Leaders at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) are adult learners who express their agency by leading and managing with good intentions and maturity based on their view of the world. Value-driven leadership is at the core of this.
The Values-Based Leadership Programme Presentations and Graduation Ceremony took place on 19 October 2023 at the School of Public Health.For the development to be relevant it needs to connect to the enablers of strategy and key initiatives supporting the Institutional Operating Plan (2021 -2025) and the UWC Vision 2035.
Through action learning, the University invited participants to make an impact by implementing the values within their sphere of influence in a way that practically supports the UWC Vision 2035.
For the development to be effective, facilitators needed to display a mature perspective.
A second cohort of participants (academics and professional support staff) completed the Value-Based Leadership Development Programme (VBLDP), facilitated by Aephoria Partners and the UWC Human Resources Department.
This programme is also supported by the ETDP SETA, which makes it a partnership-driven intervention between the University, government and industry.
Professor José Frantz, DVC: Research and Innovation, shared her leadership journey with the graduating leaders. “In academia, our values define who we are, what we stand for, and the path we tread. Our commitment to knowledge, innovation, and the pursuit of truth forms the moral compass of our institutions”, she said.
“It's these values that guide us through the ever-changing landscape of education. Our values are not mere words on a plaque; they are the principles that underpin every decision, every action, and every interaction we have within our academic communities. Values are the bedrock of our journey and consistency is the thread that weaves our values into a coherent and enduring tapestry.”
She said that through consistent leadership, faith was inspired, and innovation was fostered, which set a course for progress. In a world where trends and circumstances fluctuate, and countless challenges are faced, consistency is the bedrock of leadership.
Prof Frantz noted that capacity development is a fundamental obligation to our academic communities. Academic institutions are not just centres of learning; they are places of growth and potential. Institutions should commit to the development of the capacity of all stakeholders - students, staff, community and partners.The HR department was one of the key drivers of capacity development.
Prof Frantz said an investment in the development of human resources unlocks limitless potential that resides within academic communities. By nurturing talent, providing opportunities, and promoting lifelong learning, we contribute to a brighter future for our institutions and society at large.
As part of the programme, the participants presented their ‘Action Learning Projects’ (in groups of 3 to 5), in which they were tasked with exploring how the values of the institution are being operationalised.
Mr Meko Magida, Executive Director of Human Resources, with HR colleague Elvida Sias.Team 1 focused on - Inclusivity and Diversity and elaborated that with small gestures we can make a big impact.
They highlighted that invisible but not dispensable colleagues like our support staff feel valued. The experiments focused on whether inclusivity and respect also apply to the lower ranks of UWC service staff - the cleaning staff and security staff.
Team 2 focused on the value of Engagement and Responsiveness and emphasised the importance of the “listening to learn, learn to listen” concept.
The objective was to gather insightful feedback from staff to establish any gaps or challenges and to identify opportunities to develop strategies that encourage the UWC community.
Team 3 focused on Academic Excellence and reported that students value the quality of academics as part of academic excellence, and emphasised the value-add of a hybrid approach to learning and teaching.
In addition, the academic cohort emphasises the strength of interdisciplinary approaches despite their challenges and shortcomings.
Team 4 focused on Collegiality and Collaboration and pointed out that we should be edging towards creating more of a sense of community and an enabling environment for all stakeholders to discuss possible collaborative opportunities, and recharge and relax with like-minded people in establishing relationships across departments.
“In academia, our values define who we are, what we stand for, and the path we tread. Our commitment to knowledge, innovation, and the pursuit of truth forms the moral compass of our institutions”, she said.
