Are you a leader who actively challenges injustice and fights against inequality? If so, the Tekano Fellowship for Health Equity invites you to become a fellow and join a transformative journey aimed at reimagining a just and healthy future for all.
Key Dates for the 2025 Fellowship Selection
- Applications Close: 13 June 2025
- Longlist Candidate Workshops-Inland Areas: 8-9 August 2025
- Longlist Candidate Workshops-Coastal Areas: 22-23 August 2025
- Shortlist Interviews: 8-12 September 2025
- Orientation and First Learning Experience: 24-27 November 2025
About Tekano
Tekano is dedicated to creating health equity and addressing systemic injustices in South Africa, as part of a global network of Atlantic Fellow programmes.
At Tekano, the belief prevails that health is political; aligned with the World Health Organisation, Tekano defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.”
Health inequities arise from unjust policies, deep-rooted systems, and historical contexts. Achieving health equity requires dismantling oppressive structures and envisioning a radically different future.
Why Apply Now?
Amid deepening inequalities and a landscape marked by political unrest and global crises—including economic instability and climate change—South Africa continues to grapple with the legacy of apartheid.
New injustices, often fueled by corruption and profit-driven policies, threaten the gains made toward equity.
However, the emergence of vibrant community movements highlights the urgency for bold solutions and collective action rooted in justice.
The Tekano Fellowship aims to cultivate leaders passionate about confronting these challenges, developing new strategies, and forging a just future together.
What Tekano Offers
The fellowship encompasses a year-long immersive learning and leadership development programme that includes:
- A transformative learning journey with intensive face-to-face and virtual learning blocks, workshops, and skills development sessions.
- Leadership Development and Coaching sessions designed to enhance capabilities for navigating complex societal challenges.
- Full coverage of programme-related costs, including travel, accommodation, and learning materials during the fellowship year.
- Membership in a global community of changemakers within the Atlantic Fellowship, offering lifelong collaboration and support.
- Small-scale financial support for the conceptualization or implementation of eligible social change initiatives upon completion of the fellowship.
What Tekano Does Not Offer
It is important to note that Tekano is not a funding organisation for personal needs beyond programme participation.
While fellows may apply for small-scale, seed grants for social initiatives post-fellowship, the core focus remains on leadership development rather than employment.
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is aimed at individuals who refuse to accept injustice and are committed to social change.
Ideal candidates will:
- Exhibit a proven track record of leadership and dedication to social justice and health equity through prior work in social change, with testimonials from relevant communities or institutions.
- Be deeply engaged in social justice initiatives that collaborate with diverse stakeholders, advocating for systemic equity.
- Have no formal educational prerequisites, but should possess reading and writing skills, along with a commitment to lifelong learning.
- Reside or work in South Africa, welcoming change leaders from across the continent.
- Display innovative, bold, and action-oriented qualities, demonstrating a willingness to create change independently.
- Show intellectual curiosity and a desire for reflection, eager to understand and transform the systemic drivers of inequity.
- Commit to collaborative leadership, prioritizing co-created solutions over individual efforts.
Commitment Expectations
Tekano Fellows are expected to:
- Attend and participate in all programme activities and complete required tasks on time.
- Engage in ongoing social change efforts during the fellowship period.
- Obtain employer support for participation if currently employed, with written proof and discussions held where necessary.
This year particularly welcomes leaders focusing on areas such as health system transformation, environmental justice and health, spatial justice, digital health, feminist organizing, public policy advocacy, and legal frameworks for social justice.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted via the link below by 13 June 2025.
The Tekano Fellowship Programme seeks those engaged in leadership action and wishing to deepen their impact within a supportive community of social changemakers.
Interested individuals are encouraged to nominate others who may fit the fellowship criteria. For technical assistance or inquiries, please contact fellowapplications@tekano.org.za or send a WhatsApp message to 061 010 9931.
Join Tekano in the pursuit of health equity and lead the way toward systemic change!
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