Integrating the edges: University of Pretoria's neighbourhood anchor strategy

Abstract

The traditionally inward focus of many higher education institutions in both the United States (US) and South Africa has often failed to address important urban issues beyond the university gates, confining most student and academic activity to the campus. Universities can create social change not just through their primary teaching and research functions, but also through the promotion of integration on and around their campuses. In addition, place-based activities that improve neighbourhoods can help to attract students and staff, as well as new businesses and services. In particular, they can foster the influx of young professionals and families seeking to help build open, safe, vibrant and diverse communities, which may represent a new model for South African socioeconomic integration beyond the "gated" framework. Accordingly, the University of Pretoria (UP) has sought to lead an urban renewal and social transformation project around its Hatfield campus.

Mamelodi Pre-University Academy

“…Due to global socio-political, socio-economic, and resource instabilities, universities have had to reinvent themselves in order to remain relevant in the ever changing world and communities in which they are embedded and function . The focus of universities both theoretically and practically has changed over the years from being academically exclusive, which hindered educational access to the broader community, to universities being agents for neighborhood revitalization, change, and development (Birch et al, 2013;Hendricks & Flaherty, 2018;Smith, Pelco, & Rooke, 2017). The systematic review by Nkoana and Dichaba (2017), addresses the increasing core mandate of university-community engagement (UCE) across South African universities with aims to alleviate the poverty, inequality, and unemployment in the South African community.…”

“…The structural and economic development is thus meant to encourage investor buy-in and, in turn, affect the educational and school going trends of its learners and students in the community (Ehlenz, 2016;. Such is evident in the anchor institutions addressed in Hendricks and Flaherty (2018) where the infrastructural development and community engagement, as well as economic investment by the University of Pennsylvania, Midtown Detroit, and the University of Maryland saw an increase in the economy, safety, and investment in the areas.…”

“…The shift in South African higher education institutions from being academically exclusive to becoming engaged, inclusive, and diverse has been progressive since independence in 1994 (Birch, Perry & Taylor, 2013;Hendricks & Flaherty, 2018). In the overview on South African University history, Strydom (2016) takes note of the role of South African universities under the apartheid regime, whereby the focus was solely on the milestones the universities achieved, with little or no mention of the universities' function in their socio-economic and political contexts.…”

“…The post-apartheid University of Pretoria has adopted an anchor mission strategy whereby the anchor strategy mandate aims to improve the economy and infrastructure of the communities in which it is located and thus do away with societal ills, paving the way for academic access, success, and community engagement (Hendricks & Flaherty, 2018). In its endeavor to provide access to higher education, employment, and security, the university is cognizant of the importance of diversity, particularly to ensure that the campus community mirrors the socioeconomic and racial diversity that exists in the South African community (Hendricks & Flaherty, 2018;Strydom, 2016). The policy adopted by the university aims to eliminate barriers between academia and the community and to foster community integration and improvement.…”

“…In light of the university's exclusive past, the policy places emphasis on the support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds (Hendricks & Flaherty, 2018;Strydom, 2016). The university has thus designated the University of Pretoria's Mamelodi Campus as a hub for community engagement with a focus on enhancing access and successful student learning, as well as strengthening social responsiveness and impact in society.…”