When Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) starts its new degree in human settlements development in 2014, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) will be all smiles.
The introduction of the new four-year qualification will not only enable local government to build much-needed human capacity in this area, but will also mark just one of the many areas of collaboration between the two parties to be formalized in a high-profile signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Tuesday, 26 November.
The signing by NMBM Executive Mayor Benson Fihla and NMMU Vice-Chancellor Prof Derrick Swartz took place at the Nelson Mandela Bay City Hall before a large delegation from both organisations.
“This signing will formalise the many projects already in place, but also add momentum to the many potential areas of collaboration,” says NMMU’s Director of Academic Engagement and Collaboration Prof George de Lange.
“It’s a closer convergence of town and gown in which both parties will benefit.”
Executive Mayor Benson Fihla said the signing ceremony heralds in a new era in the relationship between the Municipality and the University as these two are key role-players in the growth and development of Nelson Mandela Bay.
“Collaboration in terms of institutional strengths and competencies holds the promise of strengthening capabilities and enhancing outcomes, particularly with regard to achieving the short- and long-term social and economic goals of the region. Working hand in hand towards a common vision will establish a solid foundation from which to develop communities and grow societies for generations to come,” said Mayor Fihla, affectionately known as Oom Ben.
Most of the university’s seven faculties and some of its professional support services have been identified to work alongside the municipality especially in teaching, training and development in the areas of finance, human resources, administration, economic development, recreation, electricity and energy, public health, integrated human settlements, infrastructure and engineering, safety and security and other special programmes.
In return, the university will benefit from, among others, bursaries for students, graduate training and networking opportunities and research-related activities.
The university and NMBM are already working on many projects that involve renewable energy research, engineering and infrastructure and health, and NMMU is also offering various short courses, many of which are adapted to the particular needs of the municipality.
Apart from the new human settlements development degree to help build technical capacity from 2014, the university is currently working in an advisory capacity with the Municipality’s development agency to help with the inner-city regeneration programme, of which will soon see the NMMU’s Bird Street Campus transformed into a postgraduate arts hub as part of a larger artistic precinct plan for the Central area.
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