Scholarship Overview
What Is the Leading for Humanity Programme?
The Leading for Humanity programme is the flagship leadership initiative of the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation. It is an immersive 8-day residential experience designed to nurture courageous leaders who embody the values and moral courage of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Participants engage in courageous conversations, peer exchange, and personal reflection while exploring themes including self-repair for societal repair, Ubuntu and compassionate leadership, forgiveness and righteous anger, and building a “Circle of Courage.” The programme connects participants to a lifelong community of purpose-driven change-makers.
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Programme Dates and Location
The 2027 cohort will take place in April 2027 across two locations in South Africa:
- Cape Town
- Hermanus
Full attendance for the entire 8-day residential period is mandatory. Participants must be able to travel to and within South Africa independently.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation provides comprehensive funding for selected participants:
- All programme costs
- Accommodation during the 8-day residential period
- All meals during the programme
- Lifelong access to the alumni network
Important: Participants or their sponsors are responsible for all travel costs to and from South Africa. This includes international flights, visa fees, and any domestic travel arrangements.
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Who Can Be Nominated
The programme welcomes diverse candidates from across the globe. Nominees should demonstrate:
- Leadership potential and courage: Standing up for truth, human rights and justice in the spirit of Archbishop Tutu
- Diversity of backgrounds: Leaders of any age, sector or life experience ready for deep engagement
- Commitment to societal repair: Willingness to participate in vulnerable, challenging conversations
- Travel capability: Ability to travel to Cape Town and Hermanus and participate fully in the intensive residential experience
Both South African and international applicants are encouraged. There is no age restriction or sector limitation.
How Nomination Works
Unlike traditional scholarship applications, Leading for Humanity operates on a nomination system. Nominations may come from:
- Self-nomination
- Colleagues
- Mentors
- Employers
- Community members
Step-by-Step Nomination Process
- Prepare the motivation: Outline why the nominee embodies courageous leadership and how they would contribute to and benefit from the programme
- Gather nominee details: Collect contact information and a brief biography
- Compile supporting materials: Include CV and reference letters where available
- Submit via email: Send to shanti@tutu.org.za with subject line “Leading for Humanity nomination – 2027 cohort”
Selection Process
Nominations are reviewed by the programme team against the following criteria:
- Demonstrated leadership track record
- Alignment with Archbishop Tutu’s values
- Commitment to social justice
- Diversity contribution to cohort composition
Shortlisted nominees will be contacted for interviews and additional information. The final cohort will be announced early in 2027.
Key Dates
| Nominations open | 11 September 2026 |
| Deadline | 14 October 2026 |
| Shortlisted interviews | Late 2026 |
| Final cohort announced | Early 2027 |
| Programme dates | April 2027 |
Early submission is strongly encouraged as places are limited.
Contact Information
For inquiries:
- Email: shanti@tutu.org.za
- Phone: +27 21 552 7524
Why African Leaders Should Apply
For applicants from Zimbabwe and the SADC region, this programme offers exceptional value. South Africa’s geographic proximity reduces travel costs compared to programmes in Europe or North America. The programme’s focus on Ubuntu, truth and reconciliation, and societal repair resonates deeply with African leadership contexts. Participants join a global network while remaining connected to continental challenges and opportunities.
