The Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) was initially established in 2007 by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs under the name South African National Liberation Institute of Technology, Philosophy, and Political Science (SANLITPPS). It was formally incorporated as a non-profit company in 2009, under the Companies Act of 2008, and began operations in 2010.

In 2024, the Institute’s legal identity was changed to the Moses Kotane Research Institute following the passing of the KwaZulu-Natal Moses Kotane Research Institute Act 3 of 2024, as gazetted on the 24th of May 2024 and was listed as a 3C on the PFMA Schedule.

As an agency of the provincial government, the Institute is mandated to conduct research, foster innovation, and promote training and skills development aligned with the needs of the provincial economy, through collaboration and coordination.  Click here for more info