The Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa (SIGLA) at Stellenbosch University (SU) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Forum for Former African Heads of States and Government, or Africa Forum for short.
“This allows us to tap into the experience and knowledge of our continent’s elder statesmen and stateswomen for the benefit of the next generation through our Emerging Leaders Programme,” says Ms Siphokazi Ndudane, director ofSIGLA.
The ascendency of South Africa to the BRICS economic grouping (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) brings a renewed focus on good governance, peace and security in Africa.
“SIGLA is very relevant to what the continent needs. It can play a positive role as a think tank in generating knowledge and disseminating integrated security theory for the continent,” Ndudane says.
SIGLA forms part of SU’s HOPE Project, which has as two of its themes the promotion of peace and security, and of democracy and human rights. It is based at the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), but also maintains strong links with the University’s Faculty of Military Science and with its School of Public Leadership.
“I have worked closely with a number of SU researchers in the past, and I know that this is an academic institution with immensely talented people. The mix of expertise available at the University is exciting,” Ndudane says.
She took over the reins last year from Lt Gen Louis Matshwenyego Fisher, a former Chief of the Botswana Defence Force, who hadacted as Interim Director. Prior to her appointment she headed the International Science Liaison Unit of the National Research Foundation.
Ndudane has also worked closely with the major continental regional bodies, such as the Southern African Development Community, the African Ministerial Committee on Science and Technology and the African Union (AU).
Ndudane says her focus is on strategically positioning SIGLA through partnerships within the public and private sector
environments, and to develop research and training programmes related to security, governance and leadership in Africa. In November 2011, SIGLA hosted its first colloquium focusing on governance, peace and security in Africa.
Photo: Ms. Siphokazi Ndudane, Director of SIGLA, middle, with Prof. Russel Botman, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of SU, left, and Dr. JohnTesha, Executive Secretary of the African Forum.