Abstract:
This study aims to review the zeal exhibited by universities in South Africa towards aligning
institutional mandates of teaching, learning, research and community engagement to the sustainable
development (SD) agenda. The implementation of the SD agenda across higher education institutions (HEIs)
continues to draw attention from the wider society. This is because HEIs are increasingly being looked up to
for leadership in this regard. However, although several studies are quick to identify various factors which
have driven the adoption of sustainable practices in HEIs, the paucity of studies seeking to identify the drivers
for SD implementation remains glaring. This is particularly so in developing countries like South Africa.
Design/methodology/approach – To confirm the exploratory data from desktop study on public
university engagement with sustainability in South Africa, a single case study was conducted in the Central
University of Technology (CUT). The single case study design adopted semi-structured interviews and
document reviews as data collection techniques. Purposive snowballing sampling technique was strictly
adhered to in the selection of interviewees. Interviewees were selected on the basis of their roles in the
implementation of the CUT’s sustainability agenda.
Findings – Data emanating from these interviews were analysed thematically using qualitative content
analysis. Although a plethora of drivers were identified, there appeared to be a consensus between most of the
interviewees that the quest for cost reduction remained the most significant driver for the viable
implementation of the sustainability agenda at CUT.
Research limitations/implications – It is expected that findings from this study would provide a
platform for the development of effective implementation strategies in South African HEIs. Also, the findings
contribute to filing the extant gap observed concerning implementation and drivers for engendering SD
implementation in HEIs in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) region.
Practical implications – By highlighting the drivers for SD implementation, this study contributes to the
development of a more receptive social ontology among various stakeholders in an HEI towards the agenda,
particularly within the SSA context where there is low level of awareness and buy-in by these stakeholders.
Originality/value – This study makes an original contribution to the research base of SD in HEIs and
implementation.
