Mandela Rhodes Foundation

In helping to form The Foundation, the Rhodes Trust desired to mark the centenary of its foundation by a significant gesture of investment in South Africa, which had been the original source of its own endowment. The Trust wished also to mark the transformation of South Africa by honouring the principal architect of that transformation, Nelson Mandela. In this way, the Rhodes Trust signaled its own sense of the evolution of its mission over time. The objectives of the Foundation are: 'The central purpose of The Mandela Rhodes Foundation is to build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa through its programmes. The Mandela Rhodes programmes will develop individual human skills across African society, to help the continent achieve success and prosperity, and full participation in the global world. The Mandela Rhodes programmes will be unique, measurable, sustainable and economically efficient.'

The Foundation contributes to leadership development in Africa through supporting African students undertaking tertiary study in South Africa.