29/03/2026
🕯️On behalf of the African Policy Circle (APC), we extend our deepest condolences on the untimely passing of Steven Gruzd, Head of the African Governance and Diplomacy Programme at the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA).
Steve was a thought leader in foreign policy and governance, and a pillar of the APC family as a key member of our Steering Committee. His strategic insight, intellectual courage and unwavering commitment to a just, peaceful and well-governed Africa shaped many of the ideas, dialogues and policy proposals that APC has championed in recent years. His passing leaves a profound void in our collective efforts to advance democratic governance and principled diplomacy on the continent.
We share in the grief of his family, friends, and colleagues at South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), and we stand in solidarity with all who had the privilege of learning from and working alongside him. As APC, we will honour Steve’s memory by carrying forward the work to which he devoted his life: building resilient institutions, nurturing ethical leadership, and promoting informed, evidence-based public policy across Africa.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire present and future generations of African scholars, policymakers and activists.
