Student Representatives
Student Scholar Representatives serve as liaisons between the UP Scholar community and the Management team, facilitating communication and addressing concerns.
Josiah Muriuki (Chairperson)
Program: BEng. Hons. Food Science, Cohort 2023
Josiah Muriuki, a Food Science student at the University of Pretoria, is actively
working towards the goal of Zero Hunger (SDG 2). He founded Beta Mentor Africa to mentor
youth in professionalism and leadership. He has received Social Impact Seed Funding and has
held leadership roles including SDG Coordinator at SDSN-Youth, President of the Equity
Leaders Club at the University of Nairobi, and Chairperson of the Mastercard Foundation
Scholars Program at his university, with a focus on sustainable development and youth
mentorship.
Manaseh Angurini (Secretary)
Program: BEng. Hons. Transportation Engineering, Cohort 2023
Manaseh Angurini is a Ugandan pursuing MEng in Transportation Engineering. He holds a BEng
in Civil and Building Engineering from Kyambogo University and BEng Honours in
Transportation Engineering from University of Pretoria. As a graduate member of the Ugandan
Institution of Professional Engineers, Manaseh is passionate about traffic engineering, road
safety, public transport and community building. He currently serves as the General
Secretary for the Mastercard Foundation Scholar Representatives.
Esihle Dube (Community Engagement)
Program: Msc Development Studies Qualification, Cohort 2023
Esihle Mihlali Dube, from Mount Fletcher in the Eastern Cape, is a Mastercard
Foundation Scholar pursuing a master's in development studies at the University of Pretoria.
With a background in Political Sciences and International Relations, she earned her honours
with a thesis on youth engagement in development policies. Committed to understanding and
influencing politics and development in Southern Africa, she values community involvement
and youth participation as vital to sustainable development. Esihle also enjoys family time,
podcasts, movies, and is re-learning French and reading for leisure.
Yeukai Pezdisa (Media)
Program: Master of Social Sciences in Social Work, Cohort 2023
Yeukai Pedzisa is a dedicated social worker pursuing a Master's in Social Work at the
University of Pretoria. Deeply committed to the principles of UBUNTU, which emphasize
community and interconnectedness, she lives these values both personally and professionally.
Yeukai has a strong passion for exploration and photography, often venturing into diverse
environments—from bustling cityscapes to tranquil natural settings—to capture and document
memorable moments. These adventures enrich her personal growth and enhance her professional
empathy and understanding, integral traits for her role as a social worker.
Davis Muhanguzi (Academics and Baobab)
Program: Bsc Hons in Transport Engineering, Cohort 2023
Hailing from Kabale District in South Western Uganda, Davis is passionate about Public
Transport, particularly bus-based systems. Davis holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil
Engineering from Makerere University and an Honours Degree in Transportation Engineering
from the University of Pretoria and is pursuing a Masters degree in Transportation
Engineering at the University of Pretoria. Davis currently serves as the Academics and
Baobab Mastercard Foundation Scholar Representative in the Mastercard Foundation Scholars
Program at the University of Pretoria.
Kyomuhendo Bruhan (Events)
Program: Master of Science in Bioinformatics, Cohort 2023
Kyomuhendo Bruhan, a bioinformatics master's student and seasoned project manager,
specializes in data analytics to enhance organizational impact. He's an event coordinator
with the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program and advises the Read to Learn Foundation on
M&E, policy, and strategy, significantly improving their outreach. His work in education,
health, and climate action has touched over 20,000 lives, including leading COVID-19 relief
efforts for scholars. Recognized by the World Bank as a transformative leader, Bruhan's
influence extends to international forums like the Model United Nations and is documented in
educational policy reports and news media.
Khathutshelo Mashao (Housing and Finance)
Program: Masters in Political Sciences, Cohort 2023
Khathutshelo
Khathutshelo Mashao is a distinguished graduate in International Relations and Political
Sciences from the University of Pretoria, where she also earned her honours degree in
Development Studies with distinction. As a committed climate change activist, she advocates
for decolonial approaches to achieve climate justice in Africa. Driven by her passion for
these issues, Mashao aspires to be a diplomat and public servant, aiming to influence policy
and promote international collaborations that prioritize sustainability and equitable
development. Her vision is to help shape a future where environmental policies are both
effective and inclusive, amplifying Africa's voice on the global stage.
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