South African debate champion Tanya Jakeni seeks R40,000 to pursue political studies in Türkiye

A young South African debate champion who has represented the country on the international stage is appealing for financial support to pursue her dream of studying Political Science and International Relations in Türkiye.

Tanya Jakeni, originally from Idutywa in the Eastern Cape and raised in Gauteng, has secured admission to Istanbul Gelişim University, where she hopes to build the academic foundation for a career in diplomacy, international affairs and public service.

However, with her departure approaching, Jakeni is racing against time to raise approximately R40,000 to cover travel and other expenses associated with relocating to Türkiye.

The aspiring political leader said the opportunity represented more than an overseas qualification. For her, it was a chance to deepen her understanding of international relations and prepare for a future in which she hopes to contribute to South Africa's political landscape.

“I am trying to raise support to make this move possible. Even if people cannot donate, visibility alone helps,” she said in an appeal for support.

Jakeni said her tuition fees had been covered after Premier Panyaza Lesufi connected her with Njabulo Mabuza. She is now seeking assistance with the remaining costs of making the move abroad.

From South Africa to the international debating stage

Jakeni's ambition to pursue international relations has been shaped by her experiences representing South Africa at international debating competitions during her high school years.

She said she had represented the country three times internationally, achieving notable results in Germany, the United States and Finland.

In Germany, she placed third among participants from 60 countries. In the United States, she secured first place among 40 countries, while in Finland, she also took first place in a competition involving 70 countries.

These experiences exposed her to different perspectives, cultures and ideas, strengthening her interest in global affairs and the relationships between countries.

For Jakeni, debating has been more than a competition. It has provided an opportunity to develop her ability to articulate arguments, engage with complex issues and represent her country on an international platform.

Her achievements have also brought recognition at home. She received an award in the Girl Child category at the Gauteng Women's Excellence Awards and was invited by Lesufi to attend the 2026 State of the Province Address (SOPA).

She also said meeting former international relations minister Dr Naledi Pandor at the awards last year had strengthened her interest in diplomacy and international affairs.

Jakeni described Pandor as an inspiration as she considers a future in South Africa's diplomatic service.

Why Türkiye?

Jakeni believes studying in Türkiye will give her a broader understanding of international relations, particularly because the country spans Europe and Asia.

She hopes that studying in an international environment will expose her to different political systems, cultures and perspectives, helping her develop the knowledge and skills needed to work in global affairs.

Her admission to Istanbul Gelişim University marks an important step towards a career she has envisioned since her debating days.

Growing up in a family that prioritised education also played a significant role in shaping her ambitions.

Although she was born at Leicester General Hospital in the United Kingdom, Jakeni said her mother returned to the Eastern Cape with her after completing her own studies abroad.

Jakeni identifies as Xhosa and traces her roots to Idutywa, although she grew up in Gauteng.

She hopes her own educational journey will build on her family's emphasis on learning and open doors to opportunities through which she can contribute to her country.

A future in diplomacy and politics

Jakeni has several career paths in mind, including becoming a diplomat or foreign service officer, working as a policy analyst or researcher, and contributing to institutions such as the United Nations, African Union and Southern African Development Community.

She is also interested in political advising, speechwriting and international affairs journalism.

However, her long-term ambitions extend into elected public office.

“I am not forsaking South Africa after graduating. I will come back as a member of parliament, hopefully to shape the politics of this country,” she said.

She added that she aspired to become South Africa's youngest female president.

For Jakeni, returning home after her studies would be an opportunity to apply the knowledge and international exposure she gains to the challenges facing South Africa.

Her immediate focus, however, is securing the funding needed to begin her studies.

Appeal for support

With her tuition fees reportedly covered, Jakeni is seeking approximately R40,000 for travel and other expenses in Türkiye.

She said she had about two weeks to prepare for her departure when she made her appeal, leaving her with limited time to raise the outstanding amount.

Jakeni said sponsorship would bring her closer to a career she had long dreamed of pursuing and enable her to continue representing South Africa with pride.

Having previously competed internationally, she hopes to build on those achievements through formal studies and a deeper understanding of global politics.

She is appealing to individuals, businesses and organisations that support youth development and education to assist her in reaching her goal.

For Jakeni, the opportunity to study abroad is not simply about personal advancement. It is also about preparing herself to contribute to South Africa's future.

Her message is that investing in a young person's education can help turn ambition into an opportunity to serve the country.

As she prepares for the next chapter of her journey, Jakeni hopes that public support will help her overcome the financial barrier standing between her and her university dream.