Title: Empowering African Leaders: The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship for 2024
Introduction: In 2003, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation, established as one of Nelson Mandela’s legacy organizations in collaboration with the Rhodes Trust, embarked on a mission to nurture exceptional leadership skills among Africans. Through their prestigious scholarship program, the foundation has been empowering young Africans, encouraging them to utilize their talents for the betterment of their societies and the entire continent.
Opportunity for Postgraduate Studies: The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship offers African students the chance to pursue postgraduate studies in South Africa while participating in the esteemed Leadership Development Programme. Over the past 16 years, the foundation has supported more than 500 students from 28 African countries, leaving an indelible mark on the African leadership landscape.
Expenses Covered and Duration: The scholarship covers a wide range of study-related expenses, including registration fees, tuition fees, study materials, accommodation and meal allowances, personal allowances, medical aid coverage, and economy-class flights for students from countries outside South Africa. Furthermore, scholars may also request research and conferencing grants.
The duration of the scholarship is flexible, with Honours students receiving funding for one year and Masters students receiving funding for one or two years. Allowances are disbursed twice a year, and scholars are required to provide proof of registration at the beginning of the year and a progress report from their university two weeks into the second semester. Tuition and registration fees are paid directly to the tertiary institution, while allowances are given directly to the scholars.
Leadership Development Programme:
In addition to their academic pursuits, Mandela Rhodes Scholars actively engage in leadership development workshops. These workshops include residential sessions, regional pods, and a Mentoring Programme. By participating in these activities, scholars further enhance their leadership skills, fostering a holistic approach to their personal and professional growth.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship, applicants must meet several requirements. They must be citizens of South Africa or any other African country and be between the ages of 19 and 29. Applicants should be willing to travel to South Africa if they reside in a different country and must have completed or will complete an undergraduate degree qualification by January 1, 2024. A minimum overall average of 70% in the undergraduate degree qualification is also necessary.
Candidates must exhibit strong leadership skills and demonstrate a track record of holding leadership positions on campus or within their communities. They should be committed to utilizing their talents to advance equality, freedom, and human dignity in Africa. Furthermore, applicants must show potential to embody the foundation’s founding principles of education, leadership, entrepreneurship, and reconciliation. Engaging in the Mandela Rhodes Foundation’s leadership development program is a mandatory requirement.
Application Process and Selection:
Interested candidates are required to apply online through the scholarship application platform. Before proceeding with the application, applicants need to register an account on the platform. It is essential to mention “Uni24.co.za” as the source of information about the scholarship.
Applicants must submit clear copies of supporting documents, including ID documents or passports, degree certificates, academic transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and two short essays.
The selection process follows a specific timeline, with applications opening on March 14, 2023, and closing on April 21, 2023. Shortlisted candidates will be notified by the end of June 2023 for the second round, followed by further shortlisting by the end of July 2023 for the third round. By the end of August 2023, all candidates will be informed whether they have been unsuccessful or invited for an interview in the final round.
Selected candidates will be invited for an interview in South Africa by the end of October 2023. For candidates residing outside of South Africa, arrangements will be made to fly them in for an in-person interview. It is imperative that selected Mandela Rhodes Scholars secure a placement at a university and obtain a study visa between October and December 2023 for the 2024 academic year.
Conclusion:
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Scholarship is an extraordinary opportunity for African students to pursue postgraduate studies and embark on a transformative journey of leadership development. By providing comprehensive financial support and engaging scholars in impactful workshops, the foundation equips them with the necessary tools to become catalysts for change in their communities and the continent at large.
For any further inquiries regarding the scholarship program, interested applicants can directly contact the Mandela Rhodes Foundation via email at info@mrf.org.za or visit their contact page at https://www.mandelarhodes.org/contact/.
