BEYOND ACADEMIA: THE SOCIETAL IMPACT OF MULTILATERAL EDUCATIONAL COLLABORATIONS

The great poet William Butler Yeats once said, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire."

- Letlhokwa George Mpedi

Yeats' words could be viewed through the lens of societal impact the impact of education on the world around us. Necessary in this pursuit are multilateral relationships that strengthen development - locally, regionally and beyond.

In Africa, the value of collaboration in this regard is immense. This is because these collaborations enable the sharing of resources, knowledge, and best practices, facilitating comprehensive growth and allowing us to collectively address common challenges.

Now, more than ever, we are realizing the role universities play in societies beyond the mandate of higher education. We are vessels for societal impact, and our scope is increasingly broadening and pushing our gaze outward. As we realize this vision, fostering collaboration among universities in the region and beyond is crucial. Universities need to provide guidance on moral, political and social issues. This is what I refer to as societal impact.

This concept represents the effect of our research and work in the real world. It represents a shift beyond academia to the economy, society, culture and beyond. The emergence of an 'engaged university' represents a sphere where institutions actively contribute to societal development and address regional challenges. In this regard, it is wholly necessary for us to develop peer-led networks that significantly contribute to development.