A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the municipality and institutions of higher learning in Johannesburg has committed to explore potential cooperation on healthcare, economic growth, student accommodation, and developing joint research activities viewed to be mutually beneficial to all parties.
The recently signed MoU sets out opportunities for collaboration and positive academic engagement between the Universities of South Africa (Unisa), Johannesburg (UJ) and Witwatersrand (Wits).
The institutions will also collaborate with the City on new or existing academic programmes, sustainable human settlements, environmental issues, skills development and student accommodation.
The Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg, Councilor Herman Mashaba says the MoU allows all four partners to collaborate as equals on a range of both strategic and operational interventions.
Mayor Mashaba hopes this partnership will improve the livelihoods of Johannesburg citizens. “The signing of this memorandum of understanding isn’t simply a ceremonial event, it inspires confidence in efforts to improve lives of residents, by increasing access to opportunities for Johannesburg to be a preferred destination for all to live, work and play,” he explains.
All universities are represented by their respective Vice-Chancellors and Principals in the MoU, including Professor Adam Habib (Wits), Professor Mandla Makhanya (Unisa) and Professor Tshilidzi Marwala (UJ).
Professor Habib believes the partnership can bring solutions that can positively affect the whole country.
Like many global cities, the City of Johannesburg faces ongoing challenges around employment, economic growth and job creation, sustainable development and the creation of a resilient city.
To tackle these challenges, the City is implementing its nine strategic priorities and will work closely with institutions of higher education on specific collaborative projects and programmes.
