Pretoria, South Africa

Established in 2000, the Good Governance Programme is a series of short courses, presented each year on the campus of the University of Pretoria in South Africa, dealing with issues related to good governance, with a special focus on the needs in the Southern African sub-region. The Human Rights in Africa course places a strong emphasis on the importance of regional human rights norms and its application in Africa.


The course covers issues such as:

• a general introduction to human rights law and the role-players in the development and enforcement of human rights norms in Africa;
• the United Nations System and organs responsible for the enforcement of human rights norms, and their role in Africa;
• global and regional human rights treaties and their status in Africa;
• comparative analysis of the European Human Rights System, the Inter-American Human Rights System and the African Human Rights System; and
• a critical evaluation of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights as well as the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

Click here for more information about the course.

Courses are primarily designed for governmental officials, non-governmental organisation managers and staff, as well as academics from Southern Africa. A total of 20 - 25 participants are usually admitted to each course. Applications should be submitted at least one month prior to the starting date of the course. Admission will be on a competitive basis and the admission criteria will include working experience, academic qualifications, and the levels of commitment and professionalism displayed through experience. In respect of South African candidates, special consideration will be given to the advancement of potential applicants from previously disadvantaged groups. Tuition fee is R6000. Accommodation is not included.


Applications can be made either by e-mail, by regular mail or by fax. Applications should include:

• curriculum vitae;
• two letters of recommendation;
• covering letter stating why the applicant would like to participate in this course; and
• application for scholarship (if applicable).

Click here to download the application form in PDF format.