VANDERBIJLPARK. – The North-West University (NWU) has after meeting with Emfuleni Local Municipality (ELM) Mayor Sipho Radebe strengthened their relationship with the municipality.
The meeting also served to explore possible opportunities that will positively impact communities.
Professor Linda du Plessis, deputy vice-chancellor for planning and Vanderbijlpark Campus operations emphasized the significance of this long-standing collaboration and invited possible innovative ideas that can create more opportunities for students and improve their chances of employment.
She also highlighted that 65% of students at Vanderbijlpark Campus are NSFAS beneficiaries, and underscored the need to address the missing middle and to promote access to postgraduate qualifications, especially for honors programs.
Among other issues discussed was the NWU’s participation in the municipality’s venture to craft a master plan for the area, as higher learning institutions are regarded to be a microcosm of society.
Mayor Radebe announced a new partnership with Rand Water to address water challenges through the Special Vehicle Purpose project.
“It is important for the university and the municipality to collaborate on community projects that have a positive impact.”
Reaffirming the municipality’s continued support for NWU students, the advancement of the Purple Route, which could serve as a model to improve safety in the community was discussed.
The Purple Route is situated just outside the campus and includes Hendrik van Eck and Andries Potgieter Boulevard. The routes will be maintained by performing grass-cutting and security patrols.
In the future, there are plans to add lighting, maintain the gardens, and have visible patrols in the area. The NWU has allocated funds to launch the NWU Security Enhancement project which will be used to fund some components. Radebe introduced a bursary scheme to the value of R2,1 million aimed at financially assisting underprivileged students in the district, with the majority of the funds intended to be allocated to NWU students.
He said that the focus would be on coming up with an internship plan, as well as promoting honors programs and assisting the missing middle, with an emphasis on programs that lead to direct employment.
Nkosinathi Tom, acting director for Student Life on the campus says: “We brainstormed some innovative ideas and strategies to address pressing challenges faced by the community. “We believe that by leveraging the collective expertise and resources of the university and the municipality, we can make a positive impact on people’s lives.”
The meeting included a discussion on the importance of nurturing an inclusive and collaborative environment that encourages the active participation of all stakeholders in the development and implementation of community-focused initiatives.
