Proposal submission

Call for ProposalsThe SA SDG Hub Policy Support Initiative

Leveraging South Africa’s Universities to Attain the SDGs in the Context of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic is presenting countries around the world with unparalleled economic and social challenges. This is especially the case in middle-income countries such as South Africa where pre-existing economic and social challenges amplify the effects of the pandemic. The Presidency, the GIZ, and the South African SDG Hub at the University of Pretoria are partnering to assist with South Africa’s achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in the context of COVID-19.

This partnership seeks to unlock the policy impact of the expertise at South Africa’s 26 public universities, enabling the South African government to use the expertise at its universities to source innovative and policy-relevant input. Working with centers of excellence and leading academics, the South African SDG Hub will coordinate the reports identifying evidence-based economic or social policy responses which advance the achievement of the SDGs in the context of COVID-19.

Proposals are welcome from South African University-based academics in the following areas: 

  • Agriculture
  • Education, Training and Development Practices
  • Health and Welfare
  • Local Government
  • Public Service Productivity

For further information see Call for proposals.

Clearly identify the issue and which of the above area(s) it falls under, including relevant SDG targets and indicators..
What where the developments, best practices, challenges, missing opportunities and gaps in the area pre-COVID-19. Any other relevant factors that existed pre-COVID-19.
Provide an overview of the challenges COVID-19 has created, highlighted existing gaps or any other pertinent impact.
Brief overview of the short, medium and long term evidence-based policy recommendations. What outcomes could be expected following implementation of the various recommendations in the short, medium and long-term? How are these outcomes linked to SDGs?
Based on the research findings, which actors (both governmental and non-governmental) are considered best placed to implement recommendations, and why. This could include the different levels of government. Identify any partnerships considered necessary.
Indicate the ideal timeframe for implementing the policy recommendations and identify any potential constraints or challenges to implementation