Equitable Quality Education for Transformative Higher Education in Southern Africa | Chapter 7 | Quality Assurance Practices for Transformative Higher Education in Southern Africa

Equitable quality education serves as a cornerstone for achieving transformative higher education in Southern Africa. This approach prioritises inclusivity and aims to address long-standing historical inequalities that have affected access to education for marginalised communities. By ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities, higher education institutions can empower diverse groups of learners and contribute to a more just and cohesive society. Quality assurance is emphasised as a crucial component of transformative education, ensuring that teaching, learning, and research meet high standards and prepare graduates to make meaningful contributions to their communities and the economy. The concept also aligns higher education with broader regional development goals, fostering innovation and addressing pressing socio-economic challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and environmental sustainability. Research and development play a central role in this transformation, enabling institutions to generate solutions to local and global issues while promoting sustainable development. Building robust research capacity and encouraging collaboration among institutions across the region are essential steps toward creating a knowledge-driven society. Additionally, the chapter highlights the importance of sound policy frameworks that guide the transformation of higher education institutions. Policies must prioritise inclusivity, efficiency, and responsiveness to societal needs, ensuring that higher education catalyses positive change. In conclusion, equitable quality education offers a pathway to a transformative higher education landscape in Southern Africa, one that is inclusive, innovative, and deeply responsive to the region's challenges and aspirations. This vision aims to empower individuals and communities while driving social and economic progress. To foster equitable quality education, higher education institutions in Southern Africa should implement inclusive policies, enhance quality assurance mechanisms, and prioritise research that addresses local socio-economic challenges.

 

 

Author (s) Details

Dziva Diamond
Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe.

 

Makuvire Claretah

Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe.

 

Chikuvadze Pinias
Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe.

 

Mhishi Misheck
Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe.

 

Mudavanhu Young
Bindura University of Science Education, Zimbabwe.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-49729-81-0/CH7

State-Owned Companies and Artificial Intelligence: Strategies for Addressing the Socio-Economic Challenges in South Africa | Chapter 10 | Information Management and Technology: The Proceedings of the 10 th International Conference on Business and Management Dynamics (ICBMD), Edition 1

In South Africa, leveraging artificial intelligence within state-owned companies (SOCs) presents a unique opportunity to address the various socio-economic challenges facing the country, while fostering innovation and efficiency in the public sector. This paper examines how artificial intelligence can be optimized within South African state-owned companies to address socio-economic challenges, foster innovation, and improve service delivery, resource management, and infrastructure maintenance. The study employs a doctrinal analysis methodology to assess relevant legislation, such as the Companies Act 2008 and the Public Finance Management Act 1999, as well as the King IV Report on Corporate Governance. Additionally, the paper uses a qualitative approach to gauge the perspectives of SOC managers on AI adoption by conducting interviews with relevant stakeholders. The findings suggest that a comprehensive strategy focused on capacity building, strategic prioritization, public-private collaboration, ethical considerations, data-driven decision-making, public engagement, regulatory oversight, and long-term sustainability can enable South Africa to harness the transformative potential of AI to tackle socio-economic issues and promote inclusive growth and development. The paper aims to assist decision-makers, managers, and policymakers in understanding the legal and policy frameworks necessary to leverage the potential of AI in SOCs.

 

Author (s) Details

Thandiwe Euphronia Khumalo
Department of Applied Law, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

 

Lawrence Lekhanya
Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

 

Emem Anwana
Department of Applied Law, Faculty of Management Sciences, Durban University of Technology, South Africa.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-49238-37-4/CH10