The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) is an African organisation which aims to enhance human security on the continent. The vision of the ISS is a peaceful and prosperous Africa for all its people. The Institute for Security Studies (ISS) works with partners to build knowledge and skills that enable sustainable peace, development and prosperity in Africa. The ISS is independent, credible and has a reputation for delivering impact locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.
ISS Office Locations
Established in 1991, the ISS is Africa’s leading multidisciplinary human security organisation, with a unique operational model that combines research, policy analysis, technical assistance and training. Using our networks and influence, we provide timely and credible analysis, practical training and technical assistance to governments and civil society. ISS financial records and development partners are published in the Annual Review.
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Headquartered in Pretoria, South Africa, the organisation has regional offices in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Dakar, Senegal and Nairobi, Kenya.
The institute was originally established as the Institute for Defence Policy in 1991 by Jakkie Cilliers and PB Mertz. The ISS was founded in 1991 as the Institute for Defence Policy by the former executive director, Dr Jakkie Cilliers, together with Mr PB Mertz. The development of the ISS would not have been possible without the support of partners from South Africa and the international community.
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The Institute for Security Studies, also known as ISS or ISS Africa (to distinguish itself from other similarly named institutes in other parts of the world), described itself as follows: "an African organisation which aims to enhance human security on the continent.
ISS Logo
The ISS collaborates with government and civil society at national, regional, continental and international levels. ISS is a regional partner of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and they are currently working together on the implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC). The Institute for Security Studies has engaged with the African Union on various platforms. ISS was a research partner with the African Union Commission in the Year of Peace and Security in 2010.
Areas of Focus
Our work covers African futures, transnational crimes, climate change, migration, maritime security and development, peacekeeping, peacebuilding, crime prevention and criminal justice, and the analysis of conflict and governance. Here's a brief overview of some key areas:
- Africa in the world: ISS analyses the dynamics that shape Africa’s role in the world and advises on how to strengthen the continent’s position on global human security issues.
- African futures: Comprehensive forecasts help governments and development partners set the course for a prosperous continent.
- Climate change and human security: ISS explores climate insecurity and its links to resource conflicts, corruption and organised crime.
- Gender equality: ISS considers the gendered nature of insecurity and promotes the need for gender equality.
- Governance, peace and security: ISS promotes national, regional and continental governance processes that are accountable, equitable and inclusive.
- National and transnational crime and violence: ISS examines transnational organised crime, corruption and violent extremism and the links between these threats.
Key Projects and Initiatives
African Futures Project
The African Futures project is spearheaded by founder, Jakkie Cilliers and aims to use extensive data to build forecasts that help governments and development partners to develop long-term strategies. A data platform features integrated projections for 14 sectors, covering all African countries and regions.
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Who Owns What? Database
In 2010, the Corruption and Governance programme of the Institute for Security Studies launched the Who Owns What? database. This is an extensive, open-source database of disclosure forms of the assets and interests of South African politicians, in an effort to increase transparency of public officials.
The ISS Approach
The ISS is invested in and committed to the continent. We partner with those who can improve policy and practice. The ISS is independent, credible and has a reputation for delivering impact locally, nationally, regionally and internationally.
ISS Approach
Leadership
Dr Jakkie Cilliers is the founder and former executive director of the ISS. He currently serves as Chair of the ISS Board of Trustees, Head of ISS' African Futures and Innovation (AFI) programme, and Extraordinary Professor at the University of Pretoria.
Board of Trustees
- Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba is an Executive Director of Discovery Limited.
- Cassim Coovadia is Chairman of the National Business Initiative, the Trust for Urban Housing Finance (TUHF) and FinmarkTrust.
- Prof Gilbert M Khadiagala is Emeritus Professor of International Relations at the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
- Dr Iraj Abedian is the founder and Chairman of Pan-African Capital Holdings and founder and CEO of Pan-African Investment and Research Services.
- Lindiwe Mazibuko is a South African public leader, writer and advocate for ethical political leadership.
- Dr Marianne Camerer is an interdisciplinary scholar at the University of Cape Town's Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance working on anti-corruption, democratic governance and accountable leadership.
- Dr Solange Rosa is Director of the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town's (UCT) Graduate School of Business.
- Dr Wendy Ngoma is the former acting deputy director-general for institutional planning and support at the Department of Science and Innovation.
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