The Africa Institute of South Africa was established in April 1960. It is an autonomous body, incorporated under the Companies Act as a non-profit association, and administered by a Council presided over by the Chancellor of the University of South Africa, Dr F. J. de Villiers. The Council is composed of representatives of the South African universities, the South African Academy of Science and Arts, and other interested bodies. The chief executive officer is the Director, Professor P. F. D. Weiss, who is also chairman of the Council of the University College at Fort Hare. Its headquarters are at the University of South Africa, in Pretoria.