University of Pretoria in collaboration with UNISA Open Access Event 2024

Abstract

The Department of Library Services (DLS), in collaboration with the University of South Africa (UNISA) Library and Information Services, hosted an Open Access (OA) event on October 22, 2024. This year’s theme, “Community over Commercialization,” continued the vital conversation from last year, advocating for open scholarship practices that benefit the public and academic communities over commercial interests. The event explored the impact of commercialization on knowledge production and the importance of preserving academic freedom and equity. Ms Lindiwe Soyizwapi opened the event by welcoming the guests, while highlighting the importance of OA. Dr Carol Nonkwelo spoke about the funding models and the importance of collaboration. Prof Mpho Ngoepe delivered a keynote address which analyzed and highlighted the the benefits of OA The event was attended by people from various institution such UNISA, UP, TUT and Centre for Geo Science, with presenters from institutions such as ASSAf, covering a topic on "Diamond Open Access as a catalyst for policy change" while Dr Siviwe Bangani from the Stellenbosch University spoke about how Open Access can have an impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Dr Marlene Holmner (UP) emphasized the importance of knowledge sharing our organisations, while using Open Access tools to ensure knowledge is freely available to all. Mr Sthembiso Mkhwanazi (CSIR) presented about DIRISA services and their infrastructure. Dr Modiehi Rammutloa (UNISA) highlighted the importance of protecting the citizen science-generated data. Ms Dudu Nkosi (UNISA) gave the closing remarks thanking all the stakeholders involved in delivering a successful event and also highlighted the plans for the future.