In the heart of South Africa’s vocational education sector, a pressing question looms: how can institutions not only survive but thrive in the face of environmental, social, and economic challenges? Samuel Nnadoziem Ndukuba, a researcher from Rosebank College, has delved into this very issue, exploring the potential of sustainable facility management (SFM) to bolster institutional resilience. His work, published in the journal ‘Строително предприемачество и недвижима собственост’—translated to English as ‘Construction Entrepreneurship and Real Estate’—offers a compelling roadmap for the future of vocational education infrastructure.
Ndukuba’s research, a systematic literature review spanning studies from 2010 to 2025, synthesizes global insights to address a local need. “The pandemic has shown us that operational continuity is not a given,” Ndukuba notes. “It’s about creating flexible, resilient systems that can adapt to disruptions, whether they’re environmental, social, or economic.”
At the core of Ndukuba’s findings is the integrative conceptual framework he’s developed. This framework isn’t just about reducing energy consumption or minimizing waste—though those are crucial aspects. It’s about creating a holistic approach to facility management that enhances institutional resilience. “It’s not just about sustainability,” Ndukuba explains. “It’s about creating institutions that can bounce back, adapt, and grow in the face of adversity.”
For the energy sector, the implications are significant. As vocational education institutions adopt SFM practices, demand for innovative, efficient energy solutions is set to rise. This could open up new commercial opportunities for energy providers, from renewable energy suppliers to smart grid technology developers.
Moreover, the focus on institutional resilience could drive demand for more robust, flexible infrastructure. “We’re not just talking about buildings,” Ndukuba says. “We’re talking about creating learning environments that can adapt to changing needs, whether that’s due to technological advancements, climate change, or shifts in student demographics.”
The research also highlights the need for future empirical studies to bridge the gap between global best practices and local contexts. As Ndukuba points out, “There’s a wealth of knowledge out there, but we need to ensure it’s relevant to our unique challenges and opportunities.”
In the coming years, as South African vocational education institutions strive to build resilience, the insights from Ndukuba’s research could prove invaluable. By embracing sustainable facility management, these institutions can not only enhance their operational continuity but also contribute to a more sustainable, resilient future for all.