About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation has opened nominations for the 2026 Leading for Humanity cohort, an immersive leadership development programme for courageous individuals committed to truth, justice, human rights and positive social change.
Inspired by the values and moral courage of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the programme brings together leaders from different backgrounds for an intensive residential experience focused on personal reflection, courageous conversations, Ubuntu and societal repair.
Participants will have an opportunity to strengthen their leadership capacity, deepen their understanding of compassionate leadership and become part of an international community of purpose-driven changemakers.
About the Leading for Humanity Programme
Leading for Humanity is an 8-day residential leadership programme designed to help participants explore how personal transformation can contribute to broader societal change.
Through facilitated discussions, peer learning and individual reflection, participants engage with complex themes such as forgiveness, compassion, purpose, righteous anger and Ubuntu.
The programme encourages participants to examine their values, leadership approaches and responsibilities while developing practical ways of leading with courage and humanity.
Key Programme Themes
The programme explores four central themes:
Self-repair for societal repair
Ubuntu and compassionate leadership
Forgiveness, indignation and righteous anger
Finding purpose and building a “Circle of Courage”
Participants who complete the programme become part of an ongoing alumni community of leaders committed to positive social transformation.
Who Can Be Nominated?
The programme is open to South African and international applicants who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to social justice.
The Foundation is particularly interested in individuals who demonstrate:
Leadership potential, courage and a willingness to stand up for truth, human rights and justice
Diverse life experiences, regardless of age, professional sector or background
A commitment to societal repair and willingness to participate in challenging and vulnerable conversations
Alignment with values associated with Archbishop Desmond Tutu, including compassion, courage, Ubuntu and justice
A willingness and ability to participate fully in the residential programme
Nominees must be able to travel to Cape Town and Hermanus, South Africa, and attend the complete residential programme.
Both self-nominations and nominations submitted by colleagues, mentors, employers or community members are accepted.
Fully Funded Programme Benefits
Successful participants will receive substantial support from the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation.
The Foundation will cover:
Programme participation costs
Accommodation
Meals
Participation in the residential leadership experience
Access to the programme's ongoing alumni network
What Is Not Covered?
Participants or their sponsors will be responsible for international or domestic travel costs to and from South Africa.
The residential programme is scheduled for April 2027, and selected participants are expected to attend the full programme.
How to Nominate
Nominators should prepare a strong motivation explaining why the nominee demonstrates courageous leadership and why they would benefit from and contribute to the Leading for Humanity experience.
The nomination should include:
The nominee's full contact details
A brief biography
A motivation explaining the nomination
Relevant supporting documents, such as a CV or reference letters
Nominations should be submitted by email to shanti@tutu.org.za.
Use the following subject line:
Leading for Humanity nomination – 2027 cohort
Selection Process
Nominations will be reviewed by the programme team using factors such as:
Demonstrated leadership
Commitment to social justice
Alignment with the values associated with Archbishop Desmond Tutu
Leadership potential
Willingness to engage in reflection and challenging conversations
Diversity of experiences and perspectives within the overall cohort
Shortlisted nominees may be invited for interviews and could be asked to provide additional information.
The final cohort is expected to be confirmed in early 2027.
How to Strengthen Your Nomination
A strong nomination should tell a clear story about the nominee's leadership journey rather than simply providing a list of achievements.
The motivation should, where possible, provide specific examples demonstrating:
Courage in addressing difficult issues
Commitment to justice and human rights
Positive impact within a community or organisation
Ability to work with people from different backgrounds
Willingness to engage in difficult conversations
Openness to learning and personal reflection
Commitment to contributing to broader societal change
It is also useful to explain why the Leading for Humanity experience is relevant to the nominee's current leadership journey and how the programme could strengthen their future contribution.
Because the programme places strong emphasis on reflection and vulnerable dialogue, nominees should demonstrate a willingness to examine their own experiences, learn from others and respectfully engage with perspectives that may differ from their own.
Why Consider Leading for Humanity?
The programme provides selected leaders with an opportunity to step away from their usual environments and reflect deeply on how they lead, collaborate and contribute to social change.
The residential format creates space for participants to learn from people with different life experiences while exploring issues surrounding justice, reconciliation, responsibility, human dignity and societal repair.
Participants also gain access to an enduring alumni community, creating opportunities for continued connection with other leaders who share a commitment to courageous and compassionate leadership.
Important Deadline
Nomination deadline: 14 October 2026
How to apply