The value of community outreach for a university: a synthesis of trends in higher education The case of the University of Limpopo (ELS 45)

BACKGROUND: The South African National Development Plan (SANDP) vision for 2030 highlights key recommendations for reducing the prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by 28% by 2030. These are mirrored by the World Heart Federation, although it focuses on reducing the NCD prevalence by 25% by 2025. The targeted diseases include, among others, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. OBJECTIVES: The aim was to contribute to discussion on the social responsibility, public good and community development functions of a university in South Africa, as derived from the Higher Education Act 101 of 1997 (as amended). METHODS: The researcher's ontology links with this notion of the existence of multiple realities that exist among universities in South Africa, and provides the basis for a social construction epistemology. Different realities exist for the University of Limpopo. RESULTS: The Dikgale Health and Demographic Surveillance System and the Ellisras Longitudinal Study, which both started in 1996 within the University of Limpopo, provide ample bush university outreach models on social responsibility, public good and community development. Community participation was central to the dissemination of research results. CONCLUSIONS: Social responsibility, public good and community development are core functions for a university, which should be treated as stand-alone roles, such as teaching, learning and research. The University of Limpopo has distinguished itself by being true to its vision of 'being a leading African university focused on the developmental needs of its communities and epitomising academic excellence and innovativeness'.