Apply for a GroundUp fellowship

30 April 2024

Are you an experienced journalist with an idea you want to implement? Here’s an exciting opportunity. Apply for a fellowship with GroundUp.

The fellowships can be from three to six months (we’ll negotiate that with successful applicants). If you are currently with another publication and we like your application we’re willing to partner with your current employer to co-publish your work - you don’t need to resign your job.

We are especially interested in the following themes: prisons and the justice system, some aspects of labour, mining, and climate change. But if you have an exciting pitch on another subject, please apply; we are open to interesting ideas. Also, if your expertise or interest is photography, video or podcasting, you are also welcome to apply.

We will work closely with you and support you. The first two weeks of your fellowship will be based at our office in Cape Town. If you live out of Cape Town we’ll cover your transport and accommodation for that period.

The fellowship will pay R42,500 per month before tax. You will need at least ten years experience as a journalist. For now the fellowship is available only for pitches in South Africa.

Please apply by emailing your pitch to us. We prefer brevity. Please also attach a short CV. If you already work for a publication and want a partnership, please consider including a letter of support from your editor. We aim to take our first fellow on 1 August and then others in subsequent months but the start dates are negotiable.

Send your email to info@groundup.org.za with the precise subject line: APPLICATION FOR GROUNDUP FELLOWSHIP The deadline for applications is 1pm on 31 May.