The Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, Advocate Michael Masutha, will launch the Department of Science and Technology-National Research Foundation Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Human Development at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
Co-hosted by Wits and the University of KwaZulu-Natal, the new CoE will focus on increasing South Africa's understanding of child development and challenges to livelihoods, ensuring that children are provided for and receive a better start to life in the country.
According to research, South Africa has very high rates of child poverty. In 2011, 58% of children lived below the lower poverty line (R604 per month). Globally, 171 million children under five were affected by moderate or severe stunting in 2010 – a clear sign of malnutrition, which affects children's physical and cognitive development and capacity to learn. Current trends indicate that by 2015 one in four children under the age five will suffer from stunted growth.
The CoE will also focus on consolidating research expertise in social sciences, humanities and health sciences, with special focus on economics, sociology, social policy, health and HIV and AIDS.
All media are invited to the launch.
Date: Tuesday, 22 April 2014
Time: 12h00
Venue: Wits University's Origins Centre
Enquiries:
Veronica Mohapeloa
Cell: 082 882 3818
E-mail: veronica.mohapeloa@dst.gov.za
Palesa Mokoena
Cell: 083 494 2322
E-mail: palesa.mokoena@nrf.ac.za
Kanina Foss
Cell: 082 052 0939
E-mail: Kanina.Foss@wits.ac.za
