Nelson Mandela is our inspiration and role model. He showed us the style of leadership, the priorities, and the humanity that our leaders need to have.
Prof Carlos Lopes, Honorary Professor at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance
The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is a world-class African policy school and a beacon for academic leadership training and excellence in research. We want to uphold and grow the legacy of Nelson Mandela in order to shape ethical and strategic future leaders.
Our influence
We have a pan-African agenda, focusing on challenges around economic transformation, climate change, technology and geo-political tension. Our mission is to ensure Africans can be agents of change locally and globally, participating on a world stage.
We develop our graduates’ competencies as motivated, self-regulated lifelong learners in today’s technological age and ensure that they can devise their own learning strategies for sustained independent academic and professional development.
Ways to give: Be a part of the legacy!
We need your support to fund academic programmes, conduct research, and stimulate debates around the challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.
Your donation will go directly toward:
- Tuition fees
- Essential academic materials and resources
- Living expenses and accommodation
- Leadership development and mentorship programmes
We are grateful for your support in empowering the next generation of African leaders.
Donate
Donations to the school can be made effortlessly through GivenGain. You can contribute any amount you choose, with funds directed towards tuition fees, academic materials and more.
Subscribe
Stay connected and informed with our newsletter. Receive updates and event information directly in your inbox, helping to extend our community's reach and keeping you up-to-date.
Become a mentor
We invite alums to support their alma mater by offering their time and expertise as mentors. Join us on the alum platform to sign up and make a meaningful impact.
Our partners
We have the fortune of receiving external support from our donors and partners. Your donation is a part of a greater ecosystem that keeps us going.
Testimonial alumni - Dolika MDPP 2021
The programme's leadership course was a game-changer for me, to position myself better and to become a better leader and learn how to manage others.
Dolika, Master of Development Policy and Practice 2021
Our impact
Meet our Democracy and Development Fellows based at UCT
The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, University of Cape Town (UCT) is pleased to welcome eight post-doctoral and senior research fellows for a residential fellowship programme.
Rethinking activism in a time of desperation and despair
Thoughts on rethinking activism in Africa: Enhancing civic leadership in a time of uncertainty and transition
Advancing a just green trade and industrial transition
Prof Faizel Ismail, director at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, was a panel member at a webinar that explored the challenges and opportunities of greening production, trade, and industrial development in the African context
News and updates from the Nelson Mandela School
‘A place of encounter, a place of exchange of ideas and sparkle’- Judge Albie Sachs reflecting on the Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre and School of Public Governance