Wits School of Governance

13/06/2026

13/06/2026

Reflecting on the Past. Shaping the Future.

As part of Youth Month commemorations, the Wits School of Governance, together with the South African Youth Council and the African Peer Review Mechanism, hosted a powerful seminar titled "16 June 1976, Half a Century Later: Where Are the Youth?"

The event brought together youth leaders, academics, policymakers and students to reflect on the legacy of the 1976 generation and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing young people today.

From inspiring reflections on the role of youth in South Africa's liberation struggle to critical discussions on youth unemployment, economic inclusion, disability rights, governance and Pan-African development, the seminar created a platform for honest dialogue and meaningful engagement.

One message stood out throughout the afternoon: the struggle for a more just, inclusive and prosperous society is not complete, and young people have a critical role to play in leading change.
Thank you to our speakers, panellists, partners and attendees for contributing to an engaging and insightful conversation.
Together, we continue to build a future where young people are active participants in shaping governance, development and social transformation.

03/06/2026

INVITATION: Invitation: 16 June 1976, Half A Century Later: Where Are The Youth?

The Wits School of Governance and the South African Youth Council, in collaboration with African Peer Review Mechanism, invite you to our upcoming seminar.

This seminar seeks to reflect on the legacy of youth activism and take stock of youth influence on policymaking, governance, and the economy in the democratic era, as well as critically assess the extent to which the aspirations embodied in the South African Constitution and the African Youth Charter have translated into meaningful opportunities and participation for young people in South Africa and across the African continent.

-In-person RSVP: https://forms.gle/fNK38dujZiyJK6qq6
-Online RSVP: https://wits-za.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1Hc38qmbQgaF_YIYmzbIHA

#1976

01/06/2026

Wits University has claimed the top spot in Africa in the 2026 Center for World University Rankings (CWUR). Ranked 200th globally out of 21 291 universities, Wits stands firmly within the top 1% of universities worldwide - a milestone that reflects the University’s enduring commitment to academic and research excellence, innovation, and the advancement of the public good.

Happy Monday
Happy June

Read more: https://www.wsg.ac.za/news/wits-ranked-no-1-africa



Wits - University of the Witwatersrand

27/05/2026

INVITATION: Governing with uncertain evidence: AI, public Institutions, and the contested landscape of decision-making in South Africa

You are invited to a panel discussion hosted by CLEAR-AA in collaboration with the Wits School of Governance and Tayarisha for the Glocal Evaluation Week 2026.

Abstract: Using South Africa as a live case study, this panel brings together public sector practitioners navigating the practical realities of AI deployment within public evidence and decision-making systems, alongside a representative from a technology company helping shape the very landscape institutions must now respond to. Rather than delivering a verdict on AI in evaluation, the session aims to foster an honest conversation about what is actually happening in practice - where AI is adding value, where governance gaps are emerging, and what the evaluation field must confront as a result.

Please see the details below for registration:
-Date: Wednesday, 3 June 2026
-Time: 11:00 AM (CAT)
-Online Registration: https://glocalevalweek.org/event/governing-uncertain-evidence-ai-public-institutions-and-contested-landscape-decision-making
-In-person Registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSenO0zEEO6byzRKN67IOUf-Wmbx_nGrjCkE0UUKsEP_cekBYg/viewform

23/05/2026

On 21 and 22 May we hosted our Executive Education Certification Ceremonies for a number of our courses, we celebrated unforgettable moments and the remarkable achievements of our delegates. Congratulations once again to every certificant. Your dedication, resilience, and passion shone throughout your journey, and we are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished.

Ready to advance your leadership and governance journey? Explore our executive education courses at WSG Executive Courses: https://courses.wsg.ac.za/

To learn more about our academic programmes, visit www.wsg.ac.za

21/05/2026

We are incredibly pleased to inform you that one of your favourite lecturers Dr Thelela Ngcetane-Vika has been promoted to Senior Lecturer.

Please join us in congratulatingN Dr gcetane- Vika, PhD on this fantastic professional milestone. This promotion is a testament to her dedication, hard work, and the valuable contributions she continues to make to our academic community.

We are fortunate to have her expertise on our team, and we look forward to her continued success, leadership, and impact at our institution.

12/05/2026

We are excited that three of our super star academics Associate Professor Christine Hobden, Dr Caryn Abrahams and Associate Professor Heidi Brooks recently recieved the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management's Teaching Team Award jointly with colleagues from the Margo Steele School of Accountancy.

Huge congratulations to our colleagues! We are proud of your achievement and celebrate you Caryn, Christine, and Heidi.

Professor Themba Maseko - our Head of School and Academic Director Associate Professor Kambidima Wotela, are delighted with this news and join in the celebrations.

05/05/2026

Professor Eddy Maloka appointed to WSG to bolster continental leadership

The Wits School of Governance (WSG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Eddy Maloka as Professor, a move set to significantly strengthen the School’s footprint across the African continent. This prestigious appointment is part of the Wits University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Strategic Appointments Project, aimed at attracting world-class talent to drive the University’s vision forward.

Professor Maloka is a diplomat by occupation and an academic by training, bringing over 30 years of illustrious experience in foreign policy, governance, and public service. Most recently, he served an eight-year tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) from 2016 to 2024. His career includes high-level roles such as Special Advisor to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), South Africa’s Special Representative to the Great Lakes Region, and Special Advisor to the Deputy President of South Africa, Baleka Mbete during the immediate post-Mbeki transition.

At the WSG, Professor Maloka’s primary mandate will be to reposition and grow the School's influence throughout Africa. His focus will include attracting international students and staff, developing new academic and executive education programmes, and driving research publications.

"Professor Maloka’s appointment is a pivotal moment for us. His unparalleled expertise in continental governance and his deep roots in the African Union structures fit perfectly into our strategic direction. As we aim to be the leading School of Governance in Africa, Maloka provides the bridge between academic rigor and high-level policy practice that our students and partners require. We are confident that his presence will accelerate our mission to humanise governance and build state capacity across the continent,” said Professor Themba Maseko, the Head of the Wits School of Governance.

An accomplished researcher, Professor Maloka holds a PhD in History from the University of Cape Town and a Master’s degree from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. He has published extensively on African affairs, South African politics, and history.

"I am incredibly excited to join the Wits School of Governance at such a transformative time. Having spent decades navigating the complexities of African diplomacy and public administration, I look forward to translating that experience into the classroom and research space. My goal is to work with the WSG team to take the School to the next level by expanding our reach and ensuring we remain the primary hub for the next generation of African leaders and policymakers,” said Professor Eddy Maloka while expressing his enthusiasm for joining the Wits community.

20/04/2026

Applications for the July 2026 intake at the Wits School of Governance are officially open.

Our Postgraduate Diploma in Management programmes are tailored for professionals aiming to enhance their effectiveness in governance, public policy, and development practice. Available specialisations:
• Security
• Public and Development Sector Monitoring & Evaluation
• Public & Development Management

Submit your application by 31 May 2026.
Advance your leadership capability and navigate complex public sector challenges with confidence.
Begin your application today: https://www.wsg.ac.za/academic-programmes