Walter Sisulu University

Walter Sisulu University

Former names	Border Technikon, Eastern Cape Technikon and University of Transkei
Motto	A Developmental University
Type	Public Comprehensive University
Established	2005
Chancellor	Sheila Sisulu
Vice-Chancellor	Prof R Midgely
Students	21,946
Location	Mthatha, Butterworth, East London & Queenstown , Eastern Cape , South Africa 31°36′12″S 28°45′02″E
Campus	4 campuses
Colours	White and Black
Nickname	WSU
Website	www.wsu.ac.za

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is a university of technology and science located in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, South Africa, which came into existence on 1 July 2005 as a result of a merger between Border Technikon, Eastern Cape Technikon and the University of Transkei. The university is named after Walter Sisulu, a prominent figure in the struggle against apartheid.

History

The University of the Transkei was established in the homeland of that name in 1976, initially as a branch of the University of Fort Hare at the request of the homeland government. The Border Technikon and Eastern Cape Technikon were established in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Turnaround strategy

In October 2011, the university was placed under administration at the request of the council, management and WSU stakeholders.

An administrator, Professor Lourens van Staden, was appointed by the then Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr BE Nzimande for two years to lead the WSU Turnaround. The Council dissolved in October 2011 and the Vice-Chancellor’s term of office expired on 31 December 2011.

The turnaround strategy is addressing improvements in infrastructure and the review of the academic enterprise, IT infrastructure, financial sustainability, human resources and drive change management.

Vision

As one of six comprehensive universities in South Africa, WSU is a developmental university, focusing on urban renewal and rural development by responding to the socio-economic needs of community, commerce and industry through science, technology and innovation.

Administration and Organisation

The university is organised by faculty:

• Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology
• Faculty of Health Sciences
• Faculty of Business, Management Sciences
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of humanities, social science and law
• Faculty of natural science

Academic programmes

The university's 175 academic programmes are fully accredited by the Council on Higher Education which monitors higher education quality across South Africa. In addition, many of the programmes are also accredited by their respective professional bodies. The programmes are offered in:

• Engineering
• Science
• Health
• Information technology
• Business management
• Education
• Fashion and art
• Journalism and broadcasting
• Tourism and hospitality management
• Agriculture (in the planning stage).

Notable alumni

• Terence Nombembe CA(SA), Auditor General of South Africa since 2006 to 2013 (B.Com 1982)
• Nonkululeko Gobodo CA(SA), first black woman CA(SA) (B.Com)
• Nomgcobo Jiba, advocate and was the Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions