The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed under the theme Strengthening Strategic Research Partnerships for Inclusive Development and Innovation, lays the foundation for long-term collaboration in research, policy development, capacity building and innovation that supports inclusive national development.
UMP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, said the partnership supports the University's mission to produce research that delivers meaningful societal impact. "As one of South Africa's fastest-growing universities, we are committed to producing research that responds to real-world challenges, transforms society and contributes to inclusive growth and innovation," she said.
Professor Meyiwa emphasised that higher education institutions have a responsibility to ensure research extends beyond academic publications to influence policy, improve practice and strengthen communities. "Today marks the beginning of implementation. We are moving from conversations to action, and we look forward to seeing this partnership create opportunities for our researchers, our students and the communities we serve."
She added that the collaboration will include joint research projects, publications, policy briefs and capacity-building initiatives that will strengthen both institutions while contributing to national development.
Chairperson of the Kagiso Trust Board, Dean Zwoitwaho Nevhutalu, said the organisation has spent almost four decades investing in community development through education, socio-economic development, local governance and active citizenship. "We believe partnerships between universities and development organisations create opportunities to generate knowledge that delivers meaningful and sustainable impact," he said.
Dean Nevhutalu added that the partnership brings together Kagiso Trust's practical development experience and UMP's academic expertise to undertake collaborative research, support innovation and provide students with opportunities to engage with real development challenges.
Reflecting on Kagiso Trust's previous collaborations with universities, he added: "The true success of this partnership will not be measured by today's signing, but by the research we produce, the problems we solve, the policies we influence and the lives we improve in the years ahead."
The partnership launch brought together delegates to examine how the Fourth Industrial Revolution can drive inclusive growth and shared prosperity in South Africa.
Research Seminar Explores Inclusive 4IR Opportunities
Following the signing ceremony, delegates participated in a research seminar exploring how South Africa can harness the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) while ensuring inclusive participation and sustainable economic growth.UMP Dean of the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Professor July Sibanyoni, highlighted the role of universities in preparing graduates for an increasingly digital society.
"As technology continues to reshape society, universities must equip students to think critically, adapt to change and contribute meaningfully to the digital economy. Through partnerships such as this, we can address barriers to technological advancement while ensuring that no community is left behind," he said.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Mankodi Moitse, Chief Executive Officer at Kagiso Trust, presented findings from the journal article, Barriers to Effectively Leveraging Opportunities in the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A South African Perspective.
The research identified barriers including uneven digital infrastructure, high data costs, limited digital literacy, policy gaps and resistance to adopting emerging technologies, particularly in rural and marginalised communities.
"Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration across government, higher education institutions, industry and civil society," he said. "The Fourth Industrial Revolution must be inclusive if we are to ensure that technological progress creates opportunities for all South Africans rather than widening existing inequalities."
Responding to the presentation, Professor Andrew Maredza, Associate Professor in UMP's Faculty of Economic, Development and Business Sciences, said South Africa must move beyond adopting technology developed elsewhere and become a creator of innovation through stronger research, skills development and strategic partnerships.
Providing a second academic response, Dr Woudi Von Solms, Marketing and Business Lecturer at UMP, reminded delegates that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is ultimately about people rather than technology.
"Technology can only transform society if it reaches our communities," she said, adding that inclusive technological advancement requires coordinated efforts to improve digital access, strengthen education systems and equip communities with the skills needed to participate meaningfully in the evolving economy.
The event concluded with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to translating research into action through collaborative projects, policy engagement, innovation initiatives and community-centred development programmes.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures by JB Creative Cinema. Copyright © UMP.