The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is committed to fostering meaningful engagement with local stakeholders—including residents, local government, and civil society representatives—to ensure their active participation in university decision-making processes. This commitment is operationalised through structured policies, dedicated units, and participatory bodies that facilitate collaborative governance and community involvement.
Community Engagement Policy
UJ’s Community Engagement Policy serves as a foundational framework guiding the institution’s interactions with external communities. Established in 2009 and reviewed in 2019, this policy outlines the university’s dedication to sustainable development and the promotion of health, well-being, and social justice. It emphasises the importance of partnerships with local government entities and community service providers, ensuring that community engagement initiatives are conducted professionally and contribute positively to societal needs. The policy mandates that all community engagement projects adhere to principles of good governance and are managed in alignment with the university’s financial and fundraising policies.
Community Engagement Unit
To operationalise its community engagement objectives, UJ has established a dedicated Community Engagement Unit within the University Relations Division. This unit is tasked with identifying, promoting, coordinating, and managing community engagement initiatives involving both students and staff volunteers. It serves as a liaison between the university and external stakeholders, facilitating sustainable partnerships and ensuring that community projects align with the needs of local communities. The unit also plays a pivotal role in raising awareness about community engagement efforts and assists in securing funding for selected projects.
Participatory Bodies for Stakeholder Engagement
UJ has instituted several participatory bodies to ensure structured engagement with stakeholders:
- Community Engagement Advisory Board: This board provides strategic advice and reports to the Management Executive Committee on all institutional community engagement activities. Its composition includes representatives from various sectors, ensuring diverse perspectives in decision-making processes.
- Stakeholder Reports and Presentations: UJ regularly publishes Stakeholder Reports and conducts presentations to communicate its activities, achievements, and future plans. These reports serve as a platform for transparency and invite feedback from local stakeholders, fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaborative governance.
Collaborative Initiatives with Local Stakeholders
UJ actively collaborates with local stakeholders through various initiatives:
- Community-Based Research and Service Learning: The university engages in research projects and service-learning programmes that address specific community needs. These initiatives involve local residents and civil society organisations in the co-creation of knowledge and solutions, ensuring that the outcomes are relevant and beneficial to the community.
- Organised Outreach Programmes: UJ facilitates outreach activities where students and staff provide services and resources to local communities. These programmes are often developed in partnership with local government and community organisations, ensuring that they effectively address pressing societal challenges.
Through these structured policies, dedicated units, and collaborative initiatives, the University of Johannesburg ensures that local stakeholders have meaningful mechanisms to participate in university decision-making processes, thereby fostering a symbiotic relationship between the institution and its surrounding communities.
