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Walter Sisulu University
The WSU Annual Alumni Newsletter
Issue 7
2012
Alumni
message from convocation president dr siyanda makaula
Turnaround Strategy page 3
Dr Siyanda Makaula WSU Convocation President
Sisulu Legacy page 5
Investing in the Future page 9
WSU’s first female SRC President Landiwe Sikhinzi page 18
2012 has been a rather quiet year for alumni of WSU in terms of its organized activities; however the voice of alumni remains loud and positive, with vigour and eagerness to contribute to prosperity and enhancement of WSU. As alumni we need to realise that the university is resource strapped and that necessitates an actively giving alumni with positive contribution behaviour, be it in cash or in-kind contribution. Studies on alumni giving especially in the US and Europe indicate that even though alumni contribution behaviours may vary due to factors such economic prosperity of the country, tax laws and university specific characteristics, alumni donations play a pivotal role in improving the university’s fiscal health and in advancing the vision of the university. Therefore alumni serve an important role as ambassadors, connectors and donors to their alma mater. Although we understand the social and economic realities of most of our alumni, we shall continue to encourage those who can contribute financially or through acts of service to give back to WSU. November 2011 marks the end of the “first year of administration” and we are positive
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that the implementation of the Administrator’s Turnaround Strategy will see the emergence of a fully merged WSU, a stable institutional governance and an enhanced WSU brand. We are also pleased to know that part of the R1.7bn needed to normalize several incongruities in infrastructural development i.e. residences, teaching and learning facilities, IT infrastructure, etc has been provided with the support of Dr Blade Nzimande’s higher education and training department. We are soon hoping to see breaking of new ground, rising of dust from the ground and convergence of brick and mortar to build and renew the much desired infrastructure. Despite the university’s challenges, a number of other positive activities happened this year, close to 5,000 graduates were awarded their degrees, diplomas and certificates, which equates to 5,000 new members of WSU alumni association. We welcome and congratulate our new members. The WSU Foundation hosted two successful events in honour and celebration of the legacy of Walter and Albertina Sisulu. The Walter Sisulu Centenary Breakfast registered 300 guests including prominent business people, alumni, government ministers, the Sisulu family and friends of the WSU while Albertina Sisulu Women in Leadership Symposium was graced by prominent women achievers from all walks of life. These events also served as a platform to communicate WSU plans and achievements and to establish trust and strengthen relations with external stakeholders. We also saw the launch of the SAICA reaccreditation project and an investment of R84million into WSU’s accounting degree. This event was honoured by the presence of the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, CEO of First Rand
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Limited, Mr Sizwe Nxasana, a trustee of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) Foundation, Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu, the Executive Mayor of KSD municipality, Ms Nonkoliso Ngqongwa, Chairman of WSU Foundation, Mr Sango Ntsaluba and other prominent individuals.
media, our university will continue to thrive against all odds. Lest we forget, our actions (good or bad) have a way reflecting a particular image about our alma mater, so the more we contribute to brand building, the more we improve WSU’s external image and the ability to attract much needed resources.
Despite a gloomy picture that has been painted by the
Walter Sisulu University … THE GOOD NEWS WSU’s core business: teaching and learning; research and community engagement continues relentlessly despite these times of institutional change, turnaround and forging a future.
are also fully accredited by various professional bodies.
To coin one of the most famous introductory sentences in a classic novel: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair…we had everything before us…” Charles Dickens (1812 – 1870): Tale of Two Cities. We do have everything before us and we also need to celebrate the many positive steps forward; the heartwarming human stories and the deep impact WSU has on so many, despite the season of darkness we have already come through. It is all too easy to be swept up in the negativity of sensational media headlines and the sometimes overwhelming recommendations received from the HEQC and Institutional Audit reports; let alone the report of the Independent Assessor …. and to forget that each and every day WSU impacts in a positive way on millions of people in the Eastern Cape and beyond. An exaggeration? Not at all: we have around 24,000 students with networks of families and friends which may number up to 100 each; we have our staff of around 2,000; our communities and stakeholders; our suppliers, our hundreds of thousands of alumni, our many schools where prospective students eagerly receive information of what WSU can offer…our formal partnerships and linkages add further to this number. Teaching and learning, research and community engagement are daily activities on our four campuses and 13 delivery sites spanning 1,000 sq kilometres of this beautiful province with so much potential. •
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WSU’s programme and qualifications mix is the envy of many other universities. WSU produces all the scarce skills repeatedly called-for by government, professions and commerce and industry. We produce doctors, clinical associates, nurses, teachers, engineers, financial accounting officers; lawyers; journalists, film makers, artists and designers, amongst many others, through over 175 qualifications, both academic and technologically-focused. All WSU academic programmes are fully accredited by the Council for Higher Education and many programmes
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May2012 witnessed 6 days of 8 successful graduation ceremonies in 3 Eastern Cape towns; close to 5,000 joyful graduates; an interface with around 20,000 people; illustrious guests – the conferring of honorary doctorates on Peter Magubane and Jonas Gwangwa; guest speakers who included Honourable MEC Jonas; the Group CEO of the SABC; the CEO of the ECDC and other high profile persons proud to be associated with WSU. Wide positive media coverage was achieved during the week and for two weeks thereafter.
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We are one of only 6 comprehensive universities in SA; we have the only Medical School in the Eastern Cape; the WSU Faculty of Health Sciences is among the top 8 medical faculties in the world for Problem-based Community Learning. The World Health Organisation says:”WSU has set a benchmark for universities across the world.”
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WSU was the first of 9 SA universities selected to house an e-skills Knowledge Centre Network Hub launched by the Deputy Minister of the Department of Communication.
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The 5th WSU international research conference has successfully gathered academics and researchers from around the world to showcase new knowledge. Widespread positive media coverage placed WSU in the news for all the right reasons.
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Postgraduate student recruitment and training improved from a total enrolment of less than 50 in 2007 to over 1,000 in 2010 – 2012. Reward incentives have been introduced and Research related policies crafted and approved.
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A Risk and Vulnerability Research Centre was submitted for NRF funding and the proposal received funding totalling R5 million over 3 years, commencing in 2011.
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Research funds have been received from the National Lotteries Board to conduct research on water issues; archiving of music and music personalities and creative industries. Research outcomes will impact on imperatives for community engagement and development.
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Other notable research and community engagement initiatives include: the showing of a sport documentary screened at both SA universities and Australian
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universities; environmental awareness and treeplanting programmes; facilitation of a Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Strategy for the Eastern Cape; technical assistance for municipal engineering services and mathematics tutorials for schools.
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WSU is working with the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) and the University of Cape Town on a four-year project to become accredited to produce Chartered Accountants CA (SA). 100 first years have commenced this programme.
Other Centres contribute to the core business of WSU: CLTD; Community Partnerships and International Linkages – 150 around the world; HIV Aids – proactive work within WSU and her surrounding communities; Enterprise Development Centre…
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The Department of Marketing, Communication & Development has initiated a proactive media strategy this year which is already reaping benefits; we are successfully infiltrating the media space with more positive news – radio interviews in particular - perhaps small stories, human interest stories… but the longest journey begins with the first small steps. We receive daily email alerts of any mention of WSU in the media, nationally. Monthly analyses indicate progress on the tone of brand presence. Our own WSU media tells the good news on a regular basis; weekly web news updates and quarterly newsletters.
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WSU produced the first cohort in SA of BSc Clinical Associates, a new breed of healthcare professionals to boost health services in rural areas.
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WSU was awarded South Africa’s only research chair in Indigenous Knowledge Systems by the National Department of Science and Technology in conjunction with the National Research Foundation (NRF) and WSU has the first fully-fledged Centre for Rural Development amongst SA universities.
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such as Chriselda Lewis amongst its alumni.
(Presentation by Angela Church to the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Higher Education & Training, 19 June 2012)
WSU has the only School of Versatile Broadcasting in its Department of Journalism and boasts luminaries
Turnaround Strategy Progress continues apace with the WSU Turnaround Strategy led by Administrator Professor Lourens van Staden and his technical team. The first semester of the Turnaround has been one of deep research, review, audits and information gathering to inform planning for a more sustainable and stable future for WSU.
Academic Enterprise: • Under-utilised information extraction software, as included in the essential ICT connectivity and remote access to data has been applied to good effect; • Initiation of quality improvement in teaching and learning strategy; • Data cleansing and tightening of subsidy submissions; • Implementation of the HEDA system and • A student tracking system has been introduced.
A workable and efficient new governance model is being developed and the finalization of an appropriate executive structure is underway. The complete and complex Turnaround Framework was released in September and the Walter Sisulu University Statute is being revisited.
Human Resources: • Review of the status of contracts; • Recognition agreement with unions underway and • Remuneration strategy comparative analysis completed;
Some recent highlights include: Finance: • A major overhaul of the asset register; • Application of the International Accounting Standard in respect of infrastructure grants from government; • Reconciliation of ring-fenced projects and unearthing of creditor backlogs; • Tight control of the verification of spending; • Independent review of the printing function at WSU; • Independent review of municipal and telephony charges; • Review of annual insurance costs and building costs; • Infrastructure audit and • Review of student residence leases.
The new Interim Management Committee (IMC) is well aware of the importance of continuous engagements with various stakeholders. Engagements have been held
Student Affairs: • Conclusion of the new WSU SRC Constitution, the completion of the first student elections to be held for the past two years and • Inauguration of the WSU SRC. Building in progress at one of the WSU sites.
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with senior management, union leadership and student leadership, traditional leadership, church leadership, provincial government and provincial labour leadership. There is evidence of strong encouragement, support and goodwill from all these stakeholders.
The Turnaround is a significant, mammoth and gigantic exercise. The Independent Assessor’s recommendation for a substantial cash injection has been reinforced by the outcomes of the many investigations that have been concluded and the Administrator will continue to implore DHET to accelerate implementation of this recommendation.
Students’ needs at the forefront of the university’s turnaround framework WSU Administrator Prof Lourens van Staden engaged candidly with journalists in September 2012 to give a detailed account of the projects and plans to be implemented in the university’s Turnaround Framework at a press briefing held at the WSU Joint Merger Office. The total cost of the implementation of the framework is R1, 7 billion, the bulk of which will be utilised in revamping and building of new residential infrastructure, as well installation of modern teaching and learning equipment, two of the eight focus areas aimed at putting WSU on a solid foundation for its future progress and success.
2. Academic Project: Ensure a Programme Qualification Mix of high quality, which is financially viable and relevant to socio-economic development.
“I have seen the conditions under which some of our students live, and it is an issue of great concerned. We have to immediately improve the condition of some of our residences so as to provide a safe, clean and conducive environment for our students to learn. We also have to invest in teaching and learning equipment with immediate effect as this is vital in the improvement of our student throughput. It’s pivotal that our plans and projects are first and foremost student-centred because we are doing this for them,” said an impassioned Prof van Staden.
5. ICT Infrastructure: Audit, plan, devise and implement an integrated and up-to-date Information and Communicational Technology (ICT) domain ensuring business information, communication and contingency.
3. Student Governance: Enhance scholarship, citizenship and leadership, as well as participative and responsible student life and student governance. 4. Financial Management: Establish an integrated and highly functional financial system, balancing efficient service with sufficient compliance and controls.
6. Human Resource Management: Manage and sustain a harmonized and functional HR establishment, based on skill and performance. 7. Teaching and Learning Technology and Equipment: Install modern teaching and learning technology and ensure its ubiquitous and effective use in technique and content, to improve student throughput.
There are eight major projects in the Turnaround Framework:
8. Physical infrastructure and resource planning: Strategise and execute efficient physical infrastructure and resource planning, maintenance and utilization.
1. Institutional Governance: The development of a coherent and decentralized governance structure over WSU and across a system of self-sustainable, geographically dispersed and academically distinct entities with change management interventions to permeate this transformation.
A new Interim Management Committee (IMC) has been formed to drive the framework. The IMC comprises members of WSU management staff as well as members of the
Students attending the Turnaround Summit
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Administrator’s technical team. This fusion of institutional memory and broader national higher education experience brings together the required skills for this high level professional team. A more transparent and participative leadership of the process has thus been created.
however the complete Turnaround Framework will take some years to be fully implemented. “As history and research from other countries with such mergers has shown us, such initiatives take time to come to being. We thus need to be patient whilst ensuring that we do things right in order to reach our goal – to provide our future leaders with a solid education,” said Prof Van Staden.
A Turnaround Consultative Forum is being established to ensure the participation of stakeholders in the implementation of the framework. A targeted, specific Communication Strategy has also been developed to ensure all stakeholders, both internal and external, are kept abreast of developments.
The Minister of Higher Education & Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, has expressed his satisfaction and support of the Turnaround Framework and has assured WSU of his Department’s ongoing support.
Work has already commenced on many of the projects,
Celebrating 100 years of Sisulu Legacy Walter Sisulu University: Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City and Queenstown proudly display at their entrances, striking bronze busts of Walter Sisulu. His presence is therefore felt by all who pass by each day. The Sisulu family joined the ranks of the university back in 1992 when an honorary doctorate was conferred upon Albertina Sisulu, Walter’s beloved wife and a struggle hero in her own right. In 2007, Walter Sisulu himself was similarly honoured, posthumously, and would be proud to know that he stands in the company of illustrious honorary graduates which include his adored wife and his lifelong comrade, Nelson Mandela. The Walter Sisulu University Foundation, established in 2009, is honoured to have the family represented on the Foundation Board by Ms Nonkululelo Sisulu, a daughter of Walter and Albertina.
Walter Sisulu
Walter Sisulu University and The Walter Sisulu University Foundation held a series of events during 2012 to celebrate 100 years of Sisulu legacy. There can be no finer legacy to honour the lifelong sacrifices made by Walter Sisulu and his family than for a university based just a short distance from his birthplace to carry his name: Walter Sisulu University - a university serving the thousands of young people who seek that ‘better life for all’ of which Sisulu dreamed. Walter Sisulu University is the only public organisation in the Eastern Cape honoured to bear his name and has adopted three of Sisulu’s core values as its academic ethos: Excellence, Integrity and Wisdom. The four campuses of
Albertina Sisulu
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About Walter Sisulu 1912 - 2003
Walter Max Sisulu was born in the village of Quthubeni at Engcobo in the Transkei region of the Eastern Cape on 18 May, 1912 – coincidentally the same year as the ANC was founded. Sisulu joined the ANC in 1940 and it was through him that both Nelson Mandela and Oliver Tambo were brought into the organization. In 1944 he formed the ANC Youth League, with them, whose radical approach fundamentally transformed the ANC and the struggle against colonialism and apartheid. In 1949 he was elected Secretary General of the ANC.
Sisulu was released on 15th October 1989, after almost three decades in jail. He then served the ANC as its Deputy President. Sadly, Sisulu passed away on 5 May 2003 just before his 91st birthday. Sisulu commanded respect from friends and foes because of the dignified manner with which he handled himself as well as the values he embraced. He remains a towering giant of South Africa and humanity’s struggle for justice. His humility, ability to identify and promote leaders as well as his selflessness are some of his distinctive traits. His family values and relationship with his comrade and wife can be described as a love relationship of the 21st century. Sisulu proved to be as faithful to the struggle as he was to his family. It is an honour for WSU to be carrying the name of such a towering figure in human history. He is an embodiment of the values of selflessness, courage, humility, Ubuntu and compassion to which this University would like to aspire.
In 1944 Sisulu married Albertina Nontsikelelo Mnyila and the marriage produced five children. In the 1950s he was one of the leading figures in the Defiance Campaign. Between 1956 and 1961 Sisulu was constantly in court defending himself against a string of treason charges. Sisulu was one of the founders of Umkhonto Wesizwe, the ANC armed wing after major liberation organizations such as the PAC and the ANC were banned in 1960. Sisulu together with Mandela and other senior leaders of the ANC were caught and tried in the Rivonia Treason Trial. In 1964 they were sentenced to life imprisonment, most of which was spent on Robben Island.
Three of his core values are used on WSU’s academic crest: • Excellence • Wisdom • Integrity
May Graduation 2012 institution and world-renowned photojournalist Dr Peter Magubane as a Degree of Doctor of Journalism (Honoris Causa) was conferred upon the great man by WSU for his bravery, self-sacrifice and insatiable appetite for exposing the injustices carried out under the Apartheid government. Dr Magubane also doubled as guest-speaker on Monday, before Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism MEC Mcebisi Jonas addressed the crowd on Tuesday as over a thousand graduands were capped at the East London leg from Monday May 7 to Tuesday May 8. The ceremony then moved on to the Butterworth Campus on Wednesday May 9 where graduates from the Faculty of Business, Management Sciences and Law and the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology were capped, followed by the graduation ceremony of 450 graduates from the Faculty of Education in the afternoon session.
Graduands from the Butterworth Campus can hardly contain their excitement after being capped during WSU’s 7TH Annual Graduation Ceremony
May 2012 marked the end of a week’s filled with uninhibited laughter, tears of joy and deep sighs of relief as more than 4000 WSU graduands were capped at the institution’s various campuses in East London, Butterworth and Mthatha during the university’s 7th Annual Graduation Ceremony.
Guest-speakers at the ceremony included ECDC CEO Sithembele Mase, Border-Kei Chamber of Business executive director Les Holbrook and SABC Group CEO Patricia Lulama Makhobo, whose address was recorded live on SABC Radio on Thursday May 10.
A hugely successful first day of proceedings held at the Abbotsford Christian Centre in East London on Monday May 7 set the tone for the rest of the ceremonies as friends and families came in droves throughout the eight ceremonies to bare witness to the honouring of their friends’ and families’ hard work and dedication in striving to get their qualifications.
Friday May 11 signified the change of venue from Butterworth to the Mthatha Campus’ Nelson Mandela Drive Site where over 1 600 graduands were capped. About 600 graduates from the Faculty of Business, Management Sciences and Law were capped during Friday’s morning session.
Monday also marked a momentous occasion for both the
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Businessman Dr Monde Tabata was the guest-speaker at the ceremony.
The day will also saw a Degree of Doctor of Education in Music Education (Honoris Causa) being conferred upon Jazz legend Jonas Gwangwa for his contribution to the development and promotion of African arts and culture and, in particular his passionate commitment to engendering jazz music as a genre through his unique originality and creative abilities.
The afternoon session saw 400 graduates from the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology being capped. Medical Practitioner, Professor Alex Nganwa- Bagumahgave a heartfelt address, whilst also challenging the graduates to be the best they can be.
Gwangwa had the audience, who’d packed the venue, eating out of the palm of his hand as he gave a detailed account of his life a jazz musician during the Apartheid era. It was a fitting ending to a hugely successful graduation ceremony.
The event culminated with the capping of 650 graduates from the Faculty of Education on Saturday May 12.
WSU Alumni urge students to change the world- literally Close to 3 000 students, guests and parents packed the Zamukulungisa site’s Great Hall in two graduation sessions to witness the capping of approximately 1 000 graduands September 2012. In a new twist to WSU graduation ceremonies, the first ever WSU Vice-Chancellor’s Awards formed part of the proceedings during the morning session, where 9 academics from different WSU faculties and centres walked away with R20 000 each for their hard work and perseverance. The awards were initiated by the university’s Centre for Learning, Teaching and Development (CLTD) and seek to recognize and reward deserving academics who have made significant in-roads and demonstrated impeccable accomplishments in the Teaching and Learning trajectory at WSU.
Students getting their qualifications to secure their futures and the world’s.
implementation of the framework under the leadership of a new Interim Management Committee,” explained Prof Van Staden.
The awards also mean that the university will for the first time be represented at the prestigious CHE/HELTASA Teaching and Learning Excellence Awards taking place in Stellenbosch later this year.
He continued that he is working on sourcing R1.7 billion required for its full implementation and is launching a more robust communication strategy to ensure that all stakeholders are kept abreast of developments regarding the implementation of the turnaround framework to ensure full understanding and solid commitment to this process across the entire university.
Mmapho Gogela, who is a lecturer for extended programs across faculties was the overall winner for the VC awards and scored herself R45 000 for her innovative work of high performance and demonstration of outstanding achievement aligned to the University’s vision and values. Gogela said the overall award win was unexpected and sees it as the beginning of great things to come.
He then took the audience through 8 major projects in the turnaround framework aimed to address the areas of concern and to put WSU on a solid foundation for her future progress and success.
“Now that I have the award I must look at what I become and the impact I want to make at WSU in terms of learning and teaching. When my time is up within WSU I want to have left a significant legacy,” said Gogela.
Also giving parents and students fruitful words to bear were two guest speakers who are proud WSU alumni: Professor Thembela Hillie, Principal Research Scientist at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR) National Centre for Nano-structured Materials (NCNSM) and Advocate Lusindiso Matotie who is currently practising as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa with Chambers in Mthatha.
WSU Administrator, Professor Lourens van Staden, after congratulating the graduands and VC award winners and wishing them well on their new journeys, took time to give a brief update of the turnaround strategy currently underway at the university. “After the initial period of research, knowledge gathering, auditing and strategizing, we have now commenced the
Prof Hillie narrated his adult life as being a success 7
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because of innovation and social responsibility and put it to graduands to go out and capitalise on these concepts for their own success stories.
also spoke about the important task of social responsibility and its impact on societies and individuals. “Each and every one of us must think of what society will reap from our planned scientific or business endeavours. All of us must be acutely aware of the problems faced by our societies especially the underdeveloped. It is your responsibility as well as mine to give back to the communities we come from because we have embedded tacit knowledge of their problems and priorities and we can help alleviate these problems,” reiterated Hillie.
“We are living in a knowledge-based economy worldwide. In this economy a significant part of the company’s values may consist of intangible assets such a value of its workers knowledge,” said Hillie. He continued that when people refer to knowledge they always assume reference to explicit knowledge which is known and obsolete and less emphasis is put on tacit knowledge that is embedded in everyone through experience and the environment. Hence the graduands need to look at this critically and make the most of participating in accelerating a sustained economic growth.
He also made a call to the class of 2012 which was composed of health, education, science and technology professionals who are all the ‘coal face of societal issues’ to literally change the world by inventing new ways to imbue knowledge and essential technologies that will till the land.
“By looking at societal constraints and innovation we could bring new products and services to light and create sustainable jobs,” added Hillie.
The second session carried on much in the same vein as the first, with Advocate Matotie picking up where Hillie had left off in sharing words of inspiration with the graduands. Matotie, a staunch believer in a good work ethic, challenged the graduands to be “self-enterprising”.
He also touched on the challenge of unemployment and job losses currently facing South Africans pleading with the graduands to remedy this by establishing small medium enterprises especially Innovation Based Enterprises because they can decrease unemployment.
“The world is looking for young people of great calibre and self-determination, an inspired young people who’re hungry to go out there and grab the opportunities available to them and use them to the best of their abilities,” said Matotie.
“It is your task to think like the Sasol founders who thought of converting coal into petroleum,” emphasised Hillie. He
R84-million invested into WSU’s Accounting Re-accreditation Project needs of the profession.
Over the next four years, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) will be investing more than R84 million into Walter Sisulu University’s (WSU) Accounting Department through the National Skills Fund (NSF).
Minister Nzimande applauded SAICA and its strategic partners for their commitment to support Government in achieving the country’s growth and development goals. “In doing so, we are collaboratively improving accounting skills in all sectors of the economy. SAICA has further demonstrated commitment to the development, growth and transformation of the profession, through its many other initiatives, most specifically the Thuthuka Project and other efforts within the public sector financial skills development environment,” said Nzimande.
This investment will assist towards WSU receiving the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) accreditation which will enable the university to offer the B Com (Accounting) degree, maintaining teaching and learning standards which are consistent with the demands of the Chartered Accountancy profession. Launching this milestone project at the Health Resource Centre in Mthatha 2012, DHET Minister Blade Nzimande said that the primary focus of the project is to ensure that WSU’s Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) degree gets accredited by SAICA, in the process, making graduates more competitive in South Africa’s economy.
SAICA’s senior executive for Transformation, Growth and Skills Development Chantyl Mulder commended WSU’s Faculty of Business, Management Sciences and Law for its commitment towards ensuring that the University is reaccredited, stating that the impact will be felt not only by the students on the programme, but also by this largely disadvantaged community – the province which gave birth to Thuthuka.
The partnership project involving DHET, WSU, University of Cape Town (UCT) and SAICA, will provide access for 425 students to an undergraduate degree of a quality that was not available to them previously. The students will be supported throughout their undergraduate and postgraduate studies. The intention is that only students from previously disadvantaged backgrounds will benefit directly from this project, in line with the demographic
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Mayor of King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality, Ms Nonkoliso Ngqongwa, noted that the accreditation of WSU, a university which has a strong legacy, would have a positive impact on all municipalities in the province, including the community at large. 8
“This is part of Government’s efforts to uplift historically disadvantaged institutions and communities, working handin-hand with key strategic partners,” added Ngqongwa.
Growth: SAICA Communications & Marketing Division, this is intended to build the capacity of the University to provide this qualification in a manner that will make the beneficiaries (graduates) relevant to the market and economic growth of South Africa.
Speaking at the same event, WSU Administrator Professor Lourens van Staden observed that one of the main economic challenges the country faces is the shortage of accountants in the country. “We need more accountants, particularly black accountants. Nonetheless, we are proud of the fact that 70% of black CAs (SA) hail from the Eastern Cape.”
He continued that to ensure sustainability, the project will specifically recruit and develop black CA (SA) professionals to lecture at WSU. In addition, the sharing of learning and teaching materials, capacity transfers with the University of Cape Town and strong partnerships between the public and private sectors will be adopted as part of the methods of delivering on this project.
He continued that he was optimistic that the SAICA reaccreditation would open up opportunities for WSU students to be accepted by other universities without bridging courses, a project envisaged to increase the number of black chartered accountants in the profession.
It is expected, according to baseline predictions, that the number of financial occupational positions in South Africa will increase to 401 000 within the next 6 years. The total number of new positions expected to be created per annum by 2018 amounts to about 10 000. This clearly indicates the number of accounting graduates that have to be produced at several levels by higher education institutions in the academic years building up to 2018.
The DHET relationship with SAICA dates back to 2002, at the onset of the skills development framework, when the Thuthuka programme was piloted in the Eastern Cape. The department has invested over R236m into this programme through NSF grants; but in total the NSF has to date invested over R320 million towards effecting improvements and growing the accounting profession. Interesting facts noted by the minister in his speech were alarming statistics in this profession. “There are about 34 418 Chartered Accountants (CAs) in South Africa. Out of this number, only 1 100 are African females, 1 339 African males, 468 Coloured females, 478 Coloured males, 1 347 Indian females, 1 936 Indian males, 7 768 White females and 19 852 White males. He continued that the country remains faced with a shortage of over 5 000 CA (SA) professionals, with the public sector faced with a vacancy rate of over 40% in the financial fields. According to a study by SAICA there were already more than 22 000 vacancies in the fields of financial services and accounting as far back as 2008. Skills shortages at postgraduate and masters levels amounted to almost 6 000 for immediately required accountants. Both the public and private sectors face an uphill battle in retaining qualified accounting staff. According to a SAICA survey, in which 15 government departments participated, 62,3% of public sector organizations experienced problems in retaining financial services employees. This number has gradually been reduced to 40% but remains high compared to the international vacancy benchmark for public organizations at 2,7%. As part of the Department’s interventions to transform the sector and effect positive change in line with the broader developmental imperatives of the country, Government approved a proposal by SAICA to fund the Thuthuka capacity building initiative for the re-accreditation of Walter Sisulu University for a B Com (Accounting) programme. According to Yuven Gounden, Project Manager: Transformation and
DHET Minister Dr Blade Nzimande and WSU first-year accounting student Esihle Nkohla during the project launch
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From WSU graduate to PSL powerhouse outside East London, with his journalistic successes. “On my last day of school Mr Malgas and Mrs Verona Ledin [another teacher] sat me down. They told me, kid, you write like a pro, you have a rare skill. Go and do journalism.I was insistent that I wanted to do law, but they finally persuaded me. They were right, I was wrong,” he said. Lux was born in rural Ngcongcolorha. “I was fortunate to be brought up by my late great-grandma, a person passionate about reading and education.” said Lux. Now 28, Lux is the Premier Soccer League’s (PSL) new media and media operations manager and was recently appointed as their acting general manager for media, customer relations, management and public relations. His first taste of success was when one of his articles was published on the front page of the Daily Dispatch while at university. Lux never looked back. He later worked for Daily Dispatch, also freelancing for Kick off Magazine.
Alumnus, and now Premier Soccer League (PSL) Media Manager Operations Luxolo Mantambo at his helm.
Luxolo Mantambo is on the ball. The former multiple award-winning sports writer is a powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with in the sports fraternity.
He has worked for a string of media houses and publications and performed roles as a sports correspondent for Link FM, an SABC sport presenter, a Supersport Analyst and a writer for Mail & Guardian and Indabazethu.
“Lux”, as he is fondly known, earlier dreamt of becoming a lawyer but the ink in his blood got the better of him and, after a three year stint at Walter Sisulu University, his journalistic path was ablaze.
He has won a string of accolades including the Vodacom Sports Journalist of the Year Eastern Region award for two years running and the Swimming South Africa Writer of the Year in 2005. “The most memorable award was the Dispatch Sports Writer of the Year in 2006. What made it more special was that I was voted for by my colleagues,” said Lux.
Lux attributes his drive to his great-grandmother who raised him single-handedly in the former Transkei. But he is anything but a mama’s boy and has worked hard to dispel stereotypes. Lux credits his former English teacher and mentor, Mr Mongezi Malgas, from Byletts High School,
WSU graduate now a well known lawyer Odwa Mgxaji a former WSU Law student has made the courtroom his new home. Mgxaji is a well known lawyer in Mthatha and is a true reflection of the saying that hard work and dedication pays off.
across South Africa. Mgxaji Zazaza Attorneys as the firm is called is gaining momentum as one of the most respected law firms in the country.
Mgxaji like many other WSU Alumni comes from humble beginnings, but his past circumstances were merely a stepping stone to bigger and greater things to come as is evident in his current lifestyle.
“This is only the beginning, I’m proud that the business has taken off but there are many things that need to be done to turn it into an empire.
“Even whilst studying at WSU I always believed in hard work and dedication as two key factors that will help a man to achieve greatness,” said Mgxagi. He continued that his years as a student were fun and looking back he believes everything he went through good or bad has influenced him to be a better person.
I encourage WSU students to be embodiments of their own aspirations and not to forget where they come from and what their parents have done for them to be where they are.
Through self-determination Mgxaji set out to build a well respected law firm in Mthatha that has clients from
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Odwa Mgxaji
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Students honoured for their achievements October and November had been the most exciting months for WSU students across campuses as they celebrated their achievements for the year 2012. These celebrations were in the form of awards, where WSU SRC structures rewarded the best of the best in academia and sports throughout the different campuses.
“This will definitely go down in history as one of the best days of my life, I am overwhelmed and I still can’t believe I am the best student in the whole department. We all study very hard and this to me is an affirmation of my abilities as a person and I’ll be forever thankful,” said Silwane.
The Mthatha Campus comprising the NMD and Zamukulungisa sites hosted two academic award ceremonies as well as a Sport award ceremony. Butterworth did the same and awarded trophies to 73 deserving students for their academic achievements within different faculties.
Throughout the different award ceremonies in various campuses the joy that filled the students as they accepted their awards was infectious. The sport awards winners were also in a league of their own as student athletes gathered in numbers to congratulate and rejoice with their counterparts on well deserved wins. Among the categories that were awarded were Best Player of the year, Provincial Player of the year, National Players, and awards for outstanding Coaches.
Cwenga Sigwili, SRC Secretary General at Zamukulungisa noted events of this nature as platforms dedicated to honouring students who ‘have their priorities straight, students who go the extra mile to achieve greatness’. He added that these ceremonies are a way to encourage them to carry on working hard as well as inspire those who have not done well to do better.
Apinda-Asanda Nobuntu, BCom accounting student shed tears of joy as she accepted best player of the year in Handball. “I feel honoured to be recognized by my university for my hard work and dedication because it hasn’t been easy balancing my studies with sports but because I am passionate about both I kept moving forward,” added Nobuntu.
Sharing the same sentiments was Lunga Mantashe, SRC Premier Butterworth who felt that the SRC should as part of their mandate promote excellence as well as endorse it through events like award ceremonies. “We want to instill the belief of success in each and every student. Marcus Garvey once said ‘you cannot grow beyond your thoughts’ if WSU students learn to have pride in their abilities then they can reach the stars,” added Mantashe.
Menzi Gcasamba, a former WSU student and a former Professional Rugby Player was the guest speaker for the night. He said that he was extremely proud of how far the university had come, and was impressed by ‘multitaskers’ currently studying at WSU.
WSU’s mission looks to provide and maintain the highest possible standards in innovative learning and teaching and these award ceremonies showcased the caliber of students WSU produces.
He also encouraged students to continue performing well even when they leave WSU so as to be Ambassadors of this great university.
Social Science students at the NMD site came on top and Amkelwa Silwane took the crown as the department’s best student in 2012. The young lady could not contain her excitement and shock as she beamed with gratitude when accepting her award with peers cheering her on.
Oyama Dangazele, the winner of the Best Dancer at WSU, encouraged students to tap into their inner strength and make something out of their lives and leave a legacy that no one can take from them.
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“Consider education as one of the most important heritages of our people” WSU’s internal community gathered for a first of its kind student-lead educational lecture at the Zamukulungisa Site. The project was the brainchild of the 2012 Public Relations BTech class together with their lecturers, who all saw the need to change the landscape of learning and teaching at WSU. They also wanted to emphasize what education is and what it can do for societies at large. The lecture came as the country celebrated its heritage and befitting to that the theme for the lecture was ‘Fruits of Education’. The lecture was aimed at bringing South Africa’s top brass to come and share their expertise on the pivotal role played by education in their lives and their own personal secrets to success in hope of motivating WSU’s young minds to follow suit. Mthunzi Mhaga, a former WSU student turned Ministerial Spokesman, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development graced the occasion with a thought provoking speech on WSU as a university of first choice with a rich history and legacy. Department of Justice and Constitutional Development Ministerial spokesperson Mthunzi Mhaga, says that the outcome of the future for students is more in their hands than it is in the hands of others.
According to Luyanda Tetani, PR BTech student and Project Leader, platforms that contribute to student development and community development are a necessary evil for societies wishing to thrive hence the educational lecture. “This lecture highlights the importance of WSU as a rural university placed strategically to contribute to the development objectives of the province and a means to showcase that with an educated intelligent mind anyone can achieve their set goals,” explained Tetani.
surrounding rural Transkei must rightfully expect that their children’s lives will be changed for the better and in so doing break the vicious chain of poverty, lack of skills and unemployment that has been occasioned by our history that sought to marginalise the majority of the South African people.
He explained how hard it was to plan the lecture, invite speakers without a budget and so forth but still managed to overcome and make a success of the situation because of skills gathered in the classroom and beyond.
He went on to say that people need to do away with the mentality that suggests that historically black universities produce below par graduates. “I can attest that not to be true, I am a proud graduate of this university and the quality of a graduate is more about individual effort than it is about the institution. By so saying, I am not exonerating university management from improving on the quality of services provided to both students and academic staff. My point is to specifically highlight that your future as a student is more in your hands than it is in the hands of others,” added Mhaga.
He continued that challenges faced by students such as finding ways of relating academic and theoretical practices with what the job market expects can only be remedied by students getting their hands dirty and practising for the real world. “We recognize that education does not only equip students to get a job but gives them the opportunity to acquire skills which enable them to recognize and solve societal plights and further contribute to the development of a society that we would all be proud to be part of,” added Tetani.
He congratulated WSU students for their efforts of trying to build a new type of Walter Sisulu University. “Other famous men, those of much talk and few deeds, soon evaporate. Action is the dignity of greatness. Like stones rolling down hills, fair ideals reach their objectives despite all obstacles and barriers. It may be possible to speed or hinder them, but impossible to stop them.”
Sharing the same sentiments was Mhaga, “As the University community, we must be rightfully concerned about the rural environment within which the university itself exists. This is because the success of the university can never be divorced from the neighbourhood in which it exists,” said Mhaga.
“Indeed education is rightfully the cornerstone of our heritages,” concluded Mhaga.
He continued that the neighbourhood of Mthatha and
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National Centre for Creative Industries is next Gold mine
WSU’s Centre for Rural Development (CRD) is working on the establishment of a National Centre for Creative Industries. The Centre’s broad aim is the spearheading of the transformation of South Africa’s cultural resources into large-scale consumable goods and services within the national and international market.
Luswazi reiterated that fostering of innovations for economic and social development would be essential in adding value and setting standards that assure products of the highest quality for the Creative Industries. The think tanks also looked at carefully planned and workable models that would define and coordinate the activities of the local centres for creative industries in the Eastern Cape Province, citing an example of the successful ‘One product one village’ approach in Japan.
In this regard CRD hosted a two day workshop at Haga-Haga near East London late in 2012. The workshop participants/ think tanks comprised: civil society (practitioners), government and academics.
The interest in the creation of such a centre stems from success stories of countries like Britain, France, Germany and Spain where such industries account for over 3% of the gross domestic product. In terms of South Africa, since some creative industry sectors such as craft, cultural design and music have historically had strong roots in the second economy the evidence provides an avenue for the integration of a significant portion of the present second economy into the first economy.
Delegates with extensive knowledge from various fields within the creative industry gathered to look further into strategies and partnerships needed to foreground so as to kick-start the process of establishing such a centre. According to Professor Nomfundo Luswazi , Director: CRD, the term ‘creative industries’ encompasses a broader range of activities which include the cultural industries plus all cultural or artistic production, whether live or produced as an individual unit.
Sharing the same sentiment was Vulindlela Mona, Director:Department of Sport, Arts and Culture who promised that as government they would create a favourable environment and fully support such a centre. “Apart from the economic benefits that the centre would boast, it is important to also promote indigenous culture and social cohesion as well as elevate values of Ubuntu and Afrocentricism so as to move away from the Eurocentric mindset.
She continued to say that Creative Industries include book publishing especially by rural authors and Iimbongi, crafts (pottery, glassworks and beadwork), cultural design, events and technical services, film and video, music and visual arts. “These industries are small medium, largely benefitting those in the second economy and broad based such as cooperatives. As a University focusing on rural development and urban renewal, WSU is committed to transferring skills to co-operatives and other relevant communities, thus enabling them to set up and effectively run their creative industries as businesses which would ultimately reduce poverty and the challenge of unemployment,” added Professor Luswazi.
Such a centre will do just that. As government we will ensure properly refined legislative framework and policies for cultural practitioners. We also commit to Infrastructure development, heritage resources and management,” added Mona.
The think-tank/workshop participants that participated at the two-day workshop hosted by WSU’s Centre for Rural Development recently
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There are no shortcuts to success Getting to where he is has not been an easy road for Senior State Advocate Ndoyisile Wilson Lamla. But through commitment, dedication and hard work he has been able to succeed.
Presently Lamla is a Co-ordinator in the Organized Crime Component at the office of Director for Public Prosecutions. “As a Senior State Advocate in the Organized Crime Component is a very challenging position because we are dealing with dangerous criminal gangs who make crime their way of living. You have to be strong in order to prosecute without fear, favour or prejudice.”
Lamla was born in KwaZaka village in Ngqeleni. Because of financial difficulties at home he grew up with his mother’s family in another village where he did his primary schooling at Qokama JSS. He did his secondary education at Upper Corana where he passed his matric in 1983.
“Reaching where I am today has not been easy. I grew inspiration from different circumstances I was faced with. I remember a time when I was a Police Constable at Mqanduli, there was a periodical court at the Police Station. During court days I would go to court to listen and observe what was happening and that is when love for the legal profession developed. I used to watch Adv Vuyani Genu, who is now the Chief Prosecutor of Mthatha Clusters Court and Adv Bulelwa Phakathi who is now a Judge in the North West High Court prosecuting, and they are the people who inspired me.” Lamla narrated.
In 1984 he enrolled at the University of Transkei, former (Unitra) to pursue studies in BA in Education, but could not write the final exams due to student’s unrest that led to the closure of the university in September 1984. “It was a very sad time for me because education was very important to me as I saw it as the only way that could change the poverty situation at home,” said Lamla. He did a number of jobs during that time until in 1991 when he joined the Department of Health in order to pursue his studies at Unitra. He worked part time as an Administrative Clerk from 1991 to 1996, when he graduated with LLB qualification. “It was a proud moment for me to graduate because education meant everything to me,” he said.
During his school days at the university Lamla was a member of the Juridical Society (a student body for law students. “University life was always good for me, socially and academically. What I enjoyed the most is the fact that I never failed a course and never wrote a supplementary exam. That is the kind of attitude that the university students must take pride in.”
Shortly after that he was appointed as a Junior State Advocate at the Attorney Generals. In 1998 he was appointed as Senior State Advocate at the office of the director of Public Prosecutors in Mthatha.
“My words of encouragement to all WSU students is that, there is no easy way to success, commitment and dedication is a key to success,” said Lamla.
“The skills we gather at WSU can help us to shape our future” Mkhuseli Jerry, a Marketing Assistant at Coega Development Corporation is passionate about giving back to his beloved institution. This 25 year old was born in Zibeleni Location in Queenstown. He holds a National Diploma in Marketing and a Btech in Management Qualification from WSU.
historical background and the efforts of the disadvantaged to access higher education and believe that hard work, dedication, commitment and perseverance is the only way to success. Jerry’s dream is to one day own a company that will contribute to job creation a problem currently facing the country today.
“I have a passion and interest in strategic marketing, strategic management and brand positioning”, said Mkhuseli.
“WSU students need to learn to honour freedom fighters like tat’ Walter Sisulu who strived for us to enjoy the freedoms we enjoy now. We need to try and learn from those people by building a society in which all South Africans may be free from discrimination, exploitation, poverty, unemployment, HIV and AIDS and will have access to high quality education,” noted Jerry
Mkhuseli recently lead a visit from Coega which came to WSU to do presentations on a Graduate Recruitment Programme Drive. This programme aims at recruiting unemployed WSU graduates to acquire internships opportunities at Coega. “I was motivated to pitch this idea to my boss after realizing that there were a number of unemployed but highly skilled graduates from WSU. This was my way of giving back to an institution that paved the way for my future,” added Jerry.
He conclude with the words of great icon Nelson Mandela when he once said ‘a child of a farm worker can be a president of a great nation’
He continued that life at WSU taught him to understand the
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WSU signs MOU with Czech Republic University In June 2012, WSU stakeholders witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between WSU and the Czech Republic’s Mendel University in Brno, the country’s second largest city after the capital, Prague.
existing Faculties of Agriculture,” said Professor Luswazi during her presentation. WSU has already extended an invitation to Mendel University to participate in WSU’s upcoming 5th International Research Conference to be held between 22-24 August in East London. Themed “Implementation Science in a Green Economy”, the conference promises to be a highly informative occasion.
Recognising the reciprocity to be gained and the value of scientific and educational collaboration between Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and the Mendel University in Brno (MENDELU), the two institutions entered into an agreement to facilitate cooperative linkage agreements towards the exchange of information and shared knowledge, students and scholars/staff exchange, collaborative research and any activities that may deemed to be of mutual benefit to both institutions and the communities they serve.
WSU’s Centre for Rural Development is currently working on a proposal to establish a Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development, an area in which Mendel University is already well-established. Mendel University already has partnerships in place with the University of Fort Hare and a tripartite arrangement is foreseen going forward. Mendel University also has projects on the African continent and in other countries around the world and these will feed into WSU’s mandate of teaching and learning, research and community engagement. Partnerships are an important focus for WSU as a developmental, comprehensive university.
The MOU was signed by WSU’s former Deputy ViceChancellor: Planning, Quality Assurance and Development, Professor Gina Buijs and Mendel University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jaroslav Hlusek. Also present at the event were Mendel University’s Vice-Rector, Professor Libor Grega and Dr Samuel Darkwah whilst WSU’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic Affairs and Research, Professor Larry Obi, Centre for Rural Development Director, Professor Nomfundo Luswazi and Academic Planner, Dr Sukude Matoti also made inputs to the discussions.
The sharing of knowledge, curricula and research will benefit both institutions and in particular assist WSU with her work in establishing a Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development. WSU’s innovative ‘problem-based learning’ approach which is particularly successful in the Faculty of Health Sciences is an approach in which Mendel University has already shown interest.
“The main basis of this partnership is to seek expertise in our endeavour to establish a Faculty of Agriculture and Rural Development which will specialize in applied research focusing on the vast land that is lying unused and the livelihoods of the impoverished who as a result of long years of migrant labour have become alienated from the land,” said Professor Buijs. The five-year agreement, facilitated by WSU’s Centre for Community and International Partnerships, which also monitors relationships with universities and institutions regionally, nationally and internationally, is WSU’s first with a Czech Republic institution. Mendel University Vice-Rector, Professor Libor Grega commented that there were a lot of similarities and that this was a great basis for moving forward. “With your strong rural development and urban renewal focus, coupled with our strong agricultural and developmental focus, I think through our continued deliberations a lot of positive outcomes can and will be reached,” he said. “Our university is well placed to contribute to agricultural development and training in the Eastern side of the Eastern Cape region as it’s situated in an area not well serviced by
WSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Planning, Quality Assurance and Development Prof Gina Buijs seals the deal with Rector of Mendel University in Brno, Prof Jaruslav Hlusek
”Opportunities must be seized within the time they are presented” Zigqibo Khahla, 27, currently works at the King Sabatha Dalindybo FET College as a Communication lecturer. Khahla never saw himself as an educator but this WSU Public Relations Management Graduate found a calling and answered to it. “Initially I wanted to be a public relations professional and WSU helped me to achieve that through my studies but as you grow things change as you learn more about yourself and the change agent you want to be in society,” said.
Khala was born and bred in Tsolo where he spent most of his teenage years there with family. He later moved to Mthatha to pursue his studies at WSU and graduated in 2010 with a BTech qualification in Public Relations. “I am fairly new in the working environment but the skills gathered at WSU are very useful to me now infact I can already see the difference that I am making in the lives of those I work with,” said Khala. 15
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was a big challenge. But my experiences as a student at WSU and confidence I have in myself saw me through.”
Khala gives credit of his success to his former WSU lecturers. “My Public Relations lecturers were very dedicated; they were people who had passion for what they were doing. They did not only teach us but gave us wings through networks that later assist our careers,” added Khala.
Khala advised current WSU students to seize the opportunity of studying at WSU And make it count in the real world, “Education is essential instead of wasting time putting your university down rise up to the challenge and work with what you have so that 10 years from now you don’t look back and have regrets,”
He reminisced about his time at WSU and recalls joyful and hard times that shaped him to be the man he is today. Lecturing at KSD FET is his first job. “Fresh from the university, trying to fit in and accommodate myself in the working field
WSU graduate on climbing the corporate ladder Fundi Mngoma is a former WSU BCom Accounting student. She studied at the former Unitra, now part of Walter Sisulu University in 1997.
eventually it happens,” said Mangoma. With the confidence that she holds Fundi says she is very passionate about achieving success and making a name for herself.
Fundi has always wanted to study BCom as it was her first choice when she applied at the university. She then realized that she also has a skill in Marketing so she decided to convert it into BCom in Marketing Management.
“WSU gave me the skills I lead my life by I do not see myself doing anything except standing in front of crowds and presenting a product,” chuckled Mafuna
“Life for me at WSU/Unitra was really great. I was very active in different sports such as netball and volley ball. I was also a student assistant for three consecutive years, assisting in Orientation and Registration process of new students, that made a genuine relationship between me and the administration staff,” said Fundi.
She continued that her time at WSU also taught her to be independent and to know who you are and where you come from. Fundi now plans to do an MBA degree so that she can be in a better position to compete for an Executive position at Discovery, Fundi is determined to set good examples for younger women especially those of rural Eastern Cape.
Fundi worked as a Finance Admin at LexisNexis in Butterworth. She moved to become a Service Consultant at Momentum before lending her big break at Discovery in Gauteng.
Fundi is one of the many WSU students who give hope that there is so opportunity available out there if you work hard to find an keep it.
“You know before finding prince charming one kisses a number of frogs so finding the job you like won’t be smooth sailing but
WSU students equipped with driving skills Simulators are widely used in the aviation fraternity to teach pilots how to fly aeroplanes. In other countries such as the United States, simulators are also employed as part of drivers’ education at schools. Walter Sisulu University has now followed suit for its students as well as the communities within the Mthatha region in the Eastern Cape.
this necessary skill they lack. We saw an opportunity to help our communities by providing higher education institutions with simulators that will equip their learners and surrounding communities with this very necessary skill,” said Alf Settle, Coega Training Manager. Unlike some realistic looking driving games, the simulators are designed to enable learner drivers to practice and develop skills they will need when driving a real car.
The Coega Development Cooperation has sponsored WSU with four driving simulators and a car for students to learn how to drive. This driving technology aims to give local learner drivers the ability to acquire basic driving skills in a safe, yet realistic environment before they head out onto the roads.
Settle added that the aim is to not only teach learners and other potential drivers to pass their driver’s licence test, but to contribute towards improved quality of driving in South Africa by establishing the correct driving skills under all possible scenarios.
The simulators boast real vehicle parts including a right hand driver’s unit, seat belt, earphones, steering wheel, indicator, windscreen wiper controls and a five-speed manual gearbox, giving learner drivers a very realistic experience. The clutch for example is not a spring or a hydraulic system, but a real clutch plate and there is also a 32” LCD display incorporating the rear view mirror views.
The latter is achieved in a relaxed, controlled and safe environment, in which learners can establish their skills through constant repetition under direct facilitation of qualified instructors.
“We found that a number of graduates who for example go for internship at Coega do not have driver’s licences, which makes it difficult for us to use them efficiently because of
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The training is based on the K53 driver test standards and there are 12 modules learners can follow, including practicing changing gears, clutch control, incline starts, parallel parking, 16
driving in city traffic, as well as driving at night or in bad weather conditions - like rain and snow. There is feedback on every single physical component of the simulator. “If for example if you choose the simulation in rainy conditions, the learner will need to activate the wipers and they have to switch on the lights in night conditions. All students interested in learning through the simulators need to be registered students who already have learner’s licences and will practise a full duration of 10 hours,” said Settle.
Coega Training Manager Alf Settle (standing) shows a community member how to operate a “car” during the handover of four driving simulators at the Nelson Mandela Site, Mthatha Campus.
Mrs Noluvuyo Nqebele, Campus Director,NM said “We as WSU welcome the initiative with both hands; we appreciate Coega for this great opportunity of skills building and enhancement. Both the management and the student leadership are extremely excited about this project because we see the positive role and impact it will have for each and every student,”.
CapacityPlus equips WSU to be more efficient Walter Sisulu University was visited by representatives from CapacityPlus, Canada. CapacityPlus works to accelerate and improve the supply of quality health workers by strengthening pre-service education and helping countries develop strategic approaches to in-service training and continuing professional development that meet health workers’ needs.
He continued that among other activities, Capacity Plus’s HRH Workforce Development team leads a large initiative to scale up health worker production via improved management efficiency of health professional schools and expanded funding for pre-service education via innovative financing. In collaboration with the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the Global Health Workforce Alliance, PEPFAR, and others, CapacityPlus offers technical assistance services to governments and ministries of health seeking sustainable solutions to country-level problems.
Half of the world’s population lives in rural areas and are served by less than a quarter of doctors and only 38% of nurses. To make the most of the service delivery contribution provided by existing health workers and to achieve progress on the Millennium Development Goals, CapacityPlus looks to develop strong systems to ensure quality health services through high levels of productivity and performance.
Walter Sisulu University received some of these tools to help them to be more efficient and effective, some include: management restructuring tools, Facility Audit Tools, Policy and Process tools, Strengthening continuing professional development for health workers, Rapid assessment toolkit for health worker attraction and retention in rural areas.
Human resources for health (HRH) practitioners require proven and accessible tools and methodologies and a broad evidence base of strategies. CapacityPlus is developing a comprehensive catalogue of strategies and interventions to improve health worker retention and productivity. This will provide countries with options to increase motivation, attraction, retention, productivity, and performance that can be tailored to their specific context. CapacityPlus is also conducting an analysis of community health worker productivity and performance and exploring Health applications to support worker performance.
“We have given material to WSU and also took a few things from them as well that we will incorporate into our tool kit for other universities. We took WSU’s Research Ethics Policy, Supply Chain Review, Conflict of interest policy and most importantly we will further work with the institution’s Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) learning from their success story,” added Noronha.
“Over the last several years the global community has become more aware and active in addressing the human resources for health (HRH) crisis. The Capacity Project (2005-2009) provided technical leadership and advocacy to grow the global HRH movement that is so vital to improving accessibility and quality of health service delivery” said Dr Shaun Noronha, CapacityPlus Representative.
Walter Sisulu University welcomed the initiative with great enthusiasm. ”This is a great opportunity to be recognised for our viable health professions training programs in a rural area such as Mthatha with limited resources. CapacityPlus was very interested in the model the FHS uses at WSU, an opportunity again to enhance our profile in the world arena as a leading health professional training institution,” said Jehu Iputo,Director School of Medicine. 17
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WSU has produced some of the country’s movers and shakers. Here are just a few... • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Mkhuseli Mashiyi, Specialist Physician Nairen-Ray Maharaj, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Lungisa Pepeta, Specialist Paediatrics Tandazwa Ndita, Judge Cape High Court Mandisa Maya, Judge Bloemfontein High Court Thami Beshe, Judge Port Elizabeth High Court Lulama Ngcukaitobi, Constitutional Specialist, Bowmen Gilfillan Siyabonga Jukeka, Quantity Surveyor Bongani Rhayiza, CEO Messa Energy Serame Gugushe, Accounting Specialist Luthando Skam, Civil Engineer, Technician Jehares & Green PTY LTD Thokozile Xhasa, Deputy Minister Tourism SA Sonwabile Mangcotywa, CEO, National Heritage Council Nomaza Qongqo, IT Developer –Telkom SA Mthubanzi Mniki, Editor Johnnic Communications Mandla Matyumza, Author and Director, Centre for the Book Cape town Luvo Makabeni, Mechanical Technologist NAMPAK Phila Mhlakaza, Manager, Business Systems ICASA Luyanda Singqandu, SITA HR Manager Unathi Zweni, Software Developer
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Simphiwe Mkutukana, Director, Dept of Public Works, Port Elizabeth Sindiswa Mniki, Chief Language Practitioner for Isixhosa, Pretoria Arts and Culture Department Terence Nombembe, Auditor General of South Africa Septi Bukula, CEO, Upstart Strategies. Tembela Ngcukaitobi, Constitutional Specialist, Balden & Robb. Nomakhwezi Mzilikazi, Senior Lecturer at NMMU, received an award on research Physiology, Science as the first black woman in that category. Nolwazi Mbananga, Special Scientist, Medical Research Council. Nkosinathi Godla, District Manager Queenstown. Viwe Botya, Account Specialist, Mercedes Benz Chris Jafta, Judge Constitutional Court Tandazowa Ndita, Cape High Court Tokozile Xasa, National Parliament Deputy Minister of Tourism Thozamile Gwanya, Director General in the National Department of Rural Development Ndoda Madalane, Investment Banker Niren Ray, Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Noxolo Mbadi, Paediatric Registrar
WSU inaugurates SRC and first female president challenge I fully commit myself to serving the interests of the students before my own,” she said. Landiwe, 24, is leading a 52-member SRC executive across all four WSU campuses. These members were all formally inaugurated at the NMD Campus in Mthatha on the above mentioned date. Chanting songs in cheer, Landiwe’s team clearly demonstrated unity and a hunger to add value to tasks ahead. WSU has over 24,000 students on four campuses faced with numerous challenges and the optimism projected by the new executive looks to make a difference through a set role that SRC should be playing within a university.
WSU’s first female SRC President Landiwe Sikhinzi addressed the crowd at Nelson Mandela Drive Site in Mthatha after being sworn in
Landiwe announced that during their term in office as the new elects they commit to act in the interest of all students, to encourage unity and peace within the student body and to encourage cooperation between the student body, its affiliates and the university authorities.
WSU’s first Student Representative Council (SRC) female president was sworn in on Tuesday, June 19 amid cheers and support from her executive. The room watched in awe as Landiwe Thulile Sikhinzi, the first female president in the history of student governance at WSU, took to the podium and passionately announced her new directives as president, drawing attention to the historic weight of her presidency.
She also put emphasis on making sure that the new elects are catalysts in the transformation process underway at WSU. “We are ready to promote, protect and advance the interest of all students regardless of race, class, gender, nationally, sexual orientation, religion, political affiliation or disability,”
“This is the first time that the presidential sash hangs over the shoulders of a woman and with that huge and daunting
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reiterated Landiwe.
“You have a mammoth responsibility to bear as your leadership will be a vital cog in the turning wheel of transformation at WSU. This university has been built on solid foundations and the post-merger difficulties we currently face must be overcome to ensure the continued growth and strengthening of the stature of this wellpositioned institution not only for us but for the benefit of generations of students to come,” added Prof van Staden.
She continued that under her leadership SRC would not be a structure that exists only for entertainment programmes as perceived by most students, instead it will be characterised by mainly advancing academic support systems and skills development. Professor Lourens van Staden, WSU Administrator, extended his hearty congratulations to the newly elected leadership. “I look forward to working with this legitimate body which through a democratic process has the support of the majority of WSU students.”
He also made reference to the public brand damage the institution has suffered and continues to suffer in the media and appealed to the new leadership to assist in instilling a culture of solving problems through debate and dialogue and not to use the public platforms of print and electronic media as solutions to grievances.
He added that student governance is a critical aspect of university life and in particular WSU who has suffered student governance instability for the past two years.
UPDATING OF CONTACT DETAILS We are wanting to update all the details of our Alumni so we can send you regular updates about the University. We therefore request that you email your current details (see list below) to: Zandile Xala at
[email protected] Name Current Surname Former Surname (if applicable) Title Qualification Received Year of Graduation Address Telephone Number Cell Phone Number Email Address
Photo Gallery
The Xwazi family say this is the best thing to have happened to them: from left, Nosakhe (sister), Nobukhulubakhe (mother), Mandiluve (student/bursary holder) and Mfundiso Xwazi (brother).
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Alumni
Photo Gallery
HAPPY OCCASION: WSU Chancellor Dr Brigalia Bam (left) brings a smile to WSU Foundation chairperson Dr Siyanda Makaula during the Sisulu Centenary Breakfast MUSICAL GENIUS: Music icon, Jonas Gwangwa, peruses some notes at the Mthatha leg of WSU 2012 graduation week. WSU would later confer upon Gwangwa a Doctor of Education (Music Education ) (Honoris Causa)
PROUD MOMENT: WSU Registrar Prof Nthoana Tau-Mzamane robes honorary doctorate Dr Peter Magubane during the Buffalo City leg of WSU graduation week. WSU conferred a degree of Doctor of Journalism upon Dr Magubane
PASSING OF AN ICON: The late Dr Phillip Tobias, who helped establish WSU’s School of Medicine
COMPADRES: New Age newspaper reporter Sithandiwe Velaphi (left) and nationally-renowned investigative journalist and WSU Alumnus, Gcina Ntsaluba at the event held at WSU’s Journalism Department.
METEORIC RISE: Former WSU student and SA’s best selling artist, Zahara, performing at the Buyelekhaya concert in East London in December 2011
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