South African Institute of International Affairs
Encyclopedia
The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) was founded in Cape Town in 1934 and has been located since 1960 in Jan Smuts House in central Johannesburg, on the campus of the University of the Witwatersrand
with which it has strong links. Offices were established in Cape Town in 2008 and in Pretoria in 2009 to engage more closely with key stakeholders in those cities.
SAIIA has a long record as a South African
research institute on international issues. It is an independent, non-government think-tank whose purpose is to encourage wider and more informed awareness of the importance of international affairs. It is both a centre for research excellence and a home for stimulating public debate.
In the early 1990’s the strategy of the Institute began to shift from speakers’ meetings and a general conference programme to a more focused research agenda. The major research projects within the Institute produce a range of deliverables to donors and the wider public in the form of publications and policy briefs, workshops and conferences catering for a cross constituency audience, and media engagement.
Vision
To be the pre-eminent think-tank on Africa and on global issues as they affect Africa.
Mission
To provide cutting-edge analysis and promote balanced dialogue on issues crucial to Africa’s advancement and its engagement in a dynamic global context.
The Institute’s activities include :
• making input into policy development both locally and internationally
• undertaking research on current issues of importance to Africa generally and South Africa specifically with a focus on governance and democracy; trade, investment and development; security and terrorism ; emerging powers and their role in Africa
• developing linkages and joint programmes with international organisations and agencies throughout the world
• maintaining a resource centre and reference library (that is a United Nations depository as well as a World Bank Development Information Centre) for students and scholars of international relations
• organising conferences, seminars and speakers’ meetings on a wide range of topics addressed by prominent South Africans and distinguished international guests
• encouraging an interest in international relations among the youth through its leadership programme for postgraduate interns and its various outreach programmes for university students and high school learners
Its project funding derives from grants from international governments, multilateral organisations and private foundations while some core institutional funding comes from local corporate, diplomatic and institutional members, .
It is governed by an independent Council whose members represent the Institute’s branches around South Africa as well as senior figures in business and civil society.
University of the Witwatersrand
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg is a South African university situated in the northern areas of central Johannesburg. It is more commonly known as Wits University...
with which it has strong links. Offices were established in Cape Town in 2008 and in Pretoria in 2009 to engage more closely with key stakeholders in those cities.
SAIIA has a long record as a South African
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...
research institute on international issues. It is an independent, non-government think-tank whose purpose is to encourage wider and more informed awareness of the importance of international affairs. It is both a centre for research excellence and a home for stimulating public debate.
In the early 1990’s the strategy of the Institute began to shift from speakers’ meetings and a general conference programme to a more focused research agenda. The major research projects within the Institute produce a range of deliverables to donors and the wider public in the form of publications and policy briefs, workshops and conferences catering for a cross constituency audience, and media engagement.
Vision
To be the pre-eminent think-tank on Africa and on global issues as they affect Africa.
Mission
To provide cutting-edge analysis and promote balanced dialogue on issues crucial to Africa’s advancement and its engagement in a dynamic global context.
The Institute’s activities include :
• making input into policy development both locally and internationally
• undertaking research on current issues of importance to Africa generally and South Africa specifically with a focus on governance and democracy; trade, investment and development; security and terrorism ; emerging powers and their role in Africa
• developing linkages and joint programmes with international organisations and agencies throughout the world
• maintaining a resource centre and reference library (that is a United Nations depository as well as a World Bank Development Information Centre) for students and scholars of international relations
• organising conferences, seminars and speakers’ meetings on a wide range of topics addressed by prominent South Africans and distinguished international guests
• encouraging an interest in international relations among the youth through its leadership programme for postgraduate interns and its various outreach programmes for university students and high school learners
Its project funding derives from grants from international governments, multilateral organisations and private foundations while some core institutional funding comes from local corporate, diplomatic and institutional members, .
It is governed by an independent Council whose members represent the Institute’s branches around South Africa as well as senior figures in business and civil society.