Mandela Impact Forum 2025 in South Africa: All You Need to Know

Are you a young leader passionate about social justice, leadership, and global change? The Mandela Impact Forum 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa offers a unique, fully funded opportunity for aspiring changemakers. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know—eligibility, benefits, application process, monthly living expenses, and more—to help you win a spot at this transformative event.

What is the Mandela Impact Forum 2025?

The Mandela Impact Forum 2025 is a prestigious four-day international leadership summit hosted in Cape Town from November 20 to 23, 2025. Organized by the Ecovay Foundation, the forum brings together youth leaders, visionaries, and changemakers from across the globe to honor Nelson Mandela’s legacy. Participants engage in leadership workshops, panel discussions, networking events, historical site visits, and interactive team challenges inspired by Mandela’s life and values.

Key Details about the Scholarship

Host Country: South Africa
City: Cape Town
Event Dates: November 20–23, 2025
Event Duration: 4 days
Organizer: Ecovay Foundation
Number of Seats:
- Fully Funded: 20
- Partially Funded: 30
- Forum Access Only: 50
- Self-Funded: 50
Application Deadline: September 20, 2025
Application Fee: $11.99 (non-refundable)

University/Institution Details

Organizer: Ecovay Foundation; sometimes occurs in partnership with leadership institutions, NGOs, and international organizations.
Event Venue: Cape Town, South Africa (specific partner universities not explicitly listed, but sessions typically include engagement with faculty and leaders from local institutions).
Forum Participation Categories:
- Fully Funded (all costs covered)
- Partially Funded (major expenses covered)
- Forum-only (event access)
- Self-funded (covers own cost)

Areas of Study and Program Names

Although not a degree program, the Mandela Impact Forum provides intensive training in:

Leadership Development
Peacebuilding & Social Justice
Resilience Training
Global Citizenship
Innovation & Social Impact
Intercultural Dialogue
Community Development
Entrepreneurship and Activism

Key sessions include panel discussions, site visits (e.g., Robben Island), workshops led by international experts, and networking with global leaders.

Scholarship Benefits

Fully Funded Scholarship Includes:

Round-trip Airfare Tickets
Accommodation (shared)
Meals
Local Transport
Complete Event Access & Workshops
Legacy Tour (e.g., Robben Island visit)
Official Merchandise and Delegate Kit
Certificate of Participation
Visa Supporting Letter
Speaking Opportunities

Partially Funded Scholarship Includes:

Accommodation
Meals
Local Transport
Event Access, Tour, Merchandise, Visa Letter, Certificate, Speaking Slot

Forum Access Only:

Event access, tour, kit, meals, certificate—accommodation and travel not included

Self-funded:

Full access (all expenses personally covered)

What’s NOT Included?

Personal Expenses (shopping, outings, insurance, etc.)
Private transportation outside event scope
Expenses for family or companions
Visa processing fees (only supporting letter is included)
For self and forum access only applicants: airfare and accommodation are not included.

Eligibility Criteria for the Scholarship

Open to all nationalities
Age: 16–50 years
Status: Students, professionals, NGO workers, entrepreneurs, activists, and change-makers
Passion for leadership, social justice, and peacebuilding
Commitment to positive impact in the community
Openness to intercultural exchange; willingness to learn and dialogue
No IELTS/TOEFL required
Previous leadership or community involvement is strongly valued but not mandatory.

Required Documents for the Application

Completed Online Application Form
National ID or Passport
CV/Resume
Short Essay or Statement of Motivation (typically about your leadership journey and impact goals)
Proof of Age (if not on ID)
(Optional) Letters of Recommendation or supporting documents related to achievements.

Scholarship Application Process (Step-by-Step Guide)

Visit the Official Application Portal: Go to www.ecovay.org
Select Participation Category: Fully Funded, Partially Funded, Forum Access, or Self-Funded
Complete the Online Application Form: Provide personal and contact details, leadership experience, motivation, and community impact
Submit Required Documents: Attach your ID, CV, statement, etc.
Pay Application Fee: $11.99, non-refundable
Submit Your Application: Before or on September 20, 2025
Wait for Notification: Selection results within two weeks after application deadline
Prepare for Participation: If selected, follow event logistics for visa, travel, and on-site details

Tips for a Successful Application

Share Concrete Leadership Examples: Demonstrate real initiatives you have led or participated in.
Show Your Passion: Highlight your commitment to social change, justice, or peacebuilding.
Prepare a Compelling Motivation Statement: Be personal, authentic, and link your experiences to Mandela’s legacy.
Meet the Deadline: Apply early to avoid technical glitches or missing documents.
Double-Check Required Documents: Upload high-quality scanned copies and make sure all files are readable.
Be Honest: Accurately reflect your background and aspirations.
Highlight Intercultural Experience: Mention any global or cross-cultural activities.

Monthly Living Expenses for International Students (in USD)

Although most costs are covered by the fully funded scholarship, it’s helpful to know the average monthly expenses for students in South Africa:

Category	Monthly Cost (ZAR)	Approx. USD*
Rent (Shared/Student)	5,000–10,000	$275–$550
Food & Groceries	2,500–6,500	$135–$350
Utilities	1,500–2,500	$80–$135
Transport	800–1,500	$45–$80
Miscellaneous	1,000–2,500	$55–$135
Total	7,000–15,000	$385–$825

*1 USD ≈ ZAR 18.2 (2025 rate); personal habits and city may affect costs.

Why Choose the Mandela Impact Forum Scholarship? (Top 5 Reasons)

Fully Funded Experience: Covers airfare, accommodation, meals, and all program fees—minimal personal financial burden.
Global Networking: Engage and collaborate with youth from over 50 countries.
Unique Leadership Training: Immersive, practical sessions with global thought leaders and Mandela-inspired themes.
Historic & Cultural Exposure: Explore iconic sites like Robben Island, fostering a deep connection to Mandela’s values.
Official Certification & Speaking Opportunities: Gain credentials that power future leadership roles and speaking platforms.
Diversity & Inclusion: Open to all backgrounds, nationalities, and professions, fostering a vibrantly inclusive community.
Legacy Building: Become part of a movement shaping future leaders in honor of Nelson Mandela’s legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the Mandela Impact Forum 2025?
A: It’s a four-day, fully-funded leadership summit in Cape Town, South Africa, focused on youth empowerment, leadership development, and intercultural dialogue.

Q2: Who can apply?
A: Anyone aged 16–50 from any country, with demonstrated motivation for leadership and community impact.

Q3: What are the participation categories?
A: Fully Funded, Partially Funded, Forum Access Only, and Self-Funded.

Q4: What does the scholarship cover?
A: Fully funded participants receive airfare, accommodation, meals, transport, event access, certificate, merchandise, and more.

Q5: What is the application process?
A: Apply online at www.ecovay.org, submit required documents, pay the fee, and await the selection announcement.

Q6: Is there an English proficiency requirement?
A: English proficiency is needed, but no IELTS/TOEFL certificates are required.

Q7: How are participants selected?
A: Based on demonstrated leadership, motivation, community impact, and responses in the application.

Q8: Are there any application fees?
A: Yes, $11.99 (non-refundable).

Q9: Does the scholarship cover visa fees?
A: Only a supporting visa letter is provided; visa application costs are not included.

Final Thoughts

The Mandela Impact Forum 2025 stands out as one of the best opportunities for those driven by leadership, social justice, and a vision for global change. With comprehensive funding, invaluable networking, and powerful skill-building, it’s your chance to follow in Mandela’s footsteps and shape a better world.