ICSD Africa Branch
Vision, Mission and Goals
Vision: To be a leading association of scholars, policy makers and practitioners devoted to the study and advancement of social development knowledge and practice in Africa.
Mission: To engage a multidisciplinary body of scholars, practitioners and policy-makers involved in social development research and practice in Africa in activities and forums that stimulate partnerships and intellectual engagement to advance social development knowledge as well as promote social development practice on the continent.
Goals:
- To showcase and promote the work of social development scholars, practitioners and policymakers working in Africa
- Create a platform to promote partnerships between social development scholars working on issues pertaining to Africa and scholars based in other regions
- To foster branch forums and events that promote social development dialogue and debate
- To facilitate communication between branch members that highlights research and collaborative opportunities
Invitation to join ICSD Africa Branch
ICSD Africa Branch Committee
Prof Lauren Graham
Lauren, a development sociologist with a Doctorate in Sociology from UJ, is the Director of the Centre for Social Development in Africa at the University of Johannesburg and was elected to chair the newly launched ICSD Africa branch at the 22nd Biennial Conference of the consortium in July 2021. Previously, Lauren served as Deputy Director of the CSDA.
Her research interests are in the application and testing of social and development theories in practice, with a focus on youth, children, and people with disabilities. She has strong expertise in evaluation research and is skilled in the use of both quantitative and qualitative research approaches. She is particularly interested in the use of research methods that give a voice to vulnerable groups. She is a National Research Foundation Y-rated scholar – a rating applied to emerging academics who show strong potential to achieve higher ratings in their careers.
Prof Tanusha Raniga
Professor Tanusha Raniga was born and grew up in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. She is currently employed at the University of Johannesburg, where she teaches social work and community development. Prof Raniga is a C2 NRF Rated Researcher. She is actively involved in research, in the area of social protection policy, feminization of poverty and sustainable livelihoods. She has published widely in national and international journals and has presented at numerous Social Work conferences. Her expertise include: Social Policy, Development Management and Integrated Social and Economic Development.
Dr Edson Munsaka
Dr Edson Munsaka was born and grew up in Siabuwa, a rural area in the Binga District in Zimbabwe. He is currently employed at the Institute of Development Studies of the National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe, where he lectures in disaster management. He is also a Research Associate at the Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg, SA. Dr Munsaka is a holder of a Doctorate in Sociology and Social Policy from the University of Durham and an MSc in Disaster Management and Sustainable Development from the University of Northumbria (both in the UK). With a strong background in teaching, with specialisation in disability, he is passionate about researching on social inclusion and social policy issues, and how these collude to create poverty and disaster promoting conditions for persons with disabilities and vulnerable communities. He has strong expertise in evaluation research and is skilled in the use of qualitative research approaches. Dr Munsaka is particularly interested in the use of research methods that give a voice to vulnerable groups.
Dr Mildred Mushunje
Dr Mildred Mushunje was born and grew up in Zimbabwe. She is currently employed at the Midlands State University in Zimbabwe, where she lectures on Social Policy and Social Protection at the School of Social Work. Dr Mushunje is a passionate and self-driven advocate for gender and social justice. She is an award winner from the International Federation of Social Workers in recognition of her work on Gender-Based Violence in Africa. She is the Deputy-Chairperson of the Southern Africa Social Policy Experts Network and an Advisory Panel Member of the Robert Carr Foundation. Her qualifications include a Bachelors Degree in Social Work (Zimbabwe), Masters Degree in Gender and Development studies (University of Manchester) and a Doctoral Degree in Social Work from University of KwaZulu-Natal (S.A). Dr Mushunje is a founding member of the Institute of Women Social Workers.
Dr Lorraine Botha
Ms Lorraine Botha is a South African politician. She is a member of the Democratic Alliance. In May 2014, she was elected to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament. She was then elected as the chairperson of the Department of the Premier Committee. In 2016, Ms Botha was elected as the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Health and Social Development. She currently serves as the chairperson of the Standing Committee on Education in the legislature.
ICSD Africa Branch Launch
International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) has launched ‘Africa branch’ at 22nd biennial conference in South Africa ICSD President Dr Manohar Pawar also conferred the prestigious James Billups International Social Development Leadership Award to Prof Ramanathan for contributing to social development. While receiving the award, Prof. Ramanathan, Associate Secretary General for branches, emphasized the significance of developing the Africa branch.
Secretary-General Dr Francis Okello presided over the launching ceremony at the conference held at University of Johannesburg, South Africa, said a news release on Friday, 16 July. ICSD President Prof Dr Manohar Pawar, faculty at Australia’s Charles Sturt University, said the main purpose of the branch is to learn from and contribute to dynamic development experiences in Africa and share social development thoughts across the globe. ICSD vice president Dr. Mostafizur Rahman, a Bangladeshi scholar, hoped that the African branch would grow and reflect under intensive guidance and support of an eminent social researcher, Prof. Leila Patel, South Africa chair in welfare and social development, CSDA.
Prof Leila Patel emphasized the significance of working together by multidisciplinary scholars to solve real problems and develop evidence–based policies. Prior to this, ICSD secretary general nominated Prof. Lauren Graham, Director of CSDA, as inaugural chair of the branch. ‘I am looking forward to working with colleagues to establish and realize the vision of ICSD Africa branch, Prof Graham said.
Among others, Lorraine Botha, member of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament and chairperson of the Education Committee in the Legislature, and Dr. Edson Munsaka, National University of Science and Technology, Zimbabwe were made members of the branch committee.
Source: https://en.newsnowbangla.com/2021/07/16/icsd-launches-africa-branch/