Just anchor institutions

Abstract

The concept of a just anchor institution emphasises the obligation of higher education institutions (HEIs) to contribute holistically to advance social justice in the local communities in which they are anchored, and can serve as a framework for HEI community engagement. Furthermore, within the higher education sector, community engagement initiatives can be positioned to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including those related to economic growth. SDG 8, in particular, is focused on decent work and economic growth. This paper explains how a South African university introduced a programme to promote inclusive economic growth through enterprise development and supplier development, utilising existing legislative frameworks to achieve this goal. The Masakhe Enterprise and Supplier Development Programme at Rhodes University encompasses economic, infrastructural, and educational components. A justice perspective on the concept of an anchor institution is used to analyse the project and the broader role of the Community Engagement Division, focusing on principles of creating shared value, accessibility, visibility, and empowerment. Data collection methods included interviews and documentation related to the project. A content analysis approach was used to analyse the data. The main findings of the study highlight the value of a just anchor institution framework for the holistic development of local communities in realising the SDGs. The case study also highlights the significance of a sustained relationship between the anchor institution and its local community, as well as how broad-based black empowerment legislation can serve as a source of funding for the inclusive economic development of small enterprises.