Page 57 - Transformation Indaba Report

monitoring, rePorting And evAluAtion of the itP imPlementAtion in the

higher eduCAtion seCtor

dAy 2, pAnel discUssion 1 │ George Mvalo (VUT); Dr Sianne Alves (UCT); Dr Claire Kelly (SU)

The first panelist, George took Indaba participants back to Sianne shared some paradoxes within which transformation
Day One where Prof Keet had unpacked the journey and operates e.g., high throughput rates but high unemploy-
genesis of the Transformation Barometer (TB). George ment rates; a decolonised curriculum in relation to a globally
explained that the Transformation Managers Forum (TMF) can recognised standard; the need to change demographic pro-
facilitate the operationalisation of the Transformation Barom- file but too few vacancies. Sianne presented UCT’s five bench-
eter and ascertain which elements can assist institutions to marks, each containing its own set of indicators:
drive their transformation agendas. George views the Trans- 1. Strategic integration of inclusion
formation Barometer as a key supplementing mechanism, 2. Institutional response to discrimination, harassment,
one that is context-based rather than a descriptive mecha- and violence
nism; that sets out the common issues facing each university 3. Staff access and support
as part of their operations; and has been adopted in various 4. Student access and support
disguises by several university councils across the length 5. Space, place, and African identity
and breadth of the country. He described the Barometer
as a self-reporting tool, useful for institutions as far as trans- She explained that UCT had spent a lot of time ‘surfacing’
formation is concerned and providing context for dealing with its challenges and gaps through the following sets of data:
issues of monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the imple- 1. Inclusivity Survey
mentation of Integrated Transformation Plans (ITPs). 2. IRTC Report
3. Mayosi Report
He declared that even before 1994, universities had em- 4. EE Barrier Analysis
braced the notion of transformation and have now codified
their commitment to transformation through their strategic Sianne spoke about how benchmarks are not punitive but
plans and various formulations. The ITP is a perfect example instead are self-regulatory. They’ve were tested and piloted
of intentional institutional commitment to transformation. over a period. UCT divisions have scored themselves against
the benchmarks. She stressed that individuals are not man-
He described the different levels where one can find support dated to implement goals but instead are encouraged to
for transformation reporting, monitoring, and accountability implement on a voluntary basis and to self-monitor.
(internally and externally) from the micro level e.g., Individual
line-manager KPAs through to the macro level e.g., report- Sianne concluded her session by sharing that benchmarking
ing to DHET, Chapter Nine institutions, USAf, and the HE has brought about cohesion to progress monitoring at UCT.
Portfolio Committee. Reporting templates are being develop- The University’s Institutional Forum has recognised their role
ed for standardisation. The Transformation Offices then play a in monitoring and engages deeply with systemic issues. She
coordinating role in their respective institutions. emphasised the importance of a culture of care and enabling
each other and showing support for every small win or shift
The second panelist, Sianne shared information about UCT’s made.
achievements thus far around benchmarking and monitoring.
The third and final panelist, Claire spoke about her current
She outlined some optimal conditions necessary for M&E experience at SU and her role in providing capacity building
- the need for alignment between management, operations and support for staff to drive transformation at SU. She focus-
and the T&L project; monitoring benchmarks that enable es her attention on enabling colleagues’ thinking and action to
the vision of the academic project and the success of stu- drive transformation. Part of her role has morphed into an M&E
dents (not distinct from one another); and the need to rec- framework for SU due to a need for clearer definition, clearer
ognise the experimental nature of transformation work. goal posts and a need to translate transformation goals into

NelsoN MaNdela UNiversity • traNsforMatioN iNdaba • 2022 51