The Purpose of the Program

As part of our attempt to build a solid community of social science scholars in Africa, it is vital that we pay tribute to the pathfinders, the icons, and the frontrunners in order to demonstrate our appreciation for their contributions. In this regard, it is appropriate that we celebrate the intellectual and inspirational impact which people like Professor Archie Mafeje have had. Mafeje’s oeuvre provides a rich canvass for his intellectual portrait. His personal reverence, political principle and theoretical acumen have combined into a formidable intellectual in the true sense of the word.

The Africa Institute of South Africa (AISA) has thus established a Fellowship Programme in honour of Professor Archie Mafeje. The Fellowship provides an opportunity for African scholars to conduct critical and cutting edge research in line with the Mafeje tradition as well as contributing to AISA’s research programmes.

Duration

Scholars are invited to apply for the three Fellowships, which will be for the duration of three months each. Fellowships normally run from January to March, April to June, and July to September. Only one person will be in post at any time. Successful Fellows will be based at AISA’s offices in Pretoria, South Africa. They will have access to AISA’s world-class library and research facilities as well as a chance to partake in its wealth of research networks.

Preferably, candidates should be non-South Africans in possession of a PhD in a field related to African studies (and, in particular, a field relevant to AISA’s current research programmes). In addition, the applicant should be backed by relevant working experience in an African institution outside of South Africa and a track record of published work in refereed publications.

During the tenure Fellows will have the opportunity to participate in the many events at AISA, and to interact with staff and other fellows from around the world.

During the three months tenure at AISA Fellows will be expected to conduct one seminar and write a monograph, addressing the themes outlined in the assigned projects or developed in his or her independent proposal.

For the successful applicant, AISA will provide basic working and residential accommodation, travelling expenses, and a stipend for the duration of the Fellowship.

Applications must be received at least three months before the start of each fellowship.

Fellows will be selected after a Selection Committee that includes Chief Executive Officer has reviewed applications.

Enquiries and applications should be addressed to: