Become a US Mandela fellow
Applications were opened opened on August 18 and are set to close on September 15.
The United States Consulate in Durban by way of the US Embassy in Pretoria invites locals from the south coast to apply for the Mandela Washington Fellowship (MWF) programme
A six week exchange programme that was established in 2014 after the 2010 young African leaders summit, the fellowship programme was introduced under the Obama administration and has since been a thriving programme with a few of the alumni being our own South Coast residents.
“Everyone realises the demographics of the world are changing, the world is getting younger particularily in Africa and we see this as wonderful opportunity to build bridges now to future leaders,” said Jaclyn Cole, Public Affairs Officer for the US consulate.
Applications were opened opened on August 18 and are set to close on September 15. Application will be reviewed from November to January, of which all applicants will be notified by March 2022.
Applicants between the ages of 25 and 35 on or before the application deadline are eligible for selection.
However, exceptional applicants aged between 21-24 will be considered.
“We have different partnerships with various Universities throughout the US, so there a three tracks to the MWF: Business, Civic Engagement and Public Management. So based on one’s interest you will be placed in cohort in a specific University,” Cole said.
“It’s not necessarily connected to a specific city, but it will be the strength of that particular University and what you’re trying to study,” she added.
MWF alumni and South Coast resident Rishigen Viranna expressed how after two failed applications, it was his third one that was approved back 2017, that saw him spend six weeks in Phoenix, Arizona.
“I encourage all young leaders to apply for this programme and not give up when applying. I landed my opportunity on my third application and I can truly say it was a once in a lifetime experience,” Viranna said, who now works in the KZN Legislature.
All those looking to apply are encouraged to visit www.mandelawashingtonfellowship.org/apply/ for more information.
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