Transformation – University of Zululand

TRANSFORMATION Office

We would like you to know more about our office.

About Us

Transformation in higher education is conceptualized around the principles expressed in the White Paper on Higher Education and Training of 1997. These are Equity and redress; Democratization; Development; Quality; Effectiveness and efficiency; Academic freedom; Institutional autonomy; and Public accountability. Based on these, the Transformation and Social Inclusion Office is tasked with:

- Engaging university members in order to advance the values of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, more specifically human dignity, the attainment of equality, the advancement of human rights and freedoms and the promotion of a non-discriminatory university environment;
- Developing and recommending development of policies that promote social justice, inclusion and redress;
- Monitoring university policies and practices and making recommendations to promote equitable access and success in recruitment and academic programmes; and
- Liaising with internal and external stakeholders on the status of transformation in the university.

Strategic outcomes

IMPLEMENT POLICY, DEVELOP PROGRAMMES, PROVIDE SUPPORT & OVERSIGHT

Engaging university members to advance the values of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, more specifically, human dignity, the attainment of equality, the advancement of human rights and freedoms, and the promotion of a non-discriminatory university environment.
Developing and recommending development of policies that promote social justice, inclusion, and redress.
Monitoring university policies and practices and provide recommendations to promote equitable access and success in recruitment and academic programmes
Liaising with internal and external stakeholders on the status of transformation in the University.
Driving the implementation of initiatives and programmes that pursue the agenda of gender equity and equality (incl. LGBTIQA+ and SGBV).
Supporting prevention and awareness programmes in the University, for staff and students.
Evaluating the success and impact of transformation interventions in the University.
Addressing the intersectionality of race, social class, sexual orientation, gender, among others with emergent issues of sexual and gender-based violence.
Ensuring that the Transformation Office is a resource for liaison between internal and external stakeholders

IMPLEMENT A PROTOCOL TO MANAGE CASES AND INCIDENTS

Develop and implement protocols and systems for reporting incidents of misconduct.
Manage the reporting of rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, harassment, and all types of discrimination.
Facilitate emergency assistance for rape and sexual assault survivors in collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders.
Facilitate the provision of effective support, advice, and assistance to both complainants and respondents.
Facilitate the provision of mediation services, assistance and support in student tribunals and disciplinary hearings.

RESEARCH & INNOVATION

Translate national policy and legislation on transformation and gender equity into meaningful practice.
Undertake impact assessments of key transformation policies and frameworks.
Ensure that prevention programmes and communication strategies regarding LGBTIQA+ and GBV&F are grounded in research (data-driven approach) and best practice.
Research, implement and promote transformation & gender initiatives and disseminate accumulated insights and acquired knowledge on best practice.