ÎçÒ¹Ó°Ôº

Henry Mitchell Scholarship Report

Visiting Scholar at ÎçÒ¹Ó°Ôº, Kansas City 1 November - 28 November 2025

Asemahle Mahlungwana

Master of Arts Student in Political Studies at the University of the Western Cape

Introduction

As a Master of Arts student in Political Studies, with research that focuses on energy governance, policy and informal economies, I had the privilege of being a Henry Mitchell Scholarship recipient. I was really delighted to learn that I had received the scholarship, as it provided great opportunity, particularly in research and collaboration. I extend my gratitude to the scholarship committee for choosing me, I will forever be grateful for this opportunity.

I departed from Cape Town International Airport on the 31st of October and arrived in Kansas City, Missouri on the 1st of November. This was my first international trip, and I was very excited and anxious at the same time. My host professor, Prof. Izu Mbaraonye picked me up and took me to my accommodation, the Diastole Scholars Centre.

Research

The first day Prof. Izu gave me a tour of the campus, and I was also assigned an office in the Henry W. Bloch Executive Hall. During my visit I spent most of my time at the office, working on my mini-thesis. Arriving at UMKC, I had already completed my fieldwork on my research in South Africa and during the visit I was writing up my findings and finalising the mini-thesis.

Prof. Izu was quite helpful in giving me input on my mini-thesis and the research as a whole. Reading some of his work also assisted in the collaboration, as I could compare the difference in South African small businesses and the United States in discussion.

Photos: Henry W. Bloch Executive Hall at UMKC; one of UMKC's entrances (right)

My research looked at how informal businesses negotiated access to energy with the government and how the businesses also related to energy policy. The difference when comparing small businesses in both countries is quite significant, as South African businesses are more informal. With observation, informal businesses were not as prevalent in Kansas City, but there were some small businesses and local stores. While at UMKC, with assistance and feedback from Prof. Izu, I was able to write up my complete mini-thesis final draft.

Stay in Kansas City

Outside of academics, I explored the city quite a bit, even with the cold, Fall weather. On Veterans Day I went to the World War I museum and memorial. The exhibition and tour of the museum was not only interesting, but it was also educational as I got to learn a bit more about the beginning of World War I.

Photo: National World War I Museum and Memorial (left); A picture of myself at the WWI Museum Tower overlooking the city (right).

While exploring the city, I visited the City Market, which has unique stores, restaurants and markets. The different places all offered a different experience, but they were all very interesting. During my last weekend in the city, I was able to go watch a football game, where the Kansas City Chiefs were playing. The experience was very exciting, especially since I had never seen a football game before. Outside of just experiencing the sport for the first time, I got to be a part of the city’s big football culture. In closing the trip, I got to experience Thanksgiving, which was new to me, outside of movies and tv shows. I had the privilege of being hosted by Prof. Izu and his family for Thanksgiving dinner.

Photos: Kansas City Chiefs game (left); City Market (right)

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank everyone who made this experience possible and unforgettable, from Dr Mandyoli, who informed me about the scholarship and Prof. Uphoff, who organised everything, communicating frequently ensuring everything ran smoothly. I would also like to thank the University of the Western Cape’s International Relations department for ensuring such opportunities exist, and for making sure that all my things were in order before travelling. I would also like to thank the UMKC, Bloch School staff, students and the Diastole Scholars Centre staff for making me feel welcomed during my stay. I would also like to extend my gratitude to Prof. Izu and his family for welcoming me and ensuring that I enjoy my stay in the city. Finally, I am grateful to the Henry Mitchell Scholarship for providing me with such an invaluable experience for my academic career.