I am extremely fortunate and privileged in having been granted three months’ sabbatical at the beginning of 2026. Most of you will know that I lecture and also head a small administrative team in International Relations at a local University in central Switzerland. A sabbatical is typically a leave of absence, relieving lecturers from regular teaching and administrative duties to focus on professional development activities, including travelling or writing. I will be doing both.

For me, what this means is a deeply personal journey into the past, starting in Southern Africa. My sabbatical will take me back to my roots, to where I was born and raised on the eastern coast of South Africa, where I lived till I was almost sixteen, to a story of a long and epic journey on the Atlantic Ocean with my father, mother and three brothers, ending with where I am today. I am thankful. I am filled with gratitude.

Dates:
I applied in late May 2025 and was lucky to be approved in June 2025.