UP collaborates with foundation to tackle poverty through green economy
"This is an opportunity to use UP’s research and technological capabilities to solve the issues affecting communities."
The University of Pretoria (UP) has signed a memorandum of understanding with a foundation that wants to alleviate poverty and unemployment through the so-called “green economy”.
This move comes as South Africa’s unemployment rate last year spiked to new record highs of 34.9%.
The memorandum was signed with the Dr Sam Motsuenyane Rural Development Foundation.
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It will ensure collaboration in areas such as rural development, poverty and unemployment alleviation as well as the economic revitalisation of townships.
The foundation wants to address challenges that hinder the development of township and rural communities in South Africa, specifically in the agricultural sector, with a special focus on the unproductive use of land.
UP spokesperson Primarashni Gower said the foundation was established by Dr Motsuenyane, a pioneering businessman who empowers individuals and communities to participate in rural and township economies.
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In the 1970s and 1980s, Dr Motsuenyane was president of the largest African business organisation, the National African Federated Chamber of Commerce.
He played a significant role in the development of black business in South Africa and also founded the African Bank.
The chairperson of the foundation, Paul Ntshabele, said South Africa was facing its biggest challenges, such as poverty, food insecurity and inequality.
“This is an opportunity to use UP’s research and technological capabilities to solve issues affecting communities.
“We are excited about the partnership.”
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He said the partnership would create a platform for applied research to be tested and for the creation of new knowledge through research.
The collaboration will be a springboard for solutions “in line with the challenges faced by communities”.
UP’s vice-chancellor and principal, Professor Tawana Kupe, said the university welcomed the collaboration with the foundation.
Kupe said small-scale farmers in South Africa faced many challenges, including land degradation, a shortage of effective farming skills and ailing agricultural infrastructure, coupled with tough economic conditions.
“UP has one of the leading agricultural economics departments in the country. Here academics use the application of management and economic principles to solve practical problems in the food and agricultural industries. Our research programmes are geared towards addressing current business and policy issues in these industries.”
Kupe said that UP’s veterinary science faculty trained small-scale farmers on farming best practices.
“This will all contribute to our collaboration with the foundation, as the university is committed to improving lives and contributing to resolving unemployment.”
Dean of the faculty of natural and agricultural sciences at UP, Professor Barend Erasmus, said that “the appropriate mix of technical expertise and community reach are key elements of success for rural development partnerships”.
“Land degradation, triggered by unsuitable farming practices in the face of climate change, can be halted. Degraded lands can be restored to increased productivity – we have the expertise to do so.
“We are looking forward to doing so again with the foundation to the benefit of our rural communities. This will also be a flagship project that validates how universities and communities can partner for a better future.”
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