Fort Hare Activist School Call for Application 2025

After 30 years of democracy, many recognize that the South Africa we live in today is far from the one envisioned by generations of activists who fought for freedom. While we enjoy rights and freedoms once denied to the majority under colonialism and apartheid, the realities of landlessness, inequality, unemployment, endemic violence, corruption, and the commodification of basic services continue to cast a shadow over our democracy.

Today, many people are disillusioned with our democracy and look at politics with suspicion. It is from this realization that the Fort Hare Activist School was born – driven by a powerful commitment to gather young, creative, and ambitious leaders ready to confront the challenges facing our society and the world. Established in 2011, the Fort Hare Activist School brings together 25 young leaders each year from four Eastern Cape universities: the University of Fort Hare, Rhodes University, Walter Sisulu University, and Nelson Mandela University.

Together, they collaborate to imagine change and forge alternative pathways out of our crises.

• Leadership experience in social or political activism (on or off campus)
• A commitment to fully engage in all aspects of the programme
• A respectful and inclusive conduct, free of harassment and violence
• Curiosity and openness to diverse perspectives
• Eagerness to collaborate with fellow participants and facilitators
• A drive to make a difference and a willingness to take responsibility
• Good academic performance paired with a commitment to social change

• Fort Hare: Mr Mzamo Dayimani, at M.Dayimani(at)ufh.ac.za
• NMU: Ms Tozama Mnonopi, at Tozama.Mnonopi(at)mandela.ac.za
• Rhodes: Ms Nwabisa Mkosana, at N.Mkosana(at)ru.ac.za
• WSU: Dr Stenford Matenda, at wczhs(at)wsu.ac.za

• Fort Hare: Centre for Leadership Ethics in Africa, 2nd Floor, Stewart Hall, King William’s Town Road, Alice
• Nelson Mandela University: Department of Research Capacity Development, Main Building, 13th Floor, Room 1314, South Campus
• Rhodes: Room 219, Main Admin Building, Drostdy Road, Rhodes University
• WSU Butterworth Campus: Lumka Jikwana, CLTD Senior Secretary, CLTD Department, Office No Sc 029, N2 Ibika, Walter Sisulu University
• WSU Buffalo City Campus: Liziwe Sbuqashe, CLTD Admin Assistant, CLTD Department, Office No. GF12, 19 Manchester Road, Chiselhurst, Walter Sisulu University
• WSU Mthatha Campus: Sisonke Kewana, CLTD Senior Secretary, CLTD Department, Nelson Mandela Drive Site, Mthatha Walter Sisulu University
• WSU Queenstown Campus: Siyanda Rondile. CLTD PAL Admin, CLTD Department, Office No D 20, Masibulele Site, Walter Sisulu University

Watch this video to learn more about Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.

Download poster for more information