The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their partnership in research and academic activities.
The MoU, signed by HSRC CEO Prof Sarah Mosoetsa and UMP Vice-Chancellor Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa, aims to promote collaborative research, capacity-building, and knowledge-sharing between the two institutions.
The partnership will involve a range of collaborative activities, including co-designing and implementing applied research projects to address community and development challenges; engaging with government departments to create employment, alleviate poverty, and foster social cohesion; and participating in multi-stakeholder science-policy-society platforms. 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.
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.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, Prof Mosoetsa indicated that the MoU signing ceremony is a significant milestone, taking place at a pivotal moment for the country and the continent.
“It is a moment to pause and celebrate the achievements of 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. These are the key drivers that inform the HSRC decision to embark on this journey with UMP,” said Prof Mosoetsa.
Reflecting on this significant research partnership endeavour, Prof Meyiwa highlighted that the MoU between UMP and HSRC is about translating research into real change, not research that remains in papers and policies, but research that transforms the lives of youth, Mpumalanga, and the African continent.
“By partnering with a research giant such as the HSRC, we are ensuring that our solutions are grounded in evidence-based research and shaped by people with lived experiences, so that we do not produce white-elephant solutions but meaningful, practical interventions,” said Meyiwa.
The partnership is expected to enhance research output, promote policy engagement, and contribute to Africa’s development.
