The University of Mpumalanga (UMP) has strengthened its national and continental research agenda through an agreement signed on 19 February 2026 with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), focused on advancing policy-relevant scholarship, inclusivity, capacity development and societal impact.
The agreement reflects a shared commitment to translating research into practical, evidence-based solutions that respond to Africa’s development priorities and broader transformation agenda. It also reinforces UMP’s vision of positioning itself as a comprehensive African university dedicated to innovation, sustainability and community-responsive scholarship.
During the engagement, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, Prof Aldo Stroebel, emphasised the importance of establishing a partnership focused on meaningful collaboration and effective implementation.
“This partnership is not symbolic. It is grounded in common intent and a shared strategy for the future,” he said. “We are deliberate about building depth and ownership, and about ensuring that monitoring and implementation mechanisms are in place from the outset.”
Prof Stroebel emphasised that the Faculty of Economic Development and Business Sciences will coordinate and oversee the implementation of the agreement, ensuring that it delivers measurable outcomes. The collaboration will span research advancement, professional development, public engagement, knowledge exchange, resource optimisation and funding mobilisation.
“We must create a clear, day-to-day implementation plan and ensure that this agreement translates into tangible impact,” he added.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Thanjiwe Meyiwa said the agreement marked an important opportunity to collaborate with an institution that has played a leading role in shaping South Africa’s research landscape and public discourse.
“By partnering with a research giant such as the HSRC, we are ensuring that our solutions are grounded in evidence-based research and shaped by people with lived experiences, so that we do not produce white-elephant solutions but meaningful, practical interventions,” she said.
She noted that the partnership allows UMP to draw on extensive expertise and longitudinal studies to develop solutions that speak directly to the lived realities of communities.
Prof Meyiwa highlighted UMP’s commitment to addressing local social challenges through rigorous research that is inclusive and grounded in lived experience. She added that strategic partnerships such as this enable the University to build on existing research priorities, avoid duplication and strengthen both the quality and reach of its scholarly outputs.
Driving Evidence-Based Innovation and Youth Development
Chief Executive Officer of the HSRC, Prof Sarah Mosoetsa, described the partnership as a strong alignment of vision and purpose at a time when South Africa reflects on three decades of democracy and looks ahead to the next phase of development and innovation.
“It is an honour to be here at such a significant moment,” she said. “As we celebrate 30 years of democracy, we must ensure that our institutions remain focused on innovation, development and taking Africa forward.”
Prof Mosoetsa stressed that Memoranda of Understanding must be operationalised through clear guidelines, defined responsibilities and measurable success criteria.
“MoUs must not become photo opportunities. They must be living instruments that drive strategy and advance Africa’s agenda,” she said. “Our collaboration with UMP is underpinned by shared values, strategic alignment and a commitment to inclusive development.”
The MoU outlines key areas of collaboration, including science communication, data and knowledge management, postgraduate co-supervision, internship opportunities, mentorship programmes for emerging scholars, and targeted development initiatives for women and youth. The partnership will also see the co-hosting of the African Undergraduates and Scientists Conference from 10–12 March, further positioning UMP as a hub for continental research dialogue.
Central to the agreement is the shared use of research infrastructure and longitudinal data to inform policymaking and identify emerging research gaps. Prof Mosoetsa emphasised that research must be translated into policy and practice to benefit citizens.
“Research must not remain on shelves. It must inform decisions and contribute to real change in society,” she said. “Our researchers are prepared to share their expertise and mentor emerging scholars. This is about paying it forward and strengthening research-practice links.”
Discussions also explored the ethical use of artificial intelligence in higher education and research. Participants agreed that AI should serve as a tool to enhance, rather than replace, critical thinking and academic integrity. The partnership will therefore include the development of governance mechanisms and ethical frameworks to guide responsible AI integration within teaching and research environments.
Through structured mentorship, collaborative policy brief development and joint dissemination of findings to academic, policymaker and public audiences, the UMP–HSRC partnership seeks to ensure that research outputs are translated into actionable interventions addressing pressing social challenges, including unemployment, inequality and climate vulnerability.
The formalisation of the MoU marks the beginning of a structured, impact-driven partnership designed to strengthen research excellence, promote inclusive growth and advance evidence-based policymaking for the benefit of South Africa and the continent.