The main aims and activities of SAAPS are to:

• Perform an educational function by promoting knowledge and understanding of national and international political affairs through teaching, workshops, discussion and study groups, seminars, conferences, publications and research;
• Encourage contact and stimulate relationships among individuals and Institutions concerned with the systematic study of national and international political affairs;
• Perform empowerment functions through a special emphasis on the encouragement and facilitation of emerging and student scholarship.