The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) was inaugurated by President Nelson Mandela in 1996, three years after he won the Nobel Peace Prize. It was formed in response to the need for an academy of science congruent with the dawn of democracy in South Africa – an activist in the mission of using science for the benefit of society. ASSAf was host to TWAS's 11th General Conference and 20th General Meeting Durban, South Africa, in 2009. As of 2015, ASSAf is also the host of TWAS's Regional Office for sub-Saharan Africa.