Accelerating the implementation of SDG 4: stakeholder perceptions towards initiation of sustainable community engagement projects by higher education institutions
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 3 September 2021
Issue publication date: 28 October 2021
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the results of an investigation on how a reciprocal relationship between the University of Mpumalanga (UMP) in South Africa and the surrounding communities can be used to accelerate the implementation of sustainable development goal 4 (SDG 4). The aim of this paper is to establish stakeholder perceptions on the role of higher education institutions (HEIs) in the development and implementation of sustainable community engagement (CE) projects geared towards the acceleration of SDG 4.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative methodology was adopted. This consisted of a presentation at UMP, an educational tour of the campus and discussion sessions with 3 education officials and 19 high schools representatives from Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. Content and narrative analysis were used to analyse the data obtained during the discussions.
Findings
The key findings indicate that a reciprocal relationship between HEIs and their surrounding communities can be used to accelerate the implementation of SDG 4 by positioning HEIs to take the lead with initiatives and implementation of CE projects.
Research limitations/implications
For HEIs to be in a better position to take a leading role in CE, they must guide without imposing, else it may lead to stakeholders losing interest.
Practical implications
The importance of a mutual working relationship between HEIs and communities becomes paramount, as it may lead to the realisation and acceleration of SDG 4 through CE. It is suggested that HEIs prioritise CE and also involve communities from the conceptualisation of any project.
Originality/value
The paper raises awareness and demonstrates the importance and possibilities of using CE towards the acceleration of the implementation of SDG 4 by HEIs.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This paper forms part of a special section “Higher education and the acceleration of the sustainable development goals in Africa”, guest edited by Rudi Pretorius and Melanie Nicolau.
This research was supported by the University of Mpumalanga through the Research Office and the Community Engagement Office. The authors thank their colleagues from the School of Hospitality and Tourism who provided support during the engagement event which took place on the 19th of July 2019. They extend their gratitude to the third driver of the community engagement project used as a case study of this paper, Ms Osman. They are very grateful to the study participants for their insight and expertise that greatly assisted the research. They expressed their appreciation to the Africa symposium local organising committee, in particular Prof Pretorius and Prof Nicolau including the international organising committee of the series of the symposium.
Citation
Shabalala, L.P. and Ngcwangu, S. (2021), "Accelerating the implementation of SDG 4: stakeholder perceptions towards initiation of sustainable community engagement projects by higher education institutions", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 22 No. 7, pp. 1573-1591. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-04-2020-0123
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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