Meeting Mandela

21 July 2010

For one student at Monash South Africa, a prestigious scholarship has brought her face-to-face with one of the world's most well-known leaders, 92-year-old Nelson Mandela.

Petunia Mpoza is currently completing her honours in International Relations at Monash South Africa, and decided to pursue the opportunity to gain a prestigious Mandela-Rhodes Scholarship.

The Mandela-Rhodes Scholarship aims to build leadership excellence in Africa, and is open to African citizens pursuing postgraduate qualifications who are committed to the principles of education, leadership, reconciliation and entrepreneurship.

In addition to providing financial support to complete her post-graduate studies, Petunia also enjoyed the series of workshops for scholars that focus on leadership development and encourage the exploration of key social issues.

However, for Petunia, the highlight of the scholarship was the opportunity to meet South Africa's first post-apartheid president.

"As Mandela-Rhodes scholars, it is one of the opportunities that we are afforded. He was not in good health but he insisted on seeing the 2010 group as he has done with previous groups," Petunia said.

In their conversation, Petunia and Mr Mandela spoke about her hometown of Soweto.

"He was so down to earth and very humble. He tries to connect with everyone…he was patient and interested in everyone's story," Petunia said.

The Mandela-Rhodes Scholarship has been one of many highlights for Petunia during her studies. She also enjoyed the opportunity to study at Monash University's Malaysia campus as part of an exchange program in order to further understand and appreciate culture, religion and language different to her own.

At the end of her course, Petunia is planning to apply for a diplomatic cadetship with the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs.