Mar
19
MISTRA to Pose Tough Questions for Government and Nation
March 19, 2011 | 1 Comment
Speaking at Day 1 of the launch conference of the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA), executive director Joel Netshitenzhe revealed the strategic goals and aggressive research objectives of the new organisation. Many of MISTRA’s proposed research questions, given their controversial nature, have the potential to tweak the nerve ends and shake up the agendas of current political leaders.
“MISTRA characterises itself as progressive,” explains Netshitenzhe. “We will seek to advance South Africa’s paradigm of thinking and reservoir of knowledge within a wide range of disciplines.”
The institute will be “South African in focus, but international in outlook,” and blends academic and experiential expertise among its researchers and senior staff. MISTRA has identified eight research projects to be completed within the next 12 months, which are included in the 28 projects to be explored over four years. The future-focused organisation has already begun the process of forging partnerships with universities and other research institutes throughout South Africa.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe reinforced the importance of MISTRA’s mission at the opening dinner of the institute’s official launch, on Thursday evening.
“The creation of new knowledge systems is a key determinant of a country’s ability to compete regionally and globally,” says Motlanthe. “Prime capital for the survival of societies is largely dependent upon turning knowledge into serviceable data and products.”
“Equally important is the necessity of research institutes forging functional links with the public and private sectors, civil society and the nation at large,” he added.
“I mention this for the simple reason that research and development should indeed be central to South Africa’s plans for shared growth, developing indigenous knowledge and technological enterprises, as well as developing human capital.”
Some of the questions that MISTRA will pose include: Does nation-building actually matter, or is social cohesion more important? Are political parties facilitators or hinderers? Will PGM and fuel cell technology ever see the light of day? What about the volatility of hydrogen?
“MISTRA strives to bring these matters to the surface,” adds Netshitenzhe, “and to contribute to the growth and flourishing of South Africa’s ‘think industry’, which, we believe, is a precondition to our nation’s survival and success in an ever-changing global terrain.”
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Good Day
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Nkwe