By Li-Ming Pan, Communications and External Relations Officer, Harvard Center for African Studies
For more than 40 years, disadvantaged South Africans who have shown considerable skill in their chosen fields have studied law, public health, business, and humanities at Harvard University through the fully funded Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program. While the challenges and opportunities South Africa faces have evolved, the need for the program remains as urgent as ever.
The Harvard Center for African Studies is announcing that applications for funding are officially open to all those who qualify and stand to benefit from advanced training. Through the program, individuals can study – without worrying about tuition costs and living expenses – for up to one year at one of Harvard’s professional and graduate schools in Boston, Massachusetts. Priority will be extended to mid-career applicants from historically marginalized or underrepresented groups, including applicants from rural areas.
“South Africa still has a critical need to develop leaders in energy, infrastructure, good governance, healthcare, education, and technology,” explains Nthatisi Quella, Program Manager at the Center for African Studies, Africa Office in Johannesburg. “We recognize there is a need to develop candidates who are likely to advance South Africa as it relates to youth unemployment, immigration, social justice and social inclusion, equality, human rights, and climate change,” she adds.
“I am eternally grateful for my HSAFP experience. Being able to attend Harvard and complete my Master of Public Health qualification was life-changing for me. Since returning to South Africa, I have been able to work in the Public Health space in senior positions, where I can continue learning and affect real change.”
- Seranne Motilal (HSAFP ’17-’18, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
Indeed, these focus areas are important, not only for the growth and development of South Africa, but for regional and global development. The program was established and is still intended for mid-career professionals who have been educationally disadvantaged by past laws and resource allocation in South Africa. It is hoped that successful individuals can use this advanced training to further South African political, social, and economic progress.
“I came back with a whole new perspective in terms of what sort of opportunities are out there and how we can use what we have, who we are to make the world a better place.” – Chuma Qwalela (HSAFP ’18-’19, Harvard Business School)
Chuma Qwalela Graduation at HBS with Ani Kharajian (Senior Portfolio Director at HBS)
“This program provides a transformational experience for the South African fellows, and we always look for individuals who want to make a positive impact back home so the program’s benefits can go beyond the Harvard community,” added Professor Wafaie Fawzi, the Interim Oppenheimer Faculty Director at the Harvard Center for African Studies.
“The Harvard South Africa Fellowship Program provided the fuel that blasted me off on this extraordinary journey, and I will always be grateful for this.” - Professor Jimmy Volmink, Current Dean of Stellenbosch University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (HSAFP ’87-’88, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
The impact of the program has been extraordinary by any measure. More than 220 fellows are counted among the alumni of the program, representing leadership positions in all aspects of South African society. “Many of our fellows represent ‘firsts’ among their classes: the first African engineer to be awarded the National Research Foundation's President's award; the first woman to start a law practice in Natal, South Africa; the first black Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand; and the first South African to obtain a doctorate in law from Harvard Law School, among others,” shares Quella.
“The Harvard South Africa Fellowship is undoubtedly a once in a lifetime opportunity. Through the generosity of the Fellowship, I had the privilege of studying with the most talented people from around the world and taught by inspirational educators who understood the importance of translating intellectual concepts to practice. The Harvard community involves a lifelong network of truly special people who enthusiastically seek out opportunities to champion and support you through every milestone of your professional and personal growth path. At Harvard, you genuinely receive the life learnings and skill-set to be a leader in the most authentic and meaningful way.”
- Roshini Moodley Naidoo (HSAFP ’02-’03, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health)
More details on program, application requirements, and eligibility can be found at https://africa.harvard.edu/south-africa-fellowship-program. Deadline to Apply: April 30, 2021