WS Faculty of Engineering,Built Environment and Information Technology

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.

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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.

CELL PHONE REPAIR GRADUATION: A NEW DAWN FOR SKILLS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT

"It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today as we celebrate a remarkable achievement — the graduation of participants from the Cellphone Repair Programme," said the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology at the graduation ceremony.

The Dean thanked partners, government, NEMISA and stakeholders for making the programme possible and described the day as "a celebration of hope, resilience, opportunity, innovation, and the transformative power of education and skills development." He emphasised that this success shows what can be achieved when universities, government, industry and communities collaborate to provide practical skills that stimulate local economic development.

"On behalf of the iYunivesiti Walter Sisulu Management, Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to each graduate. Your success today reflects your determination, commitment, discipline, and willingness to invest in your future," the Dean said.

Highlighting the importance of mobile technology, he noted: "Mobile phones are no longer simply communication devices. They have become essential tools for education, healthcare, banking, agriculture, entrepreneurship, governance, and social interaction." The Dean explained the programme's dual aim: to equip participants with employable technical skills and to promote entrepreneurship so graduates can establish sustainable businesses and create jobs.

"The knowledge and skills you have acquired extend beyond replacing screens, repairing charging ports, diagnosing software faults, or troubleshooting hardware components," he told the graduates. "You have learned how to solve problems systematically. You have learned precision. You have learned patience. You have learned professionalism. You have learned customer service. Most importantly, you have learned how to create value through technical expertise."

Urging continued learning and self-reliance, the Dean said: "Graduation is not the destination. It is the beginning of a lifelong journey of learning. Technology changes rapidly... To remain relevant, you must continue learning, improving your technical competence, obtaining certifications, and embracing innovation." He added a call to entrepreneurship: "Do not wait endlessly for employment opportunities. Create them. Start small if necessary. Operate from your community. Build a reputation based on honesty, quality, reliability, and excellent customer service."

Addressing the wider social impact, he stated: "Skills programmes such as this contribute significantly towards building resilient local economies. They stimulate entrepreneurship. They support small business development. They strengthen township and rural economies. They improve household incomes. They reduce poverty."

The Dean expressed gratitude to facilitators, coordinators, government and industry partners, and families: "Thank you for investing in skills development and for believing in the transformative power of education."

He closed with a call to service and excellence: "'Success is not measured only by what you accomplish for yourself, but by the positive impact you make in the lives of others.' Go into your communities with confidence. Serve with integrity. Work with excellence. Innovate with courage. Lead with humility. Congratulations once again to every graduate. Your future begins today."

Join us in congratulating the new Cellphone Repair graduates ambassadors of practical skills, entrepreneurship, and community upliftment.

CALL FOR STUDENTS WITH OUTSTANDING DEBT-

Rotek Industries is requesting information from qualified students with outstanding debt whose certificates are being withheld. This opportunity is for students from the university who studied Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical, Civil Engineering, and Built Environment/Construction Management and Quantity Surveying. Eligible students must have completed their qualification from 2021 onwards, have no previous NSFAS benefit, no other funding since registration, proof of residence, a clean disciplinary record, and a final-year average of at least 60%.
If you meet the criteria, please complete the form and upload all required documents. Submission is for screening only and does not guarantee funding.
Application link: https://tinyurl.com/v7xeete9 or scan the QR Code

Please submit your application on or before 10 June 2026. Late submissions will not be considered.

DPWI FACILITIES MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE 2026: DAY 2

Following a highly engaging and insightful first day and with profound reflections on its highlights, Day 2 turns to innovation, sustainability, and professional development across the facilities management sector.

Today’s program dives deeper into transformative themes shaping the future of public infrastructure:

Technology and innovation in facilities management.

Green building policy and economic development opportunities.
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Professionalizing facilities management in the public works sector.

National Infrastructure Maintenance Strategy.

Facilities Management Framework: research-informed, practical solutions for government.

The sessions continue to champion the conference’s core goals: driving collaboration, stimulating innovation, and delivering practical solutions to improve the management of our public infrastructure. Join the conversation and follow updates.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT TAKES CENTRE STAGE AT INAUGURAL PUBLIC WORKS SECTOR CONFERENCE

Today, at the inaugural Public Works Sector Facilities Management Conference held at Walter Sisulu’s Potsdam Site, we placed the strategic role of facilities management firmly in the spotlight. In his opening address, FEBEIT Executive Dean Prof. Didibhuku Thwala reminded us that facilities management has evolved beyond maintenance to become a strategic discipline that integrates people, places, processes, technology and infrastructure to deliver organisational objectives and sustain built assets across their lifecycle.

Prof. Thwala warned that infrastructure value is realised only through effective operation and maintenance—beautifully constructed hospitals or world-class university buildings still fail their users if poorly managed. He highlighted pressing sector challenges in South Africa, including ageing infrastructure, deferred maintenance backlogs, constrained budgets, rising operating costs, climate pressures and heightened public expectations.

We heard a strong call for higher education to prepare the next generation of built environment professionals, facilities managers, engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, and asset managers equipped with leadership, digital literacy, sustainability awareness, and innovative problem-solving skills.

SAFMA President Batabile Sibaca described the conference as a historic milestone and urged stronger partnerships across government, industry and service providers to elevate facilities management from a background support role to a strategic driver of asset performance. Eastern Cape Head of Department Phucuka Penxa echoed the need for urgent reform to reposition facilities management within the public sector so schools, hospitals, and government offices can reliably support learning, healing, and service delivery.

This convening marks an important step toward collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the sustained performance of our public infrastructure.