LAUNCH OF THE CENTRE FOR GEOPOLITICAL SECURITY AND STRATEGY (CGSS) AND SIGNING OF MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING (MOU) WITH THE INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES (ISS)
On 12 August 2025, the Centre for Geopolitical Security and Strategy (CGSS), within the Faculty of Humanities, was officially launched by the North-West University (NWU). The centre is focused on producing research and policy guidance that advances South Africa’s role in global and continental peace and security. One of the primary objectives of the CGSS is to bring together experts from various specialities in geopolitical and strategic security to promote collaborative solutions to security challenges in Africa and internationally through research, knowledge sharing, and training.
One of the most significant projects undertaken by the CGSS is supporting the development of South Africa’s next National Security Strategy, a framework designed to protect citizens and address internal and external threats while ensuring strong democratic oversight and accountability. To this end, the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) has appointed the CGSS to establish a “Research Chair on Security Studies” in South Africa. The CGSS is also providing short learning programmes to address critical skills shortages within the security sector.
Launching the CGSS
As part of the launch proceedings, and to demonstrate its commitment to collaborative solutions, the CGSS signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), a leading Pan-African policy and research organisation. The purpose of the MoU is to explore and strengthen cooperation in the following areas related to security:
- Research
- Academic courses and pedagogy
- Technical assistance
- Capacity building and training
- Implementation support to South Africa and other states in Southern Africa, as well as Pan-African organisations including the Southern African Development Community (SADC)
- Fact-finding and risk/vulnerability assessments
From left to right: Prof. Dumi Moyo, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Prof. Barend L. Prinsloo, Director of the CGSS (Humanities); Prof. Linda du Plessis, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning; Prof. John Melkon, Extraordinary Professor in the CGSS.
The signing of the MoU between the CGSS and the ISS
The MoU was formally signed by Prof. Linda du Plessis, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, on behalf of NWU, and Dr. Fonteh Akum, Executive Director of the ISS, on behalf of the Institute. The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both institutions.
The establishment of the CGSS, alongside its partnership with the ISS, marks a significant milestone in strengthening research, academic collaboration, and policy support for peace and security efforts across South Africa, Southern Africa, and the wider continent. The ISS is an independent, continent-wide think tank with regional offices in Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Dakar (Senegal), and Nairobi (Kenya). It also maintains staff presences in Abuja (Nigeria), Bamako (Mali), Abidjan (Côte d’Ivoire), Ndjamena (Chad), and Yaoundé (Cameroon). Through its evidence-based policy advice, technical support, capacity development initiatives, and solutions-driven policy dialogues, the ISS continues to promote human security and contribute to a stable and peaceful Africa in which its people may prosper.
Front row (left to right): Prof. Dumi Moyo, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Prof. Linda du Plessis, Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Dr. Fonteh Akum, Executive Director of the ISS, Prof. Jeffrey Mphahlele, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation
Back row (left to right): Prof. Barend L. Prinsloo, Director of the CGSS (Humanities), Prof. Mirna Nel, Deputy Dean: Research and Innovation (Humanities), Prof Herculene Kotzé, Deputy Dean: Community Engagement, Business Development and Stakeholder Relations (Humanities), Mr. Martin Ewi, Regional Organised Crime Observatory Coordinator, ENACT Programme (ISS), Mr. Eric Pelser, Head of the ENACT Programme on Transnational Organised Crime (ISS), Mr. Willem Els, Senior Training Coordinator, ENACT Programme (ISS)