At 21, Khanya Mabandla demonstrates a steadfast commitment to sustainability. A second-year BSc plant and soil sciences student at Stellenbosch University, she focuses on crop protection and breeding, driven by the belief that agriculture can be both innovative and equitable. Khanya’s days are filled with lectures, laboratory work and practical sessions — but her influence extends beyond the classroom. As a wellness mentor, she supports first-year students. She also serves as media and marketing manager for the AgriSciences Student Association, designing content and coordinating student engagement initiatives. Her leadership journey began in Grade 10, when an essay for the American Society of Human Genetics earned her national attention, debate platforms, and broadcast interviews. That moment, made possible by her mother’s encouragement, solidified her voice as a young advocate for education and science. Committed to environmental action, Khanya adopted a Southern Right whale through the Mammal Research Institute and is inspired by the entrepreneurial legacy of her grandfather. “Don’t compare your journey,” she says. “Your path is uniquely yours” — a mantra she lives daily with grace and intent.