
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and the National Foundations Dialogue Initiative (NFDI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This partnership will formalise and strengthen collaboration opportunities in areas of research development and public dialogue in South Africa.
The two organisations agreed to sign a partnership agreement to collaborate in hosting national dialogues that explore how best to foster communication across different spheres (for example, those of the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary; government and civil society; the public and private sectors) within the framework of the Constitution.
According to the HSRC’s Executive Director of the Democracy, Governance and Service Delivery (DGSD) research programme, Professor Narnia Bohler-Muller, the HSRC seeks to collaborate with the NFDI and dialogue participants in a way that informs and empowers communities with topical data to equip citizens to engage with organs of state and other authorities and institutions that are accountable to communities.
“One of our key aims is to facilitate a process of citizen engagement with local government to improve service delivery,” she added.
While the HSRC is a statutory research institution within the Republic of South Africa, the NFDI is a partnership among various foundations, which include the Chief Albert Luthuli, FW de Klerk, Jakes Gerwel, Thabo Mbeki, Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe Trust, Helen Suzman, Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy, Umlambo and Kgalema Motlanthe Foundations.
These foundations bear the names of illustrious South Africans, past and present, who have dedicated their lives to the achievement of freedom and democracy in our land. The MoU was signed at the HSRC Building, Pretoria CBD.
Click here to read published article on the partnership.