When Opportunity Sparks Transformation: How a Surprise Scholarship Opened Up a World of Possibility

In late July, Mandisa Mnguni opened her inbox to an unexpected email from a Mr. Grant L. Cambridge with the subject line, “Salzburg Global: Chairman’s Scholarship”. “It was a beautiful surprise,” she recalled. “As a finance person, you don’t often get opportunities you didn’t apply for. Being chosen by someone who didn’t know me — that was moving.”

This email explained that Mandisa had been awarded the inaugural Chairman’s Scholarship, created by Salzburg Global’s Board Chairman Grant Cambridge. During the 2025 Board of Directors’ trip to the African continent – as part of Salzburg Global’s 2025 Annual Spotlight theme, “Centering Africa” – connections were made with the Nelson Mandela Foundation in South Africa, which sparked the idea for Grant to fund a young leader from the African continent to participate in a Salzburg Global program. Former President Motlanthe recommended Mandisa as the inaugural recipient of this scholarship.

“What an amazing life experience for young leaders to travel from Africa to Austria for the first time and experience the magic of Salzburg Global. We are grateful to be able to provide scholarships for young leaders like Mandisa to travel and broaden their horizons. It’s incredible to see the moment of transformation, gratitude, and enlightenment. Peggy (my wife) and I wanted to provide a Chairman’s Scholarship to empower someone to have that opportunity at Salzburg Global,” explained Grant.

For Mandisa, the scholarship meant a renewed sense of purpose, dignity, and belonging. “When a person takes a risk on you, exposes their reputation for you — that means something,” she said. “It makes you feel special, seen.” This opportunity opened up a world of possibility: her first trip to Salzburg; rich immersion into culture, history, and thought leadership; access to new networks; and the feeling of deliberate inclusion and belonging as a Salzburg Global Fellow. “I was deeply moved by the generosity, kindness, and support extended to me throughout the process,” Mandisa recalled. “Not only did they create the opportunity for me, but they also shared in my excitement and allowed my voice to be completely my own, never defining what my contribution should be or how I should show up.”

In late October, Mandisa made her very first journey to Salzburg and stepped onto the historic grounds of Schloss Leopoldskron, where she stayed for the next four days as a participant of the program, “Reimagining Education: Global Citizenship, Pluralism, and Purpose in the 21st Century.” From the first day, a forum on the post2030 agenda for learning and global citizenship led by Ban Ki-Moon Foundation, left a deep impression on her.  “It was awe-inspiring,” she says. “The caliber, the coordination, the sense that we were part of a larger, urgent conversation.”  

Throughout the week, Mandisa was deeply moved by the way that intellectual engagement paralleled with emotional resonance. The process of co-creation allowed for a strong sense of authenticity and autonomy, and of course, the extraordinary landscape encouraged a deeply embodied experience that moved beyond cerebral discussion. She continues to work on “Reimagining Power: Strategies of Informed Resistance,” a working group that emerged from the program focusing on informing youth about strategic and safe resistance strategies. Mandisa looks forward to exploring additional opportunities for collaboration and engagement with other Salzburg Global Fellows.  

Opportunities like the Chaiman’s Scholarship are deeply meaningful for young leaders like Mandisa in ways that reach far beyond financial support: “For me, it signals that someone believes that my voice matters and that my perspective is worth investing in. That affirmation is transformative.”

This investment is not only transformative for the Fellow, but also for Salzburg Global. As an institution committed to open dialogue and challenging existing assumptions, engaging diverse voices is critical to invite exploration, create space for candid discussion, and question the status quo. The choice to reach beyond familiar networks widens the circle of who gets to shape global conversations.  

This is the kind of philanthropy that shapes futures. The impact of this opportunity rippled long before the opening session: it began with the audacity to invite a new voice and to say, “We believe you belong here. Share your story. Change the conversation.” 

About Mandisa Mnguni
Mandisa Mnguni serves as an Ambassador for the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, offering financial advisory support to the Board of Trustees. The Foundation is committed to advancing South Africa’s socio-economic development by fostering cohesion, collaboration, and innovation through meaningful dialogue and partnership. As a Chartered Accountant registered with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, Mandisa brings over 14 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her career includes roles at global organizations such as EY (Ernst & Young), Barclays Bank Plc, and the Liberty Group (South African Insurer). Mandisa is a Barclays Values Award recipient, recognized for her commitment to stewardship and excellence. In addition, Mandisa is an African Women’s Movement Champion for entry and mid-level career professionals, providing strategic mentorship and program leadership. The Movement focuses on empowering women and youth from diverse socio-economic backgrounds by equipping them with the skills, resources, and support needed for personal, social, and economic success.