The 10^th Annual Unisa Western Cape Academic Development Symposium (ADS) took place on 11 and 12 September 2024 at the Unisa Cape Town, Parow campus. The theme "Unpacking the intersection between academic support, co-curricular activities, and graduateness", highlighted the crucial role of higher education institutions in preparing university graduates for the modern workforce, especially when considering the rapidly changing global landscape with modern day technologies and innovation.

John Abrahams (Head: Facilitation of Learning), Adele Blacker (Regional Academic Coordinator), Dr Ghouwa Ismail (Senior Researcher, ISHS), Dr Shahieda Jansen (Acting Regional Director) and Prof Naiema Taliep (Associate Professor, ISHS)

This year’s event focused on the unique challenges and opportunities of the 21^st century, namely that of rapid technological advancements in practice, limited internship and work-integrated learning opportunities, the evolving perceptions of employability, career adaptability and job-readiness, and economic constraints.

This year’s symposium brought together important stakeholders including community members, service professionals, non-profit organisation administrators, and key figures in the world of business to explore the impact of academic and faculty support, and the importance of co-curricular activities and scholarly identity in developing well-rounded graduates. The concept of "graduateness" was central to the discussions and was based on the theorems by Maxwell and Armellini, who asserted that although the intersections of this concept lack a universal definition, it encompasses various competencies aligned with workforce demands, especially considering that interpretations may vary across global contexts and institutions.

In his opening address, Prof Moroka Humphrey Mogashoa, the Acting Deputy Registrar at Unisa, emphasised the need for students and faculty to stay abreast of the technological and situational needs warranted by the world of work. Mogashoa noted that although the distinct levels of employability skills required may vary, a university graduate needs to adopt a proactive stance to forecast the demands that technological landscapes warrant while adapting to the evolving competencies expected by the workplace from quality graduates.

Dr Nicky Tjano served as the Unisa Western Cape Academic Development Symposium Programme Director for 2024

Mogashoa highlighted the importance of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities in post-schooling education, stating that there is an important part in the university-post-schooling-workplace understanding, as institutions need to stay abreast of workplace-related auxiliary competencies that are critical for cultivating the attributes needed in today’s business environment. Mogashoa said that these experiences may extend beyond the formal academic curriculum, providing students with opportunities to develop essential skills, perspectives, and attitudes. Activities such as community engagement, leadership roles, cultural immersion and entrepreneurial ventures are crucial in shaping graduates capable of navigating the complexities of today's world.

In response to Mogashoa, Dr Nicky Tjano shared that the theme of the symposium could not have come at a better time, given the current state of technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), and educational landscapes such as financial blockchains and micro-credentials. In his speech, Tjano discussed the intersecting ways in which academic support overlaps with co-curricular activities, showcasing the relevance of contemporary curricula to the world of work.

Tjano then emphasised the importance of co-curricular activities in higher education, indicating that understanding the complexities of workplace-related auxiliary competencies is critical for cultivating the attributes needed in today’s business and professional environments. These experiences, Tjano continued, extend beyond the formal academic curriculum, offering students opportunities to develop essential skills, perspectives and attitudes. Activities such as community engagement, leadership roles, cultural immersion and entrepreneurial ventures are key in shaping graduates capable of navigating the complexities of today's world.

The Acting Regional Director: Unisa Western Cape, Dr Shahieda Jansen, delivered an address that reflected the ultimate objective of education, outlining the connection between humanity, one’s sense of self the idea of graduateness. Jansen concurred with Tjano, stating that while the notion of graduateness remains a mystery to many, it should be guided by our own inherent philosophy on being human. Jansen continued by saying that graduates should be distinguished by their behaviour, conduct, skills and presence, enabling others to recognise them from afar. She also advocated for recognising graduateness as a virtue, and engaging with the idea that the ultimate purpose of education is to develop good and well-rounded individuals.

Keynote speakers at the event contributed diverse perspectives to the triadic relationship that exists between academic support, co-curricular activities and graduateness.

Prof Meahabo Magano's presentation, "Centring students’ graduateness and employability through co-curricular activities",  examined how co-curricular activities can enhance students' employability in contemporary society. She emphasised that institutions, particularly those operating in open and distance learning, must be responsive to student needs and actively facilitate co-curricular activities that foster essential soft skills.

The second keynote address, delivered by Dr Kelebogile Choice Makhetha, Senior Director of the Division for Student Affairs at Stellenbosch University, underscored the importance of learning beyond the classroom. Makhetha’s presentation highlighted how co-curricular activities and experiential learning equip students with critical skills applicable to both personal and professional contexts. By designing intentional co-curricular programmes and providing the necessary resources, she argued that universities empower students to demonstrate the competencies they have acquired, thereby enriching the overall learning experience.

Kiewit Mhlongo, Acting Provincial Manager of the Small Enterprise Development Agency and seasoned entrepreneur and technocrat in small, medium and micro-enterprise (SMME) development, brought a unique perspective to the event, drawing on over 30 years of experience in industries ranging from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange to media and business development. His presentation focused on how entrepreneurship ties into student development and employability. Throughout his career, he has continuously assisted SMMEs and institutions of higher learning in bridging the skills gap that exists for young graduates. This assistance also enables higher education institutions to better understand the skills students need to succeed in the workplace.

Dr Matome Jack Mashiapata presented a paper "Enhancing student professional development through a Student Mentor Programme as co-curricular activity: A Pilot Study at an ODeL environment" with Dr Shariefa Hendricks.

Other speakers at the event included Chantal Adams (Unisa), Yumna Alexander (Hopeful Leaders Night School), Dr Baku Nyikun Audu (UWC), Kofi Danso (INN), Bonani Dube (UCT), Dr Carol Edson-Ashley (Educor), Faika Haroun (US), Dr Shariefa Hendricks (Unisa), Dr Mark Herbert (UWC), Dr Ghouwa Ismail (Unisa), Prof Dumisani Quiet Mabunda (Unisa), Rodney Mabusela (Unisa), Reckon Beau Mathebula (Law Clinic, Unisa), Dr Matome Jack Mashiapata (Unisa), Prof Venicia McGhie (UWC), Itumuleng Clifford Molefe (Unisa), Phumza Qwaqwa (UCT), Giles Stevens (UWC) and Prof Dale Taylor (UCT).

Symposium participant Miemie Taljaard praised the symposium for addressing challenges such as technological advancements and diverse student populations, particularly in the context of graduateness and employability. Giles Stevens from the University of the Western Cape commended the event for creating ways for service-professionals to foster and nurture dialogue between institutions and stakeholders, while Kofi Danso, a presenter from the Incarcerated Nations Network, viewed this platform as crucial for building global networks and supporting discussions especially on education and justice reform.

Jansen expressed pride in her team, stating, "The Unisa ADS is an important platform to stay connected with communities and to nurture institutional discourse between stakeholders in higher education contexts. Intersections between academic support, co-curricular activities, and graduateness need to engage students and communities in spaces where they can apply their academic knowledge to real-world problems. Not only will understanding communities promote a sense of social responsibility among students, but it will also allow graduates to address societal challenges by comprehending their local context, hereby facilitating the exchange of knowledge and resources. I am proud of my team for continuing their decade-long prioritisation of this platform, and we look forward to hosting this event again in 2025."

A total of 375 attendees from 27 institutions participated, including both public and private institutions of higher learning, TVET colleges, government entities and students. Over the course of its two days, the symposium included 23 presentations, offering a stimulating forum for service professionals to exchange best practices, insights and life-changing experiences grounded in praxis.

In his concluding remarks, Tjano urged attendees to continue the conversation by fostering a collective commitment to improving both academic and co-curricular environments.  This initiative seeks to equip students with the skills necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex global society.

* By Ndimakazi Khumalo and Thabo Dayeni, Unisa Western Cape Region, with input from ChatGPT and Quillbot