United Nations Volunteer Profile
Name: Matiisetso Mosala
Biography: I am a communications professional with extensive experience in journalism and media. I currently serve as a United Nations Volunteer and Public Information Officer, leading the communications section in Torit. My focus is maximizing UNMISS visibility and highlighting its priorities and impact on the ground. I love travelling, meeting new people, and being of service to those who need it most. I believe that hard work truly pays off because my journey has been shaped by dedication and the drive to help build a better tomorrow for all.
Hometown/country: Maseru, Lesotho
One interesting fact about your home country that people may not know: Lesotho – The Kingdom in the Sky, is the only country in the world that lies entirely above 1,000 meters (3,280 ft) in elevation, which gives it one of the highest average altitudes. Interestingly, because of this high altitude, Lesotho receives natural snow during its winter, and is home to Afriski, a ski resort located around 3,000 meters in the Maluti Mountains.
What are you particularly proud of regarding your work with UNMISS? My contribution to the implementation of the UNMISS mandate through engaging with local communities, authorities and partners, working collaboratively towards peace in South Sudan. I am proud of every interview I have conducted, every story I have told from the perspective of the community. I am particularly proud of the community-driven outreach activities and events that I have planned and organized, engaging women, youth, civil society, and other community groups in meaningful dialogue and peacebuilding.
What are the biggest challenges for a UN Volunteer in South Sudan? The political and security instability is the main challenge in my view, because it makes it difficult for UN Volunteers to engage with communities and implement the mandate. This requires us to be agile in our work to be more effective and impactful.
What makes you laugh out loud? Catch-up sessions with my family, especially my sisters, always leave me in stitches. We talk about anything and everything, and somehow it always turns into a comedy show.
If there is one person you would like to meet from history, who would that be? I would have wanted to meet Nelson Mandela because his crucial role in reshaping a nation grounded in justice, forgiveness, and unity, has always deeply inspired me. Beyond his leadership, his humility and kindness made him truly extraordinary. I’ve always felt a special connection to his spirit of ubuntu, especially because we share the same birth date, which has connected me even more to his legacy of humanity and compassion.
How do you want to be seen by others? I want to be seen as someone who values communication, a professional who leads with humanity, integrity, and respect, and supports and contributes wherever I am.
If you could go back 5 years – what advice would you give your younger self? “Believe in yourself and never give up on the things that make your heart beat a little faster. Don’t be afraid to step into your greatness, embrace it fully and unapologetically because your light does not dim anyone else’s. Stand tall in who you are and allow yourself to grow into everything you are meant to be.”
Any other information you want to share about yourself?
Personally, family is everything to me, and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for them. Professionally, I am someone you’d want on your team- I am dedicated, reliable, and a team player. Generally, I don’t like to be boxed in or defined by a single trait. I love singing - ask my karaoke buddies, and painting. I will admit though that I haven’t completed a masterpiece in the last six months, but I trust the process, and I’m confident that one day my work will find its audience.
