Walter Sisulu

𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐔 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐓𝐎𝐏 𝟑 𝐀𝐓 𝐁𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐒

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu lecturer, Bhekithemba Vellem was recognised as one of three top emerging scholars who presented at the 5th BRICS Postgraduate Forum for his groundbreaking mobile health application research designed to empower students manage stress more effectively.

A PhD candidate and nursing lecturer in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Vellem’s paper titled: “Co-designing a Context-Driven Mobile Health Innovation for Stress Management among Health Sciences Students in Resource-Limited Settings,” forms a vital part of his ongoing doctoral research project.

“The study employed a convergent parallel mixed-methods design, with a user-centred approach integrated throughout the developmental stage of the intervention. I presented key findings that highlighted major stressors faced by students, including academic workload, financial challenges, clinical placement demands, and the strain caused by student unrest and institutional disruptions,” Vellem explained.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4vlp7jp

The Department of Human Resource Management, in partnership with the Department of Social Development and the Enoch Mgijima Local Municipality, is driving community-centred solutions through the Adopt a Small Business initiative in Ilinge, Komani.
The programme, aligned with the university's Food Futures vision, seeks to address food insecurity and unemployment by supporting emerging agricultural and agro-processing enterprises while strengthening sustainable local economies.

As part of the initiative, seven Human Resource Management students have been paired with small businesses to assist with business planning and enterprise development, providing practical learning opportunities while helping entrepreneurs build resilient and sustainable businesses.

The Ward Councillor Asanda Sizani described the programme as an incubation platform for future entrepreneurs capable of creating employment and reducing dependency on government support.

The Head of Department Dr Lulama Majova said the initiative reflects the university's commitment to eliminating poverty, promoting zero hunger and building partnerships that drive societal transformation. The Deputy Head of Department Konwabo Klish added that the programme gives students direct entrepreneurial experience, allowing them to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while developing the skills needed to become future-ready and socially responsive graduates.

𝐏𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐎𝐍𝐀𝐋 𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐒 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐏𝐈𝐑𝐄𝐒 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐎 𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐑𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐍 𝐂𝐀𝐏𝐄

The death of a family member became the catalyst for a research journey that would see Walter Sisulu academic, Dr Nomputumo Ngesimani, investigate one of rural healthcare's most pressing challenges - the effective use of digital technology to improve patient care.

For Ngesimani, a lecturer in the university’s Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBEIT), the loss prompted difficult questions about healthcare service delivery in underserved communities and inspired a commitment to finding evidence-based solutions through research.

“The loss of my family member highlighted potential gaps in healthcare service delivery and prompted me to reflect on how healthcare facilities in rural settings operate under constrained conditions,” she said.

This personal experience laid the foundation for her doctoral study, titled “The Impact of Digital Technology on Healthcare Facilities in a South African Eastern Cape Rural Environment”, which examined the realities facing clinics, community health centres and rural hospitals across the province.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3QcVFNg

Understanding Grief: You're not alone!!!

𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐂𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐌𝐈𝐂𝐒 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇 𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐋𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐈𝐍 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐃𝐈𝐆𝐈𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐆𝐄

As digital technologies and artificial intelligence continue to reshape the higher education landscape, academics from Walter Sisulu's Faculty of Education (FoE), Department of Business Management Education, recently convened at the East London Health Resource Centre to advance research aimed at enhancing teaching and learning practices.

The gathering provided a dedicated space for lecturers and researchers to focus on the completion of ongoing scholarly papers centred on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) approach.

SoTL is an approach that encourages educators to systematically investigate student learning and critically evaluate their teaching practices to improve educational outcomes.

FoE Associate Professor, Zanoxolo Gobingca, said the rapidly evolving educational environment demands that academics continually interrogate the effectiveness of their teaching practices.

“By treating teaching as a subject of rigorous research, faculty improve their classroom practices, contribute to educational literature, and ensure teaching methods are both evidence-informed and student-centred,” said Gobingca.

He added that SoTL provides a critical framework through which academics can examine both the opportunities and challenges presented by technology and digitization in contemporary classrooms.

According to Gobingca, researchers should investigate whether current teaching and learning methodologies, classroom management strategies, and lesson plans are effectively maximising student learning and academic success in an increasingly digital world.

Contributing to the discussions, Business Management Education academic and researcher Professor Billy Adams highlighted several themes that should underpin impactful SoTL research.

“Some of the key aspects of your research should be geared towards looking at how one can improve student engagement, looking at how your discussions can best stimulate students to have robust engagement."

“Further to that, your research should look at motivation and academic achievement through innovation, while also examining evidence-based teaching methods in the classroom," said Adams.

He also encouraged researchers to explore how student-centred approaches can drive academic excellence, while maintaining clarity about the purpose of their investigations.

He challenged participants to distinguish whether their research is aimed at improving teaching and learning to achieve better graduate outcomes, or at enhancing the classroom environment to enrich the student learning experience.

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu is hosting a two-day Fame Lab workshop at the Butterworth Campus. The workshop aims to support students and aspiring researchers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

In his opening speech, Dr Mzolisi Payi emphasised the importance of science and encouraged participants to tackle something both simple and challenging. He stated that knowledge should not be confined to laboratories and lecture halls instead, it should inspire innovation and help us address the challenges faced by our country and the world.

The first day of the workshop focuses on engagement and introduces participants to the basics of science communication. On the second day, participants will present their scientific topics within a limited time.

The Walter Sisulu Convocation is pleased to announce a ground-breaking Graduate Debt Repayment Programme aimed at assisting graduates who have, for a long time, been unable to access their academic certificates due to outstanding student debt.

Find full information Below.

LINKS ⬇️

Debit Order Mandate: https://bit.ly/4xwpKYG

Online Application Form: https://forms.gle/e6LjxusBxt4FRnF9A

For enquiries on this programme, graduates may contact: [email protected], [email protected], and [email protected].

𝐏𝐔𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐂 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐋𝐄𝐂𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐋𝐘 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐔 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐆 𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐒𝐄𝐂𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐄𝐒 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐍

For Walter Sisulu Public Health lecturer Xolelwa Ntlongweni, promoting healthy living extends far beyond the classroom. Through her actions and commitment, she strives to inspire students and colleagues alike as she prepares for South Africa’s most celebrated race, the Comrades Marathon.

The upcoming race on Sunday, 14 June, her second consecutive run, marks a significant milestone not only in Ntlongweni’s personal running journey but also in the university’s sporting history, as she becomes the first athlete to compete officially under the banner of the newly established Walter Sisulu Athletics Club.

A PhD candidate, researcher, and academic in the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ntlongweni’s passion for running was ignited long before she entered organised races.

Growing up in Mdantsane, she recalls running from her home in NU13 to Fort Jackson Train Station alongside friends - a simple pastime that would eventually evolve into a remarkable journey steeped in endurance.

“I started small. My first major milestone was running 21 kilometers. Completing that distance gave me confidence and showed me that my limits were much further than I thought,” she said.
That confidence laid the foundation for increasingly ambitious goals.

In light of this growing ambition, she said: “From there, I progressed to 42 kilometers, which was another turning point because it taught me about endurance, consistency, and mental toughness. After that came 50km races, then 56km races. Each race built my confidence, strengthened my discipline, and prepared me mentally and physically for the next challenge.”

Now preparing for one of the world's most demanding ultra-marathons, Ntlongweni acknowledges that success has required immense sacrifice and unwavering commitment.

“Ultra-marathon training demands consistency, discipline, and long hours on the road, often very early in the morning,” she said. “There were days when exhaustion would set in, but I still had to show up and trust the process. Mentally, the biggest challenge was overcoming self-doubt.”

Balancing the demands of academia, research, and rigorous training schedules has tested her resilience, yet it has also reinforced the values she hopes to impart to her students, these being perseverance, discipline, and a commitment to personal well-being.

Representing Walter Sisulu as the first official runner of the institution’s newly formed running club adds further significance to the occasion.

“Being the first-ever Walter Sisulu Athletics Club member to participate in the Comrades Marathon is both humbling and emotional. It is an honour to represent the university on such a prestigious platform and to help lay the foundation for a culture of running and wellness within our institution,” said Ntlongwane.

Reflecting on the milestone, Butterworth Campus Sports Manager Yonela Ntongana, one of the driving forces behind the establishment of the Walter Sisulu Athletics Club, said the initiative was born out of a growing interest in social running among university staff.

“There has been a noticeable increase in the number of staff members who are actively involved in running but are affiliated with local running clubs. This highlighted the need for a formal university structure to support, unite, and grow this community within the institution,” said Ntongana.

She added that the club is open to both staff and students and offers structured training programs, coaching support, and competitive opportunities.

Ntongana described Ntlongweni’s Comrades Marathon participation as a proud milestone for both the club and the university, marking the club's official debut on one of South Africa’s biggest sporting stages.

In the spirit of "In Pursuit of Excellence", Walter Sisulu wishes the Bafana Bafana team all the best in the 2026 FIFA World Cup! KUBO!!!

Ngoba "Lento kakade yinto ya lonto!"

𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐮 𝐕𝐂 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐠𝐰𝐞𝐛𝐢 𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Vice-Chancellor & Principal, Prof Thandi Mgwebi, on Thursday afternoon, delivered a strong call for universities to become active drivers of innovation, policy influence, and societal transformation during an international higher education conference held in Gqeberha.

She was speaking during the closing session of the 2026 Australia-Africa Universities Network (AAUN) Conference, hosted by Nelson Mandela University from 8 to 11 June under the theme “Circular Economies for Inclusive and Sustainable Futures,” where global university leaders, policymakers and researchers gathered to explore collaborative solutions to pressing development challenges.

The AAUN, a 15-year-old collaboration between universities across Africa and Australia, focuses on strengthening research, innovation, academic mobility and knowledge exchange, bringing together institutions such as the University of Pretoria, University of Mpumalanga, University of Nairobi, University of Ghana, and Australian partners including Curtin University, Edith Cowan University, Charles Sturt University, Murdoch University and the University of New South Wales.

Prof Mgwebi said AAUN has evolved beyond traditional institutional cooperation into a platform for shared global futures and deeper collaboration among partner universities.

She challenged member institutions to reassess the network’s global positioning and long-term relevance in the context of higher education transformation.

She emphasised the need for a shift in how universities collaborate internationally, particularly in addressing global inequalities and shared development challenges.

“AAUN has moved beyond being a network of universities and is now becoming a network of shared futures. The question now is how do we position this network to become one of the most influential South-to-South and South Pacific higher education partnerships in the world by 2030,” she said.

She added that the future would not be built on donor-recipient relationships but rather on mutual benefits, shared knowledge production, and shared leadership.

She further stressed that universities must evolve into more active societal actors.

“Our institutions must become innovation hubs, policy laboratories, and community partners,” she said.
She added that the true value of the network lies in its real-world impact, extending beyond academia.

“Our strength lies in helping governments, communities, and industries make better decisions,” she added.