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HSRC Annual Report 2016/17
As a knowledge hub for high quality, strategic and independent inter-disciplinary research, DGSD is a key national,
regional and global resource. Work produced and outputs generated are of value to national, provincial and local
government, and to the wider academic, civil society and policy development community. By conducting comparative
research, South African issues are addressed within a continental and global context, including through the work of
the BRICS Research Centre.
Key research themes
The thematic research areas of the programme are driven by three pillars that focus on:
Democracy
Governance
Service
delivery
“Comparing communities, understanding SOCIAL COHESION and unity in diversity”
Research highlights
Commission for Gender Equality 20 Year Review
In 2016/17 the DGSD team undertook a review of the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), a Chapter 9 institution, to
mark the twentieth anniversary of its existence. The project involved a comprehensive review of the institution’s activities
over the twenty years, from the establishment of the CGE office and through the various periods of its chairpersons and
commissioners. Based on interviews with representatives from government, the CGE, and civil society organisations
with expertise in the area of gender equality, and on reviews of various secondary sources of information, the final
report documented the achievements and impact of the CGE in each of the four five-year periods of its existence. It
also highlighted key successes and challenges faced by the commission and made recommendations to enhance its
efficiency. The release of the report coincided with a celebration in honour of the outgoing chairperson, who had steered
the commission through its most successful period.
Electoral Commission Gender and Mobility Study Project
The Gender and Mobility Study of the Electoral Commission was concluded in June 2016. The study consisted of a desk-
based review of the current policy and programme environment in respect of gender empowerment and advancing
gender equality and equity outcomes; and comprehensive fieldwork-based qualitative and quantitative analyses of
gender andmobility within the Electoral Commission. The qualitative analysis was based on key informant interviews with
senior management staff of the Electoral Commission and focus groups with support staff and senior management. The
quantitative analysis is based on an online survey of all Electoral Commission staff. In essence, the study recommended
that there is a need for more equal distribution of women and men at all levels and all functions, with equal benefits.
Furthermore, that a more equitable distribution of resources across gender, culture, race and class within the Electoral
Commission is needed. The Electoral Commission must continue to improve its efforts to be community- and client-
orientated. The inclusion of those voices that are currently marginalised must be made part of decision-making. These
broad recommendations are proposed based on the rationale that gender equality and mobility will only be achieved
if the Electoral Commission transforms the constraining gender roles and ideologies that influence organisational
structures, values, behaviour and outcomes.
PART B: Performance Overview