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By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) have signed a memorandum of understanding to promote collaborative research, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing.
The MoU, signed in Mbombela by HSRC CEO Professor Sarah Mosoetsa and UMP Vice-Chancellor Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, formalises cooperation in research and academic activities.
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The institutions said the partnership will include co-designing and implementing applied research projects to address community and development challenges.
They will also engage with government departments to create employment, alleviate poverty, and foster social cohesion.
“Capacity-building initiatives will include mentorship programmes for postgraduate students and early-career researchers, postgraduate co-supervision, internship opportunities, and workshops on research writing, methodology, and policy communication,” they said.
“Additionally, the institutions will jointly host the Africa Young Graduates and Scholars (AYGS) Conference, providing research capacity strengthening via pre-conference training and post-conference engagement.”
Mosoetsa, speaking after the ceremony, said the signing was a “significant milestone” at a pivotal moment for South Africa and the continent, and also a moment to celebrate 30 years of democracy.
“It is also not just a ceremonial signing of an MoU but a partnership of like-minded institutions with an aligned vision of development, capacity building, and innovation,” said Mosoetsa.
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“These are the key drivers that inform the HSRC decision to embark on this journey with UMP.”
Meyiwa said the partnership aims to ensure research has tangible impact.
The partnership was about “translating research into real change, not research that remains in papers and policies, but research that transforms the lives of youth and the African continent,” Meyiwa said.
Meyiwa said the collaboration with the HSRC would help ensure solutions “are grounded in evidence-based research and shaped by people with lived experiences,” in order to “not produce white-elephant solutions but meaningful, practical interventions”.
