Abstract
Background: Higher education institutions (HEIs) are increasingly recognised as critical drivers of sustainability transformation; however, significant gaps persist between policy articulation and effective implementation, particularly within resource-constrained South African contexts. This study explores sustainability strategy implementation at a selected South African higher education institution, addressing the disconnect between institutional commitments and measurable outcomes.
Purpose: The research explores how the selected HEI can effectively implement sustainability strategies across its institutional operations, examining stakeholder understanding, implementation approaches, leadership roles, and contextual challenges unique to the South African higher education landscape.
Methodology: Employing an interpretivist paradigm and qualitative case study approach, the study conducted semi-structured interviews with 16 senior executives (including executive deans, vice-deans, and senior directors) averaging 20 years of higher education experience. Data were analysed thematically using Atlas.ti software, revealing six interconnected themes central to sustainability implementation.
Findings: The research identified that sustainability implementation in the selected South African HEI cannot follow a distinct contextual approach, realities including severe resource constraints, socioeconomic inequalities, and geopolitical pressures. While the institution demonstrated significant progress in infrastructure sustainability (solar installations, grey water systems, electric transportation), substantial challenges persist in embedding sustainability within institutional culture, balancing staff workload expectations, and establishing context-appropriate measurement structure. The study revealed successful operational sustainability practices generating financial returns (solar projects achieving payback within eight years; grey water systems within two years), yet identified gaps in training, accountability mechanisms, and meaningful societal impact assessment beyond performative compliance.
Conclusions: Effective sustainability implementation requires dedicated institutional structures, strategic financial models enabling reinvestment cycles, leadership commitment demonstrated through integrated KPIs, and context-specific metrics...