Stellenbosch University (SU): The Nobantu and Thukela Gobodo Memorial Doctoral Scholarships
Stellenbosch University (SU) is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the inaugural Nobantu and Thukela Gobodo Memorial Doctoral Scholarships. These scholarships are made possible through the generous donation of R8.5 million from Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, funded by a portion of her Templeton Prize awarded earlier this year.
Funding Details:
- Amount: R200,000 per annum
- Duration: Up to three years
- Renewal: Renewable for the second and third years based on academic progress
- Eligibility: Open to doctoral candidates in the humanities and social sciences, awarded based on academic excellence and financial need
Scholarship Focus:
The scholarships are dedicated to social justice, reconciliation, and research on transgenerational trauma. The initiative is named in honor of Prof Gobodo-Madikizela’s parents and aims to support research that addresses the legacies of violent histories and traumatic pasts. Priority will be given to projects that promote social justice and investigate pathways for societal change.
Prof Gobodo-Madikizela’s inspiration for this initiative comes from her parents’ lifelong commitment to supporting the education of others, which she hopes to continue by empowering doctoral students to tackle the urgent questions surrounding historical trauma and its impact on societies today.
Key Dates:
- Application Deadline: 18 January 2025
Eligibility Criteria:
- Academic Excellence & Financial Need: Open to students in the humanities and social sciences.
- Priority: Preference will be given to applicants from historically underrepresented groups.
Required Application Materials:
- Comprehensive research proposal (max. 5 pages)
- Personal motivation letter detailing academic interests, alignment with the scholarship’s goals, and financial need
- Certified academic transcripts
- Detailed CV highlighting academic achievements
- Two academic reference letters
Application Process:
- Submit all application materials by 18 January 2025.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews with the Scholarship Committee.
About Prof Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela:
As the SARChI Chair for Violent Histories and Historical Trauma and founder of the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest (AVReQ), Prof Gobodo-Madikizela has inspired scholars worldwide. Her work focuses on the intersection of history, trauma, and reconciliation, and the scholarships aim to continue this legacy by empowering future scholars to contribute to the understanding and healing of societies impacted by violent histories.
For further details or to apply, please visit the official website or contact Nugent Lewis, Director: Emerging Scholar Funding and Support, at nugent@sun.ac.za.
This opportunity is a significant step in the continued pursuit of knowledge production that seeks to understand past injustices and create pathways for societal healing and change. Don’t miss the chance to contribute to transformative research in the humanities and social sciences! Apply today!
