As we approach the end of the year, the DGMT Innovation Fellowship team would like to take a moment to reflect on the milestones and achievements that have marked an exciting and transformative journey. From strengthening our fellowship strategy to expanding our impact, 2024 has been a year of growth and collaboration.
As with any meaningful reflection, we would like to begin by highlighting some key achievements of the Fellowship. One of our biggest milestones this year was the successful completion of the bridging period, a phase that allowed us to step back, reassess, and strengthen our approach. Prior to this, the fellowship had hosted a total of six cohorts since 2018. We decided to take a step back to reflect, reimagine, and plan the way forward. This pause allowed us to redesign our Theory of Change and develop a three-year strategy that builds on what we learned from past successes and sets the stage for scaling our Impact in the years to come.
Our strategy and our Theory of Change are greatly influenced by the research we conducted, which aimed to get a better understanding of the impact that the fellowship has had on previous participants. We are thankful to all the alumni who took the time to engage with us and share their experiences of the fellowship.
Bidding Farewell to Our Founder and welcoming New Faces to the Team
This year also brought new faces to the fellowship team. We were thrilled to welcome Skhumbuzo Moodaley – Mpisane as our new Project Lead. Skhumbuzo takes over from Carol-Ann Foulis, whose leadership has helped shape the fellowship into what it is today. Click here to read Carol-Ann’s article reflecting her time as project lead and click hereto read Skhumbuzo Moodaley – Mpisane’s introduction letter.
In November we also welcomed Nandipha Yona, who joined the team as our new Communications Intern. Nandipha will play a vital role in amplifying the stories and successes of our fellows, ensuring their work reaches a wider audience. To get to know Nandipha briefly, here is her Introduction Bio:
Cohort Seven Launch
From the 4th – 8th of November 2024, we were proud to launch the 7th cohort, consisting of 20 fellows from 11 organisations, spread across four provinces of South Africa. These inspiring individuals are already making their mark, driving innovation, and creating lasting change in their respective communities, through their organizations. We are excited to see how this cohort will continue to grow, learn, and lead throughout the fellowship journey. Click here to read more about the Immersion.
Looking Ahead: Nominations for Cohort 8
Nominations for Cohort 8 will open in January 2025. Be sure to look out for that particularly if you know of passionate and innovative young leaders who are ready to make a difference in organizations that are based in Limpopo, Northern Cape, Mpumalanga, and North-West.
Wishing you all a restful and restorative break as we go into the Holiday season!
