As the University embarks on the ambitious Ignite 2030 phase, the Directorate of Institutional Planning and Research (DIPR) has officially launched the Data Forge Series. This practical capacity-building initiative is designed to transform the Institution’s raw data into a powerhouse of actionable insights, ensuring that every decision made across the University is backed by evidence.
The introduction of the series comes at a critical stage. With the University entering a new cycle of the Institutional Strategic Plan (ISP) and the Student Enrolment and Efficiency Plan (SEEP), the demand for precision has never been higher. Tebello Mofokeng, Deputy Director: Management Information, at DIPR, emphasises that accuracy is the bedrock of this transition. “There is an increased demand for accurate, integrated, and timely data to inform decision-making, monitor progress, and strengthen performance,” Mofokeng stated. “The series supports a shift from descriptive reporting to impact-focused assessment.”
The Data Forge Series is about a cultural shift toward data literacy and accountability. By scaling Business Intelligence (BI), the University aims to move beyond simply looking at the past; instead, using predictive foresight to shape the future.
The initiative is anchored on six core pillars designed to drive comprehensive institutional growth. These include dashboards for KPI tracking, executive and management insights, and enrolment, throughput, and success analytics. It also focuses on producing standardised institutional and departmental reports supported by detailed trend and cohort analyses. A strong emphasis is placed on data literacy and business intelligence, ensuring that staff can competently interpret dashboards, apply basic analytics, and support data integration and automation. In addition, the initiative reinforces data governance by establishing clear standards, definitions, and stewardship practices aligned with POPIA requirements. Strategic reporting forms another key pillar, strengthening APP and scorecard reporting as well as institutional monitoring and evaluation. Finally, statutory reporting processes, particularly those related to DHET and HEMIS, are enhanced through improved validation procedures and stronger audit readiness.
“By embedding evidence-based insights into the very fabric of planning and evaluation, the University is securing its position as a data-driven leader in higher education,” said Mofokeng. Driven by the DIPR with full backing from Executive Management, the Data Forge Series stands as a testament to the University’s commitment to institutional effectiveness and strategic excellence.