Exploring civic engagement as an ideal model for production of well- rounded citizens: an impact study of Enactus entrepreneurial initiatives. Presented by: Mrs. Nobuhle Mpambani SDO: Governance & Development Cape Peninsula University of Technology

Outline of the Presentation The presentation will involve the below aspects respectively: Abstract of the study; Introduction & Background; Interpretation and Empirical Evidence; Teaching & learning aspect; Research Initiatives and Enactus programs; Community service aspect; and Conclusion and Recommendations.

Abstract of the study Examining Enactus impact on the aspect of “Teaching & Learning, Research & Community engagement; The study is the empirical study utilizing WSU initiatives of Enactus; The paper will also be a qualitative narrative of the impact; and The question critical to the study is how do these initiatives contribute to a well-rounded graduate and to the aspect of civic model .

Introduction & Background Civic mission in higher education emerges from the needs of a society where economic differences are prevalent and inevitable (Hurtado, 2007); The premise of community engagement lies in its potential to rejuvenate academia, redefine scholarship and involve society in a productive conversation about the role of higher education now and in the future (Bender, 2008); and South Africa needs graduates that advance societal interests, then in this case civic engagement of students model becomes idealistic.

Interpretation & Empirical Evidence This area of the presentation focuses on the aspects listed below respectively: Teaching & learning aspect; Research Initiatives and Enactus programs; and Community service aspect;

Teaching & Learning aspect It is expected that the T&L aspect takes formal space in a classroom context, however , this alone cannot complete the cycle; Malegapuru et al (2004) proclaimed that academic freedom reflects an unceasing process of inquiry in pursuit of the truth and requires an environment that encourages a free flow of ideas; and Improved communities within which ideas are visualized, become a significant and scientific field where these ideas are implemented. The notion of academic ideas translated to action, strategically positions Enactus as a hub of entrepreneurial home of engineering well rounded students through which universities should portray their excellence.

Research Initiatives & Enactus programs The government and society at large are confronted by challenges inter alia: inequality, poverty and unemployment These challenges cannot be left to be the responsibility of government alone, society also needs to play a role, hence the intervention of universities. The skills transfer by university students to the communities under the auspices of Enactus serves as an important civic engagement strategy;   Lack of financial resources in the form of start-up funding is one of the major setbacks hindering productivity in rural areas due to abject poverty. The ability to source funds amounting to R350 000.00 as a start-up funding for rural communities of Mthatha Region reflected good fundraising strategies and relevant sustainability skills transfer by students of Enactus; The Enactus projects have succeeded in addressing gender-based inequalities amongst impoverished rural communities by facilitating cooperative functioning of males and females to work together to improve their own lives. This reflects strong leadership qualities of unifying abilities from the side of the students. There are always deep-seated challenges of unemployment and rural economy decline at a centre of sustaining households prevalent in rural areas. It is also in this area that students have contributed towards reduction of these challenges by positively absorbing almost 700 rural residents of Butterworth and Mthatha Regions to be active members in their programs.

Community Service Aspect Growing vegetables for food security and employment to the local community is the niche area of boosting local economy; The assistance towards establishment of a small farm to supply local market with fresh produce has been a milestone project for the students of Enactus, and as such the capacity to sustain the entrepreneurial activities is an important achievement; Entrepreneurial skills have been transferred to the communities and this aspect demonstrates civic responsibility of the well-rounded students that are needed to engineer the economy to prosperity and hope; Financial controls and sustainability skills are the difficult part of sustaining a business, however the community businesses assisted by Enactus students were able to maintain sustainable financial controls, and this important aspect has sustained the businesses established.

Conclusion & Recommendations The paper has proven how student development activities intersect with the academic activities to develop a well-rounded student; It may also be concluded that these initiatives are the responses that directly deal with the problems of inequality, unemployment and poverty that communities need to live descent and self-sustaining lives. The lessons of this case study have proven that there is a need to adopt the civic model of engagement in teaching and learning to attract the buy-in of all civil societies, donors and government towards building economic growth and stabilising it in South Africa and beyond.

AT THE END “Building and sustaining student development programs that serve as a scientific field for teaching and learning, research and community engagement provide hope for building ideal civic ethos to the society” Self I Thank You