2025 Maela Consortium & Univen Leadership Scholarship

• Age: 18 – 35 years old.
• Citizenship: Must be from an African country (this first cohort is open to students from SADC countries).
• Leadership experience: Must have actively served in rural leadership structures such as:
  • Traditional and Royal Councils
  • Elected Youth Councils
  • Development Committees
  • Ward Committees
  • Other community leadership structures
• Education: Must meet university entry-level qualifications.

Required Application Documents:

• Academic transcripts/certificates.
• Personal African leadership statement (written in English).
• One signed recommendation letter from a local Traditional Authority.
• Verification/confirmation of leadership roles played in the local community.

Selection Process:

• Preliminary screening of applications.
• Written assessment.
• Competency-based interviews.
• Final selection based on:
  • Academic performance.
  • Diversity considerations.
  • Alignment with the scholarship goals.

Contact Information:

For inquiries, contact:
📞 +27 87 700 4754
📧 recruitment@shapescholarship.org
📧 enquiries@shapescholarship.org
📧 joseph.francis@univen.ac.za