Languages: 
Walter Sisulu University’s Department of Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) has put itself at the forefront of eradicating social ills through its Komani based initiative on social cohesion and inclusivity.
The project, spearheaded by lecturer, Professor Newlin Marongwe, focuses of fostering social cohesion through addressing ills such as xenophobia, gender-based violence and crime, while promoting the wellbeing of children living with disabilities.
Launched in 2022, the initiative has brought together a multitude of key stakeholder including law, health, education, community and religious leaders, parents, as well and learners, with the aim of fostering discourse amongst all parties about the social ills that plague communities.
“We observed the commotion in the community and through media reports across South Africa. Some of our students reported many social ills affecting them in the community. Universities are mini societies within larger societies, so what happens in larger societies also affects our students. As a university, we cannot afford to be quiet when such ills are happening in the societies that we are serving,” said Marongwe.
Marongwe asserted that the project’s inception was motivated by the high crime rates in Komani and Whittlesea, where WSU’s Faculty of Education delivery sites are based.
Furthermore, most of Komani and Whittlesea’s communities are plagued by staggering unemployment rates and poverty.
Through this project, WSU CPTD aims to create a safer and liveable Komani which can attract investors and promote economic growth.
“It is one of the roles of a university to engage communities in such debates looking for solutions together and promoting social cohesion. This will also attract talent to come and serve in such communities and people living with disability will feel loved and have a sense of belonging. People need to co-exist and live in harmony, peace and unity,” Marongwe remarked.
Since its inception, the project has united key stakeholders in dialogue, fostered community forgiveness, created social cohesion strategies, and strengthened relationships between WSU and the surrounding communities.
Some of the project’s future plans include seeking funding for income-generation programs, partnering with NGOs, promoting social cohesion in schools and churches, designing learning programs for autism support, and engaging with educators and communities on inclusive education.
Marongwe added: “WSU is needed in the communities and more needs to be done about social cohesion and disability awareness. Social cohesion acts as the lubricant that enables the community to function smoothly, promoting harmony, attracting investors, and fostering community development.”
By Yanga Ziwele
