makwana – Lehigh University 

Nature Mogotsi – Texas Tech University 

Lesego Nchunga – Syracuse University 

Unami Mashumba – Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 

Chawapiwa Masole – Drexel University

Chidzani Catherine Mbenge – Georgia State University 

Thandi Milton – Boise State University 

Keenese Katisenge – Lehigh University

Mosireletsi Mogotlhwane – Georgia State University 

Kabo Muyaluka – Indiana University 

Koziba Malibala – The University of Texas at Austin 

Lebogang Manson – University of Notre Dame 

Ishmael Motshabi – Bridgewater State University 

Tiragalo Masibi – University of Georgia 

Ontibile Kebadirang – Virginia Tech 

Upon returning to their home countries, Fellows continue to build the skills they have developed during their time in the United States through support from U.S. embassies, the YALI Network, USAID, the Department of State, and affiliated partners.

Through these experiences, select Mandela Washington Fellows have access to ongoing professional development and networking opportunities, as well as support for their ideas, businesses, and organizations. Fellows may also apply for their American partners to travel to Africa to continue project-based collaboration through the Reciprocal Exchange Component. 

For further details please contact Information Specialist, Mr. Ephraim Keoreng at KeorengET@state.gov or 373-3982 ext. 2419 or Public Affairs Officer Ms. Ineke Stoneham at StonehamIM@state.gov.