Wits Journalism 2021 Ruth First Fellowship for Creative Researchers

The Ruth First Fellowship is a prestigious award made by the University of Witwatersrand that enables journalists, writers, researchers, film makers or photographers to pursue in-depth projects that can be presented in ways that influence thinking, discussion and debate in South Africa.

The fellowship is intended to allow Fellows to pursue an in-depth project of original research. It should be ground-breaking and in keeping with the tradition of Ruth First’s politically and socially relevant research and journalism.

Ruth First was a journalist, activist, researcher and intellectual. She was assassinated in exile by the apartheid government.

• Table of Content
• About Wits Journalism
• Ruth First Fellowship
• Aim and Benefits of Ruth First Fellowship
• Requirements for Ruth First Fellowship Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About Wits Journalism

Wits Journalism is a programme for aspirant and working journalists. Located in Johannesburg – at the heart of the country’s media – it is well placed to work closely with the industry and working professionals to ensure a rich and exciting centre of teaching, training, research and public engagement. The programme offers two streams: a career-entry route for graduates who want to become journalists; and a mid-career route for working journalists who wish to develop their skills and knowledge. In addition there is a Masters option with specialisations in financial and inve... continue reading

Ruth First Fellowship

Aim and Benefits of Ruth First Fellowship

Fellows will receive a monthly stipend and research costs.

Requirements for Ruth First Fellowship Qualification

This year’s Ruth First fellowship will seek to tease out the meaning, paradoxes and contradictions of the impact of the big technology companies and their instruments with regard to the public sphere.

• They must be resident in South Africa.
• They will be expected to devote at least 50% of their time in April-July 2021 to the Fellowship.
• They will work at the Annual Ruth First Memorial Lecture in August and to submit it for publication in appropriate forums.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Applicants should submit their CV, a project proposal (of no more than two pages) outlining what their focus will be and a motivation letter (one page) by Friday, 16 April to the Ruth First Committee at [email protected].

For more details, visit Wits Journalism website.