WSU's Commitment to Student Success: A Collaborative Journey with Siyaphumelela Network

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) has reaffirmed its dedication to empowering students and fostering academic success through its recognition as a partner in the Siyaphumelela Network 3.0 initiative. This partnership highlights WSU’s alignment with national and global efforts to enhance student outcomes through innovative, evidence-based strategies and collaborative approaches.

NSFAS Support: Bridging the Equity Gap

Central to WSU’s mission is its commitment to providing equitable access to education. In 2023, 75% of the university’s student body—21,998 out of 29,313 students—received financial support through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). These students, drawn from the bottom 20% of the national income distribution, benefitted from funding that covered tuition, accommodation, meals, and essential resources.

For many, NSFAS funding has been transformative, bridging socioeconomic disparities and enabling academic success. This support aligns with the principles of the Siyaphumelela Network, which emphasises equity in higher education and a student-centred culture.

Driving Student Success Through Siyaphumelela

The Siyaphumelela (meaning “We Succeed”) Network 3.0 initiative builds on previous phases of the programme and focuses on systemic change to improve student outcomes. Key goals include:

• Enhancing Student Success: Prioritising completion rates while addressing equity gaps across race and gender.
• Leveraging Data: Strengthening the collection and use of student data to inform and improve institutional strategies.
• Fostering Collaboration: Expanding evidence-based practices through national partnerships and capacity-building.

WSU’s inclusion in this esteemed network underscores its leadership in implementing these principles to drive institutional transformation and improve student success.

Innovative Interventions at WSU

WSU showcased its student support strategies at the Siyaphumelela 2023 conference, presenting programmes designed to enhance academic outcomes. These include an early warning system to identify at-risk students, academic advising, peer learning initiatives, and targeted mentorship programmes. These interventions aim to foster resilience and address challenges faced by students, ensuring they remain on track to achieve their goals.

Commitment to Systemic Change

Through its partnership with Siyaphumelela, WSU collaborates with national stakeholders to embed student-centred, equity-driven practices into institutional frameworks. The university also engages in capacity-building initiatives and the sharing of best practices to promote long-term improvements in student outcomes.

Transforming Lives Through Education

As part of its Vision 2030 strategy, WSU remains steadfast in its commitment to equity, inclusion, and academic excellence. By integrating initiatives like Siyaphumelela with its robust NSFAS support system, WSU continues to transform the lives of its students and communities.

With a focus on producing future-ready graduates and fostering systemic change, WSU solidifies its position as a leader in driving student success and advancing equity in higher education.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT 

1.   merSETA GRANT CLEARS R16 MILLION IN WSU STUDENT DEBT

2. MOTSEPE FOUNDATION MAKES HEFTY DONATION TO WSU SRC

3. CONVOCATION EXECUTIVE RAISES MILLIONS TOWARDS DEBT CLEARANCE PROGRAMME

4. WSU SIGNS MoA WITH MINING QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY