Unisa online - Unisa launches the Research and Innovation Portfolio

"I have learnt in life that success comes not from that which is given to you; but from fighting for the things you are passionate about, from a strong belief and will, and a curious and insatiable appetite for knowledge and progress." This poignant sentiment was expressed by the Vice-Principal: Research and Innovation, Prof Mamokgethi Setati, when she hosted various stakeholders at the launch of this important portfolio on 7 November 2011.

Using innovative technology, a hologram and a 3D origami fashion show, the launch of Unisa’s newest portfolio provided staff and external guests with a taste of what is in store for the future of research at Unisa. Anticipated to have vast outcomes for research on the continent and create value in the future of Unisa, South Africa and the world, the portfolio will serve to ensure an increase in excellent research and innovation at the university.

"This is our calling and our daily challenge: to apply our knowledge, the findings of our research and our intellectual capacity in a way that is meaningful for South Africa, Africa and the world. And as 'the university in the service of humanity' this becomes the defining statement of who we are and what we seek to achieve," said Setati.

During her hologram presentation, Setati said the vision for the portfolio to have excellent researchers, innovative solutions, and to be the leading African university in the service of humanity, can only be realised through building a culture of research. "A culture where a vast majority of the Unisa academic community is actively engaged in research, research that they are passionate about, and research that is groundbreaking, world-class and able to contribute significantly to South Africa’s economic, social, cultural and environmental wellbeing. This is not just about research outputs, but rather the journey towards a reputation of research excellence and innovation and the creation of intellectual property that can be commercialised for the benefit of society and the economy," she said.

An area of development that is close to Setati's heart is the promotion of women, black and disabled researchers. "A strong focus of the portfolio will be the encouragement of blacks and women in research and the incorporation of technology to support researchers with disabilities."

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mandla Makhanya, said one of the central tenets of Unisa's strategy was the promotion of an effective system of innovation and research and this newly formed portfolio aims to develop Unisa into a high-performance university that notably provides relevant teaching and learning, research and scholarship, and also focuses on science and technology. "In this way the institution will continue to build its role and position as a mainstay of higher education globally and on the continent. The portfolio will help to ensure an increase in excellent research and innovation in the university, thereby creating value in the future of Unisa, South Africa and internationally," said Makhanya.

Director General: Department of Science and Technology, Dr Phil Mjwara, said Unisa's research and innovation portfolio is vital to South Africa's pursuit of a knowledge based economy. He said universities should make research relevant to mainstream industries and, with specific objectives, work in collaboration with these industries. "These collaborations have unlimited advantages," said Mjwara. He also said that research matched with creative entrepreneurial activity can lead to the creation of spin-off companies, adding that the need to view innovation broadly cannot be overemphasised.

Deputy Minister: Higher Education and Training, Prof Hlengiwe Mkhize, said over the years South Africa had struggled to take its rightful place in the complex area of research, innovation and technology and she congratulated Unisa for taking this giant stride.

*Written by Rivonia Naidu