Analysis of the Implementation of SDGs as Part of Community Engagement Activities at South African Universities: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed and adopted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in September 2015 have created a new understanding of social responsibilities. The SDGs are a framework for building or creating a more sustainable future for all by 2030. Decision-makers in numerous industries have regarded the SDGs' implementation as a challenging undertaking. University community engagement initiatives undertaken by universities is one of the ways that can fast track the implementation of the SDGs. Universities are in a position to train and prepare the next generation with the skills required in the implementation of SDGs by involving students in their community engagement endeavors. Therefore, research on how universities are conducting their community engagement initiatives to incorporate SDGs is necessary. The objective of this study was to explore how the South African universities have incorporated the SDGs in their community engagement initiatives and what their SDGs priorities are. The focus of this study was on the eighteen traditional universities in South Africa. Universities' annual reports were examined using a qualitative exploratory approach and a content analysis research method was used to review the universities' involvement with SDGs. ATLAS.ti. was used as a data analysiss tool for this study. The findings indicate most South African universities incorporate SDGs in their community engagement initiatives. The universities' community engagement initiatives are directed towards achieving SDG 4 (quality education), SDG 17, which centres around partnerships to achieve the goals, and SDG 5 (gender equality). Universities are working cooperatively and have already begun referencing and integrating SDGs in their reporting. However, the incorporation of SDGs into the universities' community engagement reporting is not sufficient as some universities are not yet mentioning SDGs in their annual reports