By Gofaone Motsamai and Nikelo Mehlomakulu
The Indian Ocean is the third-largest ocean, serving as a lifeline for international trade and transport. South Africa is a key player in the 23-country Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the North-West University (NWU) is an integral part of the IORA Academic Group, which promotes collaboration among universities, governments and communities in the region.
The South African chapter of the IORA Academic Group visited the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus on 30 June as part of efforts to engage institutions in contributing to the evidence-based policymaking, skills development and inclusive growth in the region.
Prof Mokgadi Molope, senior lecturer in development studies and population in the Faculty of Humanities, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to connecting research, policy and community needs through regional partnerships.
“Partnerships that are intended to facilitate engagement aimed at bridging the gap between government departments and institutions of higher learning are truly appreciated,” said Prof Molope. “We are really interested in ensuring that our staff members and students participate in activities that contribute not only to their research outputs, but also to opening opportunities for further engagement.”
She also highlighted the value of long-term collaboration beyond short-term projects.
“We are hoping that these collaborations are going to assist us to further bridge the gap between the university and communities, because the days of being ivory towers are over,” she explained. “We need to be actively engaged in research that responds to the social and economic needs of our immediate communities, the country at large, and our continent.”
Kgame Molope, lecturer in government studies and chair of the South African IORA Academic Group, stressed the NWU’s role in strengthening regional cooperation.
“Our existence as the South African academic group is aligned to the regional objectives, which include promoting academic collaboration, supporting evidence-based decision making and catalysing regional discussions.”
Staff and students were encouraged to take on the role of academic diplomats, using their work to support national priorities and community needs.
“The opportunity now presents itself: becoming an academic diplomat,” Kgame said. “It is important to realise that universities are doing work on behalf of government to support its priorities.”
About IORA
IORA is an inter-governmental organisation promoting regional cooperation and sustainable development among 23 member states and 10 dialogue partners in the Indian Ocean region.
The Indian Ocean is a key route for global trade, carrying half of the world’s container ships, one-third of bulk cargo and two-thirds of oil shipments.
South Africa, a founding member of IORA, is active in areas such as maritime safety, trade facilitation, fisheries, disaster risk management, tourism, cultural exchange, science and technology, the blue economy and women's economic empowerment.
Since its establishment in 1997, the IORA Academic Group has served as a platform for academics, universities, think tanks and scientific institutions to provide policy and project recommendations to IORA member states.
Prof Mokgadi Molope, senior lecturer in development studies and population
Kgame Molope, lecturer in government studies and chair of the South African IORA Academic Group
