Morafe 2023 Capstone Trip Reflections: IAWA Ambassador Masetshaba

My name is Masetshaba and I am an IAWA Ambassador from the Morafe Cohort. I started with this program during the COVID-19 Pandemic and I can’t wait to share with you my journey on the trip and all the lessons I have learned that have brought me here.

We left to go on our trip on a Wednesday. Firstly, we visited Brits, in the North West province of South Africa, where we engaged in community service. It was a great experience, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. I had the chance to see what life is like there and learn about their culture. They shared encouraging words and even shared a bit of God's wisdom with us, which was truly awesome. Later, we traveled to Pretoria and stayed in a lodge. This gave us the opportunity to bond with other ambassadors and get to know our American counterparts. We exchanged valuable insights that could help us succeed in this world.

On Thursday, we visited the University of Pretoria, which was absolutely amazing. It was inspiring to see the university that I'll be attending next year. I finally got firsthand information from students there about varsity life, and I now feel prepared to face it all. Later, we visited the Apartheid Museum, where I learned extensively about Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. On Friday, we went to the Hector Pieterson Museum in Johannesburg, where I learned about how young black people fought for better education for us. Our journey was truly incredible, and I had the opportunity to explore many places. My dreams are beginning to come true!

Masetshaba (in the turquoise coat) with her fellow Ambassadors in front of Nelson Mandela's house

In Brits, in the North West province of South Africa. We met other ambassadors from a different program called Hope 4 Kasi, and they warmly welcomed us. They taught us a few things, and we engaged in community service by painting a granny's house. Everyone was excited and actively participated. We felt like one big family. What I learned from this is to always be willing to help others and to be appreciative.

On Thursday, when we visited Pretoria, we spoke with students their varsity life. They shared the harsh realities we might encounter, but the lesson was clear: no matter how challenging it gets, never give up, study hard, and stay true to ourselves. Then, we went to the Apartheid Museum, where I learned about Mr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, South Africa's first black president. I learned about the hardships he endured and how he fought for his people.

IAWA Ambassador, Masetshaba