Quality Champions Workshop to enhance quality assurance at VUT

Through its Quality Promotions Unit (QPU), the Vaal University of Technology (VUT, hosted a fundamental Quality Champions Workshop on 23 October 2024 at the Quest Conference Centre. The workshop brought together internal stakeholders and external experts to equip VUT’s Quality Champions with the skills needed to enhance Quality Assurance processes.

The workshop was opened by Ms. Thiru Naidoo, Director of the QPU, and Prof. Christa Grobler, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning. Both leaders highlighted the importance of the event for VUT’s commitment to improving the quality of teaching and learning. This was followed by the introduction of esteemed experts from the University of South Africa (UNISA), including Prof. Lumkile Lalendle, Dr. Eleanore Johannes, and Ms. Helen Matshoba, who led discussions on Quality Assurance and shared their expertise.

The workshop’s primary objective was to “close the quality loop” by equipping VUT’s Quality Champions with tools to effectively integrate Quality Assurance into their roles. Ms. Naidoo highlighted the commitment of all participants, stating that their dedication exemplified VUT’s drive to foster positive change. Key topics discussed during the workshop included the distinctions between Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Enhancement (QE), the alignment of policies with QA frameworks, and the critical role of stakeholder engagement, all of which are vital to the future of teaching and learning at the university.

Prof. Lalendle led the first session, presenting a detailed exploration of the differences between QA and QE. While QA is characterized as a top-down, quantitative, and mandatory process often involving external evaluations, QE is a bottom-up, qualitative process that encourages continuous improvement through reflection. Prof. Lalendle emphasized that aligning institutional policies with QA frameworks is crucial for driving systemic change. He also highlighted the increasing need for international collaboration, such as joint degree programs, which require shared quality standards and a more comprehensive assessment of student potential.

Furthermore, Prof. Lalendle outlined the roles of key higher education bodies, such the  DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training), SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority), CHE (Council on Higher Education) and Professional Bodies .The audience expressed interest in understanding the quality landscape, as it enlightened them on matters they had little experience in.Dr Johannes, one of the UNISA presenters, delivered a clear and concise session on the CHE’s Quality Assurance Framework (QAF), and the ways in which it will impact higher education institutions in general, and VUT specifically. This workshop was, in fact, one of VUT’s  responses to the implementation of the QAF, which calls for a robust internal quality management system.

Ms. Matshoba, another of the guest speakers, delivered a session on the importance of stakeholder engagement in Quality Assurance. She focused on Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs), which are developed following quality reviews at UNISA. According to Ms. Matshoba, these plans are essential for ensuring that panel recommendations are implemented and for tracking progress. She further explained that the project-based approach used in QIPs enables institutions to monitor improvements and validate claims made in their Self-Evaluation Reports (SERs).

In the final presentation, Prof. Lalendle discussed how QA can serve as a strategic lever for universities. He stressed the importance of effective communication, collaboration, reflecting and ongoing monitoring and evaluation in meeting performance targets. Prof. Lalendle also encouraged participants to stay committed to the QA process and to feel empowered to voice concerns or ideas openly and respectfully when necessary.

Reflecting on the significance of the workshop, Ms. Naidoo highlighted the transformative potential of Quality Assurance at VUT. She remarked, “This workshop is not just about compliance; it’s about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and empowering our Quality Champions to take ownership of the process. The knowledge and skills gained here today will drive meaningful change across the institution.”

The workshop concluded with group reflections, where participants shared insights gained from the day’s presentations. These discussions reiterated the importance of stakeholder involvement, continuous improvement, and aligning institutional practices with both national and international QA frameworks.

The Quality Champions Workshop was a resounding success, equipping VUT’s Quality Champions with the knowledge and tools necessary to advance the university’s QA processes. As Ms. Naidoo concluded, “As VUT continues its journey toward improving the quality of teaching and learning, as well the attendant services, the insights gained from this workshop will undoubtedly play a crucial role in driving positive change.”