The School of Public Leadership at Stellenbosch University (SU) recently signed an important memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Centre (CAACC) in Gaborone, Botswana. The CAACC was established through a partnership between the government of Botswana, the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

During the signing ceremony at the Belville Park Campus, Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies at SU, along with Prof Michael Graham, Vice-Dean for Research at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, and Prof Zwelinzima Ndevu, Director of the School of Public Leadership, hosted Mrs Erica Ndlovu from the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Crime (DCEC) in Botswana, Mr Mogolodi Sonic Rantsetse, Centre Manager of CAACC, and Mrs Lerato Dube, Communication and Political Affairs Coordinator of CAACC.

The partnership, led by Prof Pregala Solosh Pillay on behalf of the Anti-Corruption Centre for Education and Research (ACCERUS) within the School of Public Leadership, focuses on several strategic priorities, including sharing good practices and expanding knowledge in the fight against corruption, organising joint conferences and workshops, exchanging professional publications, facilitating the identification of subject-matter experts, designing training activities on anti-corruption and exploring other academic and research endeavours of mutual interest.

Moyo emphasised the University's commitment to promoting a corruption-free society through education, research and social impact, and she expressed how this partnership aligns with SU's vision and mission. Graham showcased the importance of pioneering research on anti-corruption and supporting new African knowledge systems, while Ndevu highlighted the collaborative effort's potential to contribute to a prosperous future for African countries and the continent in line with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

ACCERUS aims to become a regional Centre of Excellence in Anti-Corruption and is actively engaged in the African Anti-Corruption Research Network of the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption.