The UGO Fellowship is a continental youth leadership and exchange initiative designed to equip young Africans to address social, environmental and development challenges through ethical leadership, innovation and sustainability. A core principle of the programme is expanding access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that talent and potential – rather than privilege – determine participation in global leadership spaces.
The Fellowship cohort comprised 60 students: 30 from South Africa, 10 from Botswana, 10 from Kenya, and 10 from Sierra Leone. Notably, of the 30 students from South Africa, 3 were from the University of Mpumalanga. Selected through a competitive process, the UMP students joined a diverse cohort of fellows from across the continent and began their journey with an intensive leadership development phase.
This stage required high levels of discipline and commitment, with fellows participating in daily online sessions covering personal development, ethical leadership, social entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation and community development.
For Mr Mashiloane, balancing the fellowship alongside academic responsibilities proved demanding. “The biggest challenge for me was balancing my academic workload with the UGO online training,” he added.
“The fellowship required consistency and discipline, and at the same time, I had my university responsibilities. It became overwhelming at times, and I had to make difficult decisions, including letting go of other extracurricular activities so that I could cope.
“That experience taught me a lot about prioritisation and resilience. It showed me that I am capable of handling pressure when I commit fully, and it changed the way I see myself.”
Beyond practical skills, the fellowship encouraged deep personal reflection. One of the most significant lessons for Mr Mashiloane was learning to trust his identity and voice
“One of the most important lessons I learned is that my background, my ideas and my voice matter. This shift in mindset has had a lasting impact on how he approaches opportunities and challenges.
This lesson will stay with me for life because it affects how I approach opportunities, how I face challenges, and how confidently I step into spaces that once felt intimidating.”
International Exposure and Diplomatic Training
To prepare fellows for meaningful engagement beyond national borders, specialised training in Diplomacy, Protocol and Etiquette was delivered in partnership with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO). This component reinforced the importance of professionalism, cultural awareness and ethical conduct in international and policy-oriented environments.
The fellowship then culminated in a fully supported international exchange. Ms Mkhize and Mr Mashiloane were hosted in Gaborone, Botswana, while Mr Nkosi participated in the exchange programme in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
During the exchange, the fellows visited universities, museums and youth ministries, and engaged with government officials, academics and youth leaders. These engagements offered valuable insight into regional governance, youth development initiatives and the shared challenges facing African societies.
“Engaging with students and leaders from different African countries opened my eyes to how connected our challenges and aspirations are as Africans,” Mr Mashiloane said, noting that the experience reshaped his understanding of leadership as a collective responsibility.
“It showed me that Africa’s future depends on young people working together across borders, sharing knowledge, and supporting one another to create sustainable solutions," said Mashiloane.
Giving Back and Looking Ahead
The exchange programme concluded with a gala dinner and certification ceremony, marking the completion of a journey that extended beyond training and travel. Following their return, the fellows also engaged with prominent national leaders, further reinforcing the fellowship’s emphasis on civic responsibility and ethical leadership.
Mr Mashiloane is committed to ensuring that the impact of the fellowship extends beyond personal development. He plans to utilise the knowledge and confidence gained to inspire other students, especially those who may doubt their potential or feel limited by their circumstances.
The students expressed appreciation to the Universal Greening Organisation for the opportunity, as well as to UMP Management and the Faculty of Agriculture and Natural Sciences for their institutional support.
Now back on campus, the UMP–UGO Fellows remain committed to mentoring fellow students, sharing their experiences and representing the University of Mpumalanga as ambassadors for global youth leadership, sustainability and innovation – reflecting the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are globally engaged, socially responsible and prepared to lead. system.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP