Ruth First Fellowship

The Wits University Journalism Programme, in conjunction with the African Studies Journal, is inviting applications for the Ruth First Fellowship. Ruth First was a journalist, activist, and intellectual killed by the South African apartheid government while in exile. The 3- to 6-month fellowship for residents of South Africa was established to commemorate her contribution to independent and socially engaged writing.

The fellowship is intended to allow a journalist/writer/researcher the space to pursue an in-depth project to be published in any medium. It should be ground breaking and in keeping with the tradition of Ruth First. For 2011, candidates are asked to propose a subject that addresses a theme of current interest in South Africa and which would have engaged Ruth First.

Fellows will receive a monthly stipend and research costs. They will be expected to present their work at a public event within six months of acceptance of the proposal and to submit it for publication/broadcast through an appropriate outlet. The fellow will be based at the Journalism Department at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.

Please note: The deadline date above is approximate and will be amended in January 2011 to the exact date in late February when entries are due.

Click here for further information.