Ronald Arendse
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Project Manager, Office of the Faculty Dean, University of the Western Cape
Conference Participation
Addressing Poverty and Inequality in South Africa: Exemplary Experiential Learning Pedagogies for Economic Inclusion
Paper: Stakeholder engagement for experiential learning
Abstract: The delivery of meaningful experiential learning within historically disadvantaged higher education institutions is shaped by persistent structural, financial, and institutional constraints. This paper examines how dedicated skills development funding, accessed through external partnerships such as Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), enables structured stakeholder engagement that makes experiential learning both feasible and impactful within such contexts. SETA funding provides essential resources to establish and coordinate partnerships with employers, professional bodies, public and private sector organisations, and community-based organisations. These partnerships support work-integrated learning, applied and project-based activities, mentorship, and exposure to entrepreneurial pathways. Through these funded engagements, students are better prepared not only for entry into formal employment but also to engage the economy in diverse ways, including through the small and micro-enterprise sector. Aligned with national and continental development frameworks, including the National Development Plan 2030 and Africa Agenda 2063, the paper argues that externally funded stakeholder engagement is foundational to the successful delivery of experiential learning in historically disadvantaged institutions. Such funding enables the development of sustainable skills pipelines, enhances graduate employability and adaptability, and contributes to more inclusive and transformative economic participation.
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Biography: Ronald Arendse is an Accounting Lecturer in the Department of Accounting and Faculty Project Manager in the Office of the Dean within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Western Cape. He is a Chartered Business Accountant in Commerce whose work integrates teaching, research, and strategic project management to advance student success and institutional development.
His teaching and research interests focus on accounting education, student success, curriculum innovation, and the design of evidence-based interventions that enhance teaching, learning, and academic achievement in higher education.
In his role as Faculty Project Manager, Ronald leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of strategic academic development initiatives, including externally funded projects that strengthen teaching and learning, graduate employability, and institutional capacity. He works collaboratively with academic departments, professional bodies, industry partners, SETAs, and government stakeholders to develop sustainable programmes that support student development, graduate success, and the transformation of higher education.
His scholarly work has been published in accredited academic journals and focuses on student success, accounting education, postgraduate education, and educational innovation.
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