Our Story – Institute for Rural Development

Origin of the Institute

How IRD Came to Be

South Africa's higher education sector is faced with the challenge of accelerating transformation and restructuring in order to align itself with 21st Century national and international development imperatives. At the same time, there is a greater need than ever before to promote internationalisation.

These realities have compelled UNIVEN to weave them into its teaching and learning, community engagement, and research and innovation as it recalibrates itself to become a comprehensive university.

Also, the university's strategic location in relation to the rest of Africa and the fact that most of its students come from poor rural areas demands that it offers programmes that resonate with this reality.

Timeline

A Journey of Growth

2007

Vision Adopted

UNIVEN adopted the vision to be at the centre of tertiary education for rural and regional development in Southern Africa.

Nov 2008

CRDPA Born

Merger of the Centre for Rural Development and the Institute of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Poverty Eradication gave birth to the Centre for Rural Development and Poverty Alleviation (CRDPA).

Nov 2010

Business Plan Approved

The UNIVEN Council approved the CRDPA business plan, paving the way for accelerated growth in postgraduate research and community-based programmes.

2012

Elevated to IRD

In recognition of the phenomenal growth of the CRDPA, it was elevated to the Institute for Rural Development (IRD) — UNIVEN's flagship unit for rural transformation.

Explore more about IRD

Dive deeper into our mandate, achievements, and the people who drive our work.

Mandate & Vision → Meet Our Staff