Deadline: 4 March 2011
Ruth First was a journalist, activist and intellectual killed in exile by the apartheid government. To commemorate her contribution to critical, independent, socially-engaged writing, the Ruth First Fellowship Committee and Wits Journalism has established a 3-6 month fellowship.
The fellowship is intended to allow a journalist, writer, academic researcher or photographer to pursue an in-depth project of original research to be published in any medium. It should be groundbreaking and in keeping with the tradition of Ruth First’s politically and socially relevant journalism.
For 2011 candidates are asked to propose a subject which addresses a theme of current interest in South Africa and which would have engaged Ruth First. Job creation, climate change, local government or corruption are all possible fields, but other subjects may also be appropriate.
Fellows will receive a monthly stipend and research costs. They must be resident in South Africa. They will be expected to present their work at the annual Ruth First Memorial Lecture in August and to submit it for publication/broadcast in an appropriate outlet.
Applicants should submit their CV and a project proposal (of no more than two pages) by 4 March 2011 to the Ruth First Fellowship Committee, by email at ruthfirstlecture@gmail.com or fax 011 717 4694.