The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance was launched at UCT last Thursday.
It’s intended to serve as a living memorial to Nelson Mandela, promoting his values of ethical, equitable and courageous African governance.
UCT vice chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng is an enthusiastic supporter of the school.
“The Mandela School epitomises my vision of strengthening our excellence as a university, driving transformation and ensuring a sustainable future for UCT,” she said.
“Through it, UCT is becoming a more African university through its contribution to excellence in leadership and excellence in Africa.”
The institution was originally founded as the Graduate School of Graduate Policy and Practice in 2011. It combines academic insight with practice-based public service to promote strategic public leadership in Africa.
The school’s director, Professor Alan Hirsch, said it was proud to bear Nelson Mandela’s name.
“The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance is committed to cultivating and supporting leadership in African governance. We have built a truly African centre at the University of Cape Town,” he said.
Dr Carla Lever, the school’s communications manager, said its academic backbone was the professional Master’s degree, taught part-time in four intensive tuition blocks, and executive short courses for senior public-sector management.
The school will also run an annual Emerging African Leaders Programme with a two-week-long series of workshops for about 25 participants from 10 African countries, giving them access to public figures exemplifying the best qualities of moral leadership, including the likes of Thuli Madonsela, Nhlanhla Nene, Albie Sachs, Pregs Govender and Thandika Mkandawire.
The school’s honorary professors include former executive secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa, Carlos Lopes, and former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel.
