“Growing Our Own Timber” and Workplace Readiness Featured on Webinar

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Helping prepare students for the demands of the modern workplace was the aim of a webinar hosted by the School of Social Sciences.

Unemployment figures indicate that the graduate unemployment rate in South Africa has increased significantly over the past 10 years with additional factors having an international impact on knowledge creation including climate change and the government’s limited ability to fund students.

The Dean and Head of the School of Social Sciences, Professor Vivian Ojong, said there were various areas being revisited in the Bachelor of Social Science degree to adjust to technological changes. ‘We are living in a digital age; therefore, we need to rethink our technology, however, the last graduate survey revealed that the current curriculum does not prepare students for employment.’

Ojong identified opportunities in the creation of internship positions through strategic Memoranda of Understanding with government organisations such as the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Legislature.

Academic and wellness champion Dr Mabuyi Gumede reflected on teaching methods and implored academics not to teach for the sake of teaching. ‘Let us not only make teaching a process of imparting knowledge to the students but also practice pro-activeness in embracing technological changes.’

Professor David Curt of the University of Massachusetts in the United States presented on Global Perspectives, followed by Professor Simphiwe Nojiyeza of the University of Zululand, who spoke on Social Sciences and Entrepreneurship.

Ms Nomfundo Mbatha, a UKZN student in Cultural and Heritage Tourism, shared positive feedback on the event. ‘I want to thank all involved. We have greatly benefited from the resources offered, such as online portal access and networking opportunities, in terms of advancing our skills and maintaining relationships with other participants and professionals in the field. Additionally, the programme’s alumni network offers a useful venue for potential future partnerships and employment.’

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Supplied