Ready to transform South Africa’s health systems? The Tekano Fellowship Programme 2025, part of the Atlantic Fellows for Health Equity, is recruiting visionary leaders to tackle social and health inequities. With a 12-month immersive experience, mentorship, and a ~R10,000/month stipend, you’ll drive systemic change. Apply by 25 June 2025 to join a global changemaker network.
What’s the Tekano Fellowship?
Tekano, a South African non-profit rooted in social justice, offers a year-long leadership development programme in partnership with the global Atlantic Fellows network. Based in Cape Town, it empowers 25 mid-career professionals annually to address systemic health inequities through critical thinking, policy advocacy, and collaborative projects, fostering bold, values-driven leaders.
What You’ll Do
- Engage in four intensive learning modules (in-person and virtual)
- Develop a social change initiative tackling health equity issues
- Collaborate with transdisciplinary teams on community-focused solutions
- Receive personalized coaching and mentorship
- Build advocacy skills to influence policy and systems
- Join workshops on feminism, decoloniality, and social determinants of health
Why Apply?
- Stipend & Support: ~R10,000/month (estimated, covers programme costs like travel and accommodation)
- No Formal Degree Needed: Proven leadership in social justice suffices
- Global Network: Join 300+ Atlantic Fellows across seven programmes worldwide
- Lifelong Fellowship: Access seed grants and collaboration post-programme
- Impact: Shape equitable health policies and community outcomes
Are You Eligible?
You qualify if you:
- Reside or work in South Africa (African descent or other African nationals welcome)
- Have a proven track record in social justice or health equity (testimonials required)
- Are committed to a 12-month programme (4–6 in-person modules, 5–8 days each)
- Can read, write, and engage in lifelong learning
- Have employer support if employed (written proof needed)
- Work in areas like health system transformation, climate justice, digital health, or advocacy
How to Apply
- Apply online via Tekano’s Google Form by 25 June 2025
- Submit:
- Updated CV
- Two reference letters/testimonials
- Essays on your social change vision
- Employer support letter (if applicable)
- Attend longlist workshops (8–9 or 22–23 August 2025) and interviews (8–12 September 2025)
- Orientation starts 24–27 November 2025
- No response within 30 days means you didn’t make it
- Questions? Email fellowapplications@tekano.org.za or WhatsApp 061 010 9931
Where’s It Going?
Participate from South Africa, with modules in various locations highlighting health equity issues. Gain skills for roles like policy advocate, community leader, or researcher. Alumni influence national health policy, lead NGOs, or drive grassroots initiatives, with 70% reporting career advancement post-fellowship. In 2025’s unequal landscape, your leadership is critical.
Does It Work?
Tekano’s 100+ alumni, including activists like Wiseman Mpepo, have sparked change in land access, nutrition, and healthcare equity. Fellows praise the programme’s feminist, decolonial approach and global connections. It demands commitment but delivers transformative impact, with 80% of initiatives sustained beyond the fellowship. It’s a proven catalyst for health equity leadership.
Apply Now
Apply today to join Tekano’s 2025 Fellowship and drive health justice.
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