Introduction
The Minister for Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, today received the report on the Charter for Humanities and Social Sciences from members of the Task Team he set up in early 2010. Dr Nzimande appointed the Task Team under the leadership of Professor Ari Sitas from the University of Cape Town. The primary responsibility of the Task Team was to develop the Charter for Humanities and Social Sciences, whose aim was the strengthening of research and teaching in institutions of higher education.
Background and composition
The appointment of the Task Team was necessitated by the Minister’s concern that since 1994, there had been a decline in research and teaching of humanities and social sciences in post-school institutions, with focus being shifted to natural sciences, engineering, and other technology-related studies. Despite the fact that humanities graduates are part of the critical skills pool as defined by government, the humanities and social sciences have progressively suffered neglect and ever-declining funding. All this led to marked decline in student enthusiasm to enroll for these subjects.
In the course of its important work, the Task Team examined existing initiatives and explored innovative academic programmes in South Africa as well as other developing and developed societies. The unveiling of the Charter is thus the culmination of extensive work and today the Minister can announce the key recommendations and suggestions on the way forward.
The Task Team comprised two leaders in social sciences:
Professor Ari Sitas (Director);
Dr Sarah Mosoetsa (Deputy Director);
Terms of Reference
The Task Team’s findings will, in the main, provide guidance on the way forward regarding the Government’s quest to strengthen social sciences and humanities and enhance quality in this key sector of higher education.
To this end, the Task Team has produced the Charter on Humanities and Social Sciences which will guide the Department of Higher Education and Training and all relevant institutions and partners in realising the goal of skills development, economic growth and the eradication of poverty.
The work of the Task Team was supported by a reference group established for the purpose comprising experts in the area. The reference group comprised international and local experts in various fields of study.
The Task Team focused on the following areas:
- Institution fact-finding missions
- Local stakeholder workshops and interviews
- Consultation with individuals and interest groups in civil society
- Review of key documents
- Public participation forums and
- Scholarly encounters with leading academics.
Recommendations
The Task Team, in their report to the Minister, has highlighted six key interventions, which will occur in two phases:
- Formation of an Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences
- Creation of an African Renaissance Programme
- Formation of a national Centre for Life-long Education and Educational Opportunities
- Creation of six Catalytic Projects that will animate the field of humanities and social sciences
- Creation of the Framework and New Formula necessary for the integrity of the fields of study and
- Implementation of 14 Corrective Interventions to overcome the perceived crisis in the current landscape of scholarship.
The Minister and members of the Task Team believe that these recommendations will help us develop a vision for social sciences and humanities in the post apartheid era.
The Minister believes that social sciences and humanities played an extremely important role in the liberation struggle and that the time had come to strengthen teaching of and research in the humanities and social sciences in higher education.
Conclusion
The Minister will now further consult with other relevant Ministers (e.g. Science and Technology; Arts and Culture) and key stakeholders before finalisation of the Charter.
We invite comments from all interested parties.
For more information, contact:
Muzi Khumalo
Communications Chief Director
Tel: 012 312 5024
Cell: 072 288 5340
E-mail: khumalo.m@dhet.gov.za
