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Centre for Capacity Development in Africa

The Centre for Capacity Development in Africa (CCDA) supports the development of the African continent and its people by developing new and emerging scholars in Africa. It does this by connecting scholars globally and creating opportunities for research and Higher Education teaching and learning development.

The Centre works through three key units:

  • The African Doctoral Academy (ADA): Since 2009, the ADA has hosted annual Doctoral Schools focused on research design, methodology, and academic preparedness.
  • The Stellenbosch University Unit for International Credentialing (SU-UIC): This Unit quality assures international school examinations and evaluates SU’s internal policies for admitting students with foreign qualifications into undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.
  • The Unit for International Higher Education in Africa Research (U-IHEAR): Focused on advancing research in international higher education within Africa.

The CCDA collaborates closely with the Centre for Collaboration in Africa (CCA) to identify strategic partners and opportunities. It is committed to providing high-quality, affordable, and competency-based education to support transdisciplinary development from pre-doctoral to post-doctoral levels.

photo of the ADA winter school programme
Image by: Ignus

African Doctoral Academy

The African Doctoral Academy (ADA), serves to coordinate and strengthen excellence in doctoral education at Stellenbosch University (SU) and across the African continent.
People sitting in a conference venue with two presenters at the font of the room
Image by: Ignus

Unit for International Higher Education in Africa Research

Advancing research in international higher education within Africa.
Group photo of a delegation from Lesotho signing an MOU with Ecol
Image by: Ignus

SU-Unit for International Credentialing

This Unit quality assures international school examinations and evaluates SU’s internal policies for admitting students with foreign qualifications into undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

Meet the team

Photo of Sarah Howie
Image by: Ignus
Prof Sarah Howie
Director: Centre for Capacity Development in Africa
+27 21 808 9032
Photo of Natalie
Image by: Ignus
Dr Natalie Kowalik
Programme Manager: African Doctoral Academy
Photo of Mia Andersen
Image by: Ignus
Ms Mia Andersen
Coordinator: Unit for International Credentialling
+27 21 808 9058
Floor 3, Krotoa Building, 15 Victoria Street Stellenbosch
Photo of Brent
Dr Brent Abrahams
Coordinator: Emerging Scholars Initiative
+27 21 808 3542
Floor 3, Krotoa Building, 15 Victoria Street Stellenbosch
Photo of Francois Viljoen
Mr Francois Viljoen
Coordinator: SUI-Online Learning Designer
+27 21 808 9420
Floor 3 , Krotoa Building , 15 Victoria Street Stellenbosch
Photo of Alrecia
Ms Alrecia Abrahams
Administration Officer: Centre for Capacity Development in Africa (CCDA)
+27 21 808 4281
Floor 3, Krotoa Building, 15 Victoria Street Stellenbosch
Photo of Kamogelo
Mr Kamogelo Matenchi
Coordinator: SU - Unit for International Credentialling
+27 21 808 3399
Floor 3, Krotoa Building, 15 Victoria Street Stellenbosch
Photo of Edgar
Mr Edgar Rinquest
Finance Administrator: CCDA & Short Courses
+27 21 808 4312
Floor 3, Krotoa Building, 15 Victoria Street Stellenbosch