This study examines the effectiveness of succession planning strategies in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) public higher education institutions (HEIs) aimed at retaining the Next Generation of Academics Programme lecturers (nGAP) beyond the completion of their contractual obligations. Employing a qualitative exploratory case study research strategy, data was collected through in-depth interviews and focus groups at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), University of Zululand (UniZulu), and Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT). The study uncovers that while the nGAP is pivotal for addressing workforce challenges related to retiring academics, several obstacles undermine its potential. Key findings indicate that inconsistent promotional policies, ambiguous career progression pathways, and varied interpretations of the nGAP Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) contribute to the attrition of early-career academics (ECAs). Additionally, reliance on reactive improvements in working conditions rather than on systematic retention strategies exacerbates the challenge of maintaining academic continuity. The study advocates for the implementation of standardized promotional procedures and targeted leadership development initiatives as effective measures to bridge the gap between temporary contractual engagement and long-term academic careers. By integrating robust talent management practices with proactive succession planning, HEIs can transform the nGAP into a sustainable framework for academic staff development. The insights generated offer practical recommendations for policymakers and academic leaders, emphasizing the need for uniform guidelines and structured retention mechanisms. This research contributes to the broader discourse on academic workforce stability and provides a roadmap for enhancing institutional capacity across the higher education spectrum.

Authors:
Nkanyiso Nxumalo, Mangosuthu University of Technology, South Africa

About the Presenter(s)
Nkanyiso Weathington Nxumalo is a lecturer at Mangosuthu University of Technology. Also currently doing his Phd. in Public Administration at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. the current project is exploring higher education initiative

See this presentation on the full schedule – Thursday Schedule

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