Tinyiko Knappe

Tinyiko Knappe

"My name is Tinyiko Knappe, I am 23 years old and I grew up in Cape Town, South Africa. Even though my first name may sound slightly Japanese, it is actually African and means “gift” in Tsonga. I was raised trilingually, having an Afrikaans mother and a German father. From a young age, I have always taken an interest in learning languages and travelling and was privileged to be exposed to both throughout my life. 

After graduating high school I decided to take a year off to travel to Taiwan and to learn Chinese. I now study international relations at Stellenbosch University with Chinese being one of my main subjects and I will graduate in 2018. I plan on furthering my studies with the intention of attending a diplomat school to do my Master of International relations (MIR) and to pursue a career in diplomacy. 

In my free time I enjoy travelling, reading, the outdoors – or more specifically hiking with friends and practicing yoga."