Support on the path to accreditation, accountability and system readiness will contribute exceeding standards and excellence, the Eastern Cape MEC for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) and Human Settlements, the Honourable Siphokazi Lusithi said at the launch of the two-year Human Settlements Short Learning Programmes in Gqeberha, commissioned to Nelson Mandela University by the Eastern Cape Department of Human Settlements.
Eastern Cape MEC for DPWI and Human Settlements, the Honourable Siphokazi Lusithi
Research, global insights, innovation and partnership will build the bridge between the public sector and the academia.
This is part of the broader vision for the Eastern Cape to implement what has been learnt into new economies and cities, based on technology and through the University’s knowledge”, she said.
Ms Lusithi also referred to the recent devastating disasters in several Eastern Cape districts with heartfelt sympathy, but also mentioning lessons learnt and possibly smarter ways of dealing with these, with the assistance of the University’s intellectual capacity.
She mentioned joint bursaries, accommodating the missing middle and enhancing a state of democracy and thanked the University and all the stakeholders for their roles in the shared mission.
Head of the Department of Building and Human Settlement Development Emma Ayesu-Koranteng, Ms Lusithi and Mandela University Vice-Chancellor Prof Sibongile Muthwa
Nelson Mandela University Vice-Chancellor Professor Sibongile Muthwa congratulated the MEC and the Department of Human Settlements for the strategic relationship and emphasised the importance for the University as public institution in service of civil society, also through its research, including research grants and guest lectures.
As such the University should be involved in the challenges that communities face and not be distant and removed. The programme will have space for 240 councillors and traditional leaders.
Chair for Education in Human Settlements Development and Management Professor Sijekula Mbanga together with the Head of the Department of Building and Human Settlement Development Emma Ayesu-Koranteng have been instrumental in the collaboration.
They were mandated to develop and implement the short learning programmes, which will help overcome some challenges. Public servants should stay ahead with life-long learning, working with knowledge and praxis, Prof Muthwa said.
The purpose of the capacity building programmes, which will start on 1 August, with the first 60 participants, is to bridge the gap between the academy and the municipality to contribute to human settlements. It will be presented on various locations in block format for participants to continue their daily duties.
From left, Lathitha Mbuzwana, Mandela University SRC president, Yonela Mashalaba, Building and Human Settlement Development, Ms Ayesu-Koranteng, Professor Muthwa, Prof Dalenca Pottas, Acting Dean of the Faculty of the Built Environment, Engineering and Technology, Wayne Draai, Director of the School of Built Environment and Engineering and Dr Denver Webb from the VC's Office.
Various stakeholders, including the leadership and dignitaries from the Metro, the Eastern Cape Legislature and the Eastern Cape districts, as well as University representatives from the Department of Human Settlements and the Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology attended the event.