The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, will on Thursday, 4 August 2011, receive the report on the ‘Charter for Humanities and Social Sciences’.
In early 2010 Minister Nzimande appointed a Task Team under the leadership of Professor Ari Sitas, from the University of Cape Town, to develop a Charter for Humanities and Social Sciences, aimed at strengthening research and teaching in these fields. This was necessitated by the Minister’s concern that since 1994, there had been a decline in research and teaching of humanities and social sciences, with focus being shifted to natural sciences, engineering, and other technology studies.
The mandate of the Task Team was to examine existing initiatives and explore innovative programs in South Africa as well as other developing and developed societies. The Task Team would then make recommendations on the way forward in strengthening and enhancing quality in this key sector of higher education in the country.
The media is invited to the press briefing where the Minister and Professor Ari Sitas will share some of the key findings of the Task Team, and the proposed way forward for the country on humanities and social sciences.
Details are as follows:
Venue: Southern Sun Hotel (Grayston); Sandton
Time: 14h30 to 15h30
Enquiries:
Muzi Khumalo
Tel: 012 312 5024
Cell: 072 288 5340
E-mail: khumalo.m@dhet.gov.za
