The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation has opened nominations for the 2026 Leading for Humanity cohort, an immersive leadership programme designed to nurture courageous individuals committed to truth, justice, human rights and societal transformation.
Inspired by the values and moral courage of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the programme brings together leaders from diverse backgrounds for an intensive residential experience focused on personal reflection, courageous conversations, Ubuntu and social repair. Participants will develop the confidence and moral courage to lead positive change from wherever they are while joining a lifelong international community of purpose-driven leaders.
About the Leading for Humanity Programme
Leading for Humanity is an 8-day residential leadership journey that encourages participants to examine how personal transformation can contribute to wider societal change.
Through facilitated conversations, peer learning and individual reflection, participants explore complex themes including forgiveness, righteous anger, purpose, compassion and Ubuntu. The programme is designed to help participants strengthen their moral compass while developing practical approaches to courageous and compassionate leadership.
The programme focuses on four major 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 a continuing alumni community committed to advancing positive change and leading with humanity.
Who Can Be Nominated?
The opportunity 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 and courage, including a willingness to stand up for truth, human rights and justice
- Diverse life experiences, regardless of age, sector or professional background
- Commitment to societal repair and willingness to participate in challenging and vulnerable conversations
- Alignment with Archbishop Tutu’s values, including compassion, courage, Ubuntu and justice
- Availability to participate fully in the residential programme in South Africa
Nominees must be able to travel to Cape Town and Hermanus and attend the full residential programme.
Both self-nominations and nominations 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 costs
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Participation in the residential programme
- Access to the programme’s enduring alumni network
However, participants or their sponsors will be responsible for international or domestic travel costs to and from South Africa.
The residential programme is scheduled to take place in April 2027, and full attendance is mandatory.
How to Nominate
Nominators should prepare a motivation explaining why the individual demonstrates courageous leadership and how the nominee could contribute to and benefit from the Leading for Humanity experience.
The nomination should include:
- Nominee’s full contact details
- A brief biography
- Motivation for the nomination
- Relevant supporting documents, such as a CV or reference letters
Nominations should be submitted by email to [email protected] using the subject line:
“Leading for Humanity nomination – 2027 cohort”
Selection Process
Nominations will be assessed by the programme team based on factors including demonstrated leadership, alignment with Archbishop Tutu’s values, commitment to social justice and the diversity of the overall cohort.
Shortlisted nominees will be contacted for interviews and may be asked to provide additional information. The final cohort is expected to be confirmed in early 2027.
Why This Programme Matters
Leading for Humanity provides an opportunity for emerging and established leaders to step away from their normal environments and engage in deep reflection about how they lead, collaborate and contribute to societal change.
The residential format encourages participants to learn from people with different experiences while examining difficult questions around justice, reconciliation, responsibility and human dignity. The resulting alumni network also provides an ongoing community for leaders committed to courageous and compassionate action.
For professionals, activists, community leaders and other changemakers working on social justice and human rights issues, the programme offers an opportunity to strengthen leadership capacity while connecting with a diverse international network.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 14 October 2026
Nominations opened on 11 September 2026, and early submissions are encouraged because places are limited.
Programme: Leading for Humanity
Organiser: Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation
Programme duration: 8 days
Location: Cape Town and Hermanus, South Africa
Programme dates: April 2027
Funding: Fully funded programme costs, accommodation and meals
Travel: Participants/sponsors cover travel to and from South Africa
Eligibility: South African and international nominees
Application: Self-nomination or nomination by another person
Deadline: 14 October 2026
How to Strengthen a Nomination
A strong nomination should clearly demonstrate the nominee’s leadership journey rather than simply listing achievements. The motivation should provide concrete examples of courage, social impact, commitment to justice and willingness to engage with difficult issues.
Nominators should also explain why the nominee would contribute meaningfully to a diverse cohort and how the Leading for Humanity experience could strengthen their future leadership.
Because the programme emphasises reflection and vulnerable dialogue, nominees should demonstrate openness to learning, self-examination and engaging respectfully with perspectives different from their own.
Visit the Official Website to Apply
Interested individuals and nominators should review the official programme information and submit nominations directly to the Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation before the deadline.
