WSU’S DR MBODILA JOINS SAAIR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

WSU’s Manager for Student Tracking and Institutional Research, Dr Munienge Mbodila has been elected as a member of the esteemed South African Association for Institutional Research (SAAIR) Executive Committee for the 2024-2026 term.

SAAIR is a leading organisation that fosters collaboration among higher education researchers, data analysts, and planners in Southern Africa.

The organisation’s mandate includes advancing data-driven decision-making, promoting best practices, and enhancing institutional research and performance.

Mbodila was selected to the organisation’s leadership from a pool of his peers from other institutions such as the University of Cape Town, UKZ, and VUT.

A true testament to Mbodila’s mastery, this feat demonstrates his outstanding contributions to data analytics and institutional research, as well as his strong commitment to promoting student success through data-driven initiatives at WSU.

Brimming with enthusiasm, Mbodila said: “Being recognised by peers and entrusted with this role fuels my passion for making meaningful contributions to our field and gives me a platform to help shape the future of institutional research across Southern Africa. It represents an opportunity for personal growth, deeper collaboration with like-minded professionals, and the chance to positively impact our educational systems on a broader scale.”

Throughout his tenure at WSU, Mbodila has made extensive contributions to the institution’s core business as a lecturer, an acting HoD, and a member of various committees including the Academic online Teaching and Learning Task team during Covid-19.

With a wealth of experience in the field of computer sciences, Mbodila has headed multiple data analytics and student tracking initiatives.

He has also served as a member of the Student Advancement and Success Retention Unit, the Institutional e-Learning Task Team, as well as the Academic Online Teaching and Learning Task Team.

“Through managing data analytics and student tracking initiatives, I have seen firsthand the value of using technology to identify at-risk students and foster engagement strategies that genuinely support student success. I intend to bring this data-focused approach to my work with SAAIR,” said Mbodila.

WSU’s Director of Institutional Research and Planning, Louis Mapatagane said, “Dr. Mbodila’s election reflects positively on WSU’s growing reputation as a leader in the application of data analytics to improve academic and institutional outcomes. His involvement in SAAIR’s leadership further strengthens WSU’s position as a forward-thinking institution that is committed to using data to drive meaningful change in higher education.”

As he commences his role as a member of the SAAIR Exco, Mbodila looks forward to supporting the organisation’s mission by helping shape its strategic direction, initiatives, and programmes, while working with fellow members to oversee activities, promote professional development, and enhance the association's impact.

“My core interests lie in advancing student engagement and success through data-driven initiatives. I am especially committed to projects that leverage analytics to track student progress and identify at-risk students early on. By enhancing our understanding of these patterns, we can help institutions tailor interventions to support student retention, engagement, and overall success,” he said.

By Yanga Ziwele