Leading for Humanity 2027 Conference in South Africa

The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation invites nominations for its Leading for Humanity 2027 Cohort, a flagship programme nurturing courageous leaders who embody the values and moral courage of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This immersive eight-day residential journey takes place in Cape Town and Hermanus, South Africa, bringing together a global community of change-makers committed to truth, justice, and societal repair.

What the Programme Offers

Selected participants receive comprehensive support throughout the experience. The Foundation covers all programme costs, accommodation, and meals. Participants or their sponsors arrange and finance travel to and from South Africa. Through courageous conversations, peer exchange, and personal reflection, participants explore transformative themes:

• Self-repair for societal repair
• Ubuntu and compassionate leadership
• Forgiveness, indignation, and righteous anger
• Finding purpose and building a “Circle of Courage”

The programme builds the moral courage to lead from wherever you stand, connecting participants to a lifelong community of purpose-driven leaders.

Who Should Be Nominated

The Foundation welcomes nominations of individuals demonstrating:

• 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 ready to engage deeply with themselves and others
• Commitment to societal repair – individuals willing to engage in vulnerable, challenging conversations and commit to an intensive residential experience
• South African or international applicants – nominations from across the globe are encouraged, provided nominees can travel to Cape Town and Hermanus and participate fully

Self-nominations and nominations by colleagues, mentors, employers, or community members are all 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:

• Nominee’s contact details
• A brief biography
• Supporting materials such as a CV or reference letters

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

Why This Opportunity Matters

This programme offers a rare chance to develop moral courage, deepen self-awareness, and join a diverse network of leaders committed to justice. Participants gain a stronger moral compass, the courage to lead from where they are, and lasting connections to a community of change-makers catalysing the “million ripples” of change needed in the world. Nominate a deserving leader today and contribute to building a more just and compassionate world.

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