Dr. Chimanikire informed participants that he had been Zimbabwe's Liaison Officer of OSSREA for the last ten years and that it was now a pleasure to announce the new Liaison Officer, Dr. Nyasha Madzingira. He also warmly welcomed participants, especially those who had travelled long distances to Harare, in order to attend the workshop. He pointed out that in the past, OSSREA's activity has been largely Harare-based and that it was pleasing to see participants coming from outside Harare.
Dr. Chimanikire informed participants that OSSREA was founded in 1980 and that the organization was therefore now 21 years old. OSSREA's headquarters are based at the University of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. OSSREA is the only organization for Eastern and Southern African social scientists who wish to continue the tradition of social science research and the dissemination of information emanating from such research. OSSREA has emerged from humble beginnings. Overtime, it organized national chapters, initially in East Africa, but gradually opened up to scholars from Southern Africa. Currently, there are 12 chapters in both Eastern and Southern Africa, and they each have Liaison Officers. Ideally OSSREA's operations should be countrywide and this is why the Zimbabwe Chapter is encouraging scholars not only from other universities, but also from government agencies to be part of OSSREA, as long as the respective persons are interested in social science research. Since the definition of social science varies from university to university, OSSREA interprets social sciences in the broadest sense of the term.
Dr. Chimanikire pointed out that OSSREA has provided opportunities for social scientists to undertake research by competing for the annual research grants in the social sciences and gender issues. The head office in Addis Ababa selects the winner. There is no favouritism. In the past, response from Zimbabwean scholars has not been easy because such resources were easily available here. Now resources are scarce and more competitive to obtain. Therefore, OSSREA is now able to assist by disseminating more widely information about available research grants.
Dr. Chimanikire noted that when OSSREA started operating in Zimbabwe, its membership consisted of only one person, but more members have now been recruited. He further pointed out that the current President of OSSREA is a Zimbabwean lady, Dr. Evelyn Pangeti, who started off as Vice-President of OSSREA in 1996 and has since risen through the ranks. Another positive development in OSSREA is that Dr. Nhema, former Chairperson of the Department of Politics and Administration, University of Zimbabwe, is now Deputy Executive Secretary of OSSREA and is based in Addis Ababa.
Participants were informed that the membership fee for OSSREA is US $10.00. Once one becomes a member, they are put on priority list in terms of receiving the triennial OSSREA Newsletter and consideration for research grants and papers for possible publication. OSSREA produces publications which can be bought on concessionary rates. Furthermore, OSSREA's journal is internationally refereed and the University of Zimbabwe Council has accepted OSSREA's publications when considering applications for promotion. Dr. Chimanikire suggested that perhaps in future OSSREA's paid-up members should get preference for award of research grants.
Networking among OSSREA's chapters is now extensive and has been going on for the last 20 years. This is done through holding meetings where scholars meet, discuss issues and get to know each other.
