The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance

The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance The mission of the Nelson Mandela School is to build inclusive, developmental, entrepreneurial and e A research centre on governance and development.

There are four main components to the Nelson Mandela School’s activities:

1. A professional Master's in Development Policy and Practice;
2. Executive short courses designed for public leaders and officials, international and national non-profit organisations, think tanks and the private sector;
3. The Building Bridges programme which brings together established and emerging public leaders, policymakers and experts from across Africa on key policy issues;
4.

01/09/2026

Prof Cheryl Hendricks is drawing on her experience in academia and policy as she charts the way forward for the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance.

As we conclude Nelson Mandela Month, we are reminded that meaningful leadership is not about always being right. It is a...
31/07/2026

As we conclude Nelson Mandela Month, we are reminded that meaningful leadership is not about always being right. It is about being willing to listen, engage and grow through honest dialogue. Madiba's leadership was rooted in respect, humility and the belief that disagreement should strengthen rather than divide us.

May we carry these values beyond Mandela Month and continue to lead with empathy, courage and a commitment to unity.

31/07/2026

Charline Prazen Chikomo, a Master of Development Policy and Practice graduate from the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, offers a powerful reminder that leadership is not defined by influence, qualifications or expertise alone. Instead, he challenges us to consider the foundation upon which these qualities rest; the heart.

Charline asks a profound question; what is influence if it is not connected to the heart? He reminds us that education, skills and competence, when disconnected from empathy and care, can become tools that divide rather than unite. For him, leadership is not merely a position or a profession it is a heart posture. It is rooted in compassion, respect, service and a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.

His message resonates deeply with Nelson Mandela's own leadership. Madiba demonstrated that true influence is not exercised through authority alone, but through humility, empathy and an unwavering commitment to human dignity. He led with courage, but also with compassion, proving that the most enduring leaders are those who place people at the centre of every decision.

: : It has been an honour to share perspectives from some of our students, alumni, partners and faculty members through the Leadership in Action series. The overarching question has been; what does leadership mean in Africa today?

30/07/2026

What does leadership demand of Africa today? According to Dr Rama Salla Dieng, Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, it begins with delivering on the promise of African prosperity by ensuring that development is inclusive, people-centred and driven by the voices of those who will inherit the continent's future.

In her reflection, Dr Dieng argues that leadership must move beyond simply talking about young people and instead centre youth in decision-making. Africa's young population is one of its greatest strengths, but this potential can only be realised when young people are trusted as partners in shaping policies, influencing institutions and contributing to solutions that affect their lives.

She also offers a powerful challenge; leadership is about imagination. It requires the courage to move beyond narratives that have too often been imposed on Africa and to envision a future defined by the continent's own aspirations, knowledge and innovations. Building Africa's prosperity means having leaders who are prepared to think differently, challenge conventional approaches and create opportunities that reflect African realities and ambitions.

Her message echoes Nelson Mandela's enduring legacy. Madiba demonstrated that transformative leadership begins with the courage to imagine a future that others may not yet see. He challenged injustice, inspired hope and proved that bold ideas, grounded in purpose and inclusivity, can change the course of history.

29/07/2026

Saliem Fakir, Executive Director at the African Climate Foundation, argues that Africa’s challenges demand a distinctly African approach to leadership. Rather than viewing uncertainty as a barrier, he encourages leaders to embrace it as an opportunity to foster innovation, build resilience and drive transformative change.

He believes that effective leadership begins with a clear recognition of Africa’s unique realities.

The continent’s complex challenges require solutions that are grounded in local contexts, experiences and knowledge systems. In responding to pressing issues such as climate change, inequality and sustainable development, leaders must remain optimistic in the face of uncertainty, be prepared to take calculated risks; demonstrate the determination and persistence needed to tackle difficult problems. By doing so, they can create meaningful and lasting change across Africa.

Listen to Saliem's reflection and join the conversation. What does leadership mean to you?

To ensure the best possible learning experience and foster meaningful exchanges within the cohort, the Africa-Europe Coo...
29/07/2026

To ensure the best possible learning experience and foster meaningful exchanges within the cohort, the Africa-Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition programme will now commence on 25 January 2027.

The application deadline has also been extended to 23 October 2026, giving prospective participants additional time to apply.

Discover more: https://bit.ly/4b7uAD4

Only two days remain to apply for the 2026 Transformative African Leadership (TAL) cohort.TAL is designed for experienc...
29/07/2026

Only two days remain to apply for the 2026 Transformative African Leadership (TAL) cohort.

TAL is designed for experienced professionals from government, business, civil society and academia who want to strengthen their leadership practice, broaden their pan-African perspective and contribute more effectively to Africa’s development.

The programme is convened by four leading African universities – the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town, Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P), Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD) and the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Nairobi (IDS).

Applications close on Friday, 31 July 2026.

Complete your application today: www.taljourney.com

28/07/2026

Leadership is often spoken about in terms of vision, influence and ambition. But perhaps its greatest test is much simpler; are we turning our intentions into action that improves the lives of others?

As part of our Leadership in Action series, Amava Mkuku, a Master of Development Policy and Practice student at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, shares her perspective on what leadership means in today's Africa.

She reminds us that meaningful leadership is built on action choosing accountability over excuses, collaboration over division and courage over silence. Her message reflects the enduring values that Nelson Mandela championed throughout his life. Madiba believed that leadership was never about personal recognition, but about serving others, taking responsibility and inspiring collective action.

This Nelson Mandela Month, let us remember that leadership belongs to everyone who chooses to make a positive difference in the lives of others. As Amava so powerfully puts it, every action that improves someone else's life is an act of leadership.

Africa continues to grapple with deep political divisions, rising public frustration and mounting pressure to address in...
28/07/2026

Africa continues to grapple with deep political divisions, rising public frustration and mounting pressure to address inequality, unemployment and social cohesion.

As we continue to commemorate Nelson Mandela Month, Madiba's legacy challenges us to confront our differences with courage rather than anger and to pursue justice without losing our humanity.

May we choose dialogue over division, accountability over blame, and hope over resentment. This is the enduring spirit of Mandela's legacy, one that remains as relevant and necessary today as ever.

27/07/2026

In this reflection, Livhuwani Raedani, a Master of Development Policy and Practice student at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, shares her perspective on leadership and the values that inspire her. As a young scholar committed to governance and public policy, she reflects on the importance of leading with purpose, integrity and a genuine commitment to serving others.

Her reflections echo one of Nelson Mandela's most enduring lessons: that leadership is not defined by status or authority, but by the ability to empower others, build trust and create positive change.

At a time when Africa's future depends on ethical, inclusive and accountable leadership, voices like Livhuwani's remind us that the next generation of leaders is already shaping the conversations that will define tomorrow.

Watch Livhuwani's reflection and join the conversation on what leadership means to you.

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Linkoping House, 27 Burg Road, Rondebosch
Cape Town

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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+27216501420

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