These six exceptional individuals join our 2025 programme and will further develop their research, analytical and administrative skills under the guidance of designated mentors. They will also play an active role in SAIIA’s policy, research and dissemination activities.
The scholars are:
Divashnee Naidoo is pursuing a Master’s in International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her research aims to canvas the changing global order, focusing on the resurgence of the non-aligned movement. Divashnee is an advocate for human rights and rational, evidence-based policymaking. She has been assigned to the Office of the Chief Executive.
Malibongwe Msimango is pursuing a Master’s in Comparative Politics at the University of Cape Town. He graduated from the University of Johannesburg with BA and Honours degrees in Politics and International Relations. His research interests include youth participation, democratic institutionalism and strategic foresight. Malibongwe has been assigned to work under the Futures Programme.
Muziwethu Ndlovu is studying towards his Masters in International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand. His research focuses on the geopolitics of democratisation in the Global South, particularly the role of international actors in addressing entrenched authoritarianism. He has experience in macroeconomic policy, specifically in international trade policy, regional economic integration, value chain development and economic development. Muziwethu has been placed with the Economic Resilience and Inclusion Programme.
Rendani Tshitangano is studying towards a Master’s in Development Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her research interests include issues of democracy, political governance and socio-economic development. Rendani has been assigned to work under the Youth@SAIIA Programme.
Tasneem Vania is studying towards a Master’s in International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her research focuses on the role of quasi-state actors in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. She has been placed with the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme.
Yaseen Tayob is pursuing a Master’s in International Relations at the University of Cape Town. His research interests include global governance, African foreign policy, China-Africa relations and South-South cooperation. He has been assigned to work under the Climate and Natural Resources Programme.
The Master’s Scholar and Fellowship Programme, jointly established by SAIIA and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in 1999, offers recent graduates invaluable practical work experience. Successful candidates have the opportunity to enrol for a Master’s degree by coursework in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law, Journalism and other related subjects within the Humanities and Social Sciences discipline. Concurrently, they gain hands-on experience working at SAIIA’s offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
SAIIA extends its sincere gratitude to KAS for its long-standing support of this vital initiative.