Community Engagement

NWU pioneering the role of community engagement through innovative research

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 09:25:24 +0000

NWU pioneering the role of community engagement through innovative research

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 10/09/2024 - 11:25

The North-West University (NWU) continues to affirm its commitment to advancing community engagement through innovative research methodologies.

This commitment was recently exemplified at the African Centre for Training in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Knowledge for Change (K4C) at Gulu University in Uganda.

It is here where the NWU showcased its dedication to integrating CBPR and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) with its community engagement strategies. These efforts underscore the role of the NWU as a leader in fostering collaborative research that not only addresses local challenges, but also contributes to global knowledge.

Building bridges through collaborative research

At the heart of the community engagement initiatives of the NWU is the use of CBPR, a methodology that transforms the traditional research paradigm by actively involving community members in the research process.

CBPR ensures that research is not only about communities but also conducted with and for them, addressing their needs and aspirations. This collaborative approach is key to producing outcomes that are directly beneficial to the communities involved, ensuring that the research has a tangible, real-world impact.

The recent Gulu training provided an invaluable opportunity for the NWU to strengthen its commitment to CBPR. The training emphasised the importance of bridging the gap between academic research and practical applications, highlighting how CBPR can be a powerful tool for community empowerment and sustainable development. By fostering mutual learning between academics and community members, the NWU is enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of its community engagement activities, ensuring that they are responsive to the needs of the communities they serve.

Valuing indigenous knowledge for sustainable development

Another cornerstone of the NWU's approach to community engagement is the integration of IKS with its research and outreach efforts. IKS represents the collective wisdom and practices of local communities, rooted in their cultural heritage and long-standing traditions. By incorporating IKS into its research methodologies, the NWU not only enriches the research process, but also ensures that the solutions developed are culturally appropriate and sustainable in the long term.

The Gulu training highlighted the critical role of IKS in promoting sustainable development and preserving cultural heritage. The NWU's emphasis on IKS reflects a broader understanding that meaningful community engagement must respect and incorporate the

knowledge and practices of the communities involved. This approach not only honours the cultural identity of these communities but also enhances the sustainability of development initiatives by grounding them in locally accepted practices and beliefs.

Role in the global Knowledge for Change (K4C) Consortium

The participation of the NWU in the UNESCO K4C Consortium further solidifies its position as a global leader in community engagement. The K4C Consortium is a global partnership that seeks to address both local and global challenges through community-university collaborations. By being an active member of this consortium, the NWU is contributing to the co-creation of knowledge that is both contextually relevant and globally significant.

The Gulu Residential Training Programme, as part of the K4C initiative, provided the NWU with an opportunity to engage with other global partners in refining and expanding its community engagement strategies. This participation highlights the dedication of the NWU to fostering skills in community-based research, not only among its academics but also among community members. Through this global network, the NWU is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of community engagement, ensuring that its initiatives are both innovative and impactful.

Commitment to real-world impact

The involvement of the NWU in the K4C Gulu Residential Training Programme is a testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to community engagement through innovative research.

By integrating CBPR and IKS into its strategies, the NWU is ensuring that its research efforts are not only academically rigorous but also deeply rooted in the needs and realities of the communities it serves. This approach not only bridges the gap between academia and the real world but also ensures that the university's community engagement activities have a lasting and meaningful impact.

The work of the NWU in this area is a powerful example of how universities can play a transformative role in society, contributing to sustainable development and global knowledge creation.

Opening day of the UNESCO K4C Residential Training Programme in Gulu, Uganda. Prof Openjuru L George, vice-chancellor of Gulu University, delivers a welcome address to the delegates, setting the stage for the collaborative sessions ahead.

Jeeva Munsamy from the Central University of Technology participates in an indigenous tree-planting ceremony during the training programme, symbolising growth and sustainability.

UNESCO K4C chairs and delegates enjoy an authentic traditional dance performance, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the local community.

Dr Karen Venter from the University of the Free State receives a heartfelt gift from a young girl in the village.

Delegates outside the headquarters of the Global Institute of Applied Governance in Science and Innovations, led by Prof Catherine Hoppers.

Delegates engage in collaborative discussions, emphasising the integration of CBPR and IKS for sustainable community engagement and development.

Empowerment Foundations unite for educational upliftment

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 08:44:06 +0000

Empowerment Foundations unite for educational upliftment

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 10/09/2024 - 10:44

In a commendable effort to address social issues and uplift the standard of living in the Barolong Boo Mariba communities, the School of Philosophy in the Faculty of Humanities at the North-West University (NWU) has partnered with the Tswelelopele Empowerment Foundation.

This collaboration is focused on engaging with seven local communities through educational empowerment initiatives, with a particular emphasis on supporting learners in their journey towards higher education.

On 2 August 2024 both organisations held a simultaneous event across multiple schools, highlighting their commitment to these communities. Since 2021, the NWU and Tswelelopele have been hosting annual career exhibitions, inviting various stakeholders to share crucial information with Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners from Mothibinyane High School, Mothusi Marumuloa Secondary School, Kagiso Barolong Secondary School, and Ntshidi High School. However, an informal monitoring and evaluation process revealed that, between 2021 and 2024, fewer than 30 learners from these schools had registered at the NWU.

Several factors contribute to this low enrolment, including lack of admission to bachelor’s-degree programmes, delayed applications, missed opportunities to attend NWU open days, and the university's capacity constraints. In the light of these challenges, the organisations decided to revise their strategy. Instead of hosting the usual career exhibition this year, they opted to visit the schools directly, offering hands-on assistance with the application process under the campaign named #WeAreHereToHelp.

The initiative targeted Grade 12 learners and those who had already matriculated in the seven villages. "Living in a remote, disadvantaged community is sometimes a challenge for learners, and getting any form of educational empowerment means a lot to them. It is for this reason that we help where we can," says Amantle Mothelesi, one of the key coordinators of the project.

Despite the positiveness of the initiative, the challenges remain significant. Some learners lack the necessary identity documents required for university applications – a problem rooted in a lack of parental support. In response, Tswelelopele Empowerment Foundation members are exploring ways to assist these students.

While recognising that not all learners will make it to university, stakeholders remain hopeful that this new strategy will yield positive results, providing much-needed support to those who aspire to further their education.

Initiative aims to overcome challenges in access to higher education

North-West University hosts Community Engagement Stakeholders Forum meetings

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:48:32 +0000

North-West University hosts Community Engagement Stakeholders Forum meetings BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 10/08/2024 - 08:48

The North-West University (NWU) is pleased to announce its upcoming Community Engagement Stakeholders Forum meetings, scheduled to take place across its three campuses in Mahikeng, Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark.

We acknowledge that social dynamics and the complexity of challenges faced by our communities necessitate universities such as the NWU to have strategic partnerships with external partners to achieve a sustainable impact. To attain this, we are guided by the NWU Strategic Plan: 2024 and beyond, which employs community engagement (CE) as an important catalyst to drive teaching and learning (T&L) and research and innovation (R&I).

Therefore, these annual stakeholders forum meetings represent a significant step forward in our mission to engage meaningfully with all our communities and drive positive change. “We look forward to fostering innovative partnerships and tackling societal challenges together as we get to know one another,” says Bibi Bouwman, director of Sustainability and Community Impact.

The forum meetings also aim to strengthen the NWU's ties with current and potential stakeholders. These ties are aimed at fostering strategic collaborations between various sectors and academia to create opportunities for students’ placement for service learning and co-creation of knowledge through research. This initiative underscores the university's commitment to becoming a more responsive and inclusive institution.

An invitation is extended to all civil society organisations, schools, faith-based organisations, industry partners, local government institutions and the business sector to join the forum and explore opportunities for collaborative impact.

We have invited a renowned guest speaker, Ms Monica Brown, who will be talking to us about empathetic leadership. The title of her talk is “Leading with heart and mind: the importance of empathy and authority in community development”.

Monica Brown, a South African activist and social entrepreneur, has transformed her personal experience as a survivor of gender-based violence into a global mission for justice and equality. As the founder of SCREAMZA, a voluntary organisation promoting awareness of and response to gender-based violence (GBV), and through her consultancy, South Africa Scream Pty Ltd, she works to ensure that organisations implement effective diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) and GBV programmes. Her activism has gained international recognition, and she continues to mentor global advocates and push for systemic change, using her platform to challenge norms and create a more equitable world.

Please click here for more information about the upcoming Community Engagement Stakeholders Forum meetings.

Forum meeting details:

- Mahikeng Campus: 16 October 2024 10:30 – 12:30

- Potchefstroom Campus: 17 October 2024 10:30 –- 12:30

- Vanderbijlpark Campus: 18 October 2024 10:30 – 12:30

Registration: Interested stakeholders can register using the following link:

For enquiries, contact Mr Lester Mpolokeng and Tumelo Legae on the details below: Tumelo Legae: tumelo.legae@nwu.ac.za 0182852598/0726532766 Lester Mpolokeng: lester.mpolokeng@nwu.ac.za 0183892951

Community Engagement Showcase marks 20 years of impactful projects

BELINDA BANTHAM — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 12:19:45 +0000

Community Engagement Showcase marks 20 years of impactful projects

by Mafumane Tlhapi

BELINDA BANTHAM Wed, 10/02/2024 - 14:19

The North-West University (NWU) held a Community Engagement Showcase on 30 September 2024 on the Mahikeng Campus to celebrate the impact projects that have been implemented in the NWU’s 20 years of existence.

Highlighting the NWU’s commitment to apply academic knowledge to address community needs, the event showcased the various projects through posters and stalls, and featured discussions on ongoing projects. These discussions aimed to highlight the university's role in harnessing the expertise of its three campuses to benefit the broader society.

Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, emphasised the importance of mutual learning between the NWU and the communities it serves.

"We firmly believe that knowledge-generating and knowledge-sharing should not be a one-sided affair. As much as we share our research findings and innovative ideas with society, we make it our business to engage with our communities to learn from and be taught by them," she said.

The showcase featured contributions from the NWU’s faculties, and attendees had the opportunity to explore a variety of initiatives, from local agricultural programmes to health interventions and educational outreach.

Faculty members stood by their stalls, discussing their work with curious visitors, while community leaders shared their experiences in collaborating with the university. The visual display of ideas and research provided a tangible sense of the NWU’s ongoing impact.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, spoke about the university’s 20-year journey in community engagement, reflecting on its growth. He traced the formalisation of these efforts to the 1997 White Paper on Higher Education, which shaped the NWU's policies on working with communities.

Despite the challenges of limited funding and resources, Prof Tyobeka highlighted several milestones, including the establishment of a Community Engagement office and the alignment of the NWU’s projects with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

"Sixty percent of our community engagement projects now have monitoring and evaluation tools, which help us measure their success and ensure that we adapt to the changing needs of the communities we serve," he said. He stressed the importance of ethical clearances for research projects and called for more consistent funding and partnerships with private sector organisations to ensure sustainability.

Other speakers at the showcase included Pastor Piet Tlhabanyane, an NWU Council member, Kgosi Thari Maotwe from the House of Traditional Leaders, Mike Gcaba, an NWU alumnus and businessman, and Dr Margaret Irvine from Rhodes University.

They all echoed the importance of collaboration and highlighted the role of community engagement in tackling critical issues such as unemployment and food security. Their insights added to the growing conversation on how universities such as the NWU can continue to serve its communities by addressing local challenges.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, addresses the audience at the NWU’s Community Engagement Showcase.

Prof Sonia Swanepoel, deputy vice-chancellor for community engagement and Mahikeng Campus operations, emphasises the importance of mutual learning between the NWU and the communities it serves.

Prof Bismark Tyobeka at one of the stalls at the Community Engagement Showcase.

NWU to honour Peter Monametsi Chiepe during the upcoming Spring graduations

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 08:13:22 +0000

NWU to honour Peter Monametsi Chiepe during the upcoming Spring graduations

by Oscar Mosiane

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 09/26/2024 - 10:13

The North-West University (NWU) is pleased to announce that an honorary doctorate will be conferred upon Peter Monametsi Chiepe, an esteemed earth scientist, social entrepreneur, distinguished businessman, and farmer from Botswana during its Spring graduation ceremony on Thursday, 3 October 2024.

As a cattle breeding specialist and owner of Desert Ranch Reproduction Management Centre, Mr Chiepe will be honoured for his immense contribution to agriculture in South Africa.

The university congratulates Mr Chiepe and all the students that will be graduating in the upcoming Spring graduations.

The conferral of Mr Chiepe’s honorary degree and the Spring graduation ceremony will also be live streamed – more details to follow.

As we eagerly await these celebrations, please remember the following:
Spring Graduations
Date: Thursday, 3 October 2024
Location: NWU Great Hall, Mahikeng Campus

We invite you to participate in the celebrations across all our social media platforms using the hashtag #MyNWUGrad2024.

Members of the media interested are requested to confirm attendance with Phenyo Mokgothu on 076 687 9250 or phenyo.mokgothu@nwu.ac.za.

Issued by NWU Corporate Relations and Marketing
Mr Oscar Mosiane
Manager: Communication
Tell: 018 389 2144
Cell: 076 684 5014
oscar.mosiane@nwu.ac.za

Mr Peter Monametsi Chiepe.

Mini-Cricket festival showcases young talent

MARELIZE SANTANA — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 07:20:55 +0000

Mini-Cricket festival showcases young talent

by Zenoyise John

MARELIZE SANTANA Thu, 09/26/2024 - 09:20

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Sports Business Management Department recently hosted a Mini-Cricket festival as part of a community engagement initiative, aiming to promote youth participation in sports, particularly cricket, among primary school students in the Vaal Triangle region.

The event took place at the NWU’s Vanderbijlpark Campus and was a resounding success, drawing in participants and spectators from all over the region. It provided a wonderful opportunity for young athletes to showcase their talents and engage in friendly competition.

The event was organised by Dr Anita Lennox, Jackie Bonnema and Fanie Roos, and focused on mini-cricket teams consisting of children aged six to nine. Notably, the NWU, Spur and RocoMamas proudly sponsored the event, contributing to its success and impact.

Dr Lennox says the purpose of the event was to promote youth engagement in sports, foster teamwork among children, and to provide an opportunity for schools to participate in an organised cricket event.

"The festival served as a platform to connect communities through sport. In addition to being a festival for kids, the NWU Mini-Cricket event integrated teaching and learning into its structure, with NWU students involved in the planning and execution of the festival. This hands-on experience helped students develop skills in event management, community outreach and teamwork, complementing their academic studies," she says.

Dr Lennox says she is satisfied with the event, and that it provided valuable hands-on experience for students in organising a large-scale sporting event. She adds that the strong participation from schools across the Vaal Triangle region highlighted the success of the event.

"The sense of community and camaraderie that permeated the festival was truly heartwarming. It was evident that the event had a positive impact on all those involved. We had a significant turnout, with a total of 590 kids, around 850 spectators, and 110 coaches in attendance," says Dr Lennox. She adds that the event also strengthened relationships between local schools and brought families together to support youth sports in the region.

“The success of this year's event sets a promising precedent for future engagements and reaffirms the commitment to promoting youth participation in sports within the Vaal Triangle region.”

The NWU Mini-Cricket event is an annual initiative, with the next festival scheduled for 6 September 2025.

NWU and SAIGA celebrate an accreditation milestone

MARELIZE SANTANA — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 11:20:57 +0000

NWU and SAIGA celebrate an accreditation milestone

by Phenyo Mokgothu

MARELIZE SANTANA Wed, 09/18/2024 - 13:20

The North-West University (NWU) and the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA) recently celebrated the NWU’s inclusion on SAIGA’s list of accredited universities to contribute towards the certification and development of public sector accountants and auditors.

This means that the NWU is now accredited to offer the Registered Government Auditor (RGA) qualification, which is fully recognised and registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).

This partnership is a major step forward in the development of public sector auditing and governance in South Africa, and highlights a shared commitment to professionalism, integrity and excellence in training future government auditors.

"The SAIGA’s accreditation of the NWU is an important addition to the growing list of universities contributing to the certification and development of public sector accountants and auditors," said SAIGA CEO Russel Morena in a congratulatory message.

He emphasised the role of SAIGA over the past 36 years in building a pool of professionals for state entities and local, provincial and national governments, with the auditor-general of South Africa being one of the largest beneficiaries of SAIGA-trained professionals.

Russel also highlighted the importance of the RGA designation.

“The RGA offers university graduates the opportunity to specialise in public sector accounting and external auditing. The programme also instils the necessary ethical values, technical competencies and foundational knowledge in RGA graduates, preparing them to lead with integrity and professionalism.”

Lovedelia Kganakga, a lecturer in the School of Accounting Sciences, emphasized the importance of this milestone. "Today marks a significant step in our partnership with SAIGA, aimed at advancing the field of public sector auditing. This accreditation will empower professionals to access high-quality education, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to lead the public sector with competence and ethical responsibility."

She also acknowledged the SAIGA leadership team and Prof Ntebo Moroke, deputy dean for community engagement and stakeholder relations in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, for driving this partnership forward.

Dr Calvin Mahlaule, deputy director of School of Accounting, said this recognition contributes to the NWU’s strategic goal of being relevant and sought after. “This presents an exciting growth opportunity for those pursuing the RGA designation, offering market development and new career paths."

In closing, Russel encouraged students passionate about public sector finance and auditing to join the SAIGA membership, which offers various benefits including access to professional development programmes, mentoring and academic awards.

This accreditation not only celebrates the achievements of the NWU and SAIGA, but also marks the beginning of a new era of collaboration, promoting excellence and innovation in public sector governance.

Various stakeholders celebrated the NWU’s accreditation by SAIGA, including representatives from the Provincial Treasury, the local municipality, PricewaterhouseCoopers, the NWU’s School of Accounting Sciences and SAIGA.

Raising awareness for clean water and a sustainable future

BELINDA BANTHAM — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:49:28 +0000

Raising awareness for clean water and a sustainable future

by Steve Maphakathe

BELINDA BANTHAM Tue, 09/10/2024 - 14:49

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences (FNAS) , together with the Water Research Group, the Safety, Health and Environment Department and the Green Team, celebrated International Water Week from 26 to 30 August in Potchefstroom.

The Zoology subject group of FNAS organised three community engagement activities to raise awareness of the importance of clean water and sustaining water sources for the future. This included a river clean-up at the Trimpark, a Fish Day at Vyfhoek Primary School, and a citizens Science Shop.

Community impact and positive change

On Monday, 26 August, enthusiastic student volunteers and the NWU Green Team descended on the Trimpark, collecting roughly 100 bags of waste found on the banks of and in the water of the Mooi River.

Next, on Wednesday, 28 August, grade 7 learners from Vyfhoek Primary School were treated to an educational Fish Day. The learners were divided into groups of ten and moved between eight different stalls, where they were educated on fish migration, fish body components and how fish live and survive in water.

Tshenolo Masilo, a master’s student in zoology, educated learners about the dangers fish and other organisms that live in the river face.

“I enjoyed spending time with the learners who were actively responding during the lessons and educational games. We used mini fishing rods to remove waste from the water while keeping the fish safe, and the learners had a fun time,” says Tshenolo. “To me, the highlight of the day was when two learners walked up to me and expressed their gratitude and admiration, emphasising how much they enjoyed the experience,” she adds.

On Friday, 30 August, the Water Week celebration ended with a citizen science shop held along the Mooi River. Community members were invited to monitor and test the river water with testing kits provided by WaterCan. This project fosters an active approach to water resource protection in South Africa by establishing networks, sharing data and training among citizen scientists.

Additionally, students also assessed the ecological condition of the Mooi River by using the South African Scoring System version 5 method, which uses macroinvertebrates as a response indicator. These macroinvertebrates have been assigned pollution sensitivity scores ranging from one to 15, where one represents pollution tolerant species and 15 represents pollution sensitive species.

On Wednesday, 28 August, the FNAS held an educational Fish Day at Vyfhoek Primary School, igniting joy and excitement among the young learners.

One of the stalls that were set up educated the learners on some of the fish species present in the Mooi River.

NWU students and staff members filled approximately 100 bags of waste while cleaning up the Mooi River that flows through the Trimpark.

Delegates from the Water Research Group worked hard to clean up the Mooi River.

Another successful BMI Day for the Vanderbijlpark Campus

MARELIZE SANTANA — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 06:56:41 +0000

Another successful BMI Day for the Vanderbijlpark Campus

by Mafumane Tlhapi

MARELIZE SANTANA Fri, 08/30/2024 - 08:56

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus hosted BMI Day, an annual event organised by the Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics (CBMI) on 14 August 2024.

Since its inception in 2022, BMI Day has grown into a tradition, bringing together current students and accomplished alumni, and – for the first time this year – high-achieving Grade 11 and 12 learners from nearby schools.

The event serves as a unique platform where former students, now successful professionals in various financial institutions and consulting firms, share their experiences and insights.

Their stories offer valuable guidance and inspiration to the young aspiring professionals. This year, one of the key themes that emerged from these discussions was the importance of networking and the resilience needed to overcome career challenges.

Leandra van der Merwe, a lecturer at the CBMI, emphasises that BMI Day is more than just a reunion. “This is a chance for former students to give back by sharing the wisdom they've gained in their careers. This event is about fostering a sense of community among BMI students and inspiring the next generation.”

She explains that the decision to include high school learners was a strategic move by the CBMI to cultivate interest in the field early on, adding that they want to introduce these young scholars to the world of business mathematics and informatics to potentially shape their future academic and career choices.

The impact of the event was highlighted by heartfelt feedback from attendees, with one student expressing profound gratitude for the renewed motivation and commitment sparked by the event. "This event helped me understand the journey," the student shared, capturing the essence of BMI Day’s influence.

“As BMI Day continues to grow in scope and impact, it stands as a testament to the CBMI’s dedication to not only educate, but also to inspire and support its students,” says Leandra.

She adds that the event has become a cornerstone of the academic calendar at the Vanderbijlpark Campus, reinforcing the bonds within the NWU community and shaping the futures of those who engage with the CBMI.

Celebrating the ongoing legacy of the Centre for Business Mathematics and Informatics.

Workshop focuses on effectively measuring the NWU’s societal impact

BELINDA BANTHAM — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 12:36:49 +0000

Workshop focuses on effectively measuring the NWU’s societal impact

by Willie du Plessis

BELINDA BANTHAM Mon, 08/19/2024 - 14:36

Community engagement project leaders recently learned how to use the SenseMaker® platform effectively to not only capture and report their activities but also to measure the societal impact of their initiatives.

Prof Dave Snowden, creator of SenseMaker® and the Cynefin Framework, led the training that took place in Potchefstroom on 6 August. Twenty-nine staff members participated in-person and eight online. These staff members included deputy deans, research directors, support staff and Student Life directors from the various campuses of the North-West University (NWU).

“The workshop highlighted the potential of the platform to revolutionise how community engagement impact is measured within academic settings, while also acknowledging the challenges in adopting such tools in complex and multifaceted research environments,” says Bibi Bouwman, director for Sustainability and Community Impact.

She says SenseMaker® opens up many opportunities for community engagement project leaders to better understand and manage their projects. “It is an exciting platform that provides rich insights and tools to help staff understand all the complexities of their community engagement projects and make informed decisions.”

Prof Jeffrey Mphahlele emphasised the importance of universities assessing their societal impact during the workshop. He said it is a challenge that is not easily addressed by traditional research metrics.

Categorising problems

According to Prof Snowden, problems in measuring societal impact can be categorised into five domains. These are: clear, complicated, complex, chaotic, and disorder. “The framework helps leaders understand the nature of the problems they face and choose appropriate actions accordingly.”

Prof Snowden highlighted how SenseMaker® enables self-signification, empowering individuals to interpret their own experiences, thus avoiding the biases associated with third-party analysis.

The workshop concluded with several recommendations that, among other things, the next community engagement annual report should explore the underlying cultural and motivational issues relating to community engagement as a core pillar at the university and that SenseMaker® should be used to study these challenges and plan future community engagement activities.

More about SenseMaker®

It is a web-based, multi-faceted tool that was developed by the Cynefin Company. The application is rooted in the Cynefin Framework.

It is designed to bridge the gap between quantitative data and narrative context, allowing individuals to interpret and give meaning to their own experiences through distributed scientific descriptions (ethnography).

The group of community engagement project leaders attended the SenseMaker® workshop at the NWU’s Sports Village.

Bibi Bouwman, director for Sustainability and Community Impact, with Prof Dave Snowden, creator of SenseMaker® and the Cynefin Framework.

Prof Dave Snowden (centre) visited the office of the vice-chancellor on 5 August. Meeting him were Philip Malan, manager in the office of the vice-chancellor, Clement Manoko, executive director for Corporate Relations and Marketing, Prof Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for Planning and Campus Operations (Vanderbijlpark Campus), Prof Dave Snowden, Cynefin Wales, Elmi Bester, Cynefin in South Africa, Ntsikie Kote, chief director for Strategy, Bibi Bouwman, director for Sustainability and Community Impact, and Nkosinathi Tom, NWU director for Strategic Partnerships and Special Projects.