Who We Are

About Us

The Hubs of Convergence (HoC) and the Engagement Office (EO) strategic projects are situated in the Engagement Office Directorate under the Engagement and Transformation Portfolio. Aligned with Mandela University’s Vision 2030, the HoC endeavors to realize a transformative University by fostering inclusive student success and community development. Through collaborative efforts facilitated by the HoC, the Engagement Office seeks to bridge the gap between Mandela University and communities, addressing societal challenges by co-constructing sustainable solutions. Grounded in principles of reciprocity and diverse outputs, the Engagement Office aims to elevate engagement and transformation as strategic priorities for the University.

The EO’s mission is to fortify the role of engagement and transformation as a strategic imperative, enabling the University to address the pressing challenges of society. This is achieved by complementing, facilitating, supporting, and cultivating engagement-related activities, research, learning, and teaching initiatives. The HoC’s programmatic, transdisciplinary projects are structured into thematic hubs, comprising eight distinct areas of focus.

Our Story

The 2018 inaugural speech by the Vice-Chancellor was the catalytic moment for the establishment of the HoC. Subsequently, this provided more impetus for the Nelson Mandela University to reposition itself as a transformative, responsive university in service of society.

Various iterative engagements with internal and external stakeholders have since followed. Part of these conceptual engagements included a multi- stakeholder convergence - Indibano Ngezimvo on the 3rd May 2019 which invited the voices of society into the thinking around the HoC.

To achieve its ambition of co-creating a socially just world, the University has established the ETP to give expression to the interplay between engagement and transformation and their interlinkages with research, learning and teaching. Through its programmatic work, the HoC is starting to demonstrate how the convergence between the university and community is possible.

CONVERGED ENGAGEMENT

Conventional Stakeholder Engagement

The university engages as the stakeholder’s ‘social project’

Converged Engagement

Equalization through convergence
The university-stakeholder engage society as its ‘social project’
Initiatives and experimentations cultivate knowledge democratisation

Conventional Community Engagement

The university engages the community as its ‘social project’

Our Principles

1. CONVERGENCE

The conscious effort of drawing together internal and external stakeholders to unlock the knowledge and praxis that enable us to better engage on grander issues that affect our society.

2. RECIPROCITY

The exchanging of co-created knowledge and resources through the principles of generosity, solidarity, co-creation, responsiveness, and inclusion for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders.

3. MULTIPLE FORMS OF OUTPUTS

Mindful that socially engaged scholarship is best derived from an authentic process of learning with others in practice; that is embraces the uncertainty embedded in ‘not knowing’ and is supportive of multiple forms of knowledge output to drive social inclusion and cohesion.

Meet The Team

The Hubs of Convergence (HoC) provide a dynamic and inclusive environment where creativity is encouraged and ideas are valued. Within this space, individuals are empowered to lead based on talent and contribution rather than title or tenure, fostering natural, flexible hierarchies. The HoC champions diversity of thought, background, and culture—ensuring every voice is heard.