Sustainable Development

The availability of decent work is important to help people and communities escape poverty and hunger. South Africa saw a sharp decline in GDP during 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but GDP did improve during 2021. However, data shows that compensation for work is still uneven, with women being paid less than men in almost every measured sector. 

Universities can ensure that all employees are compensated fairly, including employees contracted from outside the university. Universities can also provide training and career mentorships in surrounding communities to improve the economic standing of the surrounding population.  

SDG 8 is strongly connects to poverty and hunger (SDGs 1 and 2), as well as industry and innovation (SDG 9), and gender equality (SDG 5). SDG 8 corresponds to the AU Goal 4: Transformed economies and job creation. 

There are a range of programmes at Stellenbosch University that contribute towards SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth and AU Goal 4: Transformed economies and job creation. For more information, see the Division of Social Impact’s Platform for SDG 8.

The CoCreate Hub was launched in 2021, which aims to help small local businesses develop by providing affordable working space. The nine-month Small Business Academy continued to support local businesses. Stellenbosch University’s LaunchLab continued to help foster business growth and launched the new Techpreneurship programme, which has already seen three cohorts complete the programme. In 2021, Stellenbosch University launched the Staff Health and Wellbeing Plan to assess and improve the health of Stellenbosch University staff.