Global Leadership Summit (GLS) was organized by the University of the Free State (UFS), Bloemfontein from 8-14 July 2018. The 2018 GLS focused on creating a generous space that will enable the collegial exploration of seven inter-related themes, as they are located in and as they relate to higher education, student leadership and social transformation. The theme for the 2018 GLS was ‘Comparative Global Leadership: Social Inclusion, Social Justice’. One focus area was programme development for the anticipated new UFS ‘Leadership for Social Justice’ (L4SJ) programme. The Summit was attended by more than 14 institutions from around the globe. The Summit expects a total number of 5 participants (staff and students) per institution including one candidate to represent the University for possible networking and collaboration.
Dr Jay Naidoo, former cabinet Minister and Prof Francis Petersen, Vice-Chancellor UFS at one of the panels
The selected participants for the Summit included four emerging researchers recommended by Deans from two Schools (Law and Management) while Dr Segun Obadire, Acting Director International Relations represented the management at the Summit. Abstract was required from each participant. Dr Obadire participated as a panelist where he presented on ‘Accessing Buddy programme as a driver for social cohesion’.
GLS participants from UNIVEN
The opening of the Summit was done by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor UFS, Prof Francis Petersen on the first day. There were panel and roundtable discussions on each day facilitated by academics and special guests on the theme of the Summit with topics such as: What is social justice leadership? Which was led by Dr Jay Naidoo, former cabinet Minister in the Nelson Mandela led government. How can students and staff work with and lead on social inclusion/diversity in universities and in society? Which capacities and capabilities should Higher Education focus on engaging and developing if we are to effect social change in society? Others were Transformation and Self-identity: Student Narratives in post-Apartheid South Africa in conversation with Dr Beverley Bell (MHC) with regards to findings from the F1 programme in terms of social relations; The VU-Family Concept in conversation with Dr Segun Obadire (UNIVEN) on the ‘Buddy’ system; Karen Venter from UFS Community Engagement & Service Learning in conversation with Ntokozo Munzhelele and Mzwandile Simelane (Citizen ZA).
UNIVEN Participants at the GLS
What is Leadership in Engaged Scholarship? Ms Mkateko Nkuna (UNIVEN): From Crook’s Corner to ‘Peace Park’: The Ongoing Transformation of the Makumeke Local Community; Ms Crystal Mokoena (UNIVEN): Global Leadership and Human Value: an International Law Perspective; Ms Mukondeleli Manuga (UNIVEN): Exploring Leadership Competencies for Tourism’s Small Medium Enterprises General Managers: Vhembe District Municipality, Limpopo; Dr Emma Charlene Lubaale (UNIVEN): A Critical Analysis of the Decision in the Case of the YG Versus S and the Place of Engaged Scholarship and many other interesting presentations and roundtable discussion.
Dr Emma Charlene Lubaale presenting a group work
There were drama sketches and a film show on the Rwandan genocide (CoExist). The participants gained a lot from the engagement even though it was parked with many activities. Decolonisation of higher education curriculum to produce well-rounded graduates who can compete globally as employees as well as employers and entrepreneurs was greatly emphasized. The following participants were interested in collaborating with UNIVEN as a result of our participation in GLS: Prof Allen Kim, International Christian University, Japan; Dr Vivienne Felix, New York University, US; Prof Dr Pornlapas Suwannarat, Mahasarakham University, Thailand; Mr Yeki Mosomothane, University of Stellenbosch and many others.
Issued by:
Department of Communications & Marketing
University of Venda
Tel: (015) 962 8525
Date: 23 July 2018
