A Mandela Rhodes Scholarship is a South African scholarship which provides funding for up to two years of postgraduate study, awarded by the Mandela Rhodes Foundation.
The Mandela Rhodes Foundation was announced in February 2002 when The Rhodes Trust, as part of its centenary celebrations, partnered with Nelson Mandela and pledged funding for the scholarship for 10 years. Jakes Gerwel, chancellor of Rhodes University and Rhodes Trust CEO John Rowett hatched the idea. The Rhodes Trust wished to return some of Rhodes' wealth to South Africa and Africa "in a symbolic act of reconciliation and reparation". It was determined that funding of £1 million would be provided annually to the foundation for the scholarships. Some past and present scholars raised a petition against the idea in 2003.[1]
The mission of the foundation, which was established in 2003, is to help build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa. Mandela's intention was to "close the circle of history" by utilising Cecil Rhodes' resources to address the inequalities that result from the legacies of colonialism and apartheid. The name of the foundation is intentionally provocative; "it is a call for the beneficiaries of colonialism to participate in and contribute to repairing the damage of colonial times and building a more just society".[2]
The first eight Mandela Rhodes Scholarships were awarded in 2005.[3] By 2024, 673 scholarships had been awarded to future leaders from 36 African countries.[2]
The award is open to all citizens of any African country under the age of 30 years and recipients must study towards Honours or master's degrees at recognised South African institutions.[4] Recipients of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship are students with outstanding academic achievements who also possess leadership ability, entrepreneurial skills, and a commitment to reconciliation.[5]
The scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, meals, book allowance, general allowance, and travel expenses.[6] In addition to receiving funding for their studies, scholars also undertake a leadership development program while in residence.[7]