Photo: Mr Moses AK Kau Head: Intergovernmental Relations, Office of the Premier: Free State Provincial Government, Prof. Desere Kokt, Professor of Human Resource Management: CUT, Dr Charlotte Nunes, Deputy Director, Student Academic Development and Support: CILT, Mr Papi Lemeko, Lecturer, Communication Sciences: CUT, Ms Martina Moss, Deputy Director, Academic Staff, and Student Mobility: CGE, Keynote Speaker - Prof. Jillaine Farrar Lecturer, Head Exchange Program, Co-Head CAS Leading Global Teams, and Projects & Co-Head MAS International Management - Lucerne University of Applied Science, Switzerland, and Mr Leolyn Jackson, Director Centre for Global Engagement.

On 18 April 2023, the Central University of Technology held the Intercultural Leadership Seminar under the theme, ‘Navigating Diversity: Building Leadership Skills for inclusive Higher Education Organisations.’ The discussions were led by Prof. Jillaine Farrar, Lecturer, Head Exchange Program, Co-Head CAS Leading Global Teams, and Projects & Co-Head MAS International Management - Lucerne University of Applied Science, Switzerland.

Following a presentation by Prof. Farrar on the importance of cultivating a culture of inclusion and diversity within higher education, panelists Prof. Desere Kokt, Dr Charlotte Nunes and Mr Moses AK Kau gave their perspectives on the topic.

Prof. Desere Kokt, Professor of Human Resource Management at CUT, gave a more theoretical understanding of human behaviour and culture. She said that to understand diversity, we need to understand why we are different. “There are many reasons why we are different. Understanding human culture is also understanding why we are different. Values underpin culture, and we measure culture by measuring values.”

Dr Charlotte Nunes, Deputy Director, Student Academic Development and Support, centred her presentation around cultivating a culture of inclusion and diversity. She mentioned that CUT recognises the importance of diversity and inclusivity by opening doors to students with disabilities. “In doing so, we have created an enabling environment by providing relevant equipment and resources to help our students in the teaching and learning environment.”

Mr Moses AK Kau, Head: Intergovernmental Relations, Office of the Premier: Free State Provincial Government, highlighted a few intercultural issues in South Africa and cultural contradictions to the international culture. “What brings distinction in the culture is nationality, race, religion, and belief systems.  We already know how important interculturalism is in assisting all of us to deal with different cultures in the globalised world. I must say that CUT has been leading in breaking down cultural barriers and building awareness in cultural norms and interpersonal communication amongst students.”