XHANTI MHLAMBISO, 27

YOUTH Day is about remembering those who came before us, and appreciating those who fight tirelessly for the substantive freedoms granted to us, says Xhanti Mhlambiso.

Mhlambiso, education policy officer at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Pretoria, said education is a catalyst for social change in the fight against poverty and inequality.

“I am equally cognisant of the fact that this can be achieved through a combination of sound, pragmatic policy in education, innovation and decisive political leadership. Access to higher education due to financial constraints continues to present significant challenges in this regard, and it is my hope that these persistent barriers can be dismantled,” Mhlambiso said.

His work includes promoting the international mobility of students to the Netherlands, facilitating co-operation between the Dutch and South African governments and institutions in all aspects of higher education, to developing education-related projects and implementing policy geared towards this objective.

“I have always been drawn to the idea of working in a dynamic, international environment. My journey thus far has opened up a world of opportunity that allows for me to access and learn from influential stakeholders in the diplomatic space, senior government officials, NGOs and other key individuals within the public and private sector,” he added.

With two masters degrees, one in international business law and another in finance, Mhlambiso is doing a third in development theory and policy.

“Overall, I think inequality is a massive problem and transcends any one particular industry, especially in a country where the poster child for our brand of inequality is a black woman,” he said.