Kuhlekonke Makanya joins the prestigious Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung Parliamentary Research Programme

Kuhlekonke Makanya’s selection to join the prestigious Konrad-Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Parliamentary Research Programme marks a significant milestone in a journey rooted in purpose, resilience, and youth-driven change. As one of the youngest contributors in South Africa’s legislative space, Kuhlekonke steps into Parliament not only as a researcher but as a powerful advocate for youth civic engagement and representation in policy-making. For him, this opportunity is a call to action to bridge the divide between young people and the structures that shape their daily lives. With a lived understanding of both rural and urban South Africa, he brings a grounded voice that speaks to the realities of those often overlooked in national discourse.

His approach is anchored in Ubuntu, and his vision for a more inclusive South Africa aligns closely with the KAS values of freedom, justice, and solidarity. For Kuhlekonke, freedom is not abstract, it is about educational access, belonging, and the power to participate meaningfully in society. Justice, in his eyes, should go beyond legal frameworks and actively dismantle historic inequities. And solidarity is woven through every element of his leadership, whether mentoring high school learners, co-founding a community-driven agricultural initiative, or reimagining youth roles in civic spaces.

Through the KAS programme, he intends to use his academic grounding in South African history and law to shape conversations that inspire policy reforms and amplify youth voices. As a co-founder of SAFE (Social Access Facilitation Enterprise) in Zebediela, Kuhlekonke has already demonstrated that transformative ideas begin with purpose and community. SAFE, which began as a grassroots response to unemployment, depression, and substance abuse among rural youth, has grown into a sustainable farming project that empowers young people through work, education, and mentorship. Starting with no funding, Kuhlekonke and his co-founder have harvested over 500 units of watermelon and maize, hosted agricultural workshops for local learners, and donated part of their produce to families in need, all under the guiding principle of “by the community, for the community.”

His journey into agriculture is not accidental. It connects deeply with his academic interests, particularly his Master’s research on apartheid-era food systems in South African townships. By tracing how food access was used as a tool of social control, he hopes to illuminate how structural inequalities continue to shape present-day realities. For Kuhlekonke, agriculture is more than a livelihood, it is a form of social resistance, a tool for empowerment, and a gateway to justice. His work with SAFE exemplifies his belief that food security, dignity, and opportunity must be restored in communities historically denied them.

Kuhlekonke’s journey has been marked by bold pivots and deep purpose. While initially pursuing law, his enduring love for history led him to pursue historical research at postgraduate level. His honours thesis explored the negotiation style of President Cyril Ramaphosa during South Africa’s democratic transition, a project inspired by the enduring impact of charismatic, legally trained leaders in South Africa’s political history. This research offered him a lens to reflect on South Africa’s past and interrogate the values that shape its present and future.

His leadership extends across multiple spheres: academics, sports, entrepreneurship, and mentorship. Through it all, he remains grounded by faith, family, and a desire to serve. Raised in a household where love, unity, and prayer were central, he draws strength from spiritual discipline and community wisdom. Kuhlekonke’s drive comes not only from his ambition, but from his unshakeable belief in the power of collective progress and the importance of bringing others along.

Being part of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has been instrumental in supporting his academic and entrepreneurial ambitions. With mentorship, financial support, and access to enriching opportunities such as the Social Entrepreneurship Fund 2.0, he has been able to grow SAFE, deepen his academic work, and remain an active mentor and leader on campus. The support of the Scholars Program community, academics, coordinators, and peers, has allowed him to thrive holistically, balancing studies, sport, and service.

To young South Africans who want to lead change in their communities but feel held back by circumstance, Kuhlekonke offers a powerful message: start small, but start now. His story is one of persistence, creativity, and refusing to wait for perfect conditions. From making a soccer ball out of plastic bags to using a tutoring stipend to fund his studies, he has always found a way to begin. For him, the first step doesn’t require certainty, only belief, courage, and the determination to force the issue.

Through his words and actions, Kuhlekonke Makanya is redefining what it means to lead from the frontlines of community. His story is one of transformation powered by education, anchored in Ubuntu, and driven by a relentless pursuit of justice and belonging for all.