Since April this year, SUJC has been running an intern and mentorship programme aimed at cultivating a next generation of scholars and researchers on Japan and Japan-Africa relations.
The Japan-Africa Young Scholars Initiative is supported by a grant from the Toshiba International Foundation.
A dynamic team makes up the 2023 cohort of young scholars. They are (in alphabetical order):
Cüneyt Aksoy
Qualification: BA in International Relations, Uludag University, Turkey
Current study: MA (Political Science), Stellenbosch University
Research interests: China and Japan’s security policies in Africa, Japanese foreign and security policies
Jacques Quass De Vos
Qualification: BCom (International Business), Stellenbosch University
Research interests: Development Economics, International Economics, Public Finance, Global Political Economy
Kanon Mori
Current study: BA (Humanities), Stellenbosch University
Research interests: Revolve around the concept of coexistence, particularly from sociological and anthropological perspectives and how diverse communities navigate and foster harmonious relationships.
Inge Odendaal
Qualifications: MA (Political Science), Stellenbosch University
BA (Hons) (International Studies), Stellenbosch University
BA (International Studies), Stellenbosch University
Current research interests: Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a focus on utilizing technology to improve outcomes in governance, health systems, and education; AI for Africa; collaboration and cooperation for sustainable development.
Gerhard van Niekerk
Qualifications: BA (Social Dynamics), Stellenbosch University
BA (Hons) International Studies, Stellenbosch University
Current study: MA (International Studies), Stellenbosch University
Research interests: Asia-Africa International Political Economy