FIRST COHORT OF INTSHAYELELO 101 STUDENTS RECEIVE CERTIFICATES OF COMPLETION

Walter Sisulu University in November celebrated the successful completion of the Intshayelelo 101 programme, designed to assist first year students with integrating into the community environment.

The first cohort of first year student to undertake the programme, which commenced this year, were awarded certificates of completion in a ceremony held at the university’s Komani campus.

Writing Centre Manager, Doctor Stenford Matenda reported that lecturers had reported great improvements in students’ confidence and academic performance after joining the programme.

“We are very elated with our achievements in this programme. The module is not compulsory, and we are very happy to see large numbers of students participating voluntarily, doing well and finishing their portfolios. It has been a life-changing experience for me, the team that was assisting us and our facilitators. We hope that as the module is being rolled out to other faculties, we will get the support we need to support our students,” said Writing Centre Manager, Dr Stenford Matenda.

The Intshayelelo programme was developed to address challenges traditionally faced by first-year students as they transition into university life, taking into consideration WSU’s greater student population who come from underdeveloped rural schools.

The programme’s focus is to equip students with fundamental skills and knowledge which are essential to their understanding of the university procedures, academic standards and available resources.

Matenda highlighted that the module comprises seven units, including WSU History, which explores the university's journey since the 1970s and its focus on fostering graduate attributes.

Other units, such as Academic Literacies, Digital Competencies, Ethics and Ubuntu, and Financial Literacy, aim to equip students with essential skills, values, and strategies for academic success, ethical living, and entrepreneurial thinking.

Intshayelelo facilitator and mentor, Gcobani Sanda, who is one of the university’s postgraduate students appointed to roll out the programme said that they as facilitators were highly impressed with the programme’s first cohort of students.

“Students now have better access to university systems and are familiar with the various offices on their respective campuses and their functions. I maintain regular communication with their lecturers to monitor academic performance and actively seek assistance, such as tutors and academic advisors, for students who struggle,” said Sanda.

The programme’s managers and facilitators also noted improved confidence and performance among Komani students, while increased awareness of support services has enhanced psychosocial health and learning preparedness.

By Yanga Ziwele