Professor Wilson Majee, third from left, seated, with MUT staff, students, and members of the local community
On 2 August 2023, Professor Wilson Majee, Fulbright Scholar had discussions with MUT staff and University community partners such as Sivusisizwe Boys to Men Africa Initiative, Seed of Hope, and eThekwini Ward Councillors. This stems from the University’s Anchor Strategy. The Anchor Strategy requires staff of the University to make efforts that will empower the local communities. Professor Majee also visited sites to university community partners such as Impilo Home (an orphanage) and Seed of Hope (a place for the vulnerable children) in the municipality. MUT students were also privileged to meet with Professor Majee who engaged them on the importance of Community Development. The visit of Professor Majee is envisaged to look at possibilities of faculty and /or student exchange visits between the two universities.
Professor Majee said he was content with responses from community members, “I think the community members have a lot of interest about engagement with the University. Skhonza Nxasana, a community member, said community engagement is a way to go. He said “we can’t say we are doing research and leave the community out. The community must be included. It is not going to be overnight, but we will get there. Rwanda, in eastern Africa, is very community driven. The people there own their spaces. This is what needs to be inculcated into our communities.
Sivusisizwe’s founder, Dudu Thabede, said it would be good to partner with MUT staff who can support her efforts from research perspective so she can build programmes that are evidenced-based. Professor Majee also added that MUT academics indicated that they “see the value of incorporating community engagement would add to the learning experiences of students and to the University”.