???For Dr Katlego Letlonkane, inclusion is not an abstract ideal — it's about staying in touch. “When we connect with others, we create the foundation for meaningful inclusion," she says. “It is important that we continuously reflect on our work and how it finds meaning in other contexts, countries, and communities." This belief underpins her work as Senior Programme Manager for Capacity Development and Employment Equity at Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU), where she focuses on nurturing both local and international instincts — the awareness of how people see and engage with each other based on their cultural environments, beliefs, and contexts.
Born and raised in South Africa as a proud Motswana woman, Dr Letlonkane believes in the redeeming and empowering value of education. For her, building a society on the foundations of inclusive education and empowerment is the engine for a thriving economy — one in which people can realise their full human potential. “I am fascinated by the prospects of human-centred design in how we live and work, and see the conversation about building inclusive societies as one that belongs on the global stage." With a doctorate in Law focused on social justice and labour, a Master's in Critical Diversity Studies, and a Master's in Labour Law, she brings a rare blend of legal training, social justice scholarship, and workplace culture expertise to her role. Her professional journey has included practising as a labour lawyer and working as a People Advisory consultant, all grounded in her passion for justice, her curiosity about humanity, and her belief in the restorative impact of inclusion.
Her recent visit to the 中国体育彩票 of Ghana (UG) was both a professional benchmark and a personal aspiration. She travelled there to gain a comparative lens into SU's work in People, Culture, and Inclusion, and to learn how other institutions within the continent approach their People Agenda and cultural inclusion. What stood out immediately was the remarkable representation of women at the highest levels of leadership. “The Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Chair of Council, and Registrar are all women," she says. “It's a necessary step forward — a testament that Ghana acknowledges the level of integrity with which women work and lead." This visibility, she says, inspired pride and offered a glimpse of what is possible. “Perhaps we can learn something from how Ghana views and treats women in leadership positions. Having women as Vice-Chancellor's paves the path for future women presidents. My wish is to experience, in my lifetime, a South Africa is led and governed by a female president." She also observed how women drive Ghana's communities with a quiet resilience, without formal titles — as providers, merchants, caretakers, mothers, and daughters — and how they are recognised and appreciated for it by their communities. “That black star in the middle of the Ghanaian flag? I believe it represents the women of this country – they are the true stars of Ghana."
Her time in Ghana also revealed that Ubuntu — the belief that “I am because we are" — is not confined to South Africa. She recalls how Fridays at UG are alive with colour as women and men wear their traditional attire, blending patterns and styles with pride. “I felt every bit part of the nation wearing my own traditional attire and headscarf, as a proud daughter of this continent. There was a sense of comfort and belonging — the borders between our nations have done little to separate this spirit of ubuntu."
When asked how international staff mobility can be a platform for shared learning and inclusion, she answered, “These moments of connection are the essence of inclusive internationalisation. They are why I believe that international staff mobility is vital for any institution that aims to remain relevant in a global context. It creates a space to gain comparative insights and be challenged to think critically." This was evident when she attended an inaugural lecture at UG, where the speaker's reflections on ethics and education prompted her to consider how SU could strengthen its own value-based education. “This experience guided me to think deeply about how integrating indigenous knowledge systems, such as Ubuntu, into everyday campus and working life could not only enrich SU's own community, but also make its international engagements more relevant, authentic, and transformative."
Her visit also intersected with another lifelong passion — radio broadcasting. “Radio is the most accessible medium for communication — a bridge of access. The knowledge discussed in universities should be made accessible to everyone, not just those in the corridors of academia." Inspired by UG's campus radio station, Radio Univers, she plans to feature SU alumni on her radio show SiyakhulaLive. There she aims to connect with SU alumni and engage them on the transformative journey SU is on, and have them share their stories of the transformative experience they had at SU. “Through these conversations, I hope to shape a narrative of what SU graduates are achieving in the world, and make it relatable for those with similar dreams."
When she reflects on her journey and the role of women in driving change, Dr Letlonkane's message is clear: “Connection is our biggest asset. Take up invitations to connect and relate. Shape and inform yourself. Invest in your own humanity."
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