The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance

27/05/2026

On Monday, 25 May 2026, the Nelson Mandela School hosted a small gathering to celebrate Africa Day. This day serves as a reminder of the strength found in community, dialogue and shared purpose.

Here are some moments we captured from the event: https://bit.ly/4wTSDh6

Photographer: Chebo Tamajong Nfor

On Monday, 25 May 2026, the Nelson Mandela School at the University of Cape Town hosted a small gathering to mark Africa Day.

27/05/2026

On Monday, 25 May 2026, the Nelson Mandela School hosted a small gathering to celebrate Africa Day. This day serves as a reminder of the strength found in community, dialogue and shared purpose.

Here are some moments we captured from the event: https://bit.ly/4wTSDh6

Photographer: Chebo Tamajong Nfor

26/05/2026

In complex environments, results depend on how data, research and operational realities are interpreted together.

The challenge is not access to information, but applying it with sound judgement.

Through collaboration among four African institutions, including our School, TAL unites research, policy insight and practical experience to enhance outcome shaping.

Follow Transformative African Leadership for more.

25/05/2026

As we celebrate Africa Day today (25 May), we take a moment to reflect on the shared future we are building across our diverse and interconnected continent.

At the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, we affirm that Africa’s path forward must be grounded in both structural transformation and social solidarity.

In a recent op-ed, Prof Carlos Lopes and Selma Malika Haddadi argues that how Africa is perceived and how it perceives itself matters greatly. Distorted representations of the continent have long influenced global narratives and policy choices, often undervaluing Africa’s scale, potential and agency. Correcting these narratives is essential to claiming Africa’s rightful place in the world and advancing a development agenda based on confidence, accuracy and ambition: https://bit.ly/3S03VAr

In his Sunday Times op-ed, Emeritus Professor Alan Hirsch emphasizes the need for principled leadership in addressing one of the most urgent challenges of our time; the rise of anti-immigrant sentiment and violence. Africa’s future cannot be built on exclusion; it must be founded on human dignity, respect and a collective commitment to justice: https://bit.ly/42SvONm

20/05/2026

Leadership is not exercised in isolation; it is shaped within institutions.

Work is carried out within constraints: policy environments, organisational mandates, and evolving public and market expectations.

Performance depends not only on individual capability but on the ability to navigate and work within these structures effectively.

TAL engages leadership as it is practised: within instiutions, informed by context, and accountable to outcomes.

Discover more at Transformative African Leadership

18/05/2026

Reminder that there is still time to join tomorrow's webinar on Africa-Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition short course.

Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Time: 12:30 - 13:30 (South African Standard Time & Central European Time)
RSVP: https://bit.ly/3Pi8LYW

This information session is an opportunity to ask any questions before the programme starts.

Are you interested in learning more about the short course co-delivered by UCT’s Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance and Sciences Po Executive Education?

Join us for an upcoming webinar that will introduce the Africa–Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition programme to prospective participants.

Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Time: 12:30 - 13:30 (South African Standard Time & Central European Time)
RSVP: https://bit.ly/3Pi8LYW

The webinar will cover the following topics:
- An overview of the certificate and its objectives
- Insights into the pedagogical approach and teaching methods
- A discussion on the key themes and topics covered
- An opportunity to ask questions before the programme's official launch date

09/05/2026

Join our speakers this Tuesday as they unpack the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services and explore what it means for Africa’s economies, institutions and businesses.

Topic: AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services
Date: Tuesday, 12 May 2026
Time: 12:30–14:00 (SAST)
RSVP via Zoom: https://bit.ly/4mhFeKX

Beyond tariff liberalisation, the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) is designed to harmonise trade rules, improve market access, stimulate private sector participation and foster sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

As new protocols are ratified and legal frameworks harmonised, the primary challenge shifts from negotiation to ex*****on: ensuring that the AfCFTA delivers real economic benefits, empowers local enterprises, integrates small and medium-sized businesses into regional value chains and promotes inclusive and sustainable development.

The Nelson Mandela School and its partners are hosting a Brown Bag Series on the AfCFTA Phase I Protocols. This series serves as an interdisciplinary and stakeholder-focused platform designed to unpack the practical implications of each AfCFTA protocol.

05/05/2026

Are you interested in learning more about the short course co-delivered by UCT’s Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance and Sciences Po Executive Education?

Join us for an upcoming webinar that will introduce the Africa–Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition programme to prospective participants.

Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Time: 12:30 - 13:30 (South African Standard Time & Central European Time)
RSVP: https://bit.ly/3Pi8LYW

The webinar will cover the following topics:
- An overview of the certificate and its objectives
- Insights into the pedagogical approach and teaching methods
- A discussion on the key themes and topics covered
- An opportunity to ask questions before the programme's official launch date

05/05/2026

Postgraduate education sits at the heart of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) mission as a research‑intensive institution committed to social impact, innovation and the public good. Our postgraduate students are not only advancing knowledge in their disciplines – they are shaping new ways of...

04/05/2026

Governance expert Mandisa Fatyela-Lindie shares her reflections on 30 years of the signing of the Constitution of South Africa.