About the Award

To advance the study of democracy by African students, the Centre for Research on Democracy (CREDO) at Stellenbosch University hosts an annual essay writing initiative – the African Democracy Essay Award – open to undergraduate students across South Africa. Eligible students from across the country are invited to submit an essay which addresses a key issue relevant to the experience of democracy on the African continent. Participants are supported throughout their writing journey by some of CREDO’s own team members, who are eager to ensure that every participant has the tools necessary to prepare a submission-ready essay.

Final submissions are followed by a rigorous assessment by CREDO’s panel of judges, after which three winning essays are chosen. Each of the three winners receives a honorarium (R5 000, R3 000 or R2 000 respectively) for the publication of their essay on a partnering platform, as well as an invaluable addition to their curriculum vitae (CV). By participating in this national initiative, you will thus not only involve yourself in the debates and ideas at the heart of contemporary democracy, but will also have the opportunity to improve your research and writing skills and, in the process, produce high-quality work that can be showcased to potential employers and graduate schools. Participation can thus be particularly beneficial if you are a student considering further studies, or a career in academia, policymaking, governance, development, or law.

The African Democracy Essay Award is open to undergraduate students at any South African university, including foreign nationals. Participation is the ideal opportunity for those studying in the humanities, the social sciences (including economics), or law. For more information on the latest round of the Award, please see below.