WSU STRENTHENS ITS VOICE IN PARLIAMENT THROUGH STRONG GOVERNANCE AND HIGH-CALIBRE LEADERSHIP

Walter Sisulu University appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education in the National Assembly in Cape Town today. The university delivered a full report on its state of governance, administration, teaching and learning, and other institutional matters.

The WSU delegation included members of Council, Executive Management, the Institutional Forum, Labour Unions and the SRC.

The committee praised the composition of the WSU Council, noting its strong representation of high-calibre professionals, leading scholars and experienced sector experts.

The Portfolio Chairperson, Mr. Tebogo Letsie,  remarked that the depth of expertise within the Council, together with the size of the delegation, demonstrated the seriousness with which WSU approached the engagement. The acknowledgment set a positive tone for the discussions that followed.

The engagement opened with a briefing by Council Chairperson, Professor Tembeka Ngcukaitobi. He outlined how the Council carries out its responsibilities within the Higher Education Act and the Institutional Statutes. He highlighted that senior management positions are mostly filled and noted ongoing work to strengthen gender representation in leadership. His overview reaffirmed WSU’s commitment to democratic governance that includes the voices of students, staff and alumni.

Prof Ngcukaitobi also addressed the financial environment facing WSU. He spoke on the pressures created by current funding formulas and grants. He reflected on the progress made after the approval of the Institutional Statutes in 2024. The university’s recent academic progress was highlighted, including WSU’s strong performance in 2025 when it ranked number five in South Africa for its impact under the UN Sustainable Development Goals, verified by Times Higher Education.

The committee then received a detailed overview from the DVC: Teaching and Learning, Prof Margaret Linington. She outlined the institution’s progress under Vision 2030, launched in 2021. The university has recorded steady improvement in research output, including growth in doctoral graduates. Academic restoration, sustainability and renewed trust formed the centre of her presentation.

Professor Linington addressed the persistent challenges facing the university. She reflected on gender-based violence as a major concern and noted the policies, support systems and safe spaces created to protect survivors. Security on campuses also received attention through a multi-layered approach that includes physical upgrades, CCTV and closer coordination with stakeholders.

The meeting later opened the floor to questions. Members of the Portfolio Committee engaged the WSU delegation on a range of issues. Representatives from the SRC, Labour Unions and the Institutional Forum spoke on the realities faced by staff and students. Matters of accommodation, security, classroom shortages, working conditions and operational gaps were placed before the committee. The session ensured that all voices were heard and that every concern received attention.

The Portfolio Committee Chairperson, Tebogo Letsie, closed the engagement with a call for renewed focus and leadership across institutions. His message encouraged all stakeholders to return to their campuses and strengthen the work of improving lives and communities. The all-day engagement, streamed live on YouTube, reflected WSU’s commitment to accountability, openness and continuous improvement as the university works towards greater impact in the higher education sector  .

By Yolanda Palezweni