The Mandela Rhodes Foundation Launches $80k Äänit Prize for Social Impact in Africa
Nelson Mandela’s official legacy organisation for leadership development has announced a new prize. The Äänit Prize will award up to $80 000 per year to projects and organisations that can deliver positive social impact in Africa. The prize will be open to alumni of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship and the Rhodes Scholarship and is funded by Ezrah Charitable Trust, started by Rhodes Scholar and MRF donor David Cohen.
Professor Njabulo S. Ndebele, chairman of the board of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation said he is delighted about the prize. “Our vision for entrepreneurship in Africa stems from our mandate to address inequality and contribute to the achievement of true equality, and to the alleviation of poverty and suffering. We know that innovative and creative individuals can make a significant difference to the lives of people across the continent.” MRF CEO Judy Sikuza said, “We are very excited to announce the Äänit Prize as part of our focus on expanding the impact of our alumni. The prize will support both for-profit and non-profit initiatives with the potential to transform the lives of Africa’s most marginalised populations. We will be looking for potential for positive impact, ideas that are feasible, and teams capable of executing them.”