The role of student-related community engagement structures in mitigating social injustice in a Rural Based University in South Africa, Limpopo Province

Abstract

The University of Venda, just like many other higher learning institutions in South Africa and beyond is confronted with student-related social injustice. Among a myriad, student-lecturer abuses, bullying, discrimination against LGBTQI, sexual abuse and theft have been documented. To date, it is not very clear the precise policy and regulations put in place by the management to curb these challenges such that a safe and secure learning environment for the students is achieved regardless of gender, level of study and cultural background. There has been a rise in volunteer structures that use the community engagement approach, building on ubuntu to mitigate student-related social injustices within the University and beyond. The current study sought to explore how these structures (student organizations under community engagement) operationalise and suggest possible means of amplifying their engagement about societal issues within the context of the University. The descriptive and contextual designs were utilised. Purposive sampling was used to identify 25 participants from 5 organizations that participated. Data was collected through WhatsApp Focus group discussions. An interview guide was used to guide the discussions. A thematic analysis was applied. The student structures mitigating social injustice on campus are namely: Stop the Spot, Aphrodite Global, BMF, AIME and Enactus. The structures mitigate social injustice by raising awareness through hosting seminars and webinars where necessary. The challenges they face in their endeavours include lack of financial support and recognition from the management. Another challenge is lack of interest from general students. The findings of this study reflected that through financial support and legal recognition by the University the structures can achieve more social justice. This study collected data that will assist the university community uphold social justice and offer a less social unjust environment to its current and prospective students.