Cornel Hart: Diversity Statement

I have worked with diverse populations as a Managing Director of my own International Research and Development Consultancy, in Academia, and in the less privileged communities in which I grew up and serve to this day.  The University of the Western Cape strives to building an equitable and dynamic society and its Department of Social Work believes in justice, gender equity, human diversity, and citizenship for all.  

I belief in team building, empathy, integrity, equality, self-discipline, adaptability, flexibility, and networking.  This requires a positive attitude, a sense of self-worth and a focus on relationship and partnership building.  My general approach as a community development activist, practitioner, researcher and lecturer is that of respect and humble engagement which follows a key principle of ensuring that everybody with whom I interact become participants and collaborators at all levels of practice in an equal, fair, transparent and empowering manner – irrespective of gender, age, race, religion, culture, nationality and social economic status.  On the face of it respect seems to mean that one treat everyone professionally, with humility and empathy.  

An example of promoting an inclusionary environment at UWC would be to build a staff and student component that works hard to understand each other as colleagues, peers, and community members within the university and society at large.  This would be possible through open lines of communication and cooperation among a diverse campus community, and for me to lead by example, while collectively contributing towards a world-class educational and research experience.