HSRC Integrated Annual Report 2018/2019

to these challenges will be two-pronged, with cost saving secondary to income generation. In terms of the latter, it is an opportune moment to develop alternative and diversified funding modalities, not only to relieve pressure on the Parliamentary Grant, but also to avoid an over-reliance on just a few big funders. Like its sister councils, the HSRC is forced to deal with a National Treasury imposed salary cap of R289 million for the 2019/20 financial year. This has compelled us to place amoratoriumon all appointments and only fill critical vacancies that meet a set of agreed criteria. This, along with a zero performance bonus provision, has been hugely detrimental to staff morale, and attraction and retention of skilled staff have been more challenging than before. Attempts will be made to change the conditions of service in relation to certain positions so as to provide tenure to qualifying employees who are currently on fixed-term contracts, as a way of improving service conditions. The annual audit once again confirmed the HSRC’s going-concern status and the outlook for 2019/20 is positive in light of a number of secured projects. As we reflect on our origins and history, as stated in the HSRC Review of March 2019, it is more than an historical curiosity that the HSRC’s focus, ninety years on, is once again on poverty and inequality. The persistence of the challenges of poverty and inequality is a major issue for the social sciences and the humanities. And so this remains central to our focus over the medium- and long-term. Having learned from the past, however, we need more searching, self-aware and inclusive approaches in explaining these problems. As we enter a new five-year administrative period, the HSRC will organise itself, as a public-good research entity, to go beyond explaining these challenges, and to provide evidence-based solutions and interventions for the betterment of our communities. This report reflects the dedication of individuals, and the contribution and significance of the social sciences in providing insight and solutions to our most pressing social questions. My sincere gratitude goes to my superiors and colleagues for making this possible. Professor Crain Soudien Chief Executive Officer 31 July 2019 HSRC INTEGRATED ANNUAL REPORT 2018/19 / 9