MISTRA Monthly Briefing #17 reports on the launch conference that marked the completion of MISTRA’s research project on  “South Africa and the Global Hydrogen Economy: The Strategic Role of Platinum Group Metals”.  We also report on the forthcoming release of the African Transformation Report compiled by the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET), to be launched in partnership with MISTRA in November 2013.

And we report on a panel discussion and conference jointly hosted by MISTRA, the Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI) and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) on African State-Formation and Bureaucracy in Comparative Perspective.  We also report on a skaftin session with Dr. Fatima Ferraz and Ms. Lynda Mujakachi on methods of policy implementation and sustainability guidelines.

Included in this issue is a range of media articles produced by MISTRA staff on topical issues.  Including “The Promise of a Sunrise Industry” and “All that glitters may be platinum” by Joel Netshitenzhe, “Beyond Mining: the Strategic Role of Platinum Group Metals” by Wilson Manganyi, “Awaiting Spontaneous Mayhem?” by David Maimela, and “There is more to Mugabe than 89 years” by Dr Mcebisi Ndletyana.

MISTRA is also pleased to welcome Luvo Mfeya who joins us as Finance Officer, Nkoe Arnold Montja who has been appointed as an Intern in the Faculty of Knowledge and Scientific Advancement, Lindiwe Makgalemele from Roedean School who visited MISTRA for her work experience.  MISTRA is also pleased to announce the graduation of Molly Gilder, an intern in MISTRA’s Operations Directorate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from UNISA.