‘We will continue to thrive and achieve greater things’

Described by founding director Professor Alan Hirsch as a “testament to the collective efforts, dedication, and vision of many individuals,” the University of Cape Town's (UCT) Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance recently celebrated a significant milestone – 10 years of its academic program. This decade-long journey highlights the school's impactful contribution to public service and governance in Africa.

At the celebration, on 18 July,  attendees heard from Professor Hirsch, as well as proud graduand of the school, Sa Ngidi, among others. Hirsch reflected on the school's evolution, starting from its establishment as the Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice in 2011, driven by shared ideals and hard work, to its transition in 2018 when it was renamed in honour of Nelson Mandela, aligning the school with his values of ethical leadership and social justice.

He explained his attraction to such an academic endevour: "After nearly two decades of rewarding work in government, I felt a deep desire to contribute to public service and to use my networks to build the quality of public service in South Africa and Africa."

Academic director at the school, Dr Musa Nxele, said, “Our school has come a long way, and the future looks incredibly bright. We’re expanding our master’s programme, launching a new postgraduate diploma available online, and looking forward to being part of the dual master’s degree programme in partnership with Sciences Po university. These exciting developments will help us reach even more students and make a bigger impact on governance in Africa.”

“The school’s achievements are deeply interwoven with the growth and transformation of the Faculty of Commerce at UCT.”

“I’m confident that we’ll continue to thrive and achieve even greater things. But to do that, we need your support – whether it’s through applications, scholarships, or spreading the word about our programmes,” he added.

The dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Professor Suki Goodman, also spoke at the event and took the time to go over the broad range of teaching and learning they engage in. She said that since 2014, over 250 students from 20 different African countries have registered for postgraduate studies at the school.

Rapidly changing world

“Globally recognised faculty members bring a rich combination of research and practical experience at senior levels of policy making and implementation to the classroom. The academic programme has not only equipped students with the necessary skills but also fostered a deep understanding of the complexities of governance and public policy in Africa. Beyond academic offerings, the school has hosted numerous conferences, customised short courses, and workshops, attended by more than 1 000 delegates. These events have provided invaluable opportunities for learning, networking, and collaboration,” said Professor Goodman.

“The school’s achievements are deeply interwoven with the growth and transformation of the Faculty of Commerce at UCT. The faculty has been at the forefront of promoting excellence and innovation in education, and the school’s successes contribute significantly to this broader mission.”

Glowing in her testimonial, Ngidi said, “As a senior government official, my research explored the increasing securitisation of the South African home affairs and its impact on skilled immigration, supervised by Dr Musa Nxele.

“Joining the Nelson Mandela School in 2018 was a turning point in my life. I have experienced the school through its different phases, from the time it was the Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice to becoming the Nelson Mandela School [of Public Governance]. Throughout this extended journey due to breaks and personal challenges along the way, both the School and I remained steadfast in the quest for me to gain this master's degree for the transformation of our society,” she said.

“The school’s emphasis on critical thinking, democratic governance, and sustainable development has inspired me to continue my dedication to making a positive impact. I am particularly grateful for the support and guidance from the faculty, staff, and my fellow students, who have become a second family to me.

“As I prepare to graduate, I am excited about the future and the opportunities to contribute to the development of our continent. The Nelson Mandela School [of Public Governance] has not only contributed to my career path but also my values and aspirations,” added Ngidi.