Professor Manoj Panicker

I am pleased to welcome you to the Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences at Walter Sisulu University, Zamukulungisa site. Our four departments: Accounting Sciences, Auditing, Management Accounting & Finance, and Business Management & Economics work together to realise our vision of “An impactful, technology infused African University.” We are committed to ethical, innovative, and entrepreneurial teaching that prepares future ready graduates to meet society’s evolving needs.

The Faculty of Economic and Financial Sciences offers a diverse range of qualifications, including diplomas, degrees, advanced diplomas, honours, and master’s programmes. Among these is the SAICA-accredited Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting Sciences, delivered by a dedicated team of highly qualified professional academics. From 2026, the Department of Accounting Sciences will introduce the Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting (PGDA) and the Honours in Accounting. The PGDA marks a significant milestone for our faculty, enabling students to complete the full academic pathway toward qualifying as Chartered Accountants (SA). In addition, the Advanced Diploma in Internal Auditing and the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Accounting are currently under SAQA registration, with anticipated offerings from 2027. The MCom, with extended fields such as Accounting, will commence in 2026, alongside the launch of our PhD in Commerce, firmly positioning the faculty as a comprehensive provider of economic and financial sciences qualifications. We remain committed to supporting our students through personalised mentorship and a learning environment that encourages excellence and professional growth. Our approach integrates innovative teaching, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement in collaboration with partners across various sectors. The faculty is home to a dynamic community of scholars, including six NRF-rated researchers, with strong publication records in accredited journals and contributions to national textbooks.

Our research capacity is strengthened by 12 Post-Doctoral Fellows and 38 Research Associates. Through their work, the faculty actively generates new knowledge that empowers future professionals and entrepreneurs, particularly from rural and developing communities. We continue to lead in technology-infused teaching and are responsive to evolving market demands. Our students benefit from exposure to emerging technologies, modern teaching methods, and a supportive environment that equips them with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly complex world. This holistic preparation encourages readiness for advanced study, rigorous research, and long-term career success. Above all, we warmly welcome prospective students to join us on this transformative academic journey—one grounded in professionalism, integrity, ethics, accountability, excellence, and Ubuntu. We wish you every success in your studies and future endeavours. academic