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University partnerships vital to transforming society in South Africa

25 November 2011

Craig Rowe

Craig Rowe

Responsiveness to the needs of individuals and society has become a key theme in the mission and vision statements of many universities at an institutional level. Craig Rowe, Community Engagement Manager at Monash South Africa believes that this is in response to national government directives as well as to grassroots initiatives.

During a presentation on ‘Professionalisation of Community Development’ Rowe said that higher education alone cannot transform the economic and social structures and practices of the wider South African society. “We recognise, however, that by establishing partnerships with other key stakeholders in South Africa, universities can play an important and integral role in addressing the developmental needs of our society.”

Craig Rowe is a board member of South African Higher Education Community Engagement Forum (SAHECEF) and was speaking at the Department of Social Development's Inaugural Summit: “Building sustainable, equitable and vibrant communities," held in Port Elizabeth recently.

In their key note addresses both the Minister of Social Development, Bathabile Dlamini, and the Deputy Minister, Maria Ntuli, emphasised their desire and commitment to see positive change in communities. They also focused on the rich human potential that exists within our communities and the role that all members of society can play in bringing about change.

The Chief Director of Community Development, Ms Sadi Luka, took a clear stance in tackling issues of poverty and development and said that it is time for everyone to contribute to the rebuilding of communities.

The announcement at the summit of the formation of an Association of Community Development Practitioners was received enthusiastically by all 350 delegates.

Craig Rowe said: “The work starts now to implement these plans and the steering team will be working through all the inputs received at the summit. I believe that this is an incredible challenge and higher education institutions, business and civil society need all need to continue to play a key role in supporting this government initiative.”