The HSRC Press is a non-profit publisher committed to the dissemination of high quality social science publications, in print and electronic form. The HSRC Press is a hybrid press, with a mandate to disseminate HSRC research output and other valuable social science research. It supports the social science research community through a strong commitment to 'opening access to quality social science in Africa'.
Some of our distinguishing features include:

• Free access to information via our open access electronic publishing model;
• Our print publications do not go 'out of print' when market demand drops; instead our electronic publishing model enables us to archive material and supply copies in small quantities;
• Our print-based publications are significantly more affordable as the sale prices for print based publications do not include profit margins;
• Unusual attention is paid to each publication we produce as we are not constrained by the commercial demand of publishing a large numbers of titles annually;
• The formal peer-review process guarantees the highest academic quality.

The Press has a very active local and international marketing programme, in addition to collaborating with foreign publishers on specific titles.

More about us...

The editorial board is currently headed by Professor Dan J Ncayiyana. Prof Ncayiyana's education and professional career span three continents - Africa, Europe, and North America. He attended university in South Africa, but received his medical degree from the University of Groningen in The Netherlands after fleeing arrest for political activities in South Africa in 1963. Dr. Ncayiyana trained in obstetrics and gynecology at New York University from 1970-1975. He is also Deputy Chancellor and Honorary Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Cape Town.

The board is made up of the CEO of the HSRC (or designated representative); three HSRC Executive Directors (or their designated representatives); Enver Motala from the ministerially-appointed HSRC Board; three external members from the academic community; and the Director of the HSRC Press.

The external members are:

• Dr Zimitri Erasmus
• Dr Laetitia Rispel

About the HSRC

The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), South Africa's statutory research agency, conducts research that generates critical and independent knowledge relative to all aspects of human and social development. Poverty alleviation and public policy development and implementation are central to all its research activities. Its research extends beyond South African borders through projects and collaborations in other African countries.

A social science research organisation committed to making a difference in the quality of life of ordinary people, the HSRC is often commissioned to undertake large-scale research on behalf of government departments at national, regional and local levels. The HSRC also serves the research needs of parastatal organizations and the private sector, as well as local and international development agencies to track service delivery, evaluate performance and measure the efficacy of interventions.

The HSRC's collaborative approach to research enables interaction with research experts in South Africa, elsewhere in Africa, and internationally. In addition to conducting commissioned research, the organization proactively disseminates its research findings in peer-reviewed and other publications, and through seminars, lectures and media briefings.

Functioning as a knowledge hub, the HSRC contributes to bridging the gap that so often exists between research, policy and action.

Views from the Press

Broadening the exchange of knowledge - Mail and Guardian - 13 June 2008
by Gary Rosenberg

Open Access, Why the Fuss? - Mail and Guardian - 14 March 2008
by Karen Bruns