Encha has been awarded the Golden Leopard by Mistra in recognition of its contribution to the work of Mistra, as well as being recognised as a Corporate Donor in Mistra’s 2014/2015 Annual Report.

About Mistra

The name Mapungubwe is derived from an ancient Kingdom that straddled Botswana, Great Zimbabwe and South Africa. It is the largest in sub-Saharan Africa of the lost kingdoms.

Mistra was “founded by a group of South Africans with experience in research, academia, policy-making and governance who saw the need to create a platform of engagement around strategic issues facing South Africa. It has been designed as an institute that will combine research and academic development, strategic reflection and intellectual discourse. It will apply itself to issues such as economics, sociology, history, arts and culture and the logics of natural sciences.“

(As quoted from the Mistra website)

Mistra’s Vision

An institute for research and reflection on domestic and global dynamics with a bearing on the advancement of South African society.

Mistra’s Mission

To advance South Africa’s development by addressing the complex challenges that straddle issues of nation-formation, economic growth, social equity, science and technology and positioning in a globalised world.

Mistra’s Objectives

A progressive Institute, broadly informed by the ideals of our Constitution, to:

• develop and advance South Africa’s paradigm of thinking and reservoir of knowledge in a wide variety of disciplines.
• advance the all-round development of South African society for the attainment of an improving quality of life
• deepen South African democracy
• promote African development and democracy
• advance South Africa’s global interests in pursuit of peace and equitable development
• contribute to the mobilisation of society around a common vision

Mistra’s Business Philosophy

Strategic high-level interrogation of issues in an atmosphere that is free from the pressures of immediate application, considerations of sources of funding or narrow sectoral interests.

Mistra has four faculties:

• Political Economy,
• Knowledge Economy,
• Scientific Advancement; and
• Humanity.

From the launch, it was obvious that task that the Institute had set for itself was much needed by the South African people: a need for credible, independent thinkers who will contribute to South Africa’s preparedness for the future.