FLHSS SOFA EMBRACES CHANGE WITH CORE VALUES AT THE HEART OF TRANSFORMATION

The Executive Dean, Prof. Thabisani Ndlovu, delivered the inaugural State of the Faculty Address for the Faculty of Law, Humanities, and Social Sciences on Tuesday at the Zamukulungisa Auditorium.

His address was rooted in the restructured core values of the university as Ubuntu, integrity, and accountability, which he highlighted as drivers of change and success of the faculty.

“The bedrock of a faculty’s identity is its values that promote excellence, it is only through them that you can achieve a shift. These values are necessary to change from where we were: a culture of disunity, non-accountability, gross entitlement, and fear of excellence,” said Ndlovu.

According to the Executive Dean, the restructuring marks a significant transformation in the faculty’s vision, which aims to establish it as a leading study and research centre in law, humanities, and social sciences across the country and the continent through its Africa-centred approach and integration of technology.

This, in line with WSU's Vision 2030 and fostering a renewed commitment to excellence.

By emphasizing lived values, Ndlovu asserts that the faculty has strengthened its identity, promoting collaboration across departments and moving away from past challenges of disunity.

Ndlovu said, "The faculty has undergone a transformative shift—departments are no longer fragmented and self-regulating, but instead operate with greater accountability. As a result, non-performing colleagues effectively hold themselves accountable, reducing the need for external interventions.”

He added, “There is also a growing respect for female leadership and an increased awareness, appreciation, and participation in the academic life of the faculty. This progress has fostered a more inclusive understanding of ubuntu, extending beyond individual spaces to our shared corridors and workspaces."

Ndlovu spoke on the faculty's growth, noting the introduction of new programmes such as the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Language Studies, advanced diploma options, and the planned PhD programme in 2026 to boost postgraduate enrolments and research output.

Regarding student support, he outlined new structures aimed at enhancing student engagement and communication, along with cultural initiatives such as the Creatives Collective Postgraduate Society, which will foster academic and social development.

“A dedicated Academic Project Team has been structured and streamlined to ensure continuous monitoring and targeted interventions aimed at enhancing student throughput. With clearly defined roles and responsibilities, the team is now better equipped to drive academic success,” said Ndlovu.

He added, “At the postgraduate level, close monitoring of the supervision process remains a priority, with initiatives such as the Supervision Indaba, which was successfully held on 30 November 2025, already in place to strengthen support for postgraduate research."

According to the ED, since rebranding as a university in pursuit of excellence, research activities have grown significantly, with six NRF-rated researchers and more expected through mentorship.

“The faculty currently has six NRF-rated researchers, including four at C2 level, one at C3 level, and one at Y2 level. More researchers are expected to receive NRF ratings through the support of the NRF Mentorship Team, with special acknowledgment to colleagues, particularly Prof. Enongene Sone (African Languages Head of Department), for their contributions.

Externally funded projects, such as the Women Rise Project in collaboration with the Human Sciences Research Council and the Trans-Atlantic Project on Democracy, further highlight the faculty’s expanding research footprint.

“Funding has been identified as a priority area for the period 2025–2030. To support this, the faculty has appointed Prof. Bank, whose portfolio is 80% dedicated to fundraising, collaborations, and internationalization, with gratitude extended to the Vice-Chancellor for facilitating this appointment,” said Ndlovu.

He added, “Sustainable fundraising will be integrated with teaching and learning, relevant community engagement, and engaged research to create a feedback loop that supports further fundraising efforts, with the expectation that, through vigorous capacitation, the model will become self-sustaining within three years.”

In terms of staff development, the Executive Dean announced plans to strengthen recruitment of highly qualified academics, expand mentorship programmes, and implement mental health initiatives to address burnout and workplace stress.

Meanwhile, Ndlovu highlighted future strategic priorities, including establishing a sustainable funding model, enhancing academic offerings through regular programme reviews, strengthening postgraduate supervision, and accelerating faculty flagship projects.

Ndlovu concluded by underscoring the faculty's commitment to excellence, saying the transformation efforts will uplift WSU’s reputation, ensure graduates are highly competitive in the job market, and build a human-centered, values-driven faculty for long-term success.

By Ongezwa Sigodi