WSU SEALS MoU WITH NYANDENI KINGDOM AND LOCAL MUNICIPALITY

WSU, together with the Nyandeni Local Municipality and the Nyandeni Kingdom, officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which aims at addressing priority and achievable community developmental needs.

This comes after the university chose to adopt Nyandeni sub-district as the pilot site for the Community Engaged Scholarship Programme, held under the “Adopt-a-District” initiative.

This milestone initiative is grounded in the principle of social cohesion, strengthening ties between traditional leadership structures and institutions of higher learning for the benefit of local communities.

Areas of collaboration between the three parties include community-engaged learning and teaching, research, and community-based services.

During the signing ceremony, held at the Nyandeni Royal Palace, WSU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Rushiella Songca, highlighted that the MoU aligned with the university’s core identity and strategic direction, as she emphasised on WSU’s slogan ‘In Pursuit of Excellence’.

“This is a promise to continuously strive for quality, integrity, and transformation. Not just in academics, but in how the university engages with the world. Excellence here is not a destination, it is a mindset. A relentless drive to improve, impact and lead, especially in a region like the Eastern Cape, where access and equity matter deeply.  That pursuit becomes even more meaningful,” said Songca.

Her address reflected a deep commitment not only to academic excellence, but also the broader social upliftment of the amaMpondo aseNyandeni community.

In that same spirit, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Executive dean, Professor Wezile Chitha, echoed Songca’s sentiments as he reinforced WSU’s mission to address real-world challenges like those faced by eNyandeni community, through impactful education, research and partnerships.

“WSU is an impactful, technology-infused African University. This vision reflects our commitment to being a transformative force in African higher education, leveraging technology to drive innovation, inclusivity, and relevance in all its academic and community engagements,” said Chitha.

Championed by FMHS, Chitha added that the initiative follows an asset-based community engagement model to community building. It focuses on identifying and leveraging the strengths and resources already present within the community to drive a positive change.

In a response that captured the spirit of the moment, His Majesty, King Ndamase Ndamase, said he welcomed this partnership with deep appreciation and pride.

“The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding marks a historical chapter for our Kingdom, one rooted in empowerment and progress. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Walter Sisulu University for finalizing this agreement and recognizing the potential that lies within our communities,” said Ndamase.

He pledged to ensure that this partnership will not be mere lip service, but a living force for change, stating that it will be results-driven.

By Thandeka Mgqibi