As the 4th work integrated learning (WIL) Africa International Conference kicked off, Dr Manyane Makua, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) was among the teaching and learning executives who addressed the conference on designing curricula that is fit for the future of work. The conference was hosted by the Southern African Society for Co-operative Education (SASCE) to address Co-operative Education and WIL implementation during and post Covid-19.
Addressing how universities should be responding to the changes brought to work by the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), Dr Makua encouraged universities to transform pedagogies as a matter of urgency. He also said that there was a need for greater innovation and forward-thinking in programme development.
“We cannot afford to be thinking in the past when we are teaching for the future,” said Dr Makua, as he urged delegates to embrace professional development to keep abreast with developments in the world of work.
Dr Makua emphasized the need for universities to start offering programmes that provide a broader skills base that includes life-long learning as a graduate attribute to help students to constantly identify the needs and opportunities to develop themselves throughout their career lives. Universities and TVET colleges should broaden their networks with professional bodies and industry.