by
Nelia Oosthuysen
| Oct 30, 2024
by Chevon Slambee, Chevon Slambee is the project manager of the iKudu project.
When the iKudu Project kicked off in Bloemfontein in November 2019, I was a bundle of emotions – anxious, nervous, and above all, excited. I vividly remember asking myself, “How are we going to bring this vision to life? How will we embody everything we promised this project would be?”
The atmosphere was electric, filled with familiar faces and new ones alike. Over those two days, I witnessed smiles, laughter, and countless hugs. It felt as though something special was brewing. As I observed the interactions, it became clear that a genuine family was forming – the iKudu family.
As we mapped out the next steps for our project, my initial feelings of anxiety began to fade. I realised i was not alone on this journey; we were all in it together. This collective experience fostered a beautiful exchange of knowledge, collaboration, and empowerment, which would become the foundation of our project.
Adapting in uncertainty: The Kudu spirit
Fast forward to 2020, and the world has been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, sending shockwaves of panic through our carefully laid plans. We had envisioned a year filled with travel, training sessions, and site visits, but suddenly everything was up in the air. How would we adapt?
In the midst of this uncertainty, something miraculous occurred. Our project seemed to take on the spirit of the kudu, an antelope known for its agility and grace. Just like the kudu, we have learned to navigate challenges with resilience and adaptability. We began to reimagine our approach, embracing new ways to connect and collaborate in order to ensure that our mission continued despite the obstacles. Thank you, Friday ‘Cuppas’ – a virtual casual setting where great things unfolded!
The kudu’s ability to thrive in changing environments became our guiding metaphor. We have discovered innovative solutions, leveraging technology to keep our community engaged and our goals on track. The spirit of the iKudu Project remained strong, proving that even in the face of adversity we could find ways to move forward together.
Strength in unity
Instead of succumbing to panic, the iKudu Project showcased agility, resilience, and strength in the face of adversity. I have never experienced teamwork and camaraderie quite like this, encapsulated by one powerful word: SEBENZISANA, meaning ‘working together.’ The iKudu Project truly embodies a diverse group of individuals from various backgrounds and parts of the world, uniting to transform curricula through internationalisation and virtual exchanges.
In African culture, the kudu symbolises power, strength, grace, and agility. As I reflect on the iKudu Project, these qualities resonate deeply with the essence of our journey. Three striking characteristics of the kudu parallel our project:
These massive horns represent strength and power. Just as the kudu uses its horns to navigate challenges, we tackled our goal of achieving 55 Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) projects head-on. Despite the disruption of the pandemic, we have adapted and thrived in the virtual classroom, turning challenges into opportunities. Ultimately, we surpassed our original target, achieving 60 COIL projects – a resounding success for Working Group 2, which later became known as 2Strong! This accomplishment is a testament to our strength and perseverance.
Achieving this success was largely due to our Working Group 1 leadership, which encouraged pluriform perspectives – truly synonymous with the kudu’s eyes and ears. Each institution felt seen and heard, and this unity proved to be an invaluable strength. To contribute meaningfully to curriculum transformation, we adopted an appreciative enquiry approach that allowed us to recognise and value our local contexts and strengths. We have approached our communities with humility and grace, fostering an environment where all universities felt valued. Through vulnerability and honest sharing, we discovered the power of diverse perspectives, leading to the development of our considerations, guidelines and strategies for internationalised curriculum renewal tailored to the unique South African context. Additionally, these perspectives also informed the baseline study on curriculum internationalisation and transformation in South Africa, which includes a deep analysis of the five partner universities, as well as the study on progress with the interdependent processes of curriculum internationalisation and transformation at the partner universities.
Known for their remarkable jumping ability, kudus can leap up to two metres high, and even higher when in distress. This agility mirrors our growth as a project. We have made significant leaps in meeting our deliverables and achieving personal and professional milestones. I personally found my voice and confidence through this project, realising that every contribution – no matter how small – matters. We have all stretched ourselves in various ways, learning and growing together. That is why I can confidently say: we are iKudu strong! Through this project, I no longer focus on the challenges on the continent, but I appreciate that we have a valuable and essential contribution to make in the world.
In closing, the iKudu Project is a celebration of strength, unity, and resilience. Together, we continue to embody the spirit of the kudu, forging ahead with purpose and determination. This project is not just a chapter in our lives; it is a community we have built together. So, while we may be saying ‘au revoir’, this is far from goodbye. The journey continues, and I cannot wait to see where it leads us next – perhaps towards an even broader network!