BuaNews (Tshwane)
23 January 2008
Bhisho — Research and the formulation of well-designed social policies are critical and urgently needed by countries in the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
Speaking at the University of Fort Hare on Wednesday on social policy seminar themed "Social Policy in Southern Africa: Exploring a New Research Agenda", Social Development Minister Zola Skweyiya said the department was looking to the academics and researchers of the University to commit themselves in this initiative.
"We look up to them to produce and provide research that informs policy development and policy choices made by our governments and departments.
"More importantly, we trust that the University of Fort Hare will build and strengthen this social policy initiative, make it grow into a centre of excellence in the region on matters of social policy," Mr Skweyiya said.
He added: "We expect the university to take its rightful place and contribute in the creation of knowledge that has a direct positive impact on the lives of the poor in the region, in the continent and the world."
The minister said all the relevant stakeholders needed to bear in mind that whether it was government, civil society organizations, or researchers and academic institutions, all these stakeholders had a common bond that "binds all of us together."
"This connection and link between all of us draws its essence from the work we do and the passion we share.
"This passion and work must create platforms to realize a better life for all, to improve the quality of life of all people of the continent, the region and our respective countries," said Mr Skweyiya.
The minister said the analysis and conclusions drawn by researchers and academics should help inform the development of social policies and implementation.
"We must concern ourselves with the question of whether our solutions are related in a direct manner to our real social context facing the continent," he said.
Mr Skweyiya added that the fact that this discussion took place at the University of Fort Hare was a profound meaning.
He said being the oldest historically black university in the Southern Africa, Fort Hare's history was intertwined with the anti-colonial struggle and the fight of human dignity in the African continent.
"From its beginning in 1916, this institution has a line of renowned sons and daughters of the continent who subsequently emerged as advocates for the self-determination of their respective countries and the liberty of their own fellow citizens," the minister said.
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