Become a fellow

Tekano is an organisation working to create health equity and address injustice in South Africa, as one of seven Atlantic Fellows programmes globally. At Tekano, we believe that health is political. Like the World Health Organisation, we see health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease.” Health inequities are the result of unjust policies, systems, and histories—and achieving health equity means dismantling oppressive structures and reimagining a radically different future.

Why now?

We are living through a time of growing inequality, political unrest, and urgent struggles for justice. Globally, people face overlapping crises—including economic instability, climate breakdown, authoritarianism, gender based violence, health system failures, and shrinking democratic space. In South Africa, the lasting effects of apartheid still shape access to housing, healthcare, education, and the economy. Promises of transformation remain unmet, while corruption, corporate influence, and profit-driven policies create new injustices. Yet, communities continue to resist and organize. Creating lasting change requires solidarity, innovation, and bold collective action. The Tekano Fellowship for Health Equity supports changemakers committed to transforming society. It offers a space to deepen understanding, strengthen action, and build networks for just and lasting social change.

What Tekano offers
A year-long immersive learning programme that provides:

  • A transformative learning journey —including intensive face-to-face and virtual learning blocks, workshops, and skills development sessions.
  • Opportunity to join a Global Atlantic Fellowship community of changemakers, offering opportunities of lifelong learning, collaboration, mentorship, and solidarity.
  • Leadership Coaching—to strengthen your capabilities for leading in a complex, polarised world of intersecting challenges.
  • Full coverage of programme-related costs—including travel, accommodation, and learning materials during the induction year.
  • Small-scale financial support—for the conceptualisation or implementation of eligible social change initiatives upon completion of the year-long fellowship programme.

What Tekano Does Not Offer Tekano is not a funding organisation. Whist beyond the year-long programme, Tekano offers opportunities for fellows to apply for small-scale grants to resource social change initiatives, we do fund personal needs beyond those related to programme participation. Please note that our fellowship is a leadership development opportunity and DOES NOT constitute employment.

Who can apply?
Our fellowship is designed for those who refuse to accept injustice as inevitable, and take action to challenge inequality. If you are a leader driving innovative social change in your community, and reimagining a just and healthy future for all, this fellowship is for you. You are a strong candidate if you:

  • There are no formal educational requirements – what matters is your impact, leadership, and commitment to social change action for health equity.
  • Reside and/or work in South Africa – we welcome change leaders who reside or work in South Africa but come from other parts of our home continent
  • Have a prove track record of leadership and commitment to social justice and health equity – evidence of prior social change work and leadership in the form of testimonials from communities or institutions with whom you have done social change work
  • Are deeply embedded in social justice work—leading or founding initiatives in your community, workplace, or movement that address systemic inequities
  • Are innovative, bold, and action-oriented—someone who doesn’t wait for permission to create change
  • Are intellectually curious and reflective—eager to learn, grow, and strengthen your understanding of justice and equity
  • Are committed to collective leadership—working alongside others to co-create solutions rather than working in silos.

Commitment and Expectations Tekano Fellows are expected to:

  • Commit to attending and participating in all activities of the fellowship programme and completing required tasks within the deadlines provided.
  • Engage in ongoing social change work throughout the fellowship
  • If employed, the fellow’s employers should have expressed support for participation in the fellowship. Written proof will be required and a discussion with the employer will be held where necessary.
  • Reflexive, emotionally mature and resilient leaders who can hold complexity, contestation and contradictions.
  • This year, we are particularly interested in leaders working in areas such as health system transformation and equitable access, energy, climate and environmental justice and health, spatial justice and health, water justice and health, digital health, people with skills in research, feminist organising and movement building, entrepreneurship, public policy and participation, Information Technology, campaigning, agenda setting advocacy, narrative work, law as a tool to advance social justice, as well as the scientific field.
How to apply

Applications must be submitted via a google form found here [insert website link] by 13 June 2025. The Tekano fellowship programme welcomes people who are already exercising leadership in action and want to deepen their skills, knowledge, and impact as part of a larger community of social changemakers. If you know a changemaker you believe would be suitable for the fellowship programme, you can also nominate them here. If you experience technical difficulties or have any questions, contact us at fellowapplications@tekano.org.za or send a WhatsApp message to 061 010 9931.

Key Dates for the 2025 Fellowship Selection

  • Applications Open: 22 April 2025
  • Applications Closes: 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

For more information, visit www.tekano.org.za or follow us on our social media.

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DOWNLOAD FULL APPLICATION CALL HERE

I envision a world where technology truly serves everyone, not just the privileged majority. I believe real social justice requires fundamentally rethinking how we design and develop digital tools and spaces.

Anthony van Wyk

Fellow, Water Scientist

A socially just world is a free and just society that is anti-sexist, anti-authoritarian, anti-racist, and values equality as key. It is a world with cultural houses that youth can access and free, healthy spaces for the community to engage in and express their daily experiences.

Nangamso Koza

Fellow, Education Development Strategist

A socially just world would be one in which equity is paramount. One where community ownership and impact on wellbeing are the metrics of interest rather than financial gain.

Azeeza Rangunwala

Fellow, Medical Scientist

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