News Democracy and Political Culture Fort Hare Autumn School Fort Hare Activist School Call for Application 2026 01.04.2026 Beyond Protest. Towards Power. Will you lead the shift? 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. Requirements Eligible students are those registered at the participating universities and fulfil the following selection criteria: South African nationals and international students from the SADC region3rd year up to Masters level (any faculty)Not older than 35 years of ageDownload Requirement Sheet Here What do you need to bring into the leadership programme? Leadership experience in social or political activism (on or off campus)A commitment to fully engage in all aspects of the programmeA respectful and inclusive conduct, free of harassment and violenceCuriosity and openness to diverse perspectivesEagerness to collaborate with fellow participants and facilitatorsA drive to make a difference and a willingness to take responsibilityGood academic performance paired with a commitment to social change How to apply Submit the following information about yourself to your respective university representative:A completed Application Form (download here)A motivation letter (max 300 words, Font: Arial 12, single spacing) telling us what kind of future leader you aspire to be, what you have to offer, and what you hope to gain.A short video (2 minutes) telling us why you would like to be part of the programmeCV (1 page)Proof of registrationAcademic Record Submission via email Fort Hare: Mr Jean Du Toit, at JDuToit(at)ufh.ac.zaNMU: Ms Tozama Mnonopi, at Tozama.Mnonopi(at)mandela.ac.zaRhodes: Ms Nicole Austin - at N.Austin(at)ru.ac.zaWSU: Nombulelo Blaai, at nblaai(at)wsu.ac.za Submission via hand-delivery Fort Hare: Centre for Leadership Ethics in Africa, 2nd Floor, Stewart Hall, King William’s Town Road, AliceNelson Mandela University: Department of Research Capacity Development, Main Building, 13th Floor, Room 1314, South CampusRhodes: Room 219, Main Admin Building, Drostdy Road, Rhodes UniversityWSU Butterworth Campus: Lumka Jikwana, CLTD Senior Secretary, CLTD Department, Office No Sc 029, N2 Ibika, Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU Buffalo City Campus: Liziwe Sbuqashe, CLTD Admin Assistant, CLTD Department, Office No. GF12, 19 Manchester Road, Chiselhurst, Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU Mthatha Campus: Sisonke Kewana, CLTD Senior Secretary, CLTD Department, Nelson Mandela Drive Site, Mthatha Walter Sisulu UniversityWSU Queenstown Campus: Siyanda Rondile. CLTD PAL Admin, CLTD Department, Office No D 20, Masibulele Site, Walter Sisulu University Deadline: 31 May 2026 Late applications will unfortunately not be considered. Interviews with short-listed students will take place at the respective universities. Watch this video to learn more about Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung.
