Facilities Management its Effect on Social Sustainability: The Context of South African Higher Education Institution

Facilities Management (FM) has a significant role in promoting social sustainability. This study aimed to investigate the impact of FM on social sustainability in a South African Higher Education Institution, specifically Nelson Mandela University (NMU). The study employed an exploratory research design and a qualitative approach, gathering data from observations of three lecture theatres and semi-structured interviews with key personnel from the institution's Estate and Facility Management unit using a purposive sample. The findings highlight the importance of FM in creating a learning environment, reinforcing its role as a strategic enabler of the institution's academic mission. The study also reveals that effective FM, as defined by robust maintenance strategies, user involvement, and integrating physical and digital infrastructures, significantly contributes to the institution's social sustainability. The study emphasises the importance of ongoing dialogue and research in this evolving field, as FM's role in promoting social sustainability in higher education becomes more important. The findings suggest that a strategic and integrated approach to FM can improve social Sustainability in HEIs, providing valuable insights for similar institutions worldwide.