Fikeni scoops Michigan State University Alumni Recognition of Service Award
Fikeni is an alumnus of the university, where he earned his PHD in comparative politics and public policy analysis
Academic, political analyst and Public Service Commission chair Professor Somadoda Fikeni has been honoured by Michigan State University for his outstanding commitment and service.
Fikeni is an alumnus of the university, where he earned his PHD in comparative politics and public policy analysis.
Dr Damaris Choti, the university’s co-ordinator of student and alumni programmes at the African studies centre, and Allison Church, its associate director of international corporate and foundation relations, said the Alumni Recognition of Service Award was presented to MSU alumni “who have demonstrated service to the university and/or meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level”.
“This is the first award of its kind that has been presented in SA and the first to any president of our African Alliance Network,” Church said.
“The award not only serves as recognition of Prof Fikeni’s service to MSU and our alumni network on the continent, but also is demonstrative of MSU’S commitment to our international alumni who help MSU go beyond borders with our research, expertise and influence.
“In the coming years, MSU will be increasing engagement with our international students, alumni and partners and this award marks the beginning of these efforts.”
Choti said: “Prof Fikeni has distinguished himself as a selfless public service leader in his country, where he is the chair of the Public Service Commission.
"He is the founding president of the African Alumni and Friends Network, an initiative that seeks to strengthen collaboration and engagement among alumni and friends of MSU throughout the African continent and in the diaspora.”
Choti said MSU was a landgrant university whose mission was to advance knowledge and transform lives internationally.
“Prof Fikeni has epitomised this mission through his longstanding service and leadership on the continental, national and community level.”
This included “co-ordinating programmes that popularise and implement the African Union’s Agenda 2063, serving as director of special project and adviser to the vice-chancellor of the University of South Africa since 2014, serving as the president of the African Student Union during his time as a student at MSU, involvement in political activism during the apartheid years; and engaging in several community projects.”
MSU seeks to produce globally engaged leaders who are inspired and committed to make a difference in communities around them.
“Prof Fikeni is a MSU success story and a great ambassador of the university on the continent and beyond,” Choti said.
“He has continued to engage with our university as a leader in the alumni community as well as participating in MSU programming.
“He was one of the guest speakers in a conference held at MSU in 2018 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of MSU’S decision to divest from companies doing business with apartheid SA.”
Fikeni said: “This is one of the most significant recognitions because institutions that produced us seldom recognise the work we do ...
“It is significant that MSU, one of the best and largest universities in the world, recognises you . ... It’s quite satisfying when you are recognised for your work while you are still alive. My work is not yet done.”
Fikeni has served as chair of seven public and private entities in the past 16 years and was part of the team that designed the International Relations and Co-operation Department’s school of diplomacy.
He was appointed by all African regions as MSU inaugural president of the African Alumni and Friends Network in 2020.
“I became president of the African Student Union and have raised funds to assist African students in distress since returning home in November 2002 and introduced the university to foundations such as the Steve Biko Foundation,” he said.
Fikeni is an expert in political science, public policy development and analysis, history, political economy and heritage.
He is involved in researching and writing books and articles, including African children’s stories.
He cofounded and convened the Indlulanithi South Africa Scenarios 2030.
Fikeni acquired his BA and BA Honours in politics and social sciences from WSU, then the University of Transkei.
He studied peace and political studies at Mcmaster University in Canada and obtained an MA in international politics and comparative development at Queens University, Canada.
He has held various management and leadership positions, which include being the merger manager at the University of Transkei, founding COO and heritage manager for the National Heritage Council of SA and an associate professor at the Unisa Thabo Mbeki School of Public and International Affairs.
He was a member of the Brics Think Tank, and a member of the inaugural SA Council for International Relations.
His major vehicle is the Ubuntu Charity Organisation, through which he mobilises and distributes resources for poor, mainly rural, communities.
Fikeni is president of the Xesibe Heritage Association of Southern Africa, which seeks to promote, preserve and protect Amaxesibe heritage and history.
This is the first award of its kind that has been presented in SA