Call for Nominations: Leading for Humanity 2027 Cohort

The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation invites nominations for the 2026 Leading for Humanity cohort. This flagship programme nurtures a global generation of courageous leaders who embody the values and moral courage of Archbishop Tutu, catalysing the "million ripples" of change needed in the world.

About the Programme
Leading for Humanity is an immersive 8-day residential journey that nurtures courageous leaders for truth and justice. Through courageous conversations, peer exchange, and personal reflection, participants explore themes like self-repair, forgiveness, and Ubuntu. The experience builds the moral courage to lead from wherever you are and connects you to a lifelong community of purpose.

The programme focuses on themes such as:
• Self-repair for societal repair
• Ubuntu and compassionate leadership
• Forgiveness, indignation, and righteous anger
• Finding purpose and building a "Circle of Courage"

Participants gain a stronger moral compass, the courage to lead from where they are, and a lifelong connection to a diverse community of change-makers.

Who should be nominated?
We welcome nominations of individuals who demonstrate:
• Leadership potential and courage – people who stand up for truth, human rights and justice in the spirit of Archbishop Tutu.
• Diversity of backgrounds – leaders of any age, sector or life experience who are ready to engage deeply with themselves and others.
• Commitment to societal repair – individuals willing to engage in vulnerable, challenging conversations and to commit to an intensive residential experience.
• South African or international applicants – we encourage nominations from across the globe. However, nominees must be able to travel to Cape Town and Hermanus and participate fully in the programme.

Self nominations and nominations by colleagues, mentors, employers or community members are welcome.

How to nominate

• Prepare a motivation outlining why your nominee embodies courageous leadership and how they would contribute to and benefit from the programme.

• Include the nominee’s contact details, a brief biography and any supporting materials (e.g., CV, reference letters).

• Submit the nomination via email at shanti@tutu.org.za with the subject line “Leading for Humanity nomination – 2027 cohort”.

Nominations open on 11 September 2026. We encourage early submissions, as places are limited. Shortlisted nominees will be contacted for interviews and additional information.
Selection process

Nominations will be reviewed by the programme team against criteria such as demonstrated leadership, alignment with the Arch’s values, commitment to social justice and diversity of cohort composition. The final cohort will be announced early in 2027. Successful nominees will participate in the fully funded residential programme and become part of an enduring alumni network dedicated to leading with humanity.

Important Information
• The residential programme will take place in April 2027. Full attendance is mandatory.
• The Foundation covers all programme costs, accommodation, and meals. Participants (or their sponsors) are responsible for travel to and from South Africa.
• Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews. The final cohort will be confirmed by early 2027.

Deadline: 14 October 2026

Join us in identifying the next wave of leaders with the courage to heal.

For inquiries, please email: shanti@tutu.org.za or call +27 21 552 7524