About the opportunity
Brand South Africa is the official marketing agency of South Africa, with a mandate to build the country’s brand reputation and improve its global competitiveness. Central to this mission is Play Your Part — a nationwide initiative created to inspire, empower, and celebrate active citizenship in South Africa. Brand South Africa has partnered with One Young World to launch the Brand South Africa: Play Your Part Bursary 2026, which will enable six outstanding young South Africans to participate in the One Young World Summit in Cape Town from 3–6 November 2026. This programme is for young active citizens who are already contributing to positive change in South Africa, and who embody the spirit of Play Your Part in their communities and beyond. Of the six available bursaries, three are reserved for candidates based in Cape Town and three are open to applicants across South Africa.
Funding and benefits
- Access to the One Young World Summit 2026, taking place from 3 – 6 November in Cape Town, South Africa.
- Travel and accommodation as per requirement (note that travel and accommodation is not provided for candidates based in Cape Town).
- Catering which includes dinner on 3 November, and lunch and dinner on 4, 5, 6 November.
- Access to the One Young World Global Leadership Programme, Action Accelerator and lifetime membership to the One Young World Ambassador Community.
Who can apply?
- Be aged 18 to 30 at the time of the One Young World Summit 2026 (applications from those under 18 at the time of the Summit cannot be accepted).
- Be a South African national or resident.
- Demonstrate a commitment to active citizenship and contributing to positive change in South Africa.
- Illustrate a track record of using their time, money, skills, or goods to benefit their community or society more broadly.
- Show an understanding of key local and/or global issues facing South Africa.
When to apply
- Opening date: 11 August 2026
- Application deadline: 2 September 2026
How to apply
- Submit an online application through the official One Young World website by the application deadline.
Additional information
- Of the six available bursaries, three are reserved for candidates based in Cape Town and three are open to applicants across South Africa.
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- South African nationals or residents aged 18 to 30.
- Young activists with a track record of using skills or goods to benefit their community.
- Individuals who can articulate a clear understanding of local and global issues facing South Africa.
What should you think carefully about?
- Travel and accommodation are not provided for candidates who are already based in Cape Town.
- The bursary is highly competitive, with only six available spots for South African nationals or residents.
- Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record of community benefit.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
If you are an active citizen already contributing to positive change in South Africa, this bursary allows you to scale your impact. By attending the One Young World Summit, you can gain global leadership skills and lifetime membership to an ambassador community.
Our take
A high-impact opportunity for young South African activists to gain global leadership training and network with other change-makers.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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