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.

In case you missed it. In this interview, Lester Kiewit speaks with Professor Carlos Lopes about his call for the world'...
07/09/2026

In case you missed it. In this interview, Lester Kiewit speaks with Professor Carlos Lopes about his call for the world's maps to be redrawn to more accurately reflect the true size and scale of Africa.

Listen here:

How can the AfCFTA’s protocol on Intellectual Property support innovation, business growth and regional integration acro...
04/09/2026

How can the AfCFTA’s protocol on Intellectual Property support innovation, business growth and regional integration across Africa? Join our webinar this Tuesday, 8 September as experts unpack the opportunities and practical implications of implementation.

Date: Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Time: 12:30–14:00 (South African Standard Time)
RSVP: https://bit.ly/3POnICs

Be part of a transformative learning experience grounded in Pan-Africanism and a shared vision for Africa’s development ...
03/09/2026

Be part of a transformative learning experience grounded in Pan-Africanism and a shared vision for Africa’s development and prosperity.

Applications for the Master of Development Policy and Practice (MDPP) close end of September. Submit your application today.

For more information on how to apply, the fee structure and admission criteria, please visit: https://bit.ly/Public_Governance

Make sure to apply before 30 September 2026.

We have postponed the programme start to 25 January 2027 to strengthen the learning experience and create even greater o...
02/09/2026

We have postponed the programme start to 25 January 2027 to strengthen the learning experience and create even greater opportunities for engagement and collaboration among participants.

The additional time allows us to build a dynamic and diverse cohort of professionals committed to driving sustainable change.

Applications are still open until 23 October 2026. Apply now: https://bit.ly/4b7uAD4

02/09/2026

The wait is nearly over!

UCT’s spring graduation season takes place from 7 to 9 September 2026, bringing together graduands from across the university to celebrate years of hard work and achievement.

Follow the graduation ceremonies live on the UCT website, Facebook and X channels.



Find out more: https://qr.codes/ezPA23

Leadership is not only about having answers. It is about knowing when to challenge an assumption, make space for another...
02/09/2026

Leadership is not only about having answers. It is about knowing when to challenge an assumption, make space for another perspective and look at a problem differently.

The right question can change the direction of a conversation, a decision or even an organisation.

Curiosity is part of leadership too!

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.

Address

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

Telephone

+27216501420

Website

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