My vision for the future of research at UP and how I will contribute to this development
South African scholars have the potential to challenge theory and practice being developed in the global north that affect complex social issues on the continent. Particularly in the area of peacebuilding, there is increasing critique about the ways in which current practice and policy is compounding rather than resolving the problems we face.The University of Pretoria is particularly well situated to shape theory and practice in this area for several reasons. Firstly, Pretoria is the diplomatic capital and we have access to high level meetings, organisations and people. Much of the policy related to peace on the continent is developed and debated here in Pretoria. Secondly, students from all over the continent come to our University, and many of those in the Political Science programme go on to work in domains that have the potential to directly shape policy across the continent. Thirdly, South Africa plays an important role on the continent, and our own South African students have the potential to powerfully influence policy in the country, region, continent and internationally. I would like to see the University of Pretoria becoming a centre for shaping research, policy and practice in the area of peacebuilding on the continent. My own role in mentoring and developing our postgraduate students is a central part of this.