Flagship programmes
Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs
Thabo Mbeki School
A premier graduate school that aims to advance public sector education in public and international affairs.
The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs is a joint initiative of the University of South Africa (UNISA) and the Thabo Mbeki Foundation, inspired by the vision of African Renaissance and the objective of promoting Africa’s political, social, economic, and cultural development.
Thabo Mbeki School
Our Objectives
The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs has, among others, the following objectives:
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Objectives
To address the development challenges of societies
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Objectives
To be at the forefront of the logic of invention and the logic of discovery
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Objectives
To determine the role of the public sector in economic development
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Objectives
To promote sound and ethical governance
Thabo Mbeki School
His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, Chancellor of Unisa
At the launch of the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs in September 2020, His Excellency Thabo Mbeki, Chancellor of Unisa, said that the purpose of education was to learn to question everything and that our aim in teaching should be to produce men and women who are both critical and creative. In this respect, he emphasised, “Our students should be encouraged to be thinkers and doers rather than accumulators of facts and receivers of knowledge. This must be so if they are to be instruments of change, working towards the realisation of a just and, consequently, a stable society”.
Thabo Mbeki School
Our Focus Areas
The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs embraces transdisciplinary methodologies in the training of students. The following are the focus areas of the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs :
Focus areas
Citizenship studies
FOCUS AREAS
International and Diplomacy Studies
FOCUS AREAS
Peace and Conflict Studies
Focus areas
Public Leadership Studies
FOCUS AREAS
Security and Intelligence Studies
FOCUS AREAS
Simulations and Futuristic Studies
Focus areas
Study of Government Affairs
FOCUS AREAS
Sustainable Livelihoods & Resources Management
FOCUS AREAS
Urban and Rural Affairs
Thabo Mbeki School
We seek to be a magnet of excellence in education, experiential learning, and research, using transdisciplinary methodologies and innovative pedagogies.
The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs strives to produce intellectual cadres and combatants who will help our continent to respond positively to the challenges it faces, such as poverty, inequality, conflict, governance, democracy, development, integration, and cooperation.
The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs also serves as a philosophical thought centre of society, where students are encouraged to be thinkers and doers rather than accumulators of facts and received knowledge. The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs fosters a culture of critical inquiry, creativity, and problem-solving, as well as a commitment to ethical leadership and public service.
Thabo Mbeki School
Educational Programmes
The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs offers both non-formal and formal programmes that cater to the diverse needs and interests of students, professionals, practitioners, policymakers, and researchers in the field of public and international affairs.
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Educational Programmes
Non-formal Programmes
The non-formal programmes consist of short learning programmes, experiential learning, and executive education. These programmes are designed to provide participants with relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies that can enhance their performance and career prospects in the public sector.
The non-formal programmes are open to anyone who meets the admission requirements and has an interest in public and international affairs.
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Educational Programmes
Formal Programmes
The formal programmes consist of masters and doctoral studies that lead to the award of academic degrees. These programmes are aimed at developing and training students in high-level transdisciplinary research in public and international affairs. The formal programmes also educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level.
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Thabo Mbeki School
Events
The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs organises and hosts various events throughout the year that aim to create a platform for academic exchange, public engagement, professional development, and social networking. These events include:
Public lectures: Lectures delivered by distinguished scholars, practitioners, leaders, activists, etc. on topics related to public and international affairs.
Seminars: Seminars presented by faculty members, students, researchers, etc. on their ongoing or completed research projects or publications.
Workshops: Workshops facilitated by experts or trainers on various skills or topics relevant to public and international affairs.
Conferences: Conferences convened by the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs or in collaboration with other partners on specific themes or issues of public and international interest.
Book launches: Book launches organised by the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs or in partnership with publishers or authors to showcase new books or publications on public and international affairs.
Cultural events: Cultural events organised by the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs or in cooperation with other cultural institutions or groups to celebrate the diversity and richness of African culture.
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Thabo Mbeki School
Research and Policy
The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs conducts cutting-edge research that informs policy-making at local, national, regional, continental, and global levels. The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs also engages with various stakeholders such as governments, civil society, academia, media, private sector, international organizations, and think tanks to disseminate research findings and recommendations.
The Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs also publishes various publications such as books, journals, reports, policy briefs, working papers, newsletters, blogs, podcasts, videos that showcase the research output of its staff, students, associates, partners.