Jakes Gerwel Fellowship is a prestigious brand that offers a full university scholarship, focusing on extensive mentoring and leadership development for exceptional learners who are passionate about teaching and education. Our main objective is to nurture expert teachers who can bring innovation and drive the much-needed change in the educational sector. Established in 2017, the Fellowship is fully funded by the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Endowment Teaching Initiative.

Our beneficiaries receive a world-class program that includes personal coaching, mentorship, and access to expert teachers, as well as elective activities. Once graduates complete their undergraduate degrees, they qualify as high school teachers through a PGCE and enter a 2-year induction phase. Ongoing support and development are provided through communities of practice.

Students in their final year of undergraduate studies or graduates under the age of 35 can apply for the Fellowship. Named in honor of Professor Jakes Gerwel, an influential educational leader and confidant of President Mandela, our vision is to empower Jakes Gerwel Fellows to become expert teachers, educational leaders, and social entrepreneurs who can address the pressing challenges in South African schools. Through an aspirational Educational Fellowship pipeline focusing on academic, leadership, and teaching excellence, we aim to mobilize broader systemic change in education.

Join us on this exciting journey of impact!