The Faculty of Management and Commerce at the University of Fort Hare recently hosted its 3rd Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) Indaba. The two-day event, held at the Mpekweni Beach Resort, brought together a wide range of higher education stakeholders for a dialogue on the positioning and future of ECPs in South African universities.
ECP administrators, coordinators, and lecturers from several institutions, including the UFH, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Nelson Mandela University, University of the Western Cape, University of Venda, and Walter Sisulu University, participated in the Indaba under the theme: “Positioning of the Extended Curriculum Programme in South African Universities.”
Leading the conversation from UFH were Deans Prof Richard Shambare from the Faculties of Management and Commerce, the Science and Agriculture Dean, Prof Linda Sibali, and the Education Dean, Prof Tsediso Makoelle. Representatives from Teaching and Learning, Quality Assurance, and student leaders from the Faculty of Management and Commerce were also present.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in robust discussions through keynote addresses, panel sessions, academic paper presentations, and a showcase of various ECP initiatives. Debates centred on the role and relevance of ECPs within the national higher education landscape.
A key highlight was the Gala Appreciation Awards Ceremony that recognised UFH staff and partners whose contributions have significantly advanced ECP initiatives within the Faculty of Management and Commerce. The Awards celebrated excellence in research, dedicated service, and long-standing support from external institutions since the inception of the ECP Indaba.
Discussions throughout the Indaba were framed around several sub-themes:
• ECP as a tool for access and equity – Presenters reflected on how ECPs promote inclusivity by expanding access to students from diverse and historically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Bridging gaps and building belonging – Speakers addressed the academic, social, and institutional pathways that support ECP students, including strengthened collaboration between ECP and mainstream lecturers and attention to student mental health.
• Usage of AI among ECP students – Presentations explored the impact of artificial intelligence on teaching and learning, considering both challenges and opportunities for transformation within ECP environments.
According to Dr Vusumzi Funda, the 3rd ECP Indaba aimed to foster national dialogue on the identity, purpose, and institutional positioning of ECPs; provide a platform for research dissemination and the sharing of best practices; and address emerging issues such as AI adoption, mental health, and curriculum responsiveness.
In her closing remarks, Associate Professor Roxanne Piderit commended the event for yielding valuable insights, enhancing cross-institutional collaboration, and laying a strong foundation for the 4th ECP Indaba.