Rabia Turnbull, 27, was born in Buffalo Flats, East London, where she was raised by a single mother and grounded in the values of dignity, service and justice. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and public administration from the University of Konstanz and graduated cum laude with an Erasmus Mundus joint master’s degree in security, intelligence and strategic studies, awarded by universities in Glasgow, Trento and Prague. Her academic work focused on conflict and development in Africa and the Middle East. Rabia’s achievements include co-organising the first International Youth Conference and Nobel Symposium held outside Europe. As a youth fellow at the International Youth Think Tank, she facilitates dialogue and policy work with young Africans. As research lead at the African Youth Security Network, she supports youth-led responses to security issues. She also serves as South Africa’s Erasmus Mundus representative, promoting global education opportunities. Her activism spans continents — from Sudan to Palestine — grounded in ubuntu and a belief in youth empowerment. “My grandmother taught me that real leadership is rooted in empathy,” she says.
The greatest inspiration remains my grandmother. While many extraordinary figures exist, none have matched her warmth, selflessness and profound kindness. Her spirit could soften even the coldest of hearts.Despite enduring a harsh and difficult upbringing, she remained unwavering in her compassion. A nurse by profession, her care extended far beyond the clinical setting. In limited free time, she gave tirelessly — tending to the sick, supporting her community, offering comfort, and volunteering in shelters, prisons and civic spaces. She showed up consistently and selflessly. Her deep sense of justice left a lasting impact — stronger than any global platform, high-level engagement or elite encounter. Even in comparison to diplomats, changemakers, world leaders, activists and Nobel Peace Laureates, no moral compass has proven as grounded or clear as hers. In a world marked by conflict and detachment, leadership must be rooted in genuine care. Governance requires more than intellect — it demands empathy: the ability to understand diverse human experiences and challenges. She demonstrated that empathy builds systems of care, where people feel seen, heard and valued. It inspires action and forms the foundation of compassionate communities. My grandmother lived that kind of leadership. She didn’t merely speak of justice — she embodied it. Her legacy lives on in those she touched, and the commitment to lead with compassion continues in her honour.