Welcome to Research at WSG

Hello everyone

My name is Caryn Abrahams (PhD), the new Research Director at the Wits School of Governance. I’m excited to embrace the role and the challenges and opportunities it brings. It is a privilege to be able to serve the University and contribute to the Wits School of Governance's vision of becoming a research-led institution of excellence.

Our commitment is to advance governance research and to publish practice-informed scholarly insights that address the unique challenges and opportunities of the African context. Mainly, we aim to equip our graduates, academic and associates to rethink practice, lead conversations and shape debates about governance in Africa This includes fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration with fellows, visiting scholars, and partners across the continent.

Research & the Curriculum Review

This year the School is embarking upon a new journey to align its teaching, research and supervision areas. This aligned focus brings together research themes which both reflect our collective interests, and will chart the direction for the scholarly focus of the school. The heart behind this is to contribute to knowledge in areas we are best suited to, and which respond positively to the changing governance context around us.

Why is this exciting news?

It will give direction to current and prospective students embarking on their research journeys by providing the practice and case-informed theoretical insights needed as a foundation to the intellectual journey.

This will also consolidate, shape and enhance the impact of the research emerging from the WSG from graduates and academics alike to speak to key governance debates shaping our continent.

Whether you're a student, academic, practitioner, or thought leader, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of governance on the continent. Together, let’s advance governance scholarship and practice that drives positive, lasting change.

Stay tuned for updates on collaborative opportunities, events, and new initiatives.