The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is one of the sought-after scholarships in Africa. It is well-regarded as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and has transformative effects on one’s pursuit of an education. The scholarships encompass financial and leadership support for its scholars. The MRF recipients are equipped with skills and capabilities that will help them individually in their respective career journeys. They are earmarked as future African leaders who will contribute to the continent's development. 

Each year, there is a call for aspirant young leaders passionate about playing a role in improving equality, freedom, human rights, and human dignity to submit applications. Potential candidates are motivated to use education to inspire others and influence good through truth, courage, devotion to duty, sympathy, and fellowship. 

The scholarship duration is usually two years. Potential candidates go through a few months of rigorous rounds of vetting until selection. The scholars study their respective courses. The first year of residency entails a series of regional workshops focusing on leadership and personal development. The second year is earmarked for putting into action the ideas of the scholars through projects. Moreover, it provides a space to connect with Alumni scholars and network for life-long learning.

We are delighted that UP Law will have two scholarship recipients – LLM student Mr. Wayne Thabhani Dlodlo and Ms. Dunga Matholo Mashilo a Faculty Academic Associate will both embark on their respective journeys as part of the 51 young leaders from 18 African countries forming the class of 2024 scholars. 

Ms. Mashilo remarks that she felt a strong alignment with the scholarship values, and more especially with what it seeks to achieve. For any individual who is passionate about the development of Africa, regardless of their career stream, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation is an ideal vehicle for enabling the actualisation of those ambitions. She would love to contribute to the facilitation of meaningful access to justice for marginalized communities and become a catalyst for merging the interplay of law as well as leadership.

Mr. Dlodlo Wayne first heard of the scholarship from a colleague in the Department of Jurisprudence during his second year at UP. Mentioning how UP Law taught him to find a community of people you can walk the road with and to consult with those more experienced. He hopes to use the scholarship experience to open a firm that will give others opportunities to flourish and assist African companies to compete in the global arena. 

Congratulations to these remarkable UP Law graduates, who have immersed themselves in opportunities beyond the classroom. The faculty wishes them well and looks forward to seeing their contribution to the advancement of law in Africa and globally.

To learn more about the 2024 scholars visit https://www.mandelarhodes.org/scholarship/scholars/