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Walter Sisulu University (WSU) appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education in Cape Town on 19 November 2025. The institution briefed the committee on governance, management, teaching and learning, and its overall performance. Senior representatives from Council, Executive Management, Labour Unions, the SRC and the Institutional Forum formed part of the WSU delegation.
What Happened
The committee opened the session by commending the composition of WSU’s Council. Members noted the presence of seasoned professionals, leading academics and experienced sector specialists. Portfolio Committee Chairperson Tebogo Letsie said the expertise within the Council, along with the size of the delegation, showed the seriousness with which WSU approached the engagement.
Council Chairperson Prof Tembeka Ngcukaitobi delivered the first briefing. He outlined Council’s responsibilities in terms of the Higher Education Act and the Institutional Statutes. He reported that most senior management positions are now filled and added that efforts to strengthen gender representation in leadership continue. He reaffirmed WSU’s commitment to democratic governance that includes staff, students and alumni.
Prof Ngcukaitobi also addressed the university’s financial environment. He stressed the pressure created by current funding formulas and grants. He noted progress since the approval of the Institutional Statutes in 2024. He also pointed on WSU’s academic achievements, pointing to its strong performance in 2025 when it ranked fifth in South Africa for impact under the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as verified by Times Higher Education.
The committee then received a second briefing from DVC: Teaching and Learning, Prof Margaret Linington. She detailed progress under Vision 2030, launched in 2021. WSU has recorded steady growth in research output, including increases in doctoral graduates. She said academic restoration, sustainability and renewed trust remain central to the university’s strategy.
Prof Linington also spoke about key challenges. She emphasised gender-based violence as a major concern and outlined policies, support services and safe spaces created for survivors. She said campus security has improved through a multi-layered approach that includes infrastructure upgrades, CCTV and closer collaboration with stakeholders.
Official Response
The committee opened the floor for questions. Members engaged the delegation on issues raised by the SRC, Labour Unions and the Institutional Forum. Concerns included accommodation, safety, classroom shortages, working conditions and operational gaps. The discussion ensured that every group presented its views and that each matter received attention.
Closing the session, Chairperson Letsie urged all stakeholders to return to their campuses with renewed focus. He encouraged institutions to strengthen their efforts to improve the lives of students and surrounding communities.
Community Impact
The all-day engagement, streamed live on YouTube, demonstrated WSU’s commitment to accountability and transparency. It also highlighted the university’s ongoing work to improve governance, strengthen academic performance and address challenges faced by staff and students.
