Page 28 - Transformation Indaba Report

In terms of student life - ensure the improvement of holistic decreased during the pandemic. The nutrition programme
student support (academic, psychosocial, financial, infrastruc- spearheaded by student health services provides non-
ture) to enable increased student success/throughput, par- perishable foods to indigent students and enjoys much support
ticularly those from historically disadvantaged groups – Dr from Tiger Brands. In addition, veggie gardens were created
Levendal reported on an increased enhancement of student across the institution (needing rejuvenation post-lockdown).
and staff safety & security. Intelligence gathering tools were
procured to deter, detect and prevent recurring crimes. Strong Due to the pandemic’s effect on our students’ mental well-
collaborative partnerships (internal and external) play a huge- ness, Dr Levendal saw increased interactions with Emthonjeni
ly positive role. Crime re-occurs on campuses, and feelings Student Wellness. Students were assisted with coping
of being unsafe are still very prevalent in our spaces (GBV). mechanisms.

The Sports Transformation Plan has been implemented and In terms of finance and student financial support, a big
focuses on recruiting athletes, especially from marginalised increase in PG funding was seen year on year (2019 – 2020).
communities. Programmes support students in balancing UG funding (2020) comprised R1.2b NSFAS funding, sup-
sporting activities with academic responsibilities. Increased porting 47% of students at the UG level. In addition to the
enrollments led to an increased demand for student and staff NSFAS funding, Council has provided a significant amount
transport, necessitating a transportation strategy which for PG students and infrastructure needs. 518m was spent on
includes buses and taxi services. The demand for transport infrastructure in 2019, followed by an additional 46m in 2020.

Ensuring implementation of programmes and measures designed to accelerate focused recruitment,
capacity development, greater representation and retention of designated and underrepresented
groups in the academic workforce, especially senior academic positions (slide)

This slide speaks to elements mentioned by Prof Keet earlier the professoriate in 2020, the majority constitute white
regarding the lack of representation of the academic workforce. colleagues, and black staff make up the minority. The majority
Collectively, black staff make up 51%, and white staff make of black staff serve as lecturers and associate lecturers.
up the majority of academic staff. Even more alarming, in Research associates are mostly white.

NelsoN MaNdela UNiversity • traNsforMatioN iNdaba • 2022 22