Wits University and Old Mutual join hands to increase knowledge base on social security

Launching Chair of Social Security to stimulate debate and develop expertise o­n social security issues

Johannesburg, 13 April 2011 – The challenges facing public sector institutions globally – whether governments, state institutions, public entities or not-for-profit organisations - are driving demand for improved capabilities, and the development of academic competencies to respond to an increasing number of postgraduate students.

With this in mind, Old Mutual (South Africa) agreed to sponsor the Chair of Social Security Systems Administration and Management Studies at Wits University as part of the development of an academic and research programme in social security systems studies.

Prof Alex van den Heever has been appointed the Chair of Social Security. He has worked in the areas of health economics and finance, public finance and social security in various capacities over the past 21 years.

The launch of the Chair of Social Security will be held as a public lecture at the Donald Gordon Auditorium o­n 14 April 2011 at 18h00.

As a worthy incumbent of the chair in social security systems administration and management studies, Prof Van den Heever will initiate this launch with a discussion o­n why modern social security systems need to be drivers of social and economic diversity and dynamism, designed for growth, development and employment generation.

“Social risk prevention and mitigation need not come at the cost of increased dependency, and disincentives to work or to productively contribute to society. Capturing the right opportunities from a social security system now more than ever before requires a focus o­n identifiable objectives rather than reliance o­n outmoded ideological discourses,” said Prof Van den Heever.

In his tenure, the chair will ensure and provide space for the dissemination of generated knowledge through seminars, workshops and conferences; as well as utilising relevant platforms such as academic journals and mainstream media.

Crispin Sonn, Director of Corporate Affairs at Old Mutual (South Africa) said: “Old Mutual is involved in a number of initiatives aimed at improving the financial welfare of South Africans. These include educational academies, financial education programmes and projects like our Savings Monitor research.

“Our involvement with the Graduate School of Public and Development Management provides us with an opportunity to assist in the important task of public management education and the training of leaders in, amongst others, public governance, public policy and development management.”