STIAS was founded in 1999 by Stellenbosch University with the intention to develop it as an independent and national institute. During the initial stage (1999 to 2007) the Institute functioned as part of the University structure, reporting to the Vice-Rector: Research. In 2007 a not-for-profit (Section 21) company was established to prepare the ground for the staged transfer of functions and responsibilities to the Company as a separate legal entity. Stellenbosch University is a member of the Company, but as a national and independent institute, STIAS is governed by its own Board of Directors.

Board of Directors

Mr. Desmond Smith (Chair): Director of Companies
Prof. Russel Botman: Vice-Chancellor, Stellenbosch University
Prof. Mzamo Mangaliso: President, NRF
Prof. Dan Brändström: Former Director, Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation
Dr. Cheryl de la Rey: CeO, Council for Higher Education
Prof. Christof Heyns: Dean, Law Faculty, University of Pretoria, former Director of the Centre for Human Rights
Prof. Bernard Lategan: former Director of STIAS
Prof. Hendrik Geyer: Director of STIAS

For the development of the research program of the Institute, the Director is assisted internally by a Research Committee and by an international panel of experts.

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