College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2023 18 and taken at the Board of College, and further inputs are made at the Programme Working Committee meetings. CBE has a flexible risk management process with the risks revisited frequently and ways sought to mitigate potential or identified risks. RESOURCE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT CBE manages its finances transparently and prudently. This is fundamental to long-term sustainability, together with our efforts to generate additional income and contribute to the University’s resources. CBE’s financial position remains stable, and the College has increased its contribution to the thirdstream income of the University. CBE is well-placed to still be able to invest in its strategic priorities, including helping students who are academically deserving but carry historic debt. ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY Our research, teaching, and community engagement contribute to achieving the UN SDGs. In addition to the research contribution mentioned in the research impact section, the Green Transport Short Learning Programme focuses on sustainable transportation practices, directly addressing SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). The Drone Applications in 4IR Programme explores how this technology can be used to work towards SDGs like sustainable industry and climate action. SARChI Industrial Development researchers engage in discussions on climate-smart agriculture (SDG 2: Zero Hunger), green industrialization in Africa (SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and technological solutions for a low-carbon world (SDG 13: Climate Action). Contributions such as that by Prof Uwizeyimana to the book, entitled Improving Public Policy for Sustainable Development Impact in the Digital Era, aid in building knowledge and capacity for achieving the SDGs. Furthermore, conferences, symposiums, and webinars focus on topics like low-carbon technologies, nutrition, well-being (SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being), and public policy, facilitating discussions and knowledge dissemination for achieving environmental sustainability objectives. Notably, MSc in Sustainability Management students recently won the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Africa Student Innovation Competition, demonstrating their ability to translate sustainability principles into practical solutions. Additionally, Mr Milan van Wyk was announced as a panellist at the SAICA Climate Change Conference, where he contributed to discussions on climate action. Prof Erika Kraemer-Mbula participated in the expert group meeting for the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, particularly on the thematic review of SDG9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. WAY FORWARD Building on a strong foundation, CBE embraces Nelson Mandela’s wisdom: the climb continues. We celebrate achievements with gratitude, acknowledging the many ‘hills to climb’ ahead. Our unwavering commitment to excellence and inclusivity guides us as we navigate future challenges and opportunities. We are steadfast in developing talented students from all backgrounds. Through strategic partnerships and dedicated efforts, we will dismantle financial barriers, ensuring equitable access to education. We aim to ignite students’ potential, fostering responsible individuals who can tackle future challenges and contribute meaningfully to a sustainable world. This includes fostering not only employability but also the entrepreneurial spirit, equipping them to create opportunities for themselves and others. In our pursuit of excellence, we recognise the value of fostering international partnerships, forging exchange agreements with world-class institutions, and facilitating student participation in global exchange programmes. Through these initiatives, we endeavour to broaden our students’ horizons and instil in them a global perspective. We will integrate the themes of emerging technologies and SDGs into our academic initiatives and research, aiming for measurable societal impact while exploring automation opportunities within the College to streamline administrative processes and improve efficiency. Leveraging upon the expertise of our skilled staff, we are committed to enriching the world by converting knowledge into accessible formats for societal consumption through active engagement with the media and opinion pieces. In the pursuit of excellence, we are dedicated to keeping our high-performance staff while attracting top talent through diligent recruitment efforts. Furthermore, we recognise the importance of nurturing strong partnerships and engaging with our stakeholders and alumni. By fostering a sense of belonging and community, we aim to harness the collective wisdom and talent of our extended network to fuel our continued growth and success.
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