MKRI CEO Welcomes Newly Appointed Board of Directors to Steer Research & innovation for economic growth & development
The Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) has welcomed its newly appointed Board of Directors, ushering in a strengthened era of research excellence, innovation, and economic impact for KwaZulu-Natal. The appointment signals a renewed commitment to positioning research and innovation at the centre of economic growth and development in the province. The MKRI CEO expressed confidence that the new Board’s collective expertise will sharpen the Institute’s strategic focus and expand its contribution to inclusive growth. Read more
MEDIA INVITE
ATTENTION: EDITORS/REPORTERS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2 FEBRUARY 2026
MEC ZONDI LEADS INNOVATION & INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS SUMMIT TO DRIVE INCLUSIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), in partnership with the Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI), will host the Innovation and Indigenous Knowledge Systems Summit on 5–6 February 2026 at the Olive Convention Centre in Durban. Read more
MKRI CEO Highlights Priority Investment Areas for Zululand’s Economic Growth
The CEO of the Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI) in South Africa, Dr Thandeka Ellenson, delivered the Institute’s latest economic research findings at the Zululand District Economic Development Workshop, which show that Zululand’s economic growth over the next 24 months should be driven by focused investment in key sectors and catalytic projects.
According to the MKRI research, the district’s most promising sectors are:
- Culture and Heritage Tourism
- Transport and Logistics
Proposed lowering of the inflation target by the South African Reserve Bank: The pros and cons
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa gives its central bank, i.e., the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), a clear mandate to protect the value of the Rand. In turn, the Bank uses monetary policy instruments at its disposal, including interest rates, to try and keep inflation low and steady. The SARB uses the repo rate as a policy interest rate to control inflation in the economy. To achieve a steady inflation rate which supports sustainable economic growth, the Bank adheres to a monetary policy framework called inflation targeting. This is currently set as an inflation target range of between 3 and 6%. This policy is set by the National Treasury, with the SARB having independence to pursue this target in a manner they deem fit. There has been recent clamouring from sections of South African society for a reduction in this target range to a lower level, with various reasons being advanced in favour of such a move. In a recent monetary policy committee announcement by the SARB, this move seems to be gaining traction with the bank itself. This commentary looks at the pros and cons of such a move and the implications for the South African economy. Read More
KZN Tech Mbokodo Hackathon: Driving Innovation, Dignity, and Women Empowerment
Durban, South Africa — KZN Tech Mbokodo under KZN Tech Horizons, in proud collaboration with the Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI), is thrilled to announce the upcoming KZN Tech Mbokodo Hackathon, a transformative, women-led innovation challenge taking place during Women’s Month.
Hacakthon Details are as follows:
Date: 15–16 August 2025
Location: 123 Marine Parade, Durban
Theme: Innovating Dignity–Women-Led Tech Solutions for Water, Health & Safety
KZN Business Research
The Moses Kotane Research Institute (MKRI), in partnership with the Department of Information and Corporate Management (ICM) at the Durban University of Technology, hosted a high-level Business Breakfast in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).
COMMENTARY: US President Donald Trump’s second inauguration speech: Economics related key takeaways
President Donald Trump’s second inauguration on January 21, 2025, marked the beginning of
a renewed economic strategy with far-reaching global implications. His speech emphasized
key economic policies, including an aggressive stance on energy production, corporate
investment shifts, and a protectionist trade approach. These measures, coupled with the
strengthening of the U.S. dollar, have had immediate effects on global markets, including
South Africa. This commentary explores the economic takeaways from Trump’s address,
analysing their impact on the business sector, market reactions, and South Africa’s economic
stability. Click here
UKZN BRICS SC & SWEEP LAUNCH
Moses Kotane Institute is attending the UKZN BRICS Student Commission & SWEEP LAUNCH in Durban.
MERSETA LAUNCH
Skills Revolution Campaign : R74 million worth of student’s debts to be cleared in KZN
Media Invite and Public Statement by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs | Leader of Government Business Siboniso Duma.
09 November 2023
Pietermaritzburg: As part of a “Skills Revolution Campaign”, we wish to inform the people of KwaZulu-Natal and young people in particular that our entity, the Moses Kotane Institute (MKI) has secured R74 million from merSETA to clear students’ debts in institutions of higher learning.
In addition MKI has secured a further R126 million to accelerate the acquisition of knowledge that will enable the people of KwaZulu-Natal to be creators of wealth and jobs over the next 30 years.
Following the devastating COVID-19 and floods that destroyed our economy and condemned millions of people into conditions of squalor, we are determined to rebuild our economy by sharpening the skills of our people. The focus is also to ensure their re-absorption into key sectors of our economy.
Thousands of beneficiaries will be part of the soft launch of this skills revolution campaign which will include the official opening of a Digital Centre. The event is scheduled as follows:
Date: 10 November 2023
Time: 12h00
Venue: Mangosuthu Institute of Technology (Seme ka Isaka Hall).
RSVP through events@moseskotane.com
We express our gratitude to Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA) under the Department of Higher Education and Training led by Minister Blade Nzimande.
As we embark on this skills revolution campaign we are relying on the enduring partnership involving the Mangosuthu Institute of Technology, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban University of Technology, University of Zululand, eThekwini Academy, eThekwini Maritime Cluster and Enterprise Ilembe.
Finally, rebuilding efficient public service through a highly skilled workforce is also our main focus. In this regard, an integrated approach has been adopted – involving the departments of Education, Health and Public Works.
Our Economy | Our Future
Ends
Issued by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs | Leader of Government Business
Enquiries
Ndabezinhle Sibiya
082375 4742 | Spokesperson | MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs |
Nokuthula Shongwe
+27 83 867 2037 | Events Co-ordinator | Moses Kotane Institute |
Jade Mthiyane
+27607532476 | +27 31 907 7510
Events Co-ordinator | Mangosuthu University of Technology |
UKZN PRIS
MKI is at the 2-day UKZN Postgraduate Research and Innovation Symposium in Durban. The programme includes almost 230 oral and flash presentations from UKZN postgraduate students, a keynote address from Dr. Jennifer Balatedi Molwantwa, CEO of the Water Research Commission of South Africa (WRC), who sits on various government advisory boards.
CANNABIS EXPO
CANNABIS EXPO
Welcome to our new Acting CEO of MKI, Adv Thembelihle Mapipa
MKI Congratulate Dr Ellenson
Global Indian Maritime Summit 2023
Dr Langa Dlamini is currently attending the Global Indian Maritime Summit 2023 in Mumbai (India). He is also conducting a maritime university benchmarking and feasibility excercise in Chennai at the Indian Maritime University in Chennai, India.
WOMEN TRADITIONAL LEADERS CONFERENCE
MARITIME DAY
WECONA LAUNCH
MKI attended the WECONA LAUNCH held in ICC, Durban.
National Career & Science Oxpo
MKI attended the National Career & Science expo in Ladysmith
SALGA TECH GAMES LAUNCH
MKI attended the salga tech games launch in Ulundi
