Thuthula Sodumo is a 2024 Michigan State University Mandela Washington Fellow from South Africa. She earned a National Diploma in public management, a bachelor’s degree in public administration and an Honours Degree in gender studies from the University of South Africa. Sodumo is a prominent advocate for gender equality, mental health, youth empowerment and disability rights. She is pursuing a master’s degree in gender studies with a focus on disability intersectionality. 

What an incredible journey it has been at Michigan State University! I spent six weeks in East Lansing as one of 25 Mandela Washington Fellows. I am a GLOBAL SPARTAN — You better put some respect on my name, child!

This was a stay I never thought my soul needed. I experienced a euphoria I haven’t felt in years. I felt alive and at home and this is largely because of the staff at MSU and the fellows who poured their all in the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders 2024.  

Before I left home, I went to my grandfather’s kraal to ask him for a clear path and protection from all harm — known and unknown. This is a custom we practice every time we are about to journey to far and unknown lands so that our ancestors can locate us anywhere in the world.  

I asked for good health and energy as I have felt fatigued for quite some time. When I say the underground gang came through for me — believe me — they did. They delivered in a major way. I was energized. I was having fun and feeling so alive with possibilities.  

For the past years, I have buried myself in my job serving the people of my province, the Eastern Cape, in the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier. It is the poorest province in South Africa, yet so rich in culture and history. It is called the home of legends: Tat’u Mandela (Father Mandela) was born and raised there.  

I love my job with every fiber of my being because it aligns with my life’s purpose of serving others. It has given me endless opportunities that landed me this once in a lifetime opportunity.  

I am mostly grateful to my supervisors and the big bosses in my workplace for allowing me to take some time off and live this dream. Shout out to the Eastern Cape Office of the Premier for being invested in their employee’s development and empowerment! 

Being a Mandela Washington Fellow is not child’s play. In my language IsiXhosa we say, ”Ayondlwan’iyanetha,” which translates to “It isn’t a small raining house,” meaning: It isn’t easy to come by an opportunity that doesn’t happen to everyone. 

It took me a long time to realize it, but being here has cleared so many things for me. 

I had forgotten how to dream — for many reasons, and one of them was my deteriorating health that robbed me of my independence. How do you even begin to dream when you feel like you are sinking into nothingness? Who knew that I would find healing in the U.S.? I feel rejuvenated as if I have been offered a new lease on life and that excites me so much because it means I will now live my life in abundance. 

I completed a fellowship this week from one of the best research universities in the world and leading land-grant institution in the country. That’s a long way for this disabled lady to travel! I am immensely blessed and eternally grateful to God and my ancestors, to the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy in South Africa, IREX and Michigan State University. 

I have met 24 wonderful African leaders from 17 different countries. A group of diligent, driven, motivated change agents who love the African continent and live their lives in making sure that no one is left behind. 

They do the Lord’s work braving it all for the betterment of their people. To say my soul is nourished is an understatement. I am fulfilled and eternally changed. No one will ever convince me otherwise that what we shared here was purely magical. I am a better person for having met each one of them. 

I will miss our academic sessions; cultural activities; the walks and talks at ungodly hours by Cedar Village, along the river and to our 7-11 church; the basement games and dancing; the Kenyan teas and chapati bread; and the long warm squishy, mushy wholesome hugs. We built an ubuntu African village and represented our countries with rigour and passion. We have made our ancestors proud. 

My faith in humanity has been restored: It is true that all things come together for our good. 

To the Michigan state University MWF2024 cohort: May all your dreams come true, filling your gorgeous hearts with boundless joy and endless wonder. Africa is in good hands!