Foundation News
Introducing the 2025 Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships recipients
Following a rigorous interview process, the MRF is delighted to announce the recipients of the 2025 Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships (SJMS) for doctoral study in the UK. Two exceptional Mandela Rhodes Scholars: Reem Elsayed (Egypt & University of the Western Cape, 2018) and Fezokuhle Khumalo (Kingdom of eSwatini & University of Cape Town, 2020) are the proud recipients of this prestigious Scholarship!
Reem plans to complete a DPhil in evidence-based healthcare, at Oxford University’s Oxford Lifelong Learning Department. This PhD investigates how SRH services can be integrated into Egypt’s UHC reforms. It examines political, institutional, and social barriers, focusing on rights-based policy approaches and regional comparisons within North Africa.
Fezokuhle plans to complete a PhD at the Faculty of Public Health and Policy, Department of Public Health, Environments and Society at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. Her PhD will co-design and test a low-bandwidth WhatsApp tool enabling community health workers to support Eswatini men with advanced HIV, boosting mental health, retention, and viral suppression via human-centred methods.
We send our best wishes to Reem and Fezokuhle as they take the next step in their academic journeys, advancing important and ground-breaking knowledge.
About the SJMS
The Shaun Johnson Memorial Scholarships, formerly known as the Leverhulme Mandela Rhodes Doctoral Scholarship, underwent a name change in 2020. Following a rigorous selection process and final interviews, the Mandela Rhodes Foundation (MRF) recommends two Mandela Rhodes Alumni to The Leverhulme Trust in London. The Leverhulme Trust then funds doctoral studies at recognised UK institutions of higher learning. This exclusive opportunity is available only to MRF alumni, adding significant value to the Mandela Rhodes experience. We extend our sincere gratitude to The Leverhulme Trust for their ongoing support, which empowers our exceptionally talented young academics to advance their leadership and academic endeavours.
