WS Faculty of Engineering,Built Environment and Information Technology

Empowering Women in Construction: ASAQS Student Chapter Hosts Inspirational Women’s Day Event

The ASAQS Student Chapter within the Built Environment under the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBEIT) is today hosting a special Women’s Day event aimed at inspiring and empowering female students to confidently pursue careers in the construction and built environment industry.

Led by Ms Lusanda Sokufudumala, a Lecturer within the Built Environment, the event creates an important platform for women in the industry to share their experiences, challenges and successes with the next generation of female professionals.

The event focuses on encouraging female students to embrace the unknown, take on challenges and believe in their ability to reach the highest levels of their chosen careers. With the construction industry traditionally perceived as a male-dominated sector, the event seeks to remind young women that they have an important role to play in shaping the future of the industry.

Adding practical industry perspectives to the programme are two accomplished women entrepreneurs, Ms Emihle Tyali and Ms Ncumisa Gomosha, who are construction business owners and actively involved in the industry. Their presence provides students with an opportunity to learn directly from women who have taken bold steps to establish themselves within the construction sector.

Through their experiences, the speakers are expected to highlight the realities of working and owning businesses in the construction industry, including the importance of resilience, confidence, determination and the willingness to take risks. Their journeys demonstrate that success does not come without challenges, but that challenges can become opportunities for growth and advancement.

The event also encourages students to look beyond the limitations they may place on themselves and to recognise the opportunities available within the broader built environment sector. Whether pursuing careers in quantity surveying, construction management, project management, architecture, engineering or related fields, female students are encouraged to aim high and pursue their ambitions with confidence.

Ms Sokufudumala’s leadership in bringing together students and women working actively in the construction industry demonstrates the importance of mentorship, industry engagement and creating spaces where young women can see themselves represented in professional and leadership positions.

As the ASAQS Student Chapter celebrates Women’s Day, the message is clear: women belong in construction, women can lead in construction, and women have the power to transform the built environment.

The event serves not only as a celebration of women but also as a call to action for female students to step forward, challenge stereotypes, embrace opportunities and never be afraid of the unknown.

The future of the construction industry needs women who are bold enough to dream, courageous enough to take on challenges and determined enough to build the future they envision.

Celebrating Academic Excellence in the Construction & Built Environment Sector 🏆

Walter Sisulu is proud to celebrate a remarkable achievement at the 2026 cidb ERWIC Awards, where our very own HOD for Built Environment, Prof Xolile Nokulunga Mashwama, was recognised for her outstanding contribution to the construction and built environment sector.

The Academic Excellence in the Construction & Built Environment Sector Award recognises individuals who are making a meaningful impact through knowledge, research, education and the development of future industry leaders.

🥉 Runner-up:Luyanda Ngomane | Emeris
🥈 Runner-up: Abimbola Windapo | University of Cape Town
🥇 WINNER:Prof Xolile Nokulunga Mashwama | Walter Sisulu

This prestigious recognition highlights Prof Mashwama’s dedication to advancing academic excellence and contributing to the growth and transformation of the built environment sector. Her work continues to inspire students, academics and industry professionals while helping to shape a stronger and more sustainable future for the construction industry.

On behalf of Walter Sisulu and the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and IT, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Prof Xolile Nokulunga Mashwama on this outstanding achievement. Your success is not only a personal accomplishment it is a proud moment for our University, our Faculty and the broader built environment community.

Congratulations, Prof Mashwama! Your excellence, leadership and contribution are helping to educate, inspire and build the industry of tomorrow.🎓🏗️👏

CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT HOSTS GEOSYNTHETICS PUBLIC LECTURE

The Civil Engineering Department at Walter Sisulu Buffalo City Campus hosted an insightful public lecture on 30 July 2026, bringing together staff and students to explore the role of geosynthetics in modern civil engineering. The lecture, titled "Introduction to Geosynthetics", was presented by Monique Albertyn, Technical Marketing Engineer at Kaytech (Pty) Ltd, and attracted an enthusiastic audience eager to expand their knowledge of this specialised field.

During the session, Albertyn introduced participants to the fundamentals of geosynthetics and highlighted their growing importance in the design, construction, and maintenance of civil engineering infrastructure. She explained the various types of geosynthetic materials and outlined their seven primary functions in engineering applications: separation, filtration, drainage (including transmissivity and throughflow), reinforcement, stiffening (stabilisation), barrier, and protection. Her presentation demonstrated how these materials improve the performance, durability, and sustainability of engineering projects across different environments.

The lecture also showcased practical applications of geosynthetics across sectors such as transportation infrastructure, mining, containment systems, erosion control, and geotechnical engineering. Through real-world examples, attendees gained valuable insights into how these innovative materials are used to address engineering challenges while enhancing efficiency and long-term performance.

Speaking at the event, the Head of the Civil Engineering Department, Professor Akinola Ikudayisi, welcomed Albertyn and expressed his appreciation to Kaytech (Pty) Ltd for partnering with the department to provide the educational session. He thanked the company for generously sharing its expertise with staff and students at no cost, noting that such industry collaborations enrich the learning experience and help bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice.

The public lecture formed part of the department's ongoing commitment to exposing students to current industry trends, emerging technologies, and professional expertise. By fostering partnerships with leading industry stakeholders, the Civil Engineering Department continues to equip its graduates with the knowledge and practical understanding required to excel in the ever-evolving engineering profession.

Need help improving your academic writing? The Walter Sisulu Writing Centre is here to support all registered WS students with free academic assistance designed to help you succeed. Whether you need guidance with assignment and essay structure, report writing, referencing, research proposals, presentation preparation, understanding assignment instructions, grammar and language editing, or responsible use of AI and Turnitin, our dedicated team is ready to assist. Visit any of our Writing Centre offices or book your consultation today by emailing [email protected]. Your academic success is our priority. Let us help you achieve your full potential!

𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐈𝐒𝐔𝐋𝐔 - 𝐅𝐀𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐘 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆, 𝐁𝐔𝐈𝐋𝐓 𝐄𝐍𝐕𝐈𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐍𝐎𝐋𝐎𝐆𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐀'𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐘𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐍𝐈𝐂 𝐈𝐍𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐔𝐓𝐄 𝐋𝐀𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐒 𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐓𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏

A new international partnership between Walter Sisulu University and China's Henan Polytechnic Institute (HPI) is opening the door to global learning opportunities for our Engineering, Built Environment and IT students while deepening technical skills development and cultural exchange between South Africa and China.

The collaboration, centred on the China–South Africa "Dahe Workshop", was formally launched at the Potsdam Site just outside KuGompo City on Monday, 20 June. It will focus on vocational education, student and staff training, curriculum development, technical services and digital learning platforms — creating new pathways towards internationally recognised technical qualifications.

"Today's engagement represents much more than a courtesy visit. It is an opportunity to explore how our two institutions can combine our strengths for the benefit of our students, staff, industries, and our respective nations," said the Advisor to the Vice-Chancellor, Mr Ntlanganiso Dladla. "This is a clear demonstration of the growing importance of international cooperation in higher education, and a deepening South-South relationship in a global economy undergoing tectonic geopolitical shifts."

Building on that momentum, the HPI delegation travelled to the Buffalo City Campus the following day, Tuesday, 21 July, to tour the engineering laboratories at the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBEIT). The visit reinforced the practical foundations of the growing partnership between the two institutions.

Leading the delegation was HPI Deputy President Mr Zhu Chengjun, joined by Mr Fan Guohui (Dean, School of Architectural Engineering), Mr Li Lei (Vice Dean, School of Electronic Information Engineering) and Mr Zong Wentao (Secretary-General, BRICS Organization for Youth Cooperation and Development).

Touring the labs and engaging with academic staff, Mr Chengjun noted striking similarities in equipment and approach: "There's a lot of common ground and similarities that I've noticed during our visit to and engagement with the laboratories and the equipment contained therein. This is encouraging because it means there is a solid foundation from which we can jointly conceptualise and implement the practical components of the agreement between our institutions."

He also expressed optimism about establishing reciprocal student exchanges through the Dahe Workshop, giving Engineering, Built Environment and IT students from both institutions the chance to study in each other's countries broadening global perspectives while strengthening academic collaboration and cross-cultural understanding.

Together, Walter Sisulu University and Henan Polytechnic Institute will now work on developing innovative teaching models, expanding technical skills training and strengthening industry-focused education, producing graduates ready for an increasingly interconnected global economy. 🌍🤝

We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the ERI Student Debt Relief Programme. This initiative has been established to provide financial relief to eligible students who are currently burdened by outstanding student debt.

Interested students are invited to submit their applications via the official application link provided below. Please note that only applicants who meet the qualifying criteria will be contacted and requested to submit the required supporting documentation for further processing.

Application Link:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=3Nuuk2fMUkaqEtJQqHauebxk4qX6sVxLpur76DX4FnZURjNEWUNYR0hRMzlORkJUVUJHNUNYQ1dKMy4u

We kindly request that this announcement be shared with all relevant student groups, mailing lists, and platforms to ensure that the opportunity reaches as many deserving students as possible.

forms.cloud.microsoft

CELL PHONE REPAIR GRADUATION: A REAL GAME CHANGER FOR RURAL ENTREPRENEURS

Yesterday, 02 June 2026, the Cellphone Repair graduation hosted by NEMISA and Walter Sisulu University (class of 2025) was held at the Lusikisiki Resource Centre. Thirty proud graduands received their certificates after successfully completing the practical training programme.

The event was more than a certificate ceremony it was a celebration of new beginnings. Graduates took the stage to share their training journeys, describing long hours of hands-on practice, challenges overcome, and the satisfaction of mastering technical skills. Many spoke about the personal and family support that carried them through, and they expressed deep gratitude to NEMISA, Walter Sisulu University, programme facilitators, and community supporters for the opportunity.

For these 30 newly qualified cellphone technicians, most of whom come from rural areas where unemployment remains a serious challenge, this qualification is a real game changer. Equipped with marketable skills, basic business know-how, and confidence, they are now launching micro-enterprises and repair services in their communities. Several graduates announced that they have already started earning profit from repairs and services, turning their training into immediate income and sustainable livelihoods.

This programme demonstrates how targeted skills development can address unemployment, stimulate local entrepreneurship, and strengthen rural economies. By creating pathways from training to self-employment, the initiative helps graduates become job creators rather than job seekers repairing phones today and rebuilding local prosperity tomorrow.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025, may your businesses thrive, may you employ others from your communities, and may your success inspire many more to pursue technical skills and entrepreneurship. Join us in celebrating these new technicians and the brighter futures they are building.