Since the last issue, MISTRA has sought to improve the content as well as the ‘look and feel’ of the newsletter; hence some delay in publishing this issue.
Contained in this publication are reports on the many strategic reflections including roundtables, policy dialogues, lectures and conferences that MISTRA has undertaken in the past three months, as well as media articles by members of the MISTRA family. The Institute hosted a conference on Seeking the Ethical Foundations of the South African Nation and also participated in the Harambee Youth Employment Conference in September 2016. Our Council of Advisors member, Dr. Adrian Enthoven presented the annual Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Lecture at the University of Stellenbosch and MISTRA’s Head of Humanity Faculty, Ambassador Abba Omar, participated in a policy dialogue series on Money in the Electoral Process which was held in Namibia. Among the presentations made by the Executive Director, Joel Netshitenzhe in this period are the Tshisimani Lecture on State Formation and State Capture, ABSIP Conference Address on Economic Transformation for Social Change and Keynote Contribution at the recent Science Forum South Africa on ‘The Role of Social Sciences and Critical Reflection in Shaping South Africa’s and Africa’s Future.’
In this period, MISTRA jointly hosted a policy dialogue on Social Cohesion with the Department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. There were also two roundtables on South Africa’s Transition towards a Low Carbon Economy and Platinum Group Metals and Fuel Cells Application.
MISTRA researchers in their individual capacities also engage on current affairs. In this issue, we share with you some of the media articles. David Maimela, a Researcher in the Political Economy Faculty, reflects on the ‘Fees Must Fall’ protests and Duduetsang Mokoele, Researcher in the Knowledge Economy and Scientific Advancement (KESA) Faculty, reflects on ‘Youth Activism and Political Participation’ in light of the African Millennial Dialogue Research Report. Asanda Luwaca, Assistant Researcher in the Humanity Faculty reflects on the ‘Eastern Cape’s Education Crisis,’ while Zamanzima Mazibuko, Researcher in the KESA Faculty, reflects on ‘South Africa’s Progress on the Beneficiation of its Minerals.’
We are also pleased to announce two book launches since our last newsletter: The Great Recession and its Implications for Human Values: Lesson for Africa, and The Emergence of Systems of Innovation in South(ern) Africa: Long Histories and Contemporary Debates.
The Mapungubwe Institute Annual Report for the 2015/16 financial year was released during the month of September 2016.
