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Unisa Cape Town’s Library Week celebration paves the way for social cohesion

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The Unisa Cape Town Campus recently hosted a significant event to mark the celebration of South African Library Week, themed "Libraries foster social cohesion". Originally scheduled for 18 to 24 March 2024, this gathering ensured a robust and inclusive exchange of ideas aimed at addressing critical community issues.

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Mdu Ncongwane (Branch Librarian), Prof Monde Ntwasa (Acting Deputy Dean: College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences), Dr Shahieda Jansen (Deputy Director: Academic Support and ICT), Geraldine Cele (Manager: Library Services), Michelle Biederman (Librarian) and Prof Bongani Ndimba (Agricultural Research Council)

Libraries, recognised as catalysts for social change and inclusivity, play a central role in nurturing community solidarity, advancing education and supporting sustainable development goals.

Against the backdrop of rising unemployment among Unisa’s student population, the event highlighted the evolving role of universities in responding holistically to socio-economic challenges. Participants engaged in dialogue aimed at exploring innovative solutions for enhancing social cohesion and addressing unemployment.

Distinguished guests included guest speaker Prof Monde Ntwasa, Acting Deputy Dean of the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, and Prof Bongani Ndimba from the Agricultural Research Council, who was invited to observe the proceedings.

Ntwasa started by recalling a presentation made by the Statistician-General, Risenga Maluleke, at a recent Unisa lekgotla, which indicated that among the racial groups in South Africa, most people from the African and coloured communities have not advanced much between 2010 and 2021. This, said Ntwasa, begged the question: "If most people in this country are not moving, where are we going? Something needs to be done!" Referring to statistics shared on the Statistics SA website, he noted how, in South Africa, youth carry the burden of unemployment.

Ntwasa said Unisa graduates are making a tangible impact in society. He emphasised the need for graduates not to be merely employable but for them to actively contribute to economic activity. He articulated the vision of Unisa fostering job creators rather than solely job seekers, highlighting that academic qualifications should empower individuals to initiate and grow businesses.

Ntwasa endorsed the use of business accelerators as a vital resource for connecting graduates to the economy. These accelerators, according to him, offer a range of critical services including mentorship, education, office space and access to seed capital. "They are designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their ventures," he said. He encouraged students to embrace entrepreneurship and innovation as pathways to success and societal impact.

Acting Senior Student Counsellor, Chantal Adams, delivered a comprehensive presentation addressing critical aspects of the employment landscape. Her topic encompassed the realities and challenges of securing employment, emphasising the importance of clarifying career visions and utilising career information sources such as LinkedIn.

Adams emphasised the need to develop a strategic job search plan that distinguishes between mere survival opportunities and those aligned with long-term career objectives. She provided valuable insights into crafting effective CVs, preparing for job interviews with a checklist of essential steps, and navigating common interview questions with confidence. Additionally, workplace etiquette was highlighted as crucial for professional success.

In the context of decreasing unemployment rates in South Africa, her presentation underscored the significance of empowering students and job seekers with practical tools and strategies to navigate the competitive job market effectively. By encouraging proactive career planning and providing resources for informed decision-making, initiatives like these contribute to equipping individuals with the skills and confidence needed to secure meaningful employment and contribute to the country’s economic growth. 

* By Vicky-Lee Lee Shew, Communications and Marketing Specialist, Unisa  Western Cape Region

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Publish date: 2024-05-03 00:00:00.0

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