College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2022 23 Teaching and Learning Prof Sivan Chetty Vice Dean: Teaching and Learning College of Business and Economics OVERVIEW Entry into the 2022 academic year was shrouded with much uncertainty. The devastating and lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on an inherently fragile economy cast a shadow on the hopes and aspirations of South Africans across the demographic sphere. The first quarter of 2022 recorded an unemployment rate of 34,5%. Despite some decrease in the overall unemployment rate over the year, youth unemployment (15-24 years) remained obstinately high and stood at almost 60% by the third quarter of 2022. At the same time, graduate unemployment registered at 11%. An environment such as this makes it incumbent on the CBE to contribute meaningfully towards youth employability. Unfortunately, heightened economic insecurity intensified socio-economic hardships that transmitted unequivocally into the academic environment, through inadequate student attendance and participation in learning activities. Ultimately, overall academic performance was adversely impacted. In line with the institutional decision, the CBE embarked on a hybrid approach to teaching and learning in the first semester of
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