Tintswalo Ayanda Onthatile Chauke

I am a dynamic research professional and a passionate advocate for impactful change, with a focus on societal challenges that resonate globally—youth empowerment, gender equality, universal medical access, and the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, and 12. With a Bachelor’s in International Relations and Political Science and an Honors in Political Science from the University of the Witwatersrand, I have developed a robust foundation in research analysis, data management, and stakeholder engagement. My background spans both nonprofit and corporate sectors, where I’ve supported meaningful initiatives and strategic partnerships through research, CRM systems like Salesforce, and targeted donor engagement.

In my role as a Philanthropy Prospect Research Intern at Doctors Without Borders, I have deepened my understanding of high-impact fundraising and data-driven decision-making, where I’ve contributed to campaigns addressing urgent medical needs and humanitarian crises. My analytical work supports organizational goals while ensuring compliance and donor integrity, and I have successfully designed donor strategies that prioritize confidentiality and meaningful engagement.

As a multilingual professional with skills in digital marketing and CRM platforms, I am drawn to roles that allow me to investigate critical issues, assess their societal impact, and shape actionable insights. I am eager to apply my expertise to positions focused on advancing youth and gender equality, supporting universal access to healthcare, and contributing to sustainable development efforts globally. I am driven to make a tangible difference through thorough research, informed advocacy, and strategic solutions that address pressing global needs.

Speaker at Old Mutual Education Trust Scholarship Graduation Event 2024

Invited to deliver a keynote address alongside Old Mutual executives and partners, highlighting the impact of educational support on personal and professional development. Spoke to graduates and distinguished guests, sharing insights on the importance of academic perseverance, leadership, and community engagement in shaping future pathways.

• South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA) — MemberFebruary 2024 – Present
• Contribute strategic insights and innovative ideas to enhance collaboration among BRICS nations, actively participating in decision-making processes and organizational initiatives.
• South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) — Youth Policy Committee MemberFebruary 2024 – Present
• Engage in critical policy discussions and conduct thorough research to influence policy dialogues, supporting SAIIA's mission to foster understanding of international issues.
• Provide essential administrative support for programs and projects, facilitating informed decision-making processes.
• Amnesty International South Africa — MemberMarch 2024 – Present
• Collaborated on research and outreach initiatives to advance Amnesty International's mission, organizing, and executing impactful advocacy efforts with fellow members.

• Gender: Female
• Nationality: South Africa
• Driving License: C1

Honor’s Thesis

Title: Cold War Espionage: The Ghanian Experience

Description: This thesis examines the role of intelligence operations in shaping Ghana's political landscape during Kwame Nkrumah's presidency, particularly in the context of Cold War pressures. It traces the evolution of Ghana's intelligence system, highlighting key agencies like the Presidential Detail Department and the Foreign Service Research Bureau in managing regime threats and supporting Nkrumah’s Pan-Africanist ideology. Through this lens, the study uncovers the influence of foreign powers, internal conflicts, and bureaucratic challenges on Ghana's governance, adding to broader debates on statecraft, sovereignty, and intelligence in post-colonial Africa.

Status: Unpublished; Submitted to University of the Witwatersrand (September 2024)

Article

Title: Wired For Failure? The Governance Crisis at the Heart of South Africa's Electricity Grid

Abstract: This paper examines the governance crisis at Eskom, South Africa's state-owned electricity utility, and its connection to the country's broader political, economic, and social issues. By analyzing the historical evolution of electricity provision, from the establishment of Escom in 1923 to the later transformation into Eskom under neoliberal policies, the paper highlights how these shifts have contributed to the current state of dysfunction at Eskom. The analysis draws on key works by Anand, Appel, and Gupta (2018), who emphasize the role of infrastructure in political power dynamics and social inequality and applies these insights to the South African context. The paper argues that state capture, corruption, and governance failures within Eskom have hindered the utility's ability to provide reliable electricity, exacerbating socioeconomic disparities, particularly for marginalized communities. The study also reflects on the impact of historical state policies, such as the apartheid-era reliance on electricity to support capitalist interests, and how these have shaped Eskom's current operational and financial crises. Finally, the paper suggests that addressing the governance challenges at Eskom requires both systemic reforms within the utility and a shift towards a more equitable and sustainable energy policy that prioritizes public welfare over political and economic elites.

Access: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=5015134

Article: A Critical Review of The Political Life of an Epidemic: Simukai Chigudu on Cholera and Citizenship in Zimbabwe

Abstract: This review examines Simukai Chigudu's The Political Life of an Epidemic: Cholera, Crisis, and Citizenship in Zimbabwe, which explores the 2008-09 cholera outbreak as more than a public health event, delving into its socio-political roots and implications. Chigudu traces the epidemic's origins to colonial legacies, economic instability, and flawed governance, framing it as a man-made disaster exacerbated by political neglect. The review discusses Chigudu's critique of humanitarian responses, his insights into survivors' political agency, and his compelling argument that epidemics mirror deep-seated societal inequities, challenging conventional views of health crises as isolated biological events.

Access: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/385681099_A_Critical_Review_of_The_Political_Life_of_an_Epidemic_Simukai_Chigudu_on_Cholera_and_Citizenship_in_Zimbabwe

• Samantha Nobubele Mkhandla, Manager, Head of Philanthropy & Partnerships, Doctors Without Borders Southern Africa (MSFnSA), (072) 198 3536, samantha.mkhandla@joburg.msf.org
• Thandeka Ndebele, Manager, Office Administrator and Coordinator, University of the Witwatersrand, (011) 717 4363, thandeka.ndebele@wits.ac.za
• Ms. Vuyokazi Mabude, Manager, Head of Knowledge, and Insights, Old Mutual Limited South Africa, (072) 858 0754, vmabude@oldmutual.com

Data Privacy and Ethics - Doctor's Without Borders