The afternoon aimed at facilitating connections among the new scholars, mentors, colleagues and alumni network members.
Scholars were welcomed by SAIIA Chief Executive Elizabeth Sidiropoulos and Head of the Regional Programme – KAS PolDiSSA Holger Dix, alongside Deputy German Ambassador to South Africa Enrico Brandt, who reflected on German foreign policy and German-South African relations in a shifting global landscape.
Since 1999, the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung has supported a prestigious internship programme, run by SAIIA, in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand. The programme provides selected candidates with practical, hands-on experience at SAIIA while developing strong research, analytical, writing and presentation skills. Strongly output-focused, it has produced alumni who have gone on to influential roles in public and private life.
This year’s five scholars are:
Dimpho Leholi is pursuing a Master’s in Political Science at Stellenbosch University, having completed Undergraduate and Honours degrees in International Studies and Political Sciences at the same institution. Her research interests include human rights, post-conflict governance, and political violence, with a focus on justice, reconciliation, and authority in societies emerging from conflict. She has been placed in SAIIA’s Climate and Natural Resources Programme.
Kuhle Daweti is pursuing a Master’s in International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her research examines the intersections among violence, external armed actors, and political processes in contemporary African contexts, with a particular focus on legitimacy, accountability, and the governance of conflict. She has been assigned to SAIIA’s African Governance and Diplomacy Programme and the Office of the Chief Executive.
Kwakhanya Max is pursuing a Master’s in Development Studies at the University of Cape Town. Her research interests include South-South cooperation, anticipatory governance and African initiatives. She is assigned to SAIIA’s Futures Programme.
Lesekgo Khanyisile Marubelela is pursuing a Master’s degree in Governance and Management at the Wits School of Governance. With a background in international relations and politics, her research interests focus on youth engagement in foreign policy and development, with an emphasis on strengthening the practical application of her work. She has been placed in SAIIA’s Youth Programme.
Tyralee Gondwe is pursuing a Master’s degree in e-Science at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). She holds an Undergraduate degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Cape Town and an Honours degree in International Relations and Political Studies from Wits. Her research interests include foreign policy, diplomacy, global trade and economic development. She has been placed in SAIIA’s Economic Resilience and Inclusion Programme.
SAIIA extends its sincere gratitude to KAS for its long-standing support of this vital initiative.
