The Mandela Rhodes Foundation was announced in February 2002 when The Rhodes Trust, as part of its centenary celebrations, partnered with Nelson Mandela and pledged funding for the scholarship for 10 years.
[3] The mission of the foundation, which was established in 2003, is to help build exceptional leadership capacity in Africa.
Mandela's intention was to "close the circle of history" by utilising Cecil Rhodes' resources to address the inequalities that result from the legacies of colonialism and apartheid.
[4] Recipients of the Mandela Rhodes Scholarship are students with outstanding academic achievements who also possess leadership ability, entrepreneurial skills, and a commitment to reconciliation.
[6] In addition to receiving funding for their studies, scholars also undertake a leadership development program while in residence.