In April 2009, sixteen government and military officials from Southern Sudan embarked on a three-year program in Development and Leadership Studies at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.

The aim of the program is to prepare Southern Sudanese officials for future leadership positions. In their studies, students will focus on development, leadership, strategic and policy studies, international relations, conflict management, and other important topics.

The program is funded through Africa Educational Trust (AET) from London and implemented by the department of Development Studies at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

Since the students already hold posts in the government and military structures of Southern Sudan, they will spend two months annually in Port Elizabeth attending classes, while for the remaining time lecturers and staff will communicate with them over the internet, video conferencing, and lecturing in Southern Sudan.

As the future of Southern Sudan depends on having educated and competent leadership capable of planning and managing coherent strategic policies, this program will play an important role in developing qualified personnel within the structures of the government of Southern Sudan.