The Organisation for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) is offering Sabbatical Research Grants to successful applicants based in Eastern and Southern Africa. Proposals may be submitted by researchers from any of the disciplines in the social sciences involving applied social and economic analysis of contemporary development issues.

Calls for women to move from their cooking pots into decision-making positions are growing stronger by the day. During the celebrations of International Women’s Day, both Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr Kaire Mbuende, and Women’s Action for Development Executive Director, Veronica de Klerk, called on women to take up positions of power. Four elections, namely, local, regional, parliamentary and general elections are scheduled between May and December this year.

ACORD is an Africa led International Agency working in alliance with others to promote social justice and development. With an income of approximately £8 million p.a. we implement long-term development programmes in 18 African countries that unite practical work with advocacy, research and social action. ACORD employs some 500 staff across Africa, has its Secretariat in Nairobi and a small advocacy and fundraising office in London.

The seminar will interrogate and critically analyse the approach employed in developing South African cities, and explore challenges faced by the cities in light of increasing globalisation and decentralization. Issues such as integration of various communities through planning that were previously separated by apartheid legislation and how this process is developing will be looked at. A critical analysis and discussion will ensue around integration strategies adopted by various cities.