College of Economic & Management Sciences
Unisa hosts major Indian Ocean research gathering
From left: Prof Kevin Mearns, Department of Environmental Sciences, and Prof Godwell Nhamo, Professor and Acting Head of the Institute for Corporate Citizenship
Unisa recently hosted the 10th Annual South African Chapter of the Indian Ocean Rim Academic Group (SA IORAG) at the university’s Muckleneuck Campus in Pretoria. The high-level academic and policy-focused event brought together key stakeholders from government departments, universities and research institutions to advance cooperation within the Indian Ocean Rim region.
These annual engagements serve as an essential platform allowing academic voices to intersect with national and international policymaking, particularly with the involvement of the National Focal Point and various stakeholder departments.
Dr MT MaseTshaba, Acting Executive Dean of the College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS), welcomed delegates and affirmed Unisa’s new status as an official member of the IORAG. She highlighted the university’s commitment to marine studies, noting, "At Unisa, our compass points to the horizon of the future, charted through our Ten Catalytic Niche Areas. Among these, Marine Studies stands as a deep and resonant song, echoing the rhythms of our coastline and the soul of the Indian Ocean".
Kgame Molope, Chair of SA IORAG, and Dr Gilbert Siko of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), also shared key messages. The speakers highlighted South Africa’s status as a founding member of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) and the importance of DSTI's active role in IORAG, connecting academia with policy and government in Indian Ocean research development.
Members were encouraged to mobilise institutions to join IORAG and to return to communities with the aim of sharing the findings of research conducted within their areas. A secretariat presentation offered a review of the IORA and SA IORAG 2024–25 activities, stressing the need for renewed academic participation post Covid-19. The presentation emphasised the importance of academics taking the initiative in leading or co-leading focus areas, as the secretariat supports but does not drive group activities.
The importance of aligning academic work with DSTI policies was reiterated, especially in areas such as sustainable development, ocean health, institutional transformation and climate change. Those attending the event were encouraged to submit proposals for funding and support, and to engage actively with the Scopus-indexed Journal of the Indian Ocean Region as a publication platform.
Stakeholders also discussed South Africa’s strategic decision to shift from dialogues to Ocean Actions, which aligns with Brazil’s approach at the G20. Delegates were updated regarding forthcoming initiatives, including potential events on the margins of the G20 and the 2025 Science Forum.
Presentations from institutions such as SAEON, Sol Plaatje University, the University of Pretoria, ECON-SA, and IORA ECPN enriched the dialogue. Unisa was praised for its leadership in outreach and contribution to shaping ocean governance's future, particularly in promoting research that bridges academia, policy and society.
* By Dr Nombuso Shabalala, Lecturer, Department of Applied Management, and Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Economic and Management Sciences
Publish date: 2025-08-10 00:00:00.0
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