The Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance

In the Media | As conversations about leadership, governance and implementation deepen across the continent, we are proud to see Transformative African Leadership featured in Africa Business magazine.

The piece examines the leadership deficit at the heart of Africa's implementation challenge and the role that purposeful systems-oriented leadership development can play in closing it.

Read the full article:

The leadership gap behind Africa’s implementation challenge - African Business Innovation | Sustainable Development & Social Responsibility The Transformative African Leadership programme aims to strengthen African-led leadership models focused on policy ex*****on, governance reform, AfCFTA integration and institutional delivery.

Not in our name: The failures of the South African state unleashed on fellow Africans

South Africa’s Constitution is founded on the principles of human dignity, equality, the advancement of human rights and freedoms. The attacks on our fellow African sisters, brothers and their children are unconscionable, misdirected and in violation of our Constitution.

We categorically denounce these unlawful attacks. We leaders in our government, communities, organisations and businesses stand firm against vigilantism and hatred and uphold dignity, respect and rights of all people.

The future of all Africans is connected. In the words of Kwame Nkrumah “Africa must unite or perish.”

We would greatly appreciate it if you could sign and share this with your networks: https://forms.gle/kyjFm1xV5iYxv4jj8

In this interview with Africa Melane, Haiko Alfeld, Project Lead, explains why UCT is calling on architects from across Africa to design a place that honours the legacy of Nelson Mandela: https://www.primediaplus.com/uct-launches-mandela-centre-design-competition/

The University of Cape Town is inviting architects from across the continent to participate in the Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre and School of Public Governance Architectural Design Competition.

This is more than a building. It is an opportunity to help create a living memorial dedicated to reflection, dialogue, learning and public engagement, alongside a new home for the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance.

Set on the slopes of Table Mountain, the project seeks a design that responds to landscape, memory, leadership and the public good; values that defined Nelson Mandela's life and continue to shape Africa's future.

We encourage eligible architects from all over Africa to register and participate in this significant initiative.

Registration opens on Thursday, 25 June 2026.
Register at: https://uctnelsonmandelacompetition.org

UCT Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre and School of Public Governance Architectural Design Competition an African design challenge that invites architects from across Africa to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela through the design of an exceptional architectural intervention. Through a two – stage architectural design competition, eligible participants are asked to submit ideas...

MEDIA RELEASE | The University of Cape Town (UCT) has launched the Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre and School of Public Governance Architectural Design Competition, inviting architects and designers from across Africa to participate in this landmark initiative.

Registration for the competition opens on 25 June 2026 and closes on 28 July 2026. Eligible architects, designers and students from across Africa are invited to register and participate.

To learn more about the competition and the launch event, please visit: https://bit.ly/4ac6F4a

The launch of the UCT Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre and School of Public Governance Architectural Design Competition marked an important milestone in the development of a project dedicated to advancing ethical leadership and public service across Africa.

Made possible through the support of Atlantic Philanthropies, together with contributions from a range of donors, alumni and partners, the project represents a significant investment in the future of public leadership and governance on the continent.

Ultimately, the project aims to create more than a building. It seeks to establish a place where dialogue, learning, leadership and public engagement can flourish for generations to come.

A significant new chapter in Nelson Mandela's legacy was launched today.

The University of Cape Town officially launched the Nelson Mandela Memorial Centre and School of Public Governance Architectural Design Competition, inviting architects and designers from across Africa to help shape this landmark project.

The proposed project will create a permanent home for the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance while establishing a living memorial dedicated to the values and legacy of Nelson Mandela.

Not a monument to the past, but a place for learning, dialogue, reflection and leadership.

In the first video of our Transformative African Leadership (TAL) series, Professor Cheryl Hendricks, Director at the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, introduces the vision behind Transformative African Leadership : an executive programme conceived by Africans, for Africa.

In this short introduction, she shares why Africa needs leaders who can work across borders, sectors and systems to drive meaningful change.

Watch the video and discover what transformative leadership looks like:

Prof Cheryl Hendricks shares insights on the Transformative African Leadership (TAL) programme. In this introduction to the Transformative African Leadership (TAL)...

Applications extended to 6 July 2026!

Join the Africa-Europe Cooperation for the Green Transition course and help shape climate and sustainable development partnerships.

This course equips professionals with:
1. Policy insight
2. Strategic engagement skills
3. Real-world case knowledge

Don’t miss your chance to apply before 6 July 2026: https://bit.ly/4b7uAD4

The University of Cape Town's Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance has been a leader in creating innovative curriculum in development policy since 2014. The School’s approach offers unique value by emphasising practical experience.

Students gain extensive exposure to various policy issues while grounding their understanding in Pan-Africanism and fostering a shared hope for the continent.

Applications for the 2027 intake are now open. Start your application process today! https://bit.ly/Public_Governance