Thobeka is a writer and researcher from South Africa’s Mpumalanga Province with a deep commitment to education and development. Before joining ANDE, she served as a Partnerships Associate at Huruma Bantfu while pursuing a Master’s in Development Studies as a Mandela Rhodes Foundation scholar. Previously, she worked as a university guidance counselor at the African Leadership Academy, supporting students from 36 African countries in securing placements at top universities worldwide. A Watson Fellow from 2018 to 2020, Thobeka traveled to ten countries exploring global cultures and histories. She is a proud alumna of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls and Oberlin College. Outside of work, she enjoys designing custom clothing and crocheting oversized blankets.