Gauteng Provincial Government Strengthens Ties with Universities Through Landmark MoU

Rashid Seedat, Executive Director of the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO), served as Programme Director at the signing ceremony of a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Vice-Chancellors of Gauteng’s leading universities.

This MoU formalises a strategic partnership between the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) and seven public universities:

• University of Johannesburg
• University of the Witwatersrand
• University of Pretoria
• Tshwane University of Technology
• Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
• University of South Africa
• Vaal University of Technology

The agreement aims to build a globally competitive, socially inclusive, well-governed, and environmentally sustainable Gauteng City-Region. It unlocks collaboration across key areas to drive a modern, innovative, and inclusive province.

Key Focus Areas:

• Resource Mobilisation, including the establishment of the Gauteng City-Region Research Fund
• Creation of a Joint Working Committee to coordinate and implement MoU commitments
• Strengthening evidence-based policy making and promoting a data-led governance model

Through this partnership, GPG and universities will collaborate on inclusive economic growth, innovation, social transformation, and more. The MoU also calls for increased investment in research, development, digital governance, integrated data systems, and artificial intelligence to enhance public service delivery.

This agreement positions Gauteng as a Learning Province, fostering exchange programmes, co-production initiatives, and a stronger knowledge ecosystem.

Objectives of the Ceremony:

• Reaffirm commitment to evidence-based decision-making
• Communicate Gauteng’s vision of a globally competitive, data-driven city-region
• Advocate for investment in research, innovation, and digital systems
• Promote engagement among policymakers, scholars, and stakeholders

The Joint Working Committee will ensure alignment of all existing agreements and projects between GPG and universities, enabling efficient resource use and impactful collaboration.

As Premier Lesufi noted, this MoU represents a bold step toward accelerating Gauteng’s transformation into a knowledge-driven province. The success of this partnership will be measured by tangible actions that improve lives across the region.