
South African Environmental Observation Network
A sustained, coordinated, responsive and comprehensive South African insituenvironmental observation network that delivers long-term reliable data for scientific research and informs decision-making for a knowledge society and improved quality of life. The mandate of SAEON is derived from the Science and Technology White Paper of 1995 and the National Research and Development Strategy of 2003 and is further expressed in the context of the National Global Change Research Plan.

The WRC was established in terms of the Water Research Act (Act No 34 of 1971), following a period of serious water shortage. It was deemed to be of national importance to generate new knowledge and to promote the country’s water research purposefully, owing to the view held that water would be one of South Africa’s most limiting factors in the 21st century.
Currently, South Africa is still under threat of a lack of sufficient water, while water quality and availability issues are becoming more acute. However, the country is much better prepared to deal with this problem owing to the WRC’s meaningful contribution to the development of the capacity of the water sector, the broadening of the country’s water-centred R&D base, and the WRC’s continued commitment to direct and fund research on critical issues.
In the future (short- to long-term), it is envisaged that South Africa’s water problems may intensify. Issues such as water for all, quality of life, and a sustainable environment are an essential part of the country’s national priorities and require considerable attention. In addition, implementation of the National Water Act of 1998 and the related national water strategy places considerable demand on water management and calls for research support. The role of South Africa in SADC and NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa’s Development), especially with regard to water resource and water supply and sanitation issues, poses new challenges and requires new initiatives which are within the mandate of the WRC.

The department has, over the years, continued to make a notable contribution in creating employment and skill development opportunities through implementation of the environment sector employment programmes broadly.
In all 12 priority government outcomes, job creation features as a priority output. In the context of this imperative and the departmental mandate on ensuring benefit from environmental assets which, presents an opportunity to contribute significantly to job creation, social inclusion and the low carbon green economy; the department is responsible for the implementation of environmental Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) and the National Green Fund projects among others.

The Maize Trust was founded in August 1998 to promote the South African maize industry. The Trust serves the industry through financial support for institutions and organisations with programmes aimed at market and production related research. The secondary objectives of the Trust are to fund the assimilation and dissemination of market information and to broaden market access for the benefit of the maize industry.

Milk SA's vision is to promote a healthy South African dairy community. The Members of Milk SA comprise the Milk Producers' Organisation (MPO) and the SA Milk Processors’ Organisation (SAMPRO). Founded in 2002, Milk SA addresses the needs of the entire dairy industry of South Africa - as agreed by its members - and its success stories can be ascribed to a shared vision, effective structures and passionate people who make it happen.

The SPL prepare graduates for leading roles in public and civic organisations to tackle development and governance challenges. The graduates are equipped with the knowledge, competencies and values required to build sustainable African societies within a rapidly changing and complex world. Emphasis is placed on the ability of graduates to craft and facilitate an open civic public realm wherein dialogue and contestation can thrive thanks to a culture of tolerance, modisty, solidarity and compassion. To this end, the SPL's teaching, research, consulting and community interaction are designed to foster excellence, social entrepreneurship, reflexive leadership and effective management. They excel in developing the competencies needed to work within complex, multidisciplinary networks and diverse operating environments.