IKWEZI MAGAZINE

The Morning Star

Our Pride and Joy: “Even at home I experienced judgement and rejection from my own father.”

EDITORIAL 1

WSU VICE-CHANCELLOR IMPLORES STAFF TO PURSUE POSTGRAD STUDIES 2

BCC’S MOST PROLIFIC RESEARCHER SUGGESTS CHANGE IN UNIVERSITY’S ASSESSMENT POLICY 3

DRI RECORDS HIGHEST INCREASE IN WSU NRF RATED RESEARCHERS 4

WSU DEVELOPS A CANCER SCREENING MOBILE APP 5

WSU HOSTS A PROFESSORIAL INAUGURAL LECTURE 6

EL TOURISM INDUSTRIES AT DIRE RISK - WARNS WSU RESEARCHER ................................................................................................ 7

HOTEL RESEARCH TAKES WSU ACADEMIC TO PRESTIGIOUS CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY 8

IMFUNDO AYIGUGELWA, SAYS 54-YEAR-OLD GRADUATE 10

WSU CHANGEMAKER APPOINTED VICE-CHAIR OF THE AFRICA LEADERSHIP TRANSFORMATION FOUNDATION 11

WSU CREATING A MORE ACCESSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR DISABLED STUDENTS 12

WSU ACCOUNTING RESEARCHER NABS INTERNATIONAL AWARD 13

WSU RESIDENCE OFFICE CREATING SAFER SPACES FOR LGBT+ STUDENTS 14

WSU DEBATING COUNCIL REBUTTALS ITS WAY TO SADC FINALS .................................................................................................... 15

WSU PROSTHETICS SPECIALIST BRIDGES GAP BETWEEN HEALTHCARE AND PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITY 17

WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY AND SAMSUNG PARTNER TO DEVELOP FUTURE TECH SKILLS FOR YOUTH 18

WSU LECTURER TRAVELS TO SCOTLAND TO STUDY MOP PRESCRIPTION GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT 19

IS WSU REALLY A BLACK RURAL UNIVERSITY? 20

ORPHANED AND ABANDONED, BUT NOT DEFEATED 21

WSU GEARED TO HELP STUDENTS CLEAR R1.5 BILLION DEBT 22

MINISTER STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS OFFICIALLY OPENS THE WSU-CFERI ................................................................................ 23

ESTEEMED RESEARCHERS BEAM UP PSJ AQUACULTURE TO ADDRESS SOCIO-ECONOMIC ISSUES 24

WSU COMMEMORATION FOCUSES ON E.C FOOD SECURITY 25

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE GIRL CHILD EDUCATION IN THE EC 26

WSU COUNCIL WELCOMES FIVE NEW MEMBERS 27

HANDBALL PLAYERS FLY WSU FLAG HIGH AT NATIONALS 28

It has been quite a year! Not a single person with a crystal ball could have foreseen the road we would all travel as a university community. Because of calm heads and hearts that are willing to serve our gallant institution, we have managed to navigate through the rough seas. One thing that excites me as this year draws to a close is that we can continue to hold our heads high with pride. Our 2022 wins came as a result of collaboration and commitment towards a common goal. My wish is to see more togetherness, understanding and support from WSU stakeholders as we soldier on to create a better WSU. We have to pull together for the sake of WSU’s future because if we do not, we will fail in our endeavours. Failure is not an option, nobody will benefit…not staff, not students and certainly not our communities that look to us as a beacon of hope.

Besides the day-to-day rudimentary toil, we have seen excellence coming from every corner of the University. Through the ViceChancellor’s Distinguished Awards and Excellence Awards, 2022 brilliance has been recognised. It is encouraging for those who perform exceptionally well to be acknowledged publicly. It also inspires the rest of the staff members to strive for recognition. Let’s giddy up for the coming year and pursue excellence. We can all look forward to the festivities of this season without the ominous threat of the resurgence of the coronavirus that left us in a state of trepidation for over two years. I for one am ready to enjoy the “big days”.

Stay safe during celebrations and exercise caution on the roads. Rest and revive yourselves to run the race with excellence in 2023. Happy holidays!

Ms Yonela Tukwayo Executive Director: Marketing, Communication & Advancement

“We can all look forward to the festivities of this season without the ominous threat of the resurgence of the coronavirus that left us in a state of trepidation for over two years.”

To ensure academic staff’s deep understanding of their disciplines, the WSU office of the Vice-Chancellor, together with the institution’s Human Resources Department have sought to encourage staff to pursue postgraduate qualifications, with emphasis on Masters and PhD level studies.

Various mechanisms have been put in place by the WSU Department of human resources to assist and support staff in pursuing higher qualifications; with 100% fees paid for those who wish to further their studies within WSU, and a 75% fee subsidy for those who wish to study at other institutions of higher learning.

WSU VICE-CHANCELLOR IMPLORES STAFF TO PURSUE POSTGRAD STUDIES RESEARCH

Policies have been developed to ensure that staff are supported in their pursuit of further studies. These include the study subsidy policy, research development policy, as well as the recognition of higher qualifications policy which provides a financial incentive when staff complete their qualifications.

“Our success is dependent on our skills and creating an enabling environment that allows for our staff to execute strategic goals of the university, and forge forward to becoming an impactful technology infused African university - in pursuit of excellence,” said Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rushiella Nolundi Songca.

Following the 2005 merger of University of Transkei (Unitra), Eastern Cape Technikon and Border Technikon, the new institution, Walter Sisulu University, inherited staff at different levels of education based on historical institution’s policies.

Requisite levels of education for academic staff members in a university are higher than those of Technikons, hence the intentional effort by WSU to encourage staff to study further.

“WSU being a comprehensive university that it is, we had inherited staff from both historic technical ones and traditional technical ones, as well as the traditional university where historically, requirements to enter the fray were not the same. And now that we have set a single standard for the university, we have a situation where not all our academic staff are in compliance with the standard that has been set,” said Siyabulela Mnyaiza, Executive Director: Human Resource.

As part of the institution’s drive to function uniformly, WSU has set equal standards for all staff to be able to fulfil the imperative roles of the university, namely, teaching, research, and community engagement.

The call for staff to upgrade to higher qualification is further underpinned by the university’s new Vision 2030 Strategic Plan,

which stresses quality, impactful teaching and learning; Relevant and impactful research and innovation; as well as Transformative community engagement, internationalisation and partnerships.

“Goals one, two and three [of the strategic plan] are navigational markers articulating frameworks for our core business. In order to achieve the same, we need to ensure that our workforce is capacitated and able to execute its mandate. For example, academics must obtain their postgraduate qualifications, especially PHDs,” said Songca.

Nationally, the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has frameworks in place to ensure that the calibre of academic staff is prioritised by institutions of higher learning, which will translate into a better quality of education for students.

The Staffing South Africa’s Universities Framework, as well as the Framework for Enhancing Academics as University Teachers, are national guidelines which have to be followed by institutions of higher learning in pursuing quality teaching and learning.

The latter document reads: “Good teaching is grounded in a deep understanding of a discipline: the basis of academics’ work is knowledge, with their identities embedded in discipline as knowledge learners, producers and disseminators.”

Following successful admission into the Postgraduate programmes of their choice, WSU Staff are encouraged to enquire with HR regarding the different avenues they may take advantage of in pursuing further studies.

By Yanga Ziwele

“Good teaching is grounded in a deep understanding of a discipline: the basis of academics’ work is knowledge, with their identities embedded in discipline as knowledge learners, producers and disseminators.”

BCC’S MOST PROLIFIC RESEARCHER SUGGESTS CHANGE IN

ASSESSMENT POLICY

WSU’s assessment policy has come under scrutiny from one WSU academic following his extensive investigative research and analysis into challenges plaguing the prevailing teaching and learning methods and strategies of the university.

Senior lecturer in the institution’s Department of Accounting and Finance, Dr Obed Matarirano, has in the past few years sought to unravel, through investigative research, some of the seemingly insurmountable challenges that continue to see a large number of students struggling with certain subjects in the accountancy programme.

One of those glaring issues, Dr Matarirano posits, is the ineffective and outdated assessment strategies such as writing tests and assessment that ultimately often prove ineffective as they’re susceptible to students memorizing, and not understanding, past question papers, as well as copying by Googling answers to questions that have long been in circulation.

“We need to move away from the use of tests and assessments and start developing strategies that test the students’ understanding of what they’re learning on a continuous basis. Maybe we can start making use of continuous assessment portfolios for students, incorporate work-integrated learning and bring problems and case studies that are prevalent and appropriate at that specific time to the society and let students investigate, analyze and find solutions to those real-life issues,” he said.

Dr Matarirano said he’s ultimate goal in suggesting a change in the assessment policy is to create a caliber of student that’s a life-long, critical thinking individual who understands exactly what they’re studying and how this knowledge can be translated to creation of solutions within society, and possible livelihood for the student.

The aforementioned aspirations are borne out of a troubling and sobering trend faced by the lecturer with regards to ineffective teaching and learning strategies that have facing students who’re failing in big numbers in certain subjects.

The troubles mentioned previously are what jolted Dr Matarirano to suspend his interests in the field of business management studies and venture into the discipline of teaching and learning so as find solutions to the problems and thus help himself improve the experiences of students.

Dr Matarirano said: “Central to my research was to establish what issues contribute to the high failure rate of students, which meant venturing into possibilities such as my own method of teaching; a possible barrier because of communication and/or language; a disinterested student populous; or possible inadequacies in the types of approaches that students employ.”

Over and above his invaluable contribution to teaching and learning, as well as research, Dr Matarirano know full well the importance of placing the above mentioned activities within the context of a community engagement.

He said the university must be an “impactful” university that begins to make a meaningful contribution to its surrounding communities so that it’s not seen as an ivory tower that survives outside the challenges and upheavals of the communities within which it operates.

“Communities surrounding universities must reflect that. It can’t be that a community that exists right next to a university doesn’t bear the fruits of that co-dependent relationship,” said Dr Matarirano. The esteemed academic proudly boasts of his involvement in a programme with the National Construction Incubator, wherein he, together with other academics, empower small contractors to be business savvy and smart when it to finances and the balancing of books.

Dr Matarirano was recently recognized at the University’s BCC

By Thando

UNIVERSITY’S

Research and Innovation Day as the campus’ most prolific researcher after scooping top prize under the category “The Most Productive Researcher at Buffalo City Campus.

Cezula

“We need to move away from the use of tests and assessments and start developing strategies that test the students’ understanding of what they’re learning on a continuous basis. Maybe we can start making use of continuous assessment portfolios for students, incorporate workintegrated learning and bring problems and case studies that are prevalent and appropriate at that specific time to the society and let students investigate, analyze and find solutions to those reallife issues.”

DRI RECORDS HIGHEST INCREASE IN WSU NRF RATED RESEARCHERS

At least six WSU researchers have been inducted into the National Research Foundation (NRF) rating system, making this the highest recorded increase in the past seven years, according to the audit of 2021/2022 year period.

This comes after the Directorate of Research & Innovation refocused its efforts to support relevant, innovative, and impactful research, in the efforts of provisioning the institutions’ Vision 2030 strategic plan that was implemented in 2020.

The NRF rating system is a key driver in the NRF’s aim to build a globally competitive science system. NRF ratings are allocated based on a researcher’s recent research outputs and impact as perceived by international peer reviewers to encourage researchers to publish high quality outputs in high impact journals/outlets.

“We are seeing growth and improvement in all our research focus areas. this is primarily because our capacity development interventions have resulted in more and more researchers becoming research active. For example, between 2019 and 2022, we have seen nearly 200% growth in the number of academics who have become producers of accredited research publications. This improvement cuts across different research focus areas and is the trajectory we are pursuing,” said the professor.

According to Senior Director of DRI, Prof Wilson Akpan, the office introduced two strands of NRF rating mentorship initiatives in the 2020/2022 period. These mentorships were funded by NRF and the University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG) to assist researchers with robust well-rounded profile through the guidance of their Mentors and to conduct research.

He added, “Our strategies are targeted at building enhanced capacity for relevant and impactful research as well as accelerated and sustainable research output. We also are determined to change the story for WSU when it comes to postgraduate development. As a comprehensive university, our eyes are also focused on innovation and intellectual property commercialisation. There is just a lot of

innovative energies in and around WSU that we seek to tap, and we will.”

For the 2021/2022 application cycle 37 researchers were trained, and 14 out of the 37 submitted their NRF Rating applications and are waiting for outcomes from NRF. The DRI envisions that the number of rated researchers at WSU will further increase when the outcome of the 2021/2022 applications is released.

By Ongezwa Sigodi

“Our strategies are targeted at building enhanced capacity for relevant and impactful research as well as accelerated and sustainable research output. We also are determined to change the story for WSU when it comes to postgraduate development. As a comprehensive university, our eyes are also focused on innovation and intellectual property commercialisation. There is just a lot of innovative energies in and around WSU that we seek to tap, and we will.”

WSU DEVELOPS A CANCER SCREENING MOBILE APP

the first in the world. We will use technology to save the world,” added Ndebia.

The ECAS application is available for download on Google Playstore and people can use it at the comfort of their homes.

Faculty of Health Sciences Dean, Prof Jabu Mbokazi, said, “It is high time that our researchers focus on the diseases that are bothering us as people. Back when I was still a medical student in Durban, most Oesophageal Cancer patients came from this part of the country which is the Eastern Cape.”

Mbokazi added that the secret to managing all cancers is early detection and that in some instances it can even be cured. He also said he hope the App will be able to detect Oesophageal Cancer at its early stages so that patients can get help before the diseases gets out of control.

“Being at WSU and being in the rural areas is a great place for research. Most funds are sent to places like Cape Town, although the burden of diseases is here in the Eastern Cape. If we could get those funds we would do more,” concluded Mbokazi.

Univen Faculty of Human Social Sciences and Education Executive Dean, Prof Bongani Bantwini reflected on the days where he used to work in the United States of America as a Professor. Bantwini said he discovered that in Africa people died of diseases that do not kill people in other parts of the globe because academics speak a language that is not understood by the people affected by the diseases.

Walter Sisulu University lecturers have partnered with the institution’s Computer Science Honours Degree students to develop an inhouse mobile Oesophageal Cancer Screening Application.

The Oesophageal Cancer Screening (ECAS) is a collaborative project between WSU, University of Venda (Univen) and John Hopskins University.

The medical innovation was a two-part project with phase one looking at the performance and security of the app with the assistance of the first group students.

Information Technology lecturer Paul Tamba Tamba, said: “ The research shows that the app is secured and it also has many features that accommodate the type of network that we have in rural areas. This is especially when it comes to places where there is no network, the app information is stored locally on the cell-phone so a person can still use it offline.”

On the second part of the project, the students focused on the usability of the app, scrutinising colours, fonts and accessibility to different people.

Prof Eugene Ndebia, said, “Oesophageal cancer is a silent disease. It has no symptoms and the minute you start feeling pain the cancer is already at an advanced stage. As much as it is silent, it is also an aggressive disease.”

Ndebia further suggested that the best way to manage the disease is early detection so that interventions can be made to save the patient.

Oesophageal cancer has two types, the Squamous cell carcinoma, this type of oesophageal cancer starts in squamous cells that line the oesophagus. It usually develops in the upper and middle part of the oesophagus; it is the common oesophageal cancer in the Eastern Cape.

Adenocarcinoma, this type begins in the glandular tissue in the lower part of the oesophagus where the oesophagus and the stomach come together.

“All other cancers have screening apps and have ways to be tested. One such case is cervical cancer which can be tested through pap smear, but oesophageal cancer has nothing, our application will be

“We are going to translate the findings into different languages so that it is not only understood by academics, but by communities as well. If you do research that will not be beneficial to the community then what is the point of conducting that research,” said Bantwini. He added that in his faculty there are different languages that are being taught including sign language and that they are going to translate the findings as best as they can to leave no community left out.

WSU Senior lecturer in Sociology, Dr Nelly Sharpley, said, “The aim for us is not just do to research as WSU and Univen but to do research that has an impact in translating the objectives of a healthy society and also speaking to development in our provinces and communities.”

The application is still going to be translated to different African languages through the partnership to make it accessible to all.

By Anita Roji

“Oesophageal cancer is a silent disease. It has no symptoms and the minute you start feeling pain the cancer is already at an advanced stage. As much as it is silent, it is also an aggressive disease.”

WSU HOSTS A PROFESSORIAL INAUGURAL LECTURE

WSU hosted, Professor Benedicta Nkeh-Chungag, on the enquiring topic: “Are cardiovascular diseases a cause for concern in people of African ancestry?”

Professor Nkeh-Chungag is a Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences, a seasoned academic and research scholar, and a full Professor of Physiology at WSU. She is a cardiovascular researcher who has covered epidemiology and African medicinal plants.

“More than 1.2 billion people in the world suffer from hypertension and of this number, two-thirds are in developing countries and we are part of these developing countries. More than 46% of those do not even know they are hypertensive,” she said.

The lecture provided her with a platform to share her past research in hypertension and introduce new ideas to a diverse academic and non-academic audience.

“Hypertension is the most important cause of cardiovascular diseases and it is in its own right a cardiovascular disease. If we change the prevalence of hypertension, we also change the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases,” added Nkeh-Chungag.

She further elaborated that if high blood pressure is controlled, there will be very few incidents of cardiovascular diseases. The exact causes of high blood pressure are not known, but several things may play a role, such as obesity, smoking and lack of activity.

Nkeh-Chungag said that it is hard to talk about hypertension and not talk about obesity as it is one of the risk factors.

“A study that was recently done in Africa shows that South Africa has the highest prevalence of obese children in Africa, she said.

Addressing her audience, which included her family, friends, and other guests, Nkeh-Chungag asked the audience “So what is the impact of obesity on our population?”

She further went deep to analyse the system used to measure the Body Mass Index (BMI) and questioned its accuracy.

“Universal cut-off points of BMI and waist circumference are not appropriate for use worldwide given ethnic or population specific differences in disease risk

for any particular anthropometric measure. However, there may be a general consistency in cut-off points or waist-hip ratio for predicting cardiovascular diseases,” said Nkeh-Chungag.

She is an NRF-rated researcher, a scholar of the Organisation for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD), and a Fellow of the International Hypertension Society who has published extensively. Still addressing her audience, Nkeh-Chungag said, “At a very young age we were told our mother had hypertension. I promised her to find a cure for it. She had three strokes and unfortunately, she could not come out of the third one.”

She further added that before her mother passed on, she called her while at university and reminded her of the promise she made to find a cure and she stood there thinking about how to go about doing that.

The presentation of her Inaugural Lecture was a momentous milestone in her academic career as a full professor.

Nkeh-Chungag concluded her presentation by asking her audience after all the research she presented before them if they think cardiovascular diseases are a cause for concern in people of African ancestry.

By Anita Roji

“More than 1.2 billion people in the world suffer from hypertension and of this number, two-thirds are in developing countries and we are part of these developing countries. More than 46% of those do not even know they are hypertensive.”

EL TOURISM INDUSTRIES AT DIRE RISK

- WARNS WSU RESEARCHER

Research done by WSU senior lecturer and researcher, Dr Siyabonga Mxunyelwa, has pointed to the impending demise of Small to Medium Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs) in Buffalo City Metro, largely due to the lack of skills development within the sector.

The paper, titled ‘Skills as a conundrum in Entrepreneurship Development of Small to Medium Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs) sector in East London, Buffalo City Metro, South Africa’, sought to gather knowledge about skills development and skills levels amongst managers of entrepreneurial ventures in the city.

Following his examination of the responses Mxunyelwa received from the subjects of the research, it became apparent that the sector was in dire need of development where skills and training were concerned.

“The lack of entrepreneurship development is a burden on the South African economy. The sector currently faces challenges in education, training and skills development which causes an impediment to entrepreneurship development. Given the size of this sector, skills development plays a critical role in transforming an enterprise and driving entrepreneurship,” said Mxunyelwa.

Independent Tour Operator, Velile Ndlumbini, owner of Imonti Tours echoed Mxunyelwa’s sentiments, adding that though there are funding avenues available, government red tape hindered entrepreneurs from accessing funds.

After the covid-19 pandemic, Ndlumbini had to sell his entire fleet and retrench most of his staff.

“We can create a lot of jobs for the Eastern Cape, but there is too much red tape when it comes to financial support. I work alone and employ people on a freelance basis. Getting funding could assist me to employ these guys on a full-time basis,” said Ndlumbini.

Universally, small businesses are identified as an important growth sector that contributes to local economies, providing employment for many locals who have no formal education and would otherwise not have opportunities in many mainstream sectors.

Although this is the case, Proudly South African reported in 2021 that only 37% of small businesses survive to their 4th year and by the 10- year mark, only 9% are still alive. A shocking 70-80% never make it to celebrate one year in business.

Mxunyelwa’s research pointed out that central to the failure of small businesses, particularly in the Tourism Sector, was a lack of financial and strategic management skills.

“It is recommended that the business owners and managers must invest in skills development initiatives to enable them to improve performance and create sustainable enterprises. Furthermore, it is recommended that government should provide an effective training support programme by fostering the performance and growth potential of the businesses. Thus, entrepreneurship development will be realized to help developing economies such as the BCMM,” said Mxunyelwa.

Mxunyelwa also asserted that WSU was strategically positioned to assist the private and public sector

This also ties together with institution’s own Vision 2030 Strategic goals, which include Relevant and impactful research and innovation, Transformative community engagement and partnerships.

“WSU as an African university is the only hope for the disenfranchised Eastern Cape Communities. The Faculty of Business Science can play an integral part in offering short courses to assist with entrepreneurial development of SMMEs in areas such as Business Management, Strategic Management, Basic Bookkeeping, Finance and Accounting, as well as Market Research,” he said.

By

in pursuit 2030 National Development Plan strategic objectives of reducing unemployment, inequality, and poverty that engulfs the Eastern Cape.

Yanga Ziwele

“It is recommended that the business owners and managers must invest in skills development initiatives to enable them to improve performance and create sustainable enterprises. Furthermore, it is recommended that government should provide an effective training support programme by fostering the performance and growth potential of the businesses. Thus, entrepreneurship development will be realized to help developing economies such as the BCMM.”

HOTEL RESEARCH TAKES WSU ACADEMIC TO PRESTIGIOUS CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY

Because the invasive and lingering effects of the outbreak sees many hotels to this day unable to pay students a stipend during training, Dr Nomnga felt it even more necessary to gauge the economic vibrancy and status of the industry so as to measure whether indeed the cut in pay is justified, and if so, how long should it last.

“Things got so bad after 2020 when the pandemic hit that that our students didn’t get placement due to hotels closing. After the hotels opened, our students then didn’t get paid, which prompted us to incorporate R1500 six-month fee to ensure that students had a stipend during their training,” she said.

The investigation into customer satisfaction and experience at East London hotels after the crippling effects of government’s Covid-19 shutdown regulations also opened opportunities for Nomnga to visit one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Top of the many highlights during her visit to the university was seeing the institution’s superb architecture, its excellent infrastructure, its rich historical poignancy, its awe-inspiring academic achievements, and its warm hospitality.

“Visiting and walking through the passages of one of the most historic and most respected universities in the world was indeed a watershed moment for me which I will never forget for as long as I live. What made it most impactful was the calibre of academics I got to engage and interact with, as well as experiencing their different academic and cultural backgrounds which made the trip a most enriching experience,” said Dr Nomnga.

By Thando Cezula

Acomparative analysis between the pre and post-pandemic state of the Hospitality industry by Dr Vikelwa Nomnga was jolted by the detrimental impact of the Covid-19 shutdowns that saw WSU hospitality students struggling to secure training in the hotel and accommodation industry, Walter Sisulu University researcher and tourism, hospitality and sports management acting HOD, recently visited the UK’s muchrevered Cambridge University to participate in the 5th International Conference on Business, Management and Finance, wherein she presented her paper titled “Diagnosing Guest Satisfaction in South African Hotels: The Case of East London, SA”.

In her pursuit to determine guest satisfaction at the various hotels into which she performed her investigations, Dr Nomnga used a model unique to the hotel industry which involves the completion of a guest content card (GCC) for the purpose of gathering data on the degree of satisfaction of guests.

Following the gathering of data collected via the GCC strategy, Dr Nomnga said her findings showed that that through various interventions by the hotels, a majority of customers were happy with the standard and services of hotels in East London.

“Through numerous interactions with hotel managers, I found out that these hotels have tried to mitigate the impact of Covid-19 and beyond that, reclaim their glory by introducing measures such as family discounts to draw in crowds to bring back the vibrancy of hotels and by extension boost the tourism and hospitality industry,” she said.

“Visiting and walking through the passages of one of the most historic and most respected universities in the world was indeed a watershed moment for me which I will never forget for as long as I live. What made it most impactful was the calibre of academics I got to engage and interact with, as well as experiencing their different academic and cultural backgrounds which made the trip a most enriching experience,”

Hosted by Walter Sisulu University

STAFF & STUDENT SUCCESS

These were words uttered by 54-year-old Nomgqibelo Martha Jonga, who received her National Diploma in Public Management at Walter Sisulu University’s Ibika Campus graduation.

The widowed mother of three, enrolled in the Faculty of Management Sciences at WSU in 2019. She is a student as well as an Administrative Clerk at the Matatiele Department of Education.

Though her journey was not an easy one, she has now obtained her first tertiary qualification as a result of her dedication and hard work.

“Graduating from university has always been my ambition since I was a child, but due to my low socioeconomic status, I was unable to continue my studies after completing Matric. I married, had three children, and then my husband died, making things even worse. After receiving a government bursary at the age of 52, I decided to return to school. Being a mother, grandmother, employee, and head of the household made it difficult for me to concentrate and focus on my studies, and as a result, I failed one semester module,” Jonga explained.

COVID-19 struck the world in 2020, and virtual learning was the only way to continue with studies. As an elderly woman who was already struggling with her studies, this made things even more difficult for Jonga. “I wouldn’t say the adjustments were simple, but they were not as onerous as I had anticipated, and the effort was well worth it. I could not even submit team tasks or find a class when we had to attend; I felt like a fish out of water at first, especially since most of today’s university students were weaned on technology and found it much easier to navigate,” she said.

Despite the numerous hurdles she encountered, the one thing Jonga refused to do was to give up. She would go to bed late and get up early to study. After finally graduating, her wish is to find a bursary so she can further her studies.

“You can never be too old to establish a new goal or imagine a new fantasy. Let go of the anxiety of not fitting in as an older student and embrace your life experience as an asset you bring to class debates and group projects”, advised Jonga.

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AYIGUGELWA,” SAYS

“Age only determines our level of human life and physical development; however, if we do not learn, our knowledge does not increase with age.”

Yanga Ziwele & Sibabalwe Kela

“IMFUNDO

54-YEAR-OLD GRADUATE

“You can never be too old to establish a new goal or imagine a new fantasy. Let go of the anxiety of not fitting in as an older student and embrace your life experience as an asset you bring to class debates and group projects.”

WSU CHANGEMAKER APPOINTED VICECHAIR OF THE AFRICA LEADERSHIP

TRANSFORMATION FOUNDATION

In the mid-80s, he was one of the many young black people who defeated the odds stacked against them by the government of the time.

He obtained a Higher Diploma in Education, and Honours in English Language Teaching from the then University of Transkei. He went on to obtain an Honours Degree in Human Resource Development from the University of Johannesburg, as well as Master of Commerce in Organisational and Management Systems from the University of Natal; and is well on his way to obtaining his PhD with Rhodes University.

An avid scholar of leadership as research and as a practice, he has spearheaded a multitude of capacity development initiatives, including the HELMD workshops for HoDs, Deans and Campus Rectors at WSU (2015-2018), focusing on academic monitoring and support for quality enhancement. He is very proud of this work with colleagues which constitutes the main part of his PhD theses. To this work, he attributes his ascendancy in leadership development. “Being involved in academic development in the university spaces and the functionary of strategy development and implementation has allowed me to develop deep insights about the nexus of leadership. I came into a realization that being a leader is not the proxy for the actual leadership. The notion of a leader is more about a structural system, the position and its implied roles, functions, and duties. That is not enough, as leadership denotes the actual practices which must be anchored on the relevant value or knowledge systems and how such systems can be enacted. We have many people who claim that they are leaders, yet their choices and actions leave much to be desired,” he said.

In less than five years, Dwayi and his ALT Foundation counterparts have made great strides in bringing to life their vision of “an Africa that works for everyone,” and specifically producing at least onemillion leaders in 10 African countries by 2050.

Their target audiences are women, faith changemakers, scientists and the youth.

Walter Sisulu University’s Manager for Internationalisation Valile Dwayi has been appointed as the Vice Chairman of the International Board of Directors, Africa Leadership Transformation Foundation (ALT).

Dwayi joins a group of African and international leaders who head the four-year-old foundation, which was formed to address what he terms “Africa’s widespread failure in leadership.”

His journey with the ALT Foundation began in 2019, while attending a leadership course in Nairobi, Kenya. Here, Dwayi met fellow African academics, including the ATL’s current Executive Director, Daniel Kamanga.

This is where the concept for ALT Foundation was birthed, and the foundation was subsequently formed with the vision to “transform leadership as the key driver of an Africa that works for everyone”, with Dwayi being one of the key drivers of its development.

“I am incredibly happy, and I also feel very honoured, to have been recognised for this role beyond the limitations of my current employment engagement at WSU. Prior to ALT involvement, I have been the Director of the Learning and Teaching Development for more than 15 years, upon which I was appointed to the Directorate for Short Learning Programs (2019-2021) and currently in the International Office. Since my involvement at ALT Foundation, I have contributed enormously to establishing the infrastructure for the Foundation: The need for Standard Operation Procedures; The Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting Framework, and many other management tools,” said Dwayi.

Dwayi was born and bred in Lusikisiki, in the former Transkei region.

One of its most notable contributions has been the women leadership course which came at an opportune time as the entire world was grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It’s not just the numbers of women trained and the African nations reached; this course was timely, coming as it did, to support African women leaders amid a pandemic. Its focus on mental wellbeing was really appreciated as many African women were experiencing challenges related to reduced earning, loss of jobs, marital problems, home schooling and other challenges,” Dwayi shared.

By Yanga Ziwele

I came into a realization that being a leader is not the proxy for the actual leadership. The notion of a leader is more about a structural system, the position and its implied roles, functions, and duties. That is not enough, as leadership denotes the actual practices which must be anchored on the relevant value or knowledge systems and how such systems can be enacted. We have many people who claim that they are leaders,

“Being involved in academic development in the university spaces and the functionary of strategy development and implementation has allowed me to develop deep insights about the nexus of leadership.

yet their choices and actions leave much to be desired,”

STAFF & STUDENT SUCCESS

WSU CREATING A MORE ACCESSIBLE AND SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT FOR DISABLED STUDENTS

The Walter Sisulu University Directorate of Learning and Teaching in partnership with the Student Counselling Unit held a disabled students focus program on Friday 26 August 2022.

The main aim of this event was to ensure that disabled student needs are well attended to and that they are to be included in all that happens within the university. This inclusivity drive is to make sure that disabled students have access to lecture halls, institution facilities, sports, and all that takes place in the university.

The event which was themed ‘making university more inclusive, accessible, and sustainable for students with disabilities towards learning’ focused on making the institution a friendly environment for disabled students and in so doing promoting academic success. This event was attended by various stakeholders such as social workers, ICT, finance office, and health services who all were dedicated to ensure that the inclusion of students with disabilities is successful and that their respective offices will provide the available support.

Academic advisor of students with disabilities, Nomvuyo Nyembezi said, “As a collective we have a duty to strive for academic success for irrespective of the state one may be in. We should learn to eradicate the attitude of “it is impossible” and start possible and positive thinkers”.

Social Worker Zanele Nomatshila gave the purpose of the day and said “The problem is not the disability but the attitude we have towards people with disabilities. This event is to embrace the inclusivity of disabled students in every activity that takes place in

the institution”.

It is a known fact that in most situations in society people living with disabilities feel excluded and left out, it is an effort by the university to change firstly within the institution.

Directorate of learning and teaching acting manager, Dr Stanford Matenda said, “Issues of inclusivity are important, and it is our duty to listen to students and offer to them what they desire. We want to ensure that student voices are heard”.

While Student Counselling Unit manager, Khuzekani Ntakana said, “We need to interact continuously about these sorts of issues so that we know what to do in terms of provisions to make the university a healthy environment for all. This is a platform to learn from each other”.

By Hlomla Mphetsheni

“As a collective we have a duty to strive for academic success for irrespective of the state one may be in. We should learn to eradicate the attitude of “it is impossible” and start possible and positive thinkers”.

RESEARCHER NABS

INTERNATIONAL AWARD

WSU Associate Professor in Accounting Sciences, Professor Joseph Akande, together with his collaborators, Daniel Gbadebo and Oluwatobi Adekunle won the Best Paper Award at an African Accounting and Finance Association (AAFA) Conference held in Cairo, Egypt recently.

The Best Paper Award, sponsored by the Journal of Chinese Economic and Business Studies (JCEBS), recognises and promotes quality contributions to academic research and writing among scholars.

The trio’s winning submission titled “Discontinuities in earnings distributions: new evidence in South African firms” showcases the possible manipulation of earnings in financial reporting against the current evidence of no discontinuity in the distribution of earnings in South Africa.

Akande offered that their work was inspired by the persistent financial fraud in private and public institutions embedded in financial reports.

“I am thrilled, a sense of feat, knowing that little efforts in my little space got recognition—a sense of enormous responsibility to do even more. I suppose our ability to X-ray extant literature in the domain, particularly the current study in South Africa, and adopt a novel approach to take the study to a new frontier made our contribution stand out,” said Akande.

Akande added that their work seeks to protect unsuspecting stakeholders who may find themselves precariously liable in the event of corporate failure arising from industry misdemeanours.

“Because earnings provide critical information for an investment decision, managers have incentives to manage such earnings when reporting financial statements to avoid losses and increase earnings surprises. Management of earnings is linked to discontinuity in earning distribution. Understanding the distribution pattern would mitigate the risk of managers’ opportunistic behaviour that could help circumvent future corporate scandals,” said Akande.

Through further interrogation of financial reporting practices, Akande hopes to influence quality standard settings in the

profession.

“The plan, among others, is to push financial statement fraud research to the level of a research cluster or working group to get more colleagues involved in the engagements until we achieve our objective of a better standard-setting environment. That way, the quality of reporting can be enhanced to limit the vulnerability of the unsuspecting public to unnecessary financial losses,” he said.

Professor Sanjay Balkaran, Acting Dean of the WSU Faculty of Commerce and Administration, commended Akande’s contribution to shaping the future of accounting.

“In selecting Prof Akande and his fellow authors, it has recognised their ingenuity, importance, and relevance of their research, which has highlighted the theoretical and practical implications that are likely to shape the future of accounting.”

Prof Akande serves as a source of inspiration to students, novice researchers and fellow collaborators as currently the Faculty of Commerce and Administration is one of the faculties leading WSU’s initiatives aimed at repositioning the University as an innovationfocused, research-active institution whose work shapes futures and changes lives, as per the University’s motto - from the remotest rural Eastern Cape villages to far-flung global commercial and industrial centres.”

By Yanga Ziwele

“In selecting Prof Akande and his fellow authors, it has recognised their ingenuity, importance, and relevance of their research, which has highlighted the theoretical and practical implications that are likely to shape the future of accounting.”

WSU RESIDENCE OFFICE CREATING SAFER SPACES FOR LGBT+ STUDENTS

STAFF & STUDENT SUCCESS

The Walter Sisulu University residence unit has sought to eradicate the persecution of students who identify as nongender-conforming through fostering conversations that enforce an acceptance and understanding of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT+) community in the institution’s living and learning spaces.

In October, the residence unit hosted an institutional LGBTQI+ Workshop with students from its four campuses, themed: Understanding Me, Informing Others. The sole purpose of the workshop was to uncover the underlying issues that perpetuate the mistreatment of gender non-conforming students, as well as sensitise the WSU community and students themselves to the issues and lived experiences of LGBT+ students. Workshop facilitator from the Sexual Health and Empowerment Collective, Phumelele Nkomozakhe said that despite South Africa having one of the most progressive constitutions, the experiences of students reflected the reality of [our] society.

“These issues do not come in a vacuum; they reflect realities of our own country. While South Africa has one of the best laws which include queer people, it lacks implementation. Therefore, you will find queer South Africans carrying a museum of trauma even though they supposedly live in a country which claims to protect them. The side effects of this include and affect how queer WSU students navigate their academics, mental health & the relationship they have with their bodies.”

Many traumatic stories, which involved name-calling, cyber-bullying and abuse were shared by students who expressed an immense fear of living and learning in spaces that made them feel like less than human.

Second year Bachelor of Law student, Yamkela Ndwangu said: “Growing up in a society that used to call me all sorts of derogatory names was very traumatic. Even at home I experienced judgement and rejection from my own father. I think this is a great initiative by the university because these sorts of initiatives are the reason I can associate with people and be comfortable with myself.”

Residence Unit Officer, Kay Mbali said that they had identified a lack of comprehension of what it means to be queer, even from queer students themselves, leading to a deeper discrimination and victimisation of queer students.

“In interacting with the queer students in residences, we noticed a few things, but what stood out is the fact that as WSU, being a rural University, we have queer students who do not even understand themselves, or what it means to be queer. We saw that discrimination by their peers is only half the problem, and the other half is empowerment or the lack thereof,” said Mbali.

Mbali added that their wish was for the WSU LGBTQ+ Envoys to go back and teach the people around them about their life and experiences in order to cultivate a culture of inclusivity and tolerance.

By Yanga Ziwele

“Growing up in a society that used to call me all sorts of derogatory names was very traumatic. Even at home I experienced judgement and rejection from my own father. I think this is a great initiative by the university because these sorts of initiatives are the reason I can associate with people and be comfortable with myself.”

WSU DEBATING COUNCIL REBUTTALS ITS WAY TO SADC FINALS

The Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Mthatha Campus Debating Council secured an opportunity to compete in the Southern Africa Universities Debate Championship at the University of the Witwatersrand. (They also officially use *Wits University* which I prefer)

Representing the team was Ntlakanipho Mvanyashe, Amohatsoe Shale, Mthokozisi Mbixane and Mpumelelo Khumalo.

The debate championship competition was a one day activity that featured open quarterfinals, both open (IsiXhosa?) and English as a Second Language (ESL) semi-finals and grand finals.

Debate Council pupil, Ntlakanipho Mvanyashe, said, “The tournament that we entered for was a hybrid national tournament and it was hybrid as the preliminary rounds were online and now quarterfinals to grand finals are on site.”

The debate competition for 2022 included universities from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

The WSU Mthatha Campus Debating Council managed to make it through to the semi finals of the competition.

“There are two categories for which a team can register, the first one is the ESL which is like English as a first additional language and Opens which serve as English as a home language, and we registered for the ESLs,” said Mvanyashe.

He further added that they are proud that they registered for the ESLs but made it through to the Open finals.

Debating Council member, Amohetsoe Shale, said, “The journey

was definitely exciting since this is one of the few instances where

broke into the finals in such a prestigious competition. However,

was terrifying representing a historically disadvantaged university is such a big platform, but overall we are proud that we exist in such spaces.”

She added that they are proud to have lifted the WSU flag high and will continue doing so in pursuit of excellence.

In the overall top ten debaters of the competition Mvanyashe took the sixth spot while Shale took the fifth spot.

By Anita Roji

we

it

“The journey was definitely exciting since this is one of the few instances where we broke into the finals in such a prestigious competition. However, it was terrifying representing a historically disadvantaged university is such a big platform, but overall we are proud that we exist in such spaces.”

CONVOCATION GALA

CONVOCATION GALA

WSU PROSTHETICS SPECIALIST BRIDGES GAP BETWEEN HEALTHCARE AND PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITY

Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics (MOP) graduate, Siphosethu Mgwili has established a company to improve the lives of people living with disability through improved, functional, and affordable technological innovations.

The Physiology and Anatomy Masters student will be representing WSU and the Eastern Cape province in the National InterVarsity competitions hosted by the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) in November.

“Our aim is to create a bridge between medical device manufacturers/inventors/researchers and healthcare practitioners to improve access to advanced medical devices by creating affordable and environmentally suitable prosthetics limbs. We then had to establish a company called Azania Medivice to meet the needs of the people,” said Mgwili.

Mgwili was victorious in the “Innovative Business Idea” category at the regional EDHE intervarsity competition that was held in East London in October.

WSU entrepreneurship coordinator, Khanyisa Blaai said, “We are very excited for Siphosethu to have won the regional round of the competition which has resulted in her representing the institution in the nationals. It was not an easy road as some were participating for the first time, but it was humbling to see WSU students claiming their space in entrepreneurship space as we try to make it fashionable,”

Mgwili and her partner, Zanodumo Godlimpi from the MOP Department, invented a groundbreaking prosthetic leg that gives financial and physical relief to the over three million belowknee amputation casualties occurring annually.

“Due to financial constraints and lack of insurance, less than 10% of these amputees in developing regions have access to a prosthetic limb. Even simple devices without dynamic features are expensive, resulting in amputees settling for an ill-fitting device, or going without one at all. This causes serious health and mobility concerns for the amputees since there is a 50%, five-year mortality rate for amputees who remain sedentary,” said Mgwili.

According to Mgwili a few adjustable pylons have been developed, however none fit the goal to be achieved by her research invention as most are very expensive and heavy. For the more affordable ones, mechanism is not easily adjustable.

Mgwili will be heading to the national rounds will be held in the Western Cape in November.

By

Ongezwa Sigodi

“Due to financial constraints and lack of insurance, less than 10% of these amputees in developing regions have access to a prosthetic limb. Even simple devices without dynamic features are expensive, resulting in amputees settling for an ill-fitting device, or going without one at all. This causes serious health and mobility concerns for the amputees since there is a 50%, five-year mortality rate for amputees who remain sedentary.”

INNOVATION

WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY AND SAMSUNG PARTNER TO DEVELOP FUTURE TECH SKILLS FOR YOUTH

Coding and programming, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (IOT) are part of a student skills transfer programme that will be fostered by a twining agreement between Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and Samsung through the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator (CfERI). The focus for 2022 will be on laying the foundation by offering coding and programming. The Samsung Innovation Campus programme is designed to have educational themes that combine in-demand technology skills with core future technology capabilities as well as soft skills and job preparation.

WSU is only one of two institutions of higher education and training in South Africa to be identified for the programme.

“We are targeting youth who are at a university going stage and want to develop skills in 4IR that will enable them to be future leaders. We offer basic coding & programming education as a core skill for the Artificial Intelligence and/or IOT courses - in response to particular regional demands,” said Samsung Transformation Manager, Lenhle Khoza.

WSU’s Community Engagement and Internationalisation director, Mzolisi Payi, said the programme intends to empower graduates to be skilled in their respective fields, and to enable them to have the necessary skills to start their own enterprises.

“In terms of our vision 2030, these kind of projects would assist in ensuring that we produce graduates that are sector competitive and able to start their own enterprises; and access jobs easily. We believe that the sustainability of the project will be a success because of the commitment Samsung has shown,” he said.

According to a 2022 State of the ICT Sector in SA report, South Africa’s Information and Communication Technology sector is reported to show signs of growth, recording R243.6 billion in revenue in 2021, up from R243 billion in 2020.

This shows an overall increase of 0.3% in total sector revenue, while in the first quarter of 2022, the unemployment rate was 63,9% for

those aged 15-24 and 42,1% for those aged 25-34 years.

WSU’s Centre for Entrepreneurship director, Dr Thobekani Lose said technology, especially in rural areas was lagging compared to urban areas and institutions.

“We need to have more engagement and ideas for the rural demographic of the Eastern Cape Province. We need to train and develop our students to ready them for the tech savvy trajectory the world has taken following the Covid-19 pandemic. Our students need to compete on par with other South African universities,” said Dr Lose.

The ICT sector is larger than the agriculture industry. This is one of the findings from Stats SA’s latest Information and communication technology satellite account for the South Africa report.

Through its core business, WSU responds to societal needs in ethical, scholarly, sustainable, and entrepreneurial ways, while guiding future-ready graduates.

By Sinawo Hermans

Dr Thobekani Lose, Ms Lenhle Khoza and Mr Mzolisi Payi.

“We need to have more engagement and ideas for the rural demographic of the Eastern Cape Province. We need to train and develop our students to ready them for the tech savvy trajectory the world has taken following the Covid-19 pandemic. Our students need to compete on par with other South African universities.”

WSU LECTURER TRAVELS TO SCOTLAND TO STUDY MOP PRESCRIPTION GUIDELINE DEVELOPMENT

WSU Acting Head of Department in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Certified Medical Orthotist/Prosthetist, Luphiwo Mduzana has received an opportunity to travel to Scotland to gather knowledge and expertise around how prosthetic prescription guidelines are developed.

Mduzana serves both on the Education Committee for the African Federation of Rehabilitation Professionals (FATO) and the International Society for Prosthetics & Orthotics (ISPO) scientific committee, who are organising the ISPO 2023 Mexico congress. His areas of interest are Prosthetic Prescription and Disability. “My research looks at Prosthetic prescription. In South Africa currently, we do not have a national guideline that looks at prosthetic prescription. For my Ph.D. I am developing that guideline. The national guideline that is being used in the UK was developed here in Scotland, specifically in Strathclyde University, hence I chose to come here,” said Mduzana. In 2019, there was a call that was made through the WSU portal that invited lecturers to apply for the Newton Fund travel grant to any university in the United Kingdom. He applied and his application was successful.

“Coming to Scotland is a dream come true in my academic career. Strathclyde University is one of the most prestigious and world leading university in research and technology. The field of Prosthetics and Orthotics is no exception in the Strathclyde, they have some of the best researchers in the field and have the best training equipment as well,” he added. Mduzana further added that the six weeks in Strathclyde University will further allow him to collaborate on a research paper that will be jointly published between him and the lecturers there.

“As an New Generation of Academics Programme lecturer with limited skills and knowledge around teaching and learning, the visit will further enlighten me on how we can improve our own methods of teaching and learning when it comes to medical Prosthetics and Orthotics,” said Mduzana. With his research he intends to strengthen Evidence Based Practice in Prosthetics and Orthotics in South Africa.

“Producing these guidelines at the end of my PhD will change the practice in the field of MOP. However, over and above my research, my intention is to develop a sustainable research collaboration and supervision capacity between Strathclyde University and WSU to develop a sustainable lecturer exchange programme,” he concluded.

Medical orthotists/prosthetists are concerned with the design, manufacturing and fitting of splints, braces, surgical appliances and artificial limbs. MOP’s are members of the rehabilitation team; helping those who require orthopedic support.

By Anita Roji

“My research looks at Prosthetic prescription. In South Africa currently, we do not have a national guideline that looks at prosthetic prescription. For my Ph.D. I am developing that guideline. The national guideline that is being used in the UK was developed here in Scotland, specifically in Strathclyde University, hence I chose to come here.”

IS

REALLY A BLACK RURAL UNIVERSITY?

Walter Sisulu University is slowly becoming an epicenter of transformation as a more diversified student demographic stalks its corridors despite being poorly considered a predominantly rural University.

WSU is amongst historically disadvantaged universities that were established as non-white universities and were poorly funded compared to the white-only universities.

A former “Bantustand”, Mthatha is home to one of WSU’s biggest campuses that is now attracting more suburban students than previously recorded, despite the region’s history of segregation and stigma.

The WSU Faculty of Health Sciences which has a mandate to admit eighty percent Blacks, nine percent Coloured, three percent Indians, and eight percent White new matriculants seems to be the leading faculty in attracting students of different races to the institution.

First year Medical student, Naude Potgieter, said, “I never had any reservations about any South African university but had little knowledge of WSU and its academic programmes, achievements, and student culture.”

He further stated that he had an initially thought of being part of a minority group, but then the practical experience never made him feel that he is excluded from participation. He does not feel marginalised.

As the adage of old says, “as we shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us”, has proven true for WSU’s R85 million Faculty of Health Sciences infrastructure project.

The University’s medical school is amongst the top eight medical faculties in the world for problem-based community learning with the World Health Organisation saying that “WSU has set a benchmark for universities across the world.”

The Faculty of Health Sciences recruits qualifying applicants from all population groups in South Africa. This strategic intent resonates with ethos of social accountability and epistemological access for all.

Head of Selections and Admissions in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr Mzukisi Kolosa, said, “The white and Coloured population groups

are currently underrepresented in the current student cohorts. The Faculty continues to collaborate with other institutional arms to reach out to more prospective students in a quest for proportional representation.”

Another first year Medical student, Terizia van Wyk said she has not yet learned the university culture and campus life as they have been doing online classes mostly due to COVID-19.

“I think that is the big difference studying at WSU we have a lot of informed online mentoring classes and supportive lecturers with sufficient guidance to what is expected from us and what the learn where to be and where to go. The exam location is also well equipped for our needs. We have easy access to the grounds and the classes is well maintained with need laboratories,” said van Wyk. She added that on a more mental note there is also free access to a Psychologist at the Medical School site, and Dr Kolosa motivates them to not suffer alone.

By

Anita Roji & Sinawo Hermans

“I think that is the big difference studying at WSU we have a lot of informed online mentoring classes and supportive lecturers with sufficient guidance to what is expected from us and what the learn where to be and where to go. The exam location is also well equipped for our needs. We have easy access to the grounds and the classes is well maintained with need laboratories.”

Years of immense pain and strife dissipated into insignificance, at least for a moment, as an orphaned WSU graduate ravaged by abandonment issues ascended the graduation stage recently to attain her diploma in journalism. It was a day of inexplicable joy for now advanced diploma student Sandla Chuleza, who was abandoned by her father at age 12 before being orphaned a year later in 2005 due to the unfortunate death of her mother. Even darker times had previously visited the family as Chuleza had lost two of her sisters in 1999 and 2001 respectively, before she would much later lose her brother in 2021 due to a car accident.

“To this day I feel great animosity towards my father even beyond the grave because of what he did to my family – leaving my mother and sisters while going off to fend for himself and leaving us to struggle in poverty. My mother used to tout for passengers to board buses in Mount Ayliff going to Durban just so we could put food on the table,” she said.

Following the death of their mother, Chuleza would shortly after move in with her aunt and uncle who’d raise her for almost nine years as her brother would go on to acquire work as a policeman in 2011.

After passing her matric in 2011, Chuleza would suffer through a 5-year hiatus from education due to lack of funding and as a result would dabble in ventures of very little consequence –doing odd jobs as a bartender in Durban in 2014 to a six-month basic computer course in mid-2015.

“My life was stuck and I definitely felt like I was going nowhere and I just really wanted to give up. It was only when I moved back to the family home in late 2015 with my brother that things would start to look up.”

“Looking at my family history, I knew I wanted to be different. I trusted that education could be my ticket to a better life. I was born poor but I told myself that I’ll not die poor,” she said. It was in 2016 when a ray of sunshine would penetrate the darkness that had befallen Chuleza’s existence as she’d be accepted into WSU’s versatile broadcasting programme –a springboard from which would she’d catapult herself to enrolling for her preferred programme, journalism. She heaped praise upon WSU for being a source through which she could open and access the doors of learning.

Speaking moments after being capped by the Vice-Chancellor at the Buffalo City Campus graduation ceremony, she described the moment as “one of release”.

“Graduating felt like I was breaking a generational curse of bad luck and misfortune, a curse that almost saw me fade into obscurity and nothingness. It exhibited a willingness to fight against all the odds and a determination to not let my past define my future,” said Chuleza.

By

Thando Cezula

“Looking at my family history, I knew I wanted to be different. I trusted that education could be my ticket to a better life. I was born poor but I told myself that I’ll not die poor.”

GEARED TO HELP STUDENTS CLEAR

R1.5 BILLION DEBT

Walter Sisulu University has welcomed a generous donation of over R4.5 million from Steinmüller Africa to relieve the burden of WSU’s student debt amounting to R1.5 billion. According to WSU records, 72% of the University’s registered students are on the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS).

“The funds will go towards students registered with science related programmes and those who graduated with outstanding student debt between the 2019-2021 academic year,” said WSU Chief Financial Officer, Morgan Nhiwatiwa.

Most WSU donations have been received towards the funding of students with historic debt largely from the public sector as per their scope of funding/donation targets.

“WSU relies heavily on public funding, which includes block grant, NSFAS and even bursaries. This means the misalignment caused by the difference in financial years between WSU and the funders leaves it unfunded from January until March. The first tranche of funds only comes in in April. In the time we await funding, salaries, contracted and legislated payments, and suppliers still need to be paid. Where there are no reserves the institution cannot cover these costs,” said Nhiwatiwa.

In other fundraising efforts by WSU, an informal collaboration with the CSIR and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTIC), has assisted the University’s struggling Fashion Design students who are South African citizens in need of funding.

“Eleven students were funded by DTIC, and each received R20, 000. The funding was managed by CSRI in collaboration with DTIC, and R220, 000 has been transferred to our Finance,” said Visual Arts head of department, Pumlani Mbanya.

Mbanya made a clarion call to other academic departments to consider both internal and external socioeconomic factors, as well as how staff can support students who are a vital component of the University’s community.

WSU’s Directorate of Institutional Advancement have fostered a strong relationship with an organization called Feenix. Feenix is an online crowdfunding platform where students get to create and

share their profiles with prospective donors.

“The outcome of the stewardship of this relationship has made a contribution of just over R1million rand towards the fees of students who were able to graduate” said Institutional Advancement director, Silvanus Welcome.

The Directorate of Institutional Advancement, through its Staff Giving campaign was also able to assist close to 370 students who had outstanding fees this year by clearing their student accounts.

“This made it possible for students to graduate and receive their certificates. The Advancement office would like to urge once again that all staff members participate in this initiative to support our students,” added Welcome.

Should you require more information on staff donations towards the WSU Bursary Fund, please do not hesitate to contact swelcome@ wsu.ac.za / zlinda@wsu.ac.za

By Sinawo Hermans

“This made it possible for students to graduate and receive their certificates. The Advancement office would like to urge once again that all staff members participate in this initiative to support our students.”

MINISTER STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

OFFICIALLY OPENS THE WSU-CFERI

Minister of Small Business Development Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams officially launched the Centre for Entrepreneurship Rapid Incubator at Walter Sisulu University’s Zamukulungisa site in Mthatha on the 24th June 2022.

The Centre is a partnership between the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) through Seda, and the Walter Sisulu University (WSU).

The centre exists to assist up-and-coming entrepreneurs to overcome barriers identified in their entrepreneurial journey as well as reduce youth unemployment. The centre is furnished with stateof-the-art equipment, an ideas lab, and a makerspace, and is aimed at providing support to youth-owned enterprises, which often have little to no capital or funding.

Minister of Small Business Development, Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams said, “through this centre, young people will be assisted to deliver economic freedom through leveraging technology trends and doing things differently.”

Ndabeni-Abrahams further added that the launch is a significant milestone toward meeting the objective of pushing back the frontiers of poverty and unemployment in the country and creating a nation of entrepreneurs.

The WSU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Institutional Support, Dr Prince Jaca, said, “the university prides itself on creating work-ready graduates and those with skills to create jobs. The mandate of SEDA and DSBD is in line with that of the university, to sustain business growth and ensure that they do not fail.”

He emphasised the fact that the CfERI is a source of hope for the young people, and a tool to fight unemployment, poverty and inequality, which is a serious problem in this country.

WSU built the Centre to the value of approximately R6 Million and the Department of Small Business Development collectively contributed R3 m. SEDA, an agency of the Department of Small Business Development was responsible for the design and set-up of both the Innovation Space and Makerspace, which are situated in the facility.

Moreover, SEDA is responsible for continuous support in terms of monitoring and evaluation of the Centre. The Department of Small Business Development covers the operational costs of the Centre, such as staff salaries, programme costs, and the development of entrepreneurs.

WSU students, promising entrepreneurs, and small business owners in Mthatha and surrounding towns were present to witness the launch of their business incubation.

Among the external stakeholders who were present during the launch was the Centre, Executive Mayor of OR Tambo District, CLLR Mesuli Ngqondwana and Executive Mayor of King Sabata Dalindyebo, CLLR Nyaniso Nelani.

Both Executive Mayors offered words of support and committed to ensuring partnership with the CfERI.

“The city will be looking at mechanisms in which they can interact and partner with the centre, so that the centre’s ideals may not perish,” said the executive mayor of King Sabata Ndalindyebo Municipality, Nyaniso Nelani.

The Centre Director Dr Thobekani Lose assured access of all stakeholders to the CfERI infrastructure, networking and mentoring in a form of support to the small development projects.

“While the CfERI will focus on the university, it will also service all sectors and small businesses in the Mthatha area to unearth new ideas and assist business ventures run and owned by the youth,” said Dr Lose.

Ndabeni-Abrahams was flanked by the King Sabata Ndalindyebo Municipality Mayor, Nyaniso Nelani; Small Enterprise Development Agency (Seda) Chairperson, Xoliswa Daku, the Walter Sisulu university Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Dr Prince Jaca and Walter Sisulu University Rectorate, Prof Nomabandla Cishe as she was cutting the ribbon and opened the doors to the centre for the first time.

By Siphokazi Makhanda

“Through this centre, young people will be assisted to deliver economic freedom through leveraging technology trends and doing things differently.”

AQUACULTURE TO ADDRESS SOCIOECONOMIC ISSUES

Advocacy on key government legislation, environmental education, short courses on farming and assessing and addressing socio-economic issues are some of the key features in the looming partnership between WSU researchers and Port St John’s fishery farmers.

A partnership germinated by esteemed researchers, Dr Sylvia Nkanyuza and Dr Grace Okuthe, saw the initiation of the project in January of 2022 after a preliminary meeting with O.R Tambo Municipality’s coastal fish farmers.

“WSU strives to support key national and international development agendas as well as those of the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the SA National Development Plan, Africa 2063, the White Paper on Post School Education and Training, 2013 and the Council on Higher Education guidelines and regulations,” said Nkanyuza

She added, “We are interested in working with fisherfolks with the aim of skills and knowledge transfer, overall community empowerment, and transformation in a participatory manner.”

The purpose of the meeting was to identify challenges facing farmers and the Sustainable Marine and Freshwater Economic Development (SMFED), as part of the university’s efforts to address societal challenges through ‘relevant, innovative, and impactful research,’ which will lead to (SMFED).

“The fishing co-operatives are lacking guidance/directions in some of SMAFED’s core objectives and so the SMAFED team feel that WSU can bridge the gap by partnering with them as we engage in research and postgraduate mentoring in the above-mentioned thematic areas as WSU academics and researchers,” said Okuthe.

The project will feature Postgraduate students in the Faculty of Natural Science, such as PhD candidate, Bongile Bhomela and Master’s candidate Noluyolo Vundisa, who are participants in Community projects under SMAFED objectives.

“Community Engagement is one the core businesses of the University and aligns with the vision of Walter Sisulu University. So staff as researchers are obliged to be proactive in community engagement activities and where possible infuse community engagement within both postgraduate and undergraduate teaching to generate new knowledge,” said Nkanyuza.

Okuthe added, “This partnership will also be multi- and

interdisciplinary in nature; and so as stated in WSU Community engagement policy, time and effort invested in community engagement is recognised and considered as a factor in the division of labour, performance management and as a promotion criterion by Faculties and Departments.”

In the development stages of the partnership, the pair hosted a three-day Sustainable Marine & Freshwater Development (SMAFED) workshop with Port St Johns Fishery Farmers at the Mthatha Health Resource Centre in May.

Through this initiative, SMAFED in partnership with the Directorate of Research & Innovation, National Pollution Lab and Risk & Vulnerability Science Centre aim, assist and develop these farmers towards successful commercial farming for community & economic development.

“SMAFED’s steering team are in the process of drawing up a MoU with WSU and the fishing co-operatives for diagnostic and implementable projects toward bettering the livelihoods of fishing co-operatives and fishing communities,” said Nkanyuza.

Other stakeholders of this initiative include OR Tambo District Municipality, South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC), Department of Agriculture, Forestr, Fisheries (DEFF) and Port St Johns Municipality and Yakhani Corporative Limited.

By Ongezwa Sigodi

“SMAFED’s steering team are in the process of drawing up a MoU with WSU and the fishing co-operatives for diagnostic and implementable projects toward bettering the livelihoods of fishing co-operatives and fishing communities,”

FOCUSES ON

FOOD SECURITY

WSU in collaboration with the World Food Programme recently commemorated World Food Day in the company of agricultural experts who drew focus on vulnerable food security systems in the Eastern Cape Province and other African countries.

Word Food Programme Regional Director, Dr Menghestab Haile, addressing local farmers, academics and students at Walter Sisulu University’s Mthatha Campus said Eastern Cape farmers would have to reconsider and revise their food systems in order to achieve selfefficacy and commercial status.

“A common theme coming from discussions is that in this region and Africa, the food systems are highly dependent on traditional rain fed small holding farmers, who are mostly women and old men. This kind of agricultural practice cannot meet the food needs of the population,” he said.

In addition to outdated farming methodologies, Dr Haile pressed emphatically on youth unemployment in Africa as a result of outdated farming methods conflicting with youths’ interests in modern technology.

“I was lucky to be talking to the president of Zimbabwe and we were discussing this issue. When I was explaining to him that we know there is high youth unemployment. But the youth don’t want to work in agriculture and we cannot blame them. I used a metaphor; that it is like holding a hoe on one hand and a mobile phone on the other - and these are not compatible. What we must do is transform agriculture in such a way it becomes business and attracts the youth. Youth unemployment combined with the vulnerable food systems is not going to take us far.”

Dr Haile added that the traditional farming systems we are practising on the content today have not changed since the early 60’s and 70’s. “Now how do you expect to feed the people that we have on the

content with that kind of agriculture. It is no wonder Africa’s import bill is increasing annually,” said Haile.

WSU’s Faculty of Commerce and Administration researcher, Dr Sunday Hosu said that the food production in the Eastern Cape has shifted drastically towards garden farming.

“We need to transform agriculture. The next step would be to make farmers work together. One of the issues we face is that farmers cannot compete with supermarkets and the other is low production because of capital.

We should allow farmers to work together so that they can bargain,” said Hosu.

In conclusion Hosu said that the last part would be training local farmers - which has been happening in some pockets.

“The support systems need to be vibrant. The climate and soil are not too bad. We can do a lot In the Eastern Cape in agriculture and feed our people,” he concluded.

By

Sinawo Hermans

“A common theme coming from discussions is that in this region and Africa, the food systems are highly dependent on traditional rain fed small holding farmers, who are mostly women and old men. This kind of agricultural practice cannot meet the food needs of the population.”

IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON THE GIRL CHILD EDUCATION IN THE EC

Walter Sisulu University is working on a multidisciplinary study that seeks to investigate the impact of COVID-19 on the girl child Education in the Eastern Cape.

This is an engaged research project in collaboration with O.R Tambo District Municipality Department of Education. The research approach is a participatory-action research-where a community problem of learner dropouts with reference to girl child is addressed with community stakeholders, academics as researchers with the service providers as the Department of Education unite efforts for a research based transformative intervention.

This study is hosted by WSU in partnership with the University of South Africa and Sol Plaatjie University and the entire project is funded by the National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS).

WSU Associate Professor in the department of Information Technology, Professor Nobert Jere, said, “The study is currently done in the Eastern Cape but has potential to go nationally and internationally. For a start we are focusing in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality but with that information we plan to take the project to the national level.”

The project is aimed at being an assisting project in basic education provincially and nationally in reducing the learner dropouts and has been categorised by the NIHSS as the Education Cluster Project led by WSU.

Principal investigator and WSU Senior lecturer in Sociology, Dr Nelly Sharpley, said, “This project has activities such as workshops, research, webinars, capacitating and graduating students as well sharing of findings through reports, feedback engagements and publications. It is aligned with the institutional research niche area of Information Technology and Sustainable Development.”

At the beginning of August, the research team held their first stakeholder engagement webinar to discuss issues affecting the girl child in different communities.

The engagement was attended by the O.R. Tambo Department of Education, Social Development and different Non-Governmental Organisations in the O.R. Tambo District Municipality and the province.

“The interaction is for us to give an overview to present to them a project that is worthwhile to assist in the challenges that they have, in terms of ensuring that we have relevant mitigation measures to address the girl child dropping out,” added Sharpley.

In November, The WSU research team with the partnering

institutions hosted another O.R. Tambo stakeholder engagement workshop for the ORTDM Department of Education.

Mthatha Campus Rector, Professor Mashudu Davhana-Maselesele, said, “It is exciting to witness that today the district with our researchers come together to address a matter of major concern in our country at large”.

Davhana-Maselesele added that a country with its academics working together is indeed a guaranteed ingredient for realisable development and progress.

Faculty of Human Social Sciences and Law Dean, Professor Sikhumbuzo Mfusi, said, “what is happening today is inline with the university strategy of being an African University in pursuit of excellent”.

One of the issues that arose from the discussion was the issue of focusing on learners when they are at matric level, than to give them support building up to matric. Also the distance they travel and time in which the school starts were counted as some of the issues that might impact the high rate of dropout.

“The project is also aligned with the Vice-Chancellor’s project on gender and gender based violence under the sub-group of women and children which I am heading and this is one of the listed themes under women and children,” added Sharpley.

The presentation that was mostly welcomed by the Department of Education was one made by the Sol Plaatjie University on IT solutions to the challenge as it had practical examples that could even be employed in rural areas.

By Anita Roji

“This project has activities such as workshops, research, webinars, capacitating and graduating students as well sharing of findings through reports, feedback engagements and publications. It is aligned with the institutional research niche area of Information Technology and Sustainable Development.”

WELCOMES FIVE NEW MEMBERS

The WSU Council recently welcomed five new members to its ranks amidst a series of programs aimed at educating and conscientizing the new cohort on university council-related matters.

The newly deployed incumbents include prominent figures such as council-elect, Standard Bank CEO Lungisa Fuzile, and ministerialappointees - renowned primary healthcare physician Dr Mthembeni Tebelele, entrepreneur Sechaba Kou, chair of the Competition Commission Thembinkosi Bonakele, as well as WSU Convocation representative, convocation president Dr Lunga Mantashe.

The aforementioned members received a substantial drilling during an intense three-day session which comprised of a council meeting chaired by Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC, a dinner headlined by UJ chair of council Mike Teke, an engagement session with higher education and training minister Dr Blade Nzimande, and an induction ceremony facilitated by executive higher education consultant Dr Derek Swemmer.

On the opening day during the Council Welcome and Farewell Dinner, deputy chair Fanisa Lamola said: “The task ahead of us as Council is a very important one because education is one of the fundamental aspects of society that drives the nation forward.

Because of the geographical and socioeconomic context within which the university finds itself, our task becomes even more crucial in making sure that a certain level of equity is realized between WSU, which is situated in deeply impoverished rural areas, and the more prominent advantaged universities found in the cities.”

It was on the same evening that University of Johannesburg council chair and CEO of Seriti Resources Holdings, Mike Teke, delivered a pointedly honest, uncompromising and sobering address to the incoming cohort wherein he flagged the most egregious and common mistakes regularly made by university councils.

In advancing his point, Teke laid bare, as anecdotal evidence, some of the trials and tribulations he’s had to face during his tenure as UJ Chair of Council before he sounded a heartfelt clarion call to the council, urging them to:

• Avoid stealing from the university;

• Serve with honour and compassion in order to build and strengthen WSU as an institution of higher learning;

• Build the reserves of the university through strong and rigorous fundraising efforts;

• Re-imagine the university’s finance policies and strategies to benefit the university;

• Be transparent and declare any conflict of interests and resign from the body should it be necessary to do so as a result of

such conflict

“Your work as the council is crucial because there is no country in this world that can be strong, without strong institutions. Our country right now is facing monumental problems of institutions that are breaking down. For me, there’s a huge calling that talks about the strengthening of our failing institutions, and central to that discussion is the issue of governance – an issue that’s central to the failing of our institutions,” said Teke.

A day later, during his engagement with the council, DHET minister Dr Nzimande expanded on the sentiments shared by Teke regarding governance at universities.

He pointed out that in previous cases where he’d appointed independent assessors, unacceptable and counter-productive conduct by some university Council members was reported.

Dr Nzimande said: “Unfortunately, most of this counter-productive conduct has been identified in Historically Disadvantaged Institutions. This behaviour includes, but not limited to, interference in institutional administration; exerting pressure on employees of the institution to adopt certain measures/decisions; interfered directly or sought to influence outcomes to advance their own interests or those of someone close to them; attempts to isolate or oust the Vice Chancellor (VC) when he/she is seen as a stumbling block to their efforts to control the institution; non-declaration of interest in matters in which members have a direct conflict of interest; using council meetings to pursue unrelated ‘hidden agendas’ for personal or selfish gain; arranging for exclusive meetings of smaller groups of council members, outside of the constitutional framework of council meetings, to influence council decisions; promoting factionalism in council; and disclosure of confidential information.”

He said the aforementioned counter-productive activities have caused enormous instability and undermined the effective functioning of the institutions, and thus, it’s important that governance of the university be left to the Council, and the management responsibility of the university be left to the management team.

By Thando Cezula

“Your work as the council is crucial because there is no country in this world that can be strong, without strong institutions.”

HANDBALL PLAYERS FLY WSU FLAG

HIGH AT NATIONALS

Two handball players from WSU’s Mthatha campus were selected amongst the best to represent the Eastern Cape Handball Association in Cape Town at the National Handball Women Championships that took place in August.

The Internal Auditing students, Ongeziwe Daka and Esinako Ngxishe who are doing their second and final year, respectively, were chosen after the Mthatha Campus Handball Club participated in the OR Tambo district championships in June.

“I started playing handball in high school. Unfortunately, I couldn’t advance in it due to lack of professional coaching and training facilities. I was very excited to find it at WSU and received proper training which has provided me with an opportunity like today,” said Daka.

The young woman who plays the Halfback position considers herself a born athlete as she has engaged in several other sporting activities, including netball and soccer.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the WSU handball team because it has exposed us to much greater opportunities like representing the province. Unfortunately, not everyone had this privilege, but it is amazing to see that a sport like handball can give us opportunities such as these,” said Ngxishe.

Ngxishe, who plays the Center back position, added that she was appreciative to have received mentorship from the team’s coach and lecturer in the Department of Environmental Sciences, Asabonga Mngeni, who had worked hard to secure their spot in the district league.

The proud coach said, “Playing sports helps these young people focus and engage in positive activities. It also keeps them grounded. I am most proud of my players because they don’t even need me

to be there every day because they know what to do and they do it because they want to and they love it.”

As a result of the participation in the district level of the championships, three other players, Asekho Nombiba, Ngazibini Mkombe, and Nando Mlenga, were inducted by the OR Tambo district Handball Club at the provincial level.

Mngeni added, “My work with these athletes goes beyond the scope of coaching sports but teaching the values that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. So far, I can say that this strategy not only prevented them from being exposed in unhealthy and dangerous situations has seen all my team players graduating in record time.”

By Ongezwa Sigodi

“I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the WSU handball team because it has exposed us to much greater opportunities like representing the province. Unfortunately, not everyone had this privilege, but it is amazing to see that a sport like handball can give us opportunities such as these,”

GRADUATION

GRADUATION