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HSRC Annual Report 2016/17
Research Use and Impact Assessment (RIA)
“Confusion comes from lack of understanding, when we understand;
we can predict, and when we can predict; we can control.”
AniekeeTochukwu Ezekiel – Motivational Speaker
RIA profile
RIA is a cross-cutting unit with transversal responsibilities, that seeks to enhance the use and impact of scientific research,
and to manage the relationships, reputation and brand of the HSRC.
Highlights
Facilitating intergenerational dialogues
Since 2015 the RIA Programme has formally collaborated with the Department of Military Veterans (DMV) on joint
projects to conduct research and document the life stories, contributions and sacrifices of South African military veterans,
both inside and outside the country. The collaboration is intend to support the DMV’s primary mandate of providing
socio-economic support for military veterans and their dependents, by engendering the dignified acknowledgement
of military veterans, giving voice to their perspectives on history, and facilitating intergenerational dialogues.
In the year under review RIA conducted supplementary research and worked with the late Mr Philip Kgosana on the
re-publication of his autobiography entitled
Lest we Forget
. Mr Kgosana was a veteran of the Pan Africanist Congress
(PAC) who is widely known for leading a peaceful protest of approximately 30 000 people from Langa Township to
Cape Town on 30 March 1960, against the Sharpeville massacre and the pass laws. While in exile, he underwent military
training in Ethiopia and later worked for UNICEF. Upon his return to South Africa in 1996 he became a local councillor in
the Tshwane Municipality and a successful commercial farmer of various fruit and vegetables in Winterveldt.
The book was launched on 12 October 2016 and, in addition to receiving widespread media coverage, a number of
local universities indicated that they intend to use the book as part of their teaching material for Political Science and
History courses.
This collaboration with the DMV is the continuation of a humanities-centred programme of work that began in 2011
under the theme “Post-Liberation knowledge production and nation building by military veterans” and commenced
with a workshop led by the “Men of Dynamite”– MK pioneers Ahmed Kathrada, Dennis Goldberg and Laloo Chiba.
Enhancing the dissemination and utilisation of HSRC policy briefs
As part of its human and social dynamics collaboration with the DST, in the 2016/17 RIA created platforms for policymakers
and researchers to discuss and debate the policy implications of research. On 24 November 2016 a research seminar,
entitled “Best practice in male circumcision: the acknowledgement of traditional leaders as custodians”, was hosted at
the HSRC.
The seminar aimed to uncover best practices in traditional male circumcision, and the significance of the role of traditional
leaders as the custodians in this practice, working towards reduction and eventual elimination of deaths in traditional
circumcision. The seminar brought together relevant stakeholders, including the National House of Traditional Leaders;
the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (CONTRALESA); the departments of Cooperative Governance and
Traditional Affairs, Health and Education; the South African Police Service; and practitioners, clinicians, surgeons, and
researchers around South Africa.
Approximately 50 delegates participated in the seminar, including traditional leaders Nkosi Mahlangu, (Deputy Chairperson:
National House of Traditional Leaders), Nkosi Ntandoyesizwe Ndamase (CONTRALESA) representing Nkosi Ndevu (General
Secretary: CONTRALESA) who was unable to attend, and Nkosi Matanzima (Chairperson: EC House of Traditional Leaders).
The delegates debated issues regarding best practices in male circumcision, and made recommendations on the future
directions and activities in the prevention of deaths and complications from circumcision.
PART B: Performance Overview