- First Advisory Board Induction at the Faculty of Education: The Faculty of Education hosted its inaugural advisory board induction on August 5, 2025, aimed at introducing new members to the faculty’s priorities and long-term goals.
- Message of Unity and Shared Commitment: Professor Bantu Xozwa led a prayer encouraging unity and wisdom among attendees, emphasizing the importance of collective effort in guiding the faculty toward positive growth.
- Significance of the Advisory Board: Executive Dean Professor Bongani Daglas Bantwini highlighted that this first advisory board provides a valuable platform for insight, guidance, and supporting the faculty’s objectives for 2025, such as enhancing online teaching and increasing graduation rates.
The Faculty of Education hosted its first-ever advisory board induction at the Mthatha Health Resource Centre on August 5, 2025. The purpose of the event was to introduce new board members to the faculty’s priorities and outline how their guidance will support long-term academic goals.
The proceedings opened with a prayer led by Professor Bantu Xozwa, who encouraged unity and wisdom among those gathered. His message called for shared commitment in steering the faculty towards positive growth.
Professor Bongani Daglas Bantwini, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, officially welcomed the attendees. In his address, he underlined the importance of this milestone, noting that this is the faculty’s first advisory board. “We need advice in many areas. Having this board in place gives us a platform to gain insight and guidance,” he said.
Prof. Bantwini also touched on the faculty’s goals for 2025, including strengthening online teaching skills among staff and improving the student graduation rate.
Sabelo Bara, Deputy Director for Institutional Governance, discussed the board’s purpose, clarifying that it plays a supportive not legislative role.
“Education is the foundation of all other professions,” Bara said. “While the advisory board is not a decision-making body like a council or senate, its contribution is vital in shaping the direction of the faculty.”
Representing the Quality Management Directorate, Mr. Christopher Khoza gave a detailed overview of the advisory board’s function. He explained how board members are expected to provide constructive input to programme administrators and faculty leadership. He also outlined the types of advisory boards commonly found in higher education and the diversity of professionals who typically serve on them.
The event marked a meaningful step in fostering collaboration between academic staff and external experts, all working together to uplift the standard of education and student outcomes.
