DVC’S CORNER Prof Pamela Dube, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Student Development & Support, University of the Western Cape
What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore— And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over— like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?
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his poem, titled ‘Harlem’ and scripted by the poet Langston Hughes, helps
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us locate the intersection between the transformation of society and its relationship with higher education, and the expectations and tensions that give rise to this very complex relationship. Drawing from the seminal work by Hughes, it is critical to pose the question, What time is it now? Many sectors of society continue to suffer as a result of the devastating effects of COVID-19. This reality has redefined lives and there is a growing sense of anxiety and despair as South Africans lose jobs, which adversely affects quality of life. We are on a
different rhythm as we grapple with the reality of a pandemic whose influence has captured the attention of the world, the effects of which are particularly dire to citizens of poor nations and societies. Among other priorities for higher education is the state of students’ mental health as a result of myriad challenges affecting their proper functioning. The introduction of online learning, despite the support provided, is a new addition to the way students need to manage their time, and a reality they must adjust to. This experience will be useful in guiding institutional efforts to support first-years who will be part of a university community for the first time in their lives. The vast majority of them will show different interests, such as playing a sport, forming part of the debate society and taking part in a wide range of exciting co-curricular programmes. Our responsibility is to encourage them to be hopeful about their time at UWC and, at this time, our collective strength and the ability to withstand adversity should serve as an inspiration as we take the road less travelled. The word “endurance” is very common amongst athletes as they must work hard to triumph, to become champions, and to sustain their performances and enter the echelons of legends. And, just like sport, universities are spaces of opportunity where disadvantaged yet talented students can find the will to succeed. This is one of the most important values at UWC and we are proud of how students
