The Master’s Scholar and Fellowship Programme, a collaborative initiative between SAIIA and KAS established in 1999, provides recent graduates with invaluable practical work experience. Successful candidates have the opportunity of enrolling for a master’s degree by course work in International Relations, Development Studies, Political Science, Economics, Law or Journalism and other related subjects within the Humanities and Social Sciences discipline, while simultaneously working at SAIIA’s offices in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Over the next 12 months, the four selected scholars for 2024 will work under the guidance of designated mentors at SAIIA. The objective is to acquire practical skills that will enhance their research, analytical, and administrative capabilities. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to actively participate in the policy, research, and dissemination endeavours of the institute.
Meet the 2024 scholars
Karabo Mangena is pursuing a Master’s Degree in Political Science at Stellenbosch University. Her primary research focus lies in the evolution of democracy in South Africa, employing a historical comparative analysis to critically assess and propose solutions for the country’s democratic regression. Karabo has been assigned to work under the Futures programme at SAIIA.
Krissmonne Olwagen is enrolled to study towards a Master’s Degree in International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her Master’s focus is Green Transition in the Middle East. Krissmonne is an advocate for neurodiversity and mental health awareness. She has been assigned to work in the office of the Chief Executive.
Odenakachi Akum Okeke is currently a Master’s candidate at the Wits School of Governance studying a Master of Management specializing in Governance and Public Policy investigating Environmental Social Governance in AfCFTA priority value chains. His areas of interest are South-South Cooperation, sustainable development and environmental social governance. Odenakachi has been assigned to work within the African Governance and Diplomacy programme.
Nancy Mopipi is currently studying towards a Master of Laws Degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. Her research interests include sustainable development, development financing, international tax, and trade. Nancy has been allocated to work under the Economic Diplomacy programme.
SAIIA’s Director of Research, Neuma Grobbelaar, offered a warm welcome to the new scholars and expressed appreciation to the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung for its ongoing support. “Entering its 26th year, this fellowship is supported by KAS, a longstanding partner of SAIIA. We look forward to nurturing the skills of our incoming scholars and learning and growing with them during 2024,” said Grobbelaar.
