Call For Applications: Tekano Fellowship For Health Equity 2025

About the Tekano Fellowship for Health Equity

The Tekano Fellowship for Health Equity is a fully funded, year-long immersive learning and leadership development programme for social justice leaders and practitioners. As one of seven global Atlantic Fellows programmes, Tekano is committed to cultivating leaders who are working to challenge inequality and promote health justice in South Africa.

The programme combines intensive learning, cross-sector collaboration, and individual coaching to prepare fellows to lead effectively in an increasingly complex and divided world. Fellows will not only strengthen their strategic and leadership skills but also join a lifelong global network of changemakers through the Atlantic Fellows community.

Are you a bold, innovative changemaker committed to social justice and health equity? Do you have a passion for disrupting systemic injustice and leading movements for change? The Tekano Fellowship for Health Equity 2025 is calling for applications from emerging leaders in South Africa who are working to reshape health systems and promote social justice in their communities.

Applications close on 13 June 2025 — now is the time to join a powerful network of African and global changemakers dedicated to transforming societies through inclusive leadership and collaborative action.

Eligible Fields

All fields of work are welcome. Whether you’re involved in education, health, advocacy, environmental justice, legal reform, community development, or any other space where systemic inequality is challenged, your experience and leadership are relevant to this fellowship.

Eligibility Criteria

This opportunity is designed for changemakers who meet the following criteria:

Proven Leadership and Track Record
You must demonstrate a consistent commitment to social justice and health equity, with a history of leading initiatives or community work. Testimonials or references from communities or organizations you’ve impacted are encouraged.

Rooted in Social Justice
Applicants should be deeply embedded in grassroots or systemic work, leading efforts that address health and social inequities across different levels of society.
No Formal Education Requirement
There is no need for a university degree. However, reading, writing, and a love for learning are necessary for you to succeed in this programme.
Resident or Working in South Africa
You must live and/or work in South Africa, although applications are welcomed from changemakers from other African countries who are meaningfully engaged in South African social change efforts.

Innovative and Action-Oriented
Ideal candidates don’t wait for permission to create impact. They are proactive, solution-focused, and not afraid to try new approaches.
Reflective and Collaborative
Successful applicants are curious, willing to grow, and eager to work with others, even those who hold differing views or strategies.
Committed to Collective Leadership
This is not a programme for lone heroes. Tekano values those who co-create change and work collaboratively with communities and stakeholders.

Selection Criteria

The selection process evaluates applicants based on:

Leadership potential and a track record of initiating or leading social change work
A clear commitment to health equity and social justice

Capacity for critical thinking, reflection, and creativity
Willingness and ability to engage diverse groups across various sectors and ideologies
Strength of references and potential for long-term contribution to the Atlantic Fellows community

The process includes multiple stages such as application review, workshops, and interviews to assess alignment with the programme’s values and goals.

Eligible Countries

This fellowship is primarily for individuals residing or working in South Africa, but it is open to change leaders from elsewhere in Africa who are actively engaged in transformative work within South African communities or institutions.

Benefits of the Tekano Fellowship for Health Equity

The Tekano Fellowship offers a comprehensive and enriching experience, fully funded to remove barriers to participation:

Benefit	Details
Transformative Learning	Face-to-face and virtual learning blocks, peer sessions, and workshops
Leadership Coaching	One-on-one mentorship to develop leadership and strategic skills
Full Financial Coverage	All programme-related travel, accommodation, and learning materials
Post-Fellowship Support	Access to small-scale funding to develop or implement social change projects
Global Network Access	Lifetime membership in the Atlantic Fellows global community

This fellowship doesn’t just support your growth—it amplifies your impact.

How to Apply

To apply, follow these steps:

Prepare Your Documents
- Personal information and contact details
- A summary of your leadership journey and social justice work
- References or testimonials from institutions or communities

Submit via Google Form
All applications must be submitted through the official Google application form. The link is available on the Tekano official website.
Optional Nominations
If you know a changemaker who fits the criteria, you can nominate them using the same platform.

Take the Next Step Toward Transformative Change

The Tekano Fellowship for Health Equity 2025 is more than a professional development programme—it’s an opportunity to become part of a movement of people driving lasting change across South Africa and beyond.

If you’re passionate about equity, grounded in community, and ready to grow as a leader, don’t wait. Apply before 13 June 2025 and take your place in a fellowship that could shape the future of health justice in Africa.