Meet the FIUTS Winter 2022 SUSIs: South Africa
FIUTS is thrilled to welcome 20 undergraduates from Angola, Botswana, Mali, Mozambique, South Africa, and Zimbabwe as part of the 2022 Study of the US Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders on Civic Engagement. While this program usually takes place in person in Seattle, we are excited to work with these students virtually over the next few weeks, and hopefully welcome them to Seattle in person once it’s safe for them to travel.
During the 5-week virtual program, the group will study civic engagement and the history of social movements and social change in the United States. They will take part in activities to build their leadership and intercultural communication skills, and plan Community Action Projects that they’ll then implement after the conclusion of the program.
Over the next couple of weeks, FIUTS will introduce the SUSI participants from one of the six country groups that make up the Winter 2022 cohort. Continue on to read more about the SUSIs representing South Africa!
Tshepiso Malema
Tshepiso Malema is a multifaceted young man from Ivory Park, a small township in South Africa. He is currently studying BIT Information Systems at the University of Pretoria.
At only 19 years old, he is an award-winning social entrepreneur and a public speaker. He is passionate about making change and serving the community which led him to start his initiative called the Tshepiso Malema Speaks Initiative, which serves as a vessel to help young people to discover their purposes and aims at bridging the gap between high school and higher education. To date, his initiative has impacted thousands of young people in the townships through their mentorship programs.
Through his love and exposure to technology, he then founded a technological facility that mainly focuses on digital gaming called Gamer’s Territory, which aims to expose young people from the townships and rural areas to technology through gaming.
Through his work, Tshepiso has been featured on South Africa’s media powerhouses and has won multiple awards such as the SAGE Global Teen Entrepreneur of The Year 2020.
In a nutshell, Tshepiso Malema is what the world has been waiting for.
Refilwe “Fifi” Sehere
My name is Refilwe Sehere. Born and raised in Kimberley, Northern Cape, South Africa. I started schooling at Progress Primary School and later proceeded to St Boniface High School. I am currently studying BSc in Biology at Sol Plaatje University.
Ever since high school, I've always participated in enrichment and leadership programmes. I simply did that because I loved and enjoyed it. I love learning and experiencing new things. Through my participation in these programmes, I am able to achieve that. Broadening my knowledge, helps me bridge the educational gap in my community. Having partaken in such programmes throughout my formative years, I was captivated by the ability in learning from these programmes and use the teachings gained in impacting the lives of those I would interact with. I never had people to look up to in my community and had always promised myself to work hard and positively inspire those who come after me.
Having always aspired to become a leader and change the lives of those around me through impactful change and engagement, one characteristic I often highlight about myself is the willingness to learn and serve as a vessel for change.
Katleho “Kat” Mphutlane
My name is Katleho Mphutlane, I am from John Dube Village, Nigel east of Johannesburg, South Africa. I am currently studying Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management and Economics at the University of Fort Hare. In my spare time I spent most of my time reading books or doing gardening. My all time favourite book is called “How to become your own financial advisor” by Warren Ingram. Lastly I love soccer I am a big fan of Liverpool.
Thandile Vandala
My name is Thandile Vandala. I am 21 years old. I am originally from Cape Town, South Africa. I am a third year Pharmacy Student at Rhodes University.
I am a person of good characteristics. I am reliable, honest, humble and I commit myself to everything I do. I am a diligent individual that handles responsibilities with
care. I have trained myself to never compromise on my dreams and this is why I always make sure that I prioritize accordingly. I am always striving for my best and I do everything that needs to be done with enthusiasm in the near future I would love to own a Pharmaceutical and mining company.
The Study of the US Institute (SUSI) for Student Leaders is a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, with funding provided by the U.S. Government, administered by Meridian International Center and FIUTS. The Winter 2022 program will run virtually from January 10-February 11.
The Study of the U.S. Institutes promote a better understanding of the people, institutions, and culture of the United States among students, teachers, and scholars. Study of the U.S. Institutes (SUSI) are short-term academic programs for groups of undergraduate leaders, educators, and scholars from around the world. Learn more about the Study of the U.S. Institutes here.