College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS CBE staff and students contributed to many community initiatives during Nelson Mandela Day. The CBE collaborated with the following stakeholders in community engagement projects, which contributed to societal impact on various levels. Jars of Hope Project The Food Evolution Research Laboratory (FERL) initiated this project, which benefits mothers and babies supported by the Hamba Bamba Funda Organisation (HBF). As part of the initiative, third-year Gastronomy (Nutrition) students prepared multilingual nutrition education leaflets, which were distributed to the mothers. Handson demonstrations showcased how to prepare nutritious soups using the ingredients from the jars. Universal Access and Disability Awareness The School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH), in collaboration with the National Council for People with Disability (NCPD), and the UJ Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD), conducted an awareness campaign on Casual Day. Future initiatives will include conducting collaborative research on Mobi-Mats and amphibian wheelchairs on blue-flag beaches; as well as exploring collaboration with the e-empowerment initiative for the training of deaf and female baristas for the world of work. Education and Learning Curiosity Project The Department of Information and Knowledge Management joined forces with Leungo Education and presented to Maphutha secondary school learners on career choices. The Department is also working with the school’s library staff and educators to create more resourceful and inviting learning spaces, encouraging a culture of curiosity and lifelong learning in local schools. Education and Digital Literacy The Department of Business Management worked continuously with the social business Siyafunda CTC in providing workshops in digital literacy (DL) skills. The application of digital technology to enhance communal, economic, educational, and social development is Siyafunda CTC’s primary area of interest. Entrepreneurial Development The CBE Technopreneurship Centre secured funding from MICT DETA to support twelve postgraduate students to develop innovative ICT and 4IR projects. This initiative fosters entrepreneurial innovation and prepares students for the evolving digital economy. Green Initiatives The CBE introduced a waste management campaign, encouraging sustainable waste r eduction practices through recycling drives in various departments and environmental awareness sessions. 81
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