Professor Eddy Maloka appointed to WSG to bolster continental leadership

The Wits School of Governance (WSG) is pleased to announce the appointment of Eddy Maloka as Professor, a move set to significantly strengthen the School’s footprint across the African continent. This prestigious appointment is part of the Wits University’s Vice-Chancellor’s Strategic Appointments Project, aimed at attracting world-class talent to drive the University’s vision forward.

Professor Maloka is a diplomat by occupation and an academic by training, bringing over 30 years of illustrious experience in foreign policy, governance, and public service. Most recently, he served an eight-year tenure as the Chief Executive Officer of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) from 2016 to 2024. His career includes high-level roles such as Special Advisor to the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), South Africa’s Special Representative to the Great Lakes Region, and Special Advisor to the Deputy President of South Africa, Baleka Mbete during the immediate post-Mbeki transition.

At the WSG, Professor Maloka’s primary mandate will be to reposition and grow the School's influence throughout Africa. His focus will include attracting international students and staff, developing new academic and executive education programmes, and driving research publications.

"Professor Maloka’s appointment is a pivotal moment for us. His unparalleled expertise in continental governance and his deep roots in the African Union structures fit perfectly into our strategic direction. As we aim to be the leading School of Governance in Africa, Maloka provides the bridge between academic rigor and high-level policy practice that our students and partners require. We are confident that his presence will accelerate our mission to humanise governance and build state capacity across the continent,” said Professor Themba Maseko, the Head of the Wits School of Governance.

An accomplished researcher, Professor Maloka holds a PhD in History from the University of Cape Town and a Master’s degree from the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva. He has published extensively on African affairs, South African politics, and history.

His previous contributions include technical assignments for the African Union, involvement with the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), and serving as the African Legacy Advisor to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Organising Committee.

"I am incredibly excited to join the Wits School of Governance at such a transformative time. Having spent decades navigating the complexities of African diplomacy and public administration, I look forward to translating that experience into the classroom and research space. My goal is to work with the WSG team to take the School to the next level by expanding our reach and ensuring we remain the primary hub for the next generation of African leaders and policymakers,” said Professor Eddy Maloka while expressing his enthusiasm for joining the Wits community.