PASGR signs MoU with HSRC

The Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). The MoU  formalized collaboration  between the two organizations in areas of research and capacity strengthening. The ceremony took place in at Premier Hotel & Resorts International in Pretoria, South Africa.

“This MoU mirrors PASGR’s strategic expansion as a Pan-African organization thereby collaborating with HSRC is a gateway to accessing the Southern African region of the continent,” said Dr Mveyange Executive Director, PASGR during his opening remarks.

Making sure that our work in building and advancing research PASGR aims to strengthen evidence -informed policymaking and capacity sharing for public policy and governance in Africa. This partnership will ensure that our impactful work in building and advancing research and training capacity and public policy and governance in Africa is reaching to many other institutions in the continent.

Speaking during the ceremony Dr. Sekhejane, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at HSRC, mentioned that the MoU is a demonstration of commitment among the two organisations to drive impact in South Africa and the region and looks forward to furthering not only research and capacity development but also ensuring that both organizations can come together and work in a Pan-African spirit.  She added that “this will ensure that we collectively reach out and work with policymakers, practitioners, academia, civil societies and private sector”

At the core of its mission, PASGR strives to advance research excellence for governance and public policy in Africa; working in partnership with individual academics and researchers, higher education institutions, research think tanks, civil society organizations, private sector, business and regional policy communities across Africa. HSRC’s core business is to conduct large-scale, policy-relevant, social-scientific projects for public-sector users, non-governmental organizations, and international development agencies, forming partnerships with researchers globally, but specifically in Africa.

The MoU will also allow the partner institutions to develop and implement joint research projects in areas of common interest, and mobilize resources and support joint efforts towards implementation of agreed projects activities. “This partnership with PASGR bares a lot of potential to be transformative and be inclusive as far as the developmental trajectory of Africa and its policies are concerned,” concluded Dr. Sekhjane.

Speaking during the ceremony, The Acting HSRC CEO, Prof. Leickness Simbayi mentioned that he welcomes the opportunity to work together with PASGR as he sees a lot of complimentary synergy between the two organisations especially in building capacity and deriving policy impact on the continent.

“Together we can and will build the Africa we want,” said Dr. Mveyange in his closing remarks. He also remarked that in an effort to build effective partnerships for enhanced capacity and strategic cooperation around mutual interest, PASGR shall continue to work together with strategic partners like HSRC to realize its vision and mission.