SA turmoil reflected by HSRC

Pretoria - The intense levels of social turmoil South Africa's young democracy is facing are reflected in the work of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), Science and Technology Minister Mosibudi Mangena said on Tuesday.

In a speech prepared for delivery at the release of the HSRC's annual report, Mangena said 93% of the projects undertaken by the council were conducted for the benefit of the public.

He said the organisation had undertaken policy-relevant research on issues of national importance such as xenophobia, migration, the developmental state, the national health system, poverty reduction strategies, quality of education, service delivery acceleration, crime reduction, youth development and innovative employment strategies.

It had also done research on the control of HIV, indicators on research, development and innovation, early childhood development and social cohesion.

"I am pleased to note the depth and continuity of the publications done by the HSRC."

Mangena said the launch of the 2007/2008 annual report marked the end of an era with the expiry of the term of office of the current HSRC council at the end of the month.

"On the 30 September this year, a new HSRC Act was signed into law by the president. We are now in the process of appointing the new governing board in accordance with the new provisions of the act.

"It is therefore fitting to use this occasion to express my sincere appreciation to the outgoing council for the sterling service it has rendered."

Mangena said South Africa had proved to be more innovative than previously thought and although the economy was much smaller it was on par with countries such as Denmark and Austria.

Referring to the new act, Mangena said it would help to further streamline the foundation, governance, objectives and operations of the organisation.

HSRC CEO Olive Shisana said the unqualified audit showed the council's continuing tradition of prudent management of resources and sound financial management.

During the financial year the HSRC, the government's human sciences research agency, also had a record total turnover of R264m, compared to R246m of the previous financial year.

She said external funding, which was minuscule in the 90s, had rocketed to exceed the Parliamentary grant around 2003/2004, but since moderated by an increase in Parliamentary grant in line with the HSRC's policy of maintaining a balance of funding from Parliament and external funding.

Local and international funding organisations had also contributed sufficiently to make it possible for the HSRC to conduct 200 research projects convene round tables, seminars, workshops and conferences.

Outgoing council chairperson Jakes Gerwel also praised the HSRC for its "sustained period of good corporate governance characterised by the prudent management of resources".

- SAPA