Gauteng COGTA–GCRO Workshop Strengthens Collaborative Research Agenda

The Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) hosted a strategic workshop with the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) on 23 January 2026 at the Marshall Building Auditorium. The session brought together senior leaders, researchers and programme specialists to refine joint priorities and strengthen the partnership’s research agenda.

The workshop focused on deepening cooperation between the two institutions by identifying shared priority areas, defining a coordinated programme of work, and mapping out an implementation roadmap for future research activities. This engagement supports COGTA’s commitment to evidence‑based planning and improved intergovernmental coordination across the Gauteng City Region.

The programme opened with welcoming remarks from Executive Director Mr Rashid Seedat, who outlined the purpose of the engagement. This was followed by:

-An overview of the GCRO by Mr Rashid Seedat.

-A presentation on the GCRO research programme by Mr Graeme Götz; and

-An outline of COGTA’s ongoing work and research needs by Chief Town and Regional Planner Ms Estee Campher.

A key part of the session was a facilitated discussion led by Dr Laven Naidoo and Ms Estee Campher, where participants worked collectively to shape the joint COGTA–GCRO research agenda. This discussion highlighted opportunities to strengthen analytical capacity, improve data alignment and support responsive governance through shared insights.

In concluding the session, Dr Ngaka Mosiane presented the proposed way forward, emphasising the importance of a structured implementation process to ensure the partnership delivers actionable research outputs.

The workshop marks a significant milestone in strengthening the partnership between the two institutions as they work together to enhance knowledge generation, spatial intelligence and evidence‑based decision-making across the province.