Application of Systems Theory for Analysing the Sustainability Foci and Practices in Universities: A Case Study of a Rural University in the Eastern Cape, South Africa

Abstract

In this paper systems theory is applied for analysing the sustainability foci and practices of the faculty of economics and information technology systems. The faculty in question is at Walter Sisulu University. Systems theory is used to analyze various sub-systems of the faculty when addressing emerging local sustainability concerns. Education for sustainable development is an important aspect of this paper as it considers the sustainability concerns in the curriculum from the perspective of current and future alternatives for the economy and socio-ecological aspects of communities. A qualitative method was used to generate data. A purposeful sample was used a method of collecting data. Findings that have emerged from the faculty are related to: Contextual realities related to inequality. Socioecological issues and risks were found to be related to water and sanitation, food security and climate change. The sustainability discourse is related to health and wellbeing, peace, and security. There is an alignment of green skills to the curriculum of the faculty and pedagogical practices which relate to sustainability. The paper concludes with recommendations with regards to the content of various qualifications, future research, and community engagement activities of the faculty in question and the university as whole.

Keywords

• sustainable development
• systems theory
• sub-systems
• higher education curriculum
• research activities
• community engagement