WHERE INTERSECTIONS ARE IMPERATIVE: ADVANCEMENT STRUCTURES IN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

Advancement structures in HEIs in SA may include fundraising and development, alumni relations, marketing and communications and related functions. Their mission is the garnering of resources for the university’s development and sustainability. However, there are variations on a theme, influenced by several factors: the historical standing of the institution and its type, understanding of advancement, and the resources available to effect its mission, amongst others. One key aspect is its outward-facing focus, as stakeholders are external, from the private sector, industry, partner organisations and community, making for a cross-cutting thrust to attain results that advance the institution. It is in this arena that intersections are in fact imperative, as experience shows that collaboration achieves more. The factors which impede progress and those which give advancement traction, are therefore the crux of the matter. Resource Dependency Theory is used to frame the dependency of HEIs on external resources due to limited state subsidies and the increasing financial demands of operating a modern educational institution. This paper expands analytically and critically on the nature of the intersections referred to, as well as the challenges faced, with reference to the experience of Mangosuthu University of Technology.