About the Knowledge Project

A collaborative platform bridging academic research, teaching excellence, and community-engaged scholarship

Our Mission

The Rhodes University Knowledge Project serves as a dynamic hub for research, teaching, and community engagement aligned with pressing global and local development priorities. We are committed to producing knowledge that matters, fostering partnerships that endure, and contributing meaningfully to sustainable development.

Our work is organized around the Knowledge Wheel, a conceptual framework that integrates three interconnected pillars: Planet (Sustainability), People (Well-being), and Places (Collaboration). This framework ensures our research and engagement activities are holistic, interdisciplinary, and responsive to community needs.

Our Values

Impact

Conducting research that creates tangible, positive change in communities.

Excellence

Maintaining the highest standards in research, teaching, and scholarship.

Partnership

Building authentic, reciprocal relationships with communities and stakeholders.

Equity

Advancing social justice and addressing structural inequalities.

Alignment with Global and National Goals

The Knowledge Project is explicitly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and South Africa’s National Development Plan (NDP). Our research themes, goals, and objectives map directly onto these frameworks, ensuring our work contributes to global and national development priorities.

Alignment with Global and National Goals

  • SDG 4: Quality Education
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 13: Climate Action
  • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
  • NDP Chapter 3: Economy and Employment
  • NDP Chapter 9: Improving Education, Training and Innovation
  • NDP Chapter 15: Transforming Society and Uniting the Country

Get Involved

We welcome collaborations, partnerships, and inquiries from researchers, community organisations, policymakers, and students interested in contributing to sustainable development and social innovation.

Contact Us