The GX Framework for Evaluating Student Leadership Development Programmes in South African Universities

Abstract

This article presents a framework for evaluating Student Leadership Development Programmes (SLDPs) in South African universities. The researcher conducted a comprehensive literature review of various models and frameworks used for assessing leadership development programs, interviewed 27 student affairs professionals, and distributed a questionnaire, receiving responses from 227 student participants across six South African universities. There is a widespread belief that SLDPs offered by universities foster critical thinking, lifelong learning, and self-directed work habits, thereby contributing positively to the holistic development of students. However, mere participation in these programs does not guarantee that students will achieve the intended learning outcomes. Hence, there is a pressing need to evaluate whether student participants actually realize these outcomes. Given the lack of empirical research supporting the effective implementation of SLDPs in South Africa,  this article aims to assess the effectiveness of SLDPs across various universities and propose a suitable framework for future evaluations. The proposed framework comprises four dimensions designed to enhance the effectiveness of Student Leadership Development Programmes in South African universities.