L-R: Khodani Madula and the President of South Africa, His Excellency Dr Cyril Ramaphosa
A 25-year masters’ student in Agricultural Economics at the University of Venda, Ms Khodani Madula has been granted an opportunity to travel to Switzerland to represent her University in an International Symposium Global Essay Competition. Khodani will be leaving for Switzerland on 29 April 2023 and returning to South Africa on 07 May 2023.
In February 2023, Ms Madula submitted an essay towards the annual St Gallen Symposium. The symposium is held annually in the Swiss city of St Gallen. It brings together thought leaders, decision-makers, and young talents from around the world to discuss pressing economic, political, and social issues. Part of this event includes an essay competition for young people under the age of 30. The competition offers young people the opportunity to share their perspectives on important issues facing the world, and to engage with other young people and thought leaders in a global dialogue. The theme chosen by St. Gallen for this year’s essay competition is “A New Generational Contract.” Ms Madula’s essay has already been accepted and is in the running for the top three (3) spot globally. She has received a formal invitation to attend the St Gallen Symposium and her sponsorship for the trip
has been confirmed by the organisers of the event. Khodani is counting down the days until she can embark on her exciting journey to Switzerland.
“I’m thrilled to have been granted an opportunity of this kind and to attend the symposium. I am so excited to be representing my University at international level. For me this is a dream coming true, I know the symposium experience is going to have a significant impact on my life going forward” said Khodani.
Khodani’s essay focused on “Intergenerational Inequality: An Assessment of the Unfairness and Inequalities Present in the World, its Impact on Economic Development and Possible Measures to Implement.” The academic jury was impressed by the essay and its high relevancy to this year’s perspective; hence it was selected as one of the top 100 submissions.
The St. Gallen Symposium has a long history of attracting high-profile speakers and attendees. Khodani will have the opportunity to attend keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops with other participants from around the world. She will also have the chance to network and rub shoulders with business leaders and policymakers and to attend cultural events in St. Gallen and the surrounding region.
The Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Agriculture, Prof Natasha Potgieter wished Ms Madula a safer trip and to go after her dream. “May you get all the success and happiness you deserve,” said Prof Potgieter.
Issued by:
Department of Marketing, Branding & Communication
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525 /8710
Date: 27 March 2023
