The Insider - Walter Sisulu University

Issue 2
June 2010
The Insider
The life and times of Walter Sisulu University

The late Walter Sisulu
Our first issue of The Insider received a warm welcome from our readers and
we thank you for your support and the many compliments received.
In this second issue, we feature the life of the late Walter Sisulu. We have recently
embarked upon a campaign to profile this exceptional leader whose name we are
proud to bear: his values of wisdom, integrity and excellence underpin the ethos to
which we aspire at Walter Sisulu University. We hope you enjoy reading more about
the personality behind the name.
The transformation of higher education which resulted in the reconfiguration of the
landscape through mergers and incorporations from 2003 – 2005 was a turbulent
period for those involved in creating new institutional identities and cultures. Thirtysix
universities and technikons were merged in various ways to form twenty-three
universities of three distinct types: traditional academic universities; comprehensive
universities and universities of technology. This was the background to the
formation of the comprehensive university now known as Walter Sisulu University.
As we approach WSU’s 5th anniversary on 1 July, the issue of higher education
transformation is far from complete. The in-depth article on this matter gives some
insight into how WSU is approaching the transformation agenda.
Access and success are core values of WSU and the recent debate on the National
Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) is of particular interest to WSU as our
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Marcus Balintulo is the chairperson of the
Education Ministerial Committee appointed by the Minister of Higher Education and
Training, Dr Blade Nzimande, to review NSFAS.
Our e-learning feature will show that WSU is at the forefront of global learning and
teaching technology; our hosting of the RAPDASA 10TH Conference ensures WSU is
part of a national and international network of engineering entrepreneurs while our
links with commerce and industry are portrayed in an article on advisory boards. In
contrast to this, is an interesting perspective on African tradition in modern South
Africa.
Finally, adding some colour and glamour to this second issue of The Insider is a
snapshot of our latest art and fashion exhibitions.
Do visit our new-look website at www.wsu.ac.za where you will find this publication
in electronic format and also have the opportunity to keep abreast of the many
activities taking place at Walter Sisulu University.
Warm regards
Angela Church
Editor
Editorial
In this issue:
Walter Sisulu: a man of excellence, integrity and wisdom • Transformation: building an African comprehensive
developmental university of first choice • WSU is rolling out its e-learning strategy 2011 •
WSU hosts RAPDASA 10th Conference • WSU collaborates with well-equipped advisors • Government takes step
towards free education • African Tradition in a modern SA • Fine Art raises the bar
• Fashion: a celebration of individualism
COVER PICTURE: “Behind the wind” by Unathi Feni, WSU B Tech Fine Art graduate.
Coming up in our next issue:
Celebrating WSU’s 5th anniversary; all the excitement and achievements of Graduation 2010; our latest Honorary Graduates
and much more...

Walter sisulu: A Man of
Excellence, Integrity and Wisdom
SOME say it is a coincidence, but
we do not believe that. Tata
Walter Sisulu was born on 18
May 1912, the same year the African
National Congress was formed. He
was born to a domestic worker mother
Alice Sisulu, and his father, Victor
Dickenson, was a white civil servant.
He and his older sister Rosabella were
brought up in Qutubeni, eNgcobo,
Transkei, by his mother, his uncle
Dyantyi Hlakula and his grandparents.
Sisulu learned a great deal about the
Xhosa culture and the laws of society
from his influential uncle, who was
the headman of the village and a lay
preacher. His early political influences
were Marcus Garvey, whose supporters
preached the philosophy of Africanism
- getting “back to Africa”. He was
exposed to a mediated version of
Marcus Garvey’s Pan-African liberation
for black people via village meetings.
History lessons at the Anglican
Missionary Institute in eNgcobo also
inspired Sisulu greatly. It was during
these classes that he learned about
Shaka, Moshoeshoe, Cetshwayo and
General Mokana (Mokanda).
As a youngster he frequently visited
the home of Dr Walter Rubusana,
an old man who had founded the
Native Congress in the Eastern Cape.
Dr Rubusana was a direct political
influence on Sisulu.
As it was in the old days, Walter, aged
14, left mission school after completing
Standard 4 to work between 1928 and
1940. He worked in a range of jobs:
as a delivery man for a dairy; in a
masonry and carpentry department,
then as a miner; as a domestic and
as a baker for Premier Biscuits. His
revolutionary side first came out when
he was sacked for leading a strike at
the bakery. He also worked as a paint
mixer, a packer for a tobacconist; as
a part-time teller at the Union Bank
of South Africa, and after 1938 as
an advertising salesperson and real
estate agent.
He managed to set up a small business
as an estate agent in the little freehold
land that Africans were allowed to own
in Johannesburg. In 1940, he joined
the African National Congress, the
same year that Dr AB Xuma, also from
Engcobo, became its president. He
was among the group of radicals who,
in 1943-44, formed the Youth League,
becoming its treasurer in 1949.
He became the first full-time
Secretary-General of the ANC in 1949.
The development of the ANC into a
mass movement may be traced to
the establishment of the ANC Youth
League in 1944. The Youth League
advocated militant action - including
boycotts, strikes and civil disobedience
- for freedom from white domination
and the attainment of political
independence.
He was the moving spirit behind all
the great campaigns in the 1950s, as
well as the transformation of the ANC
in 1960-61 for underground work and
armed struggle.
“I will
suffer under
the system
until I have
defeated it”
He was instrumental in bringing
the ANC to the watershed 1949
conference, where the Programme of
Action was approved and Sisulu was
Page 1
elected as ANC Secretary-General, a
post he held until 1954 when banning
orders forced him to resign the
position.
He also became a sometime author.
Although he left school early, he
studied on his own to improve his
education. On Robben Island he
completed a BA in art history and
anthropology and read more than 100
biographies. He published a book on
African Nationalism commissioned by
the government of India in 1954. In
the ‘50s and early ‘60s he also wrote
numerous articles for New Age, The
Guardian and Liberation. He wrote
articles for the Bantu World on African
heroes. He wrote a piece entitled,
South Africa Behind Bars which was
handed out among the representatives
of the different countries.
Sisulu spent more time in jail than
outside, but the most notable was
when he was jailed for life along with
the other Rivonia trialists in 1963.
He was convicted in March 1963 of
furthering the aims of the banned ANC
and of helping to organise the 1961
May stay-at-home.
He married Mama Albertina Thethiwe
Sisulu (a nurse) in 1944. Nelson
Mandela was his best man. They
had five natural children who have
all contributed to the South African
struggle: Max, Anthony Mlungisi,
Zwelakhe, Lindiwe and Nonkululeko.
In addition they have four adopted
children: Jongumzi, Gerald and Beryl
(whose biological mothers are Sisulu’s
sister and his cousin) and finally
Samuel, a former Robben Islander
who begged to be part of Sisulu’s
family and has now been formally
adopted.
They had barely four or five years
of normal married life before he >>

2
was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Mrs Albertina Notsikelelo Sisulu was
also active in the freedom struggle,
becoming a symbol of courage and
determination and is acclaimed by
the people as “mother of the nation.”
She joined the ANC Women`s League
in the 1940s and was elected its
Treasurer in 1959.
Sisulu was released from prison on 15
October 1989. He was elected Deputy
Walter Sisulu marries Mama Thethiwe Albertina in the 1940s
Walter Sisulu with his great friend and fellow comrade Dr Nelson Mandela on Robben Island in
the early 70s.
Page 2
President at the ANC national conference in July, 1991.
Sisulu was a member of the Internal Leadership Core in
1991.He became an honorary Chancellor of the University
of Venda and was awarded the Isitwalandwe by the ANC
on the 80th Anniversary of the ANC, Bloemfontein, on 8
January, 1992.
He continued to be passionately committed to the
wellbeing of his community, especially children and young
people. He and Albertina devoted much of their time
to the Albertina Sisulu Foundation which built a multipurpose
community centre in Orlando West, Soweto.
Speaking to Tata Walter Sisulu’s
youngest daughter Ms Nonkululeko
Sisulu, a teacher in Soweto, she
remembers her father as a man who
embodied the quality of integrity.
“Tata was honest, reliable and
principled. He never acted in his own
self interest but everything he did
was motivated by love for his people
and his organisation,” she remembers
fondly.
“He was always polite and respectful,
even to his political opponents and
enemies. He attacked wrong ideas
and actions, but never personalities.
In other words he always went for the
ball and not the man. His is a spirit
of leadership that should inspire the
youth of today.”
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT
WALTER SISULU:
• Sisulu was a mentor of
Nelson Mandela in his youth.
• He was the organisational
genius of the ANC.
• He could not be immobilised.
• He helped organise the armed
struggle and Umkhonto we
Sizwe (“Spear of the Nation”),
a military wing. He helped
organise Umkhonto and set up
regional commands as its Political
Commissioner.
• Reports from prison indicated
that 23 years of confinement had
not shaken the faith and spirit of
Walter Sisulu.
• He had nerves of steel in crisis
situations.
• His unforgettable experience:
In 1953, Walter Sisulu was the
guest of the World Federation of >>

Democratic Youth at its third World Youth Festival in
Bucharest, Rumania.
• Walter Sisulu was a man of tremendous integrity,
which made his communication with people of
different political views very easy. He enjoyed a very
high standing with people of all nationalities and
ethnic groups who not only loved him but sheltered
and protected him from police persecution at great
risk to themselves.
• In 1928, aged 16, the same year he got to
Johannesburg he became the secretary of the
“Orlando Brotherly Society”, a Xhosa organisation,
which prompted an interest in tribal history and
encouraged economic independence from whites.
• In 1961 Walter helped Chief Albert Luthuli, recently
announced winner of the Nobel Peace prize, deal
with media attention.
• In 1984, whilst in prison, Sisulu was awarded an
honorary degree from York University, Canada.
• In the 1990s Sisulu played a ceremonial figure role in
the 1990-93 negotiations between the South African
liberation movements and the incumbent Nationalist
government and did much for conflict resolution.
Walter in his Johannesburg office where he worked as an estate agent
Page 3
HIS QUOTES
• “I wish you were an African. Then you would know...”
to prosecutor, Percy Yutar during the Rivonia Trial in
1963.
• “I wish to make this solemn vow and in full
appreciation of the consequences it entails. As long
as I enjoy the confidence of my people, and as long as
there is a spark of life and energy in me, I shall fight
with courage and determination for the abolition of
discriminatory laws and for the freedom of all South
Africans irrespective of colour or creed.” – 1952
• “I will suffer under the system until I have defeated
it”.
• During his wedding to Albertina, she was warned
that, “You are marrying a man who is already married
to the nation.”
• “Simple nationalist slogans are inadequate. Behind
the great repressive state in South Africa is a ruling
class based on complex forms of class and colour
exploitation, each supplementing the other to oppress
the African as a worker, peasant or human being.”
Pictures courtesy of RaceMatters and Ezakwantu

Transformation in line with
Building an African Comprehensive
Developmental University of First
Luthando Jack
WSU’s Chief Risk Officer & Transformation
Manager
THE transformation of Walter
Sisulu University has got to be
located within the context of the
transformation of the Higher Education
system and that of the South African
society as a whole. There is therefore
an inextricably organic link between
WSU and the society it seeks to serve.
WSU’s vision and mission concisely
captures this connection.
WSU, as a merged university, had
its first Transformation Indaba in
November 2009 with the purpose of
soliciting views from stakeholders
on the transformation path it should
take in order to be more relevant and
responsive to the needs of society. This
piece gives feedback from this historic
gathering. It also touches briefly on
our views in terms of the key enablers
for the transformation of WSU from the
side of government.
The Transformation Indaba was
held under the theme: Setting an
Agenda for Transformation: Towards
a Developmental University of First
Choice. The Indaba was held for
two principal reasons. Firstly, it was
Choice
intended to set a broad transformation
agenda for the University. Secondly, it
aimed at providing a platform for the
University to respond to the Ministerial
Committee report on Transformation,
Social Cohesion and the Elimination
of Discrimination in Public Higher
Education Institutions.
Our view is that the Indaba was
successful in many respects. It
managed to create a platform for
open and frank engagement on the
key transformation drivers for WSU. It
enabled WSU to converse about itself
and its future direction. It provided
a platform for stakeholders to freely
express themselves about how they see
the transformation of the University.
This was critical especially given the
fact that the Indaba was also attended
by external guests.
The Indaba emerged with concrete
outcomes on how to transform Walter
Sisulu University. The outcomes are
summarised in the Indaba Declaration.
The Declaration committed the
university to the building of an African
Developmental Comprehensive
University of First Choice that is inter
alia imbued with: a progressive culture
of learning, teaching, research and
community engagement; a studentcentred
culture of learning and
teaching; a unifying institutional culture
that advances the vision, mission and
values of WSU; non-racialism, nonsexism,
democratic ethos, accessibility
and inclusivity.
The Transformation Indaba resolutions
have served as the bases for the
development of the Transformation
Charter of WSU. The Transformation
Charter should be viewed as an
integral part of the Strategic Plan of
WSU. As part of deepening institutional
conversations on transformation the
Institutional Forum held its own followup
workshop on transformation at the
beginning of February 2010. The IF
workshop helped hone and deepen the
discourse on WSU’s transformation.
Page 4
The holding of the Transformation
Indaba and the Institutional Forum
follow-up transformation workshop
set WSU on an unchangeable pathway
towards setting a common agenda for
its transformation. The central task
at the moment is the consolidation
of outcomes and the embracing of
these by relevant structures and finally
by Council for approval. However,
this does not necessarily mean that
implementation will wait for approval
as several of the outcomes are part of
the divisional business plans.
The Indaba set WSU on a dual
but complementary course to
transformation. The first path has
got to do with the past history of
the country. The legacy of apartheid
has systematically discriminated
against institutions like WSU (founder
institutions) in various forms, for
example through funding and
infrastructure development. Naturally
this created a lot of inequities within
the higher education system. The
university’s transformation agenda
therefore should be on the one hand
about the redress of past inequities
created by the system. This therefore
calls for a clear programme to address
past imbalances that still prevail within
the institution. The playing fields are
not levelled.
Whereas this is the case, on the other
hand the University has got to meet
enormous societal expectations. The
University must therefore transform
so that it can be able to meet and
respond to the needs of society. In
other words it must transform so that
it can fulfil its aspirations as contained
in its vision and mission. The first
path to transformation could largely
be achieved through state and private
sector participation especially with
respect to resource mobilisation. The
second path could be achieved by and
large through a conscious effort from
the side of the University working with
all its partners. This is so because the
University seeks to place itself at the >>

centre of development.
In my view, the Department of Higher
Education and Training must play a
central role in helping institutions
like WSU take their appropriate
place in the provision of appropriate
human resources for the growth and
development of the country. The
objective reality suggests that the
deep structural inequalities deliberately
created by the apartheid system must be
consciously and consistently addressed
though targeted interventions by the
state. It is therefore imperative that
the policy framework that governs the
allocation of resources and funding
must be reviewed so that the inequities
of the apartheid legacy are reversed
and permanently dislocated.
In this context a review of the
Funding Framework is welcomed and
is long overdue. The current funding
mechanism for institutions of higher
learning in the main assumes that these
institutions are equal, have similar
resource bases, are located in the
same environment and consequently
their support or economic foundation
is identical. It is pretty clear that
institutions that are located in rural
and poor environments have massive
and dissimilar challenges from those
located in metropolitan areas. The
ideal funding mechanisms must
therefore take these practical realities
into account.
Part of our call therefore as WSU,
for the transformation of the higher
education system is the creation of
an enabling environment for all higher
education institutions to succeed.
The review of the funding framework
should be at the centre of this effort.
The review of the National Student
Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) was an
important step towards this direction.
There is therefore need for a review of
the inequities in the sector in terms of
student support systems, for example
residences, learning and teaching
facilities and so forth.
The task of transforming a university is
not only inherent in the university itself.
A university like WSU, that has defined
itself as a developmental university,
can and will only be successful in its
transformation if it places itself at
the centre of its communities. It can
only accomplish what it placed for
itself through establishing working
partnerships with its wider community.
In essence, fundamental change at
WSU will be heralded by strongly built
partnerships.
The current policy environment provides
the University with a competitive edge
and comparative advantage to position
itself for the establishment of these
partnerships for transformation and
change. The University’s obligation is
to continue to accurately situate itself
in this manner. The conversation on
the University’s transformation has
begun; the challenge is building on the
accomplishments and sustaining them.
The journey towards the building of an
“African Developmental Comprehensive
University of First Choice” has begun. All
of us are encouraged to be part of the
transformation path of WSU. Working
in partnership, we will overcome all the
obstacles and reach our collective and
shared destiny.
Page 5
By Luthando Jack
Professor Muxe Nkondo, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Venda gave a great talk on
how to transform institutions and society

WSU is rolling out its
E-Learning Strategy 2011
E-LEARNING is the integration
of technology with learning and
teaching activities. Students can
use educational technology (e-learning) in
and outside the classroom, and on and off
campus. From 2008, e-learning at WSU
has been piloted in the Faculty of Science,
Engineering and Technology (FSET) as a
result of funding by Nuffic (Netherlands
Funding Agency), codenamed NPT Project
2011.
The work on e-learning is also in line
with the WSU strategic objective of the
integration of information, communication
and technologies (ICTs) with learning and
teaching. The FSET pilot departments
include Schools of Engineering,
Information Technology and Computer
Science, and Mathematics. The main aim
is to improve the throughput rate in these
high priority skills departments.
From 2009, and following the Senate
approval of the WSU e-learning Strategy,
e-learning is also being cascaded to the
rest of the WSU faculties. A number of
activities have been carried out in 2009.
In response to the rapid advancement of
technology and the need for the world to
constantly keep up and take advantage,
the Walter Sisulu University’s Centre for
Learning and Teaching Development
(CLTD) hosted an E-Learning Week from
2 -6 November 2009.
The theme was Integrating Information,
Communication and Technology in
Learning and Teaching. The highlight of
the week was the two-day Conference,
in partnership with the Netherlands
Organisation for International Cooperation
in Higher Education (Nuffic). The
Conference featured researchers and
experts who made presentations on how
to integrate technology and teaching to
create a progressive learning environment.
There was a delegation from the University
of Groningen, Netherlands, South African
Universities such as Tshwane University
of Technology, University of Cape Town,
University of the Western Cape, Nelson
Mandela Metropolitan University, Rhodes
University and University of Fort Hare and
also WSU staff.
Locations for staff development centres
have been identified and equipped in
Mthatha (NMD site) and Buffalo City
Page 6
(Chiselhurst site). Locations for e-learning centres have
also been identified and these spaces have been properly
equipped with two walk-in laboratories.
There are two Writing and Reading Centres that have
sufficient equipment. Three e-learning Specialists have
been employed to train staff on e-learning. Twenty project
team leaders, from FSET and CLTD, attended a train-thetrainer
e-learning course in the Netherlands in April 2009.
In June 2009, the Education Technology and Innovation
Unit (ETIU), Continuous Professional Development
Unit (CPDU) and the specialists from the Netherlands,
conducted an e-learning training for 16 FSET and CLTD
Project team leaders at intermediate training (Group
I), a basic training for 40 lecturers from the FSET pilot
Departments and the CLTD units (Group II), and further
training on digital learning environment support for
e-learning Administrators and some ICT staff (Group III).
As a result of the e-learning training, lecturers have
developed online courses on the learning management
system, Blackboard. So far, there are 179 active online
courses on Blackboard.
To ensure effective management support for rolling out
e-learning both by the Centre and FSET pilot Departments,
the Directors of the FSET Schools and Managers of the
CLTD attended a Leadership Training at the Netherlands
(University of Groningen and Erasmus University,
Rotterdam) in September 2009.
In 2010, all semester and year courses were loaded
on Blackboard (learning management system) and all
students registered for such courses also registered for
Blackboard.
By Valindawo Dwayi
Director: Centre for Learning and Teaching Development, WSU
Walter Sisulu University staff members familiarise themselves with
the e-learning concept

Walter Sisulu University hosts
WALTER Sisulu University’s
Mechanical Engineering
Department hosted the Rapid
Product Development Association
of South Africa’s (RAPDASA) 10th
Annual International Conference
at the Mpekweni Beach Resort at
the end of last year. RAPDASA is a
representative body of the technical
service providers and researchers
in the product development field.
RAPDASA is also affiliated to the
Global Alliance of Rapid Prototyping
Associations (GARPA).
This association has grown from
an initiative of a few governmentsupported
institutions into a powerful
vehicle for technology transfer
and diffusion into private industry.
Product development is a vibrant,
growing and very necessary function
in the South African economy. With
growth occurring in a variety of
fields, from agriculture to aerospace,
the development of new products is
always a necessary activity that will
continue to sustain such growth and
innovation. RAPDASA facilitates the
rapid development of new products
through means such as Rapid
Prototyping or Layer Manufacturing.
RAPDASA Conference
More recently their capabilities have
increased to not only include the
making of prototypes, but also final
end-use components, hence the
name Rapid Manufacturing.
Walter Sisulu University is a RAPDASA
member because it understands
that globalisation and the need
for modernisation lead to a better
quality of education. The institution
successfully hosted the three-day
conference with the aim to interact
and share ideas on rapid product
development and innovation as they
are key drivers towards economic
development, sustainability and
improved industry competitiveness.
“RAPDASA is a representative body
that is accessible to any engineer
wishing to be part of it. We aim
to promote the manufacturing of
new products which are produced
quicker, better, less costly and with
new improved and creative designs.
We look to equip universities, the
Industry and many other fields with
rapid product development,” said
Dr Terry Wohlers, an international
Rapdasa member from the United
States.
Professor Deon de Beer who is
a Rapid Prototyping researcher
commended WSU for the interest
it also took in RAPDASA following
universities such as Vaal University of
Technology, University of Free State
and the University of Johannesburg
amongst others. “Universities
produce the people who will be
working in the industry; as such it is
very useful to learn, familiarize and
grow with advancing technologies
while building an extensive local and
international network,” said De Beer.
“Higher Education institutions today
must ensure their viability and
relevance and serve the needs of their
clients, the government, commerce,
industry and the communities in
which they are located. Research
collaborations such as RAPDASA are
vital for our growth,” said Professor
Sandile Songca, WSU’s Dean for
the Faculty of Science, Engineering
and Technology, as he welcomed
delegates on the first day of the
conference.
He went on to say that WSU has to
produce graduates who are practical,
technical thinkers, and equipped to >>
School learners from around Buffalo City learn about engineering equipment at the WSU Chiselhurst site
Page 7

drive the economy. Before the start of
the conference, WSU and RAPDASA
had ‘planted a seed’ by inviting 160
grade 10 high school learners from
the different schools surrounding
WSU’s Buffalo City engineering
campus.
The scholars were motivated by Dr
Terry Wohlers about the importance
of Engineering and how underdeveloped
it is in South Africa
compared to other parts of the world.
He said in his talk that the students
should empower themselves with
Walter Sisulu University
collaborates with well-equipped
advisors
AS a comprehensive university
that offers both academic and
technological programmes,
Walter Sisulu University constantly and
vigorously strives to keep its technologyfocused
academic programmes and
their content up-to-date. That is why
it recognises the unique opportunities
that Advisory Boards and industry
collaborations offer the institution.
These collaborations are equally
beneficial because they ensure that
the industry receives an opportunity
to shape and inform the acquired
skills relevant to the job market for
graduates.
The Advisory Boards are divided
according to WSU’s four faculties that
host different schools and departments.
They assist many of the schools in
recognising the latest needs of the
differing industries and give advice on
more knowledge of how to develop
products of change at early ages as
those create wealth for the country
at large.
He continued to note that engineering
is much needed around the world
as it impacts upon everything
from automobiles, medical, dental,
footwear, sports and jewellery. He
also described the establishment
and evolution of the facilitating
role that the Association plays as
an independent organisation in
stimulating and improving the level
existing and proposed programmes to
ensure that the curriculum will produce
the best professional and industrial
practices.
“Advisory Boards are important because
we build external relationships that
our students and the institution can
benefit from. For instance our School
of Tourism and Hospitality (SCOTH)
Advisory Board meets with us twice
a year where they give us advice and
assist, where appropriate, in finding
industrial placements for students”,
said Kofi Acheampong, Director of the
School of Tourism and Hospitality.
This relationship also promotes
collaboration on research between the
university and the industry.
In February this year a Strategic
Engagement was held between higher
and further education institutions,
Members of the School of Technology (Scoth) Advisory Board
Page 8
of communication and interaction
between the users of technology
and the technology providers. “The
ability to design and develop new
products is generally accepted as
a strong enabler for improving
the competitiveness of a country’s
manufacturing industry. RAPDASA is
a vehicle for product development
technology diffusion in South Africa
and all creative thinkers from our
institutions must form part of that
“history in making”, concluded
Wohlers.
by Oyanga Ngalika
government and local business,
organised by the Border Kei Chamber
of Business in East London. The
engagement was attended by the
Buffalo City Mayor, Ms Zolisa Faku and
Businessman of the Year, Mr Simphiwe
Kondlo, CEO of the East London
Industrial Development Zone and other
local organizations.
Mr Kondlo said: “The knowledge industry
needs to be nurtured and developed. To
do something meaningful, start where
you are, use what you have and make
the most of your situation.”
It was emphasized that universities
and their research component is a
key strength of the Eastern Province’s
innovation. David Lefutso of the
Cooperation Framework on Innovation
Systems (Cofisa) programme under the
Department of Science and Technology
reminded the stakeholders that a >>

country like Finland used to be a rural
economy and today it is at the centre of
cutting edge technology.
He commended Walter Sisulu University
on their cutting edge research on
biochemicals but also a raised a concern
on the lack of collaboration between
academia and the private sector.
The Eastern Cape Socio-Economic
Consultative Council (ECSECC) has
done research on how universities
contribute to the province.
Speaking on behalf of the WSU Vice-
Chancellor, Professor Sandile Songca
said that we need to create an
environment where learners want to
come and study in Buffalo City. “We
also need to retain graduates in order
for us to utilize their knowledge and
competence.”
He added that the responsibility of
higher education is to create graduates
that will not be job seekers, but
rather job creators and for that to
happen activities such as incubations,
innovation and relationships need to be
strengthened.
A question was raised around the
evident brain drain in the province
despite the fact that there are 70 000
university students. “Are we training for
this economy?” asked Prof Songca.
These partnerships seek to address
this challenge and with enough close
collaboration they will prove fruitful.
Existing Advisory Boards between
Walter Sisulu University and the
business sector include various
prominent business and industry
leaders:
The School of Technology Advisory
Board members are:
• Nomawonga Kama: The
Department of Health, Nutrition
Directorate
• Mandisa Mdyoli: The Tsolo
Institute of Agriculture, Manager
Home Industries
• Terry Flynn : Fine Art, Ann Bryant
Art Gallery
• Sisilana Gidakazi: Department of
Arts and Culture
• Mpumi Fundam: Eastern Cape
Development Corporation
• Masana Chikeka: Department of
Arts and Culture
• Zandile Malotana: Foschini Group
• Thandi Mbethe: Department of
Arts and Culture
• Sunshine Blouw: Council for
Scientific and Industrial Research
(CSIR)
School of Tourism and Hospitality
(SCOTH) members are:
• Nthabiseng Moleko: Researcher,
Eastern Cape Socio-Economic
Consultative Council (ECSECC)
• Fezeka Mlungu: Executive Manager,
Eastern Cape Tourism Board
• Mandisa Xolo: Director, Lagoon
View Lodge
• Zola Tshefu: Chief Executive Officer,
Eastern Cape Tourism Board
• Bradley Gilbert: Food & Beverage
Manager, Hemingways
• Chandré Ammes: Chairperson &
Route Manager, eScape Route
• Grazia Linden: Owner, Grazia Fine
Food & Wine
• Keith Stanton: Director,
Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve
• Peter King: General Manager,
Tourism Buffalo City
• Tom Wanklin: Director, Tshani
Consultants
• Weziwe Busakwe: Senior Manager,
Department of Economic Affairs,
Environment & Tourism
• Peter Gregerson: General Manager,
Blue Lagoon Hotel
School of Public Relations, Media
Studies and Marketing members are:
• Owen Bekker: Buffalo City
Municipality
>>
Delegates deep in thought at the Border Kei Chamber of Business Strategic Engagement
Page 9

• Ace Kika: Eastern Cape Academy
of Sport
• Thoko Mlonyeni: NGO:
Community Sport
• Colleen du Randt: Tourism Buffalo
City
• Mr Makubalo: Department Sport,
Recreation, Arts and Culture
• Deon Muller: Border Cricket
Academy
• Zuki Makasi: Gijima Sport ‘n
Leisure
• Kurt Thompson & Blossom
Mazaleni: Virgin Active
• Nicky Elsi: Border Rugby
• Celia Theart: Managing Director
of Intengu Communications
• Professor Johan van der Merwe:
Head of Department of Public
Relations - CPUT
IN June 2009, Walter Sisulu
University’s Vice-Chancellor
Professor Malusi Balintulo led an
Education Ministerial Committee to
review the National Student Financial
Aid Scheme (NSFAS). The review
was prompted by challenges related
to the important goals of access and
affordability. The review focused on a
specific set of terms of reference which
included a focus on the administrative
capacity of NSFAS which had not kept
pace with the growth in terms of
the size of the state’s investment in
financial aid.
It represented a tenfold increase in
the NSFAS budget between 1999
and 2010. In addition, there were
several areas ranging from concerns
regarding the growing number of
blacklisted borrowers, the urgent
need to assess short, medium and
long term growth requirements of the
fund to increase access, particularly
of poor students and in addition there
was the imperative to review the
distribution and allocation policies and
mechanisms of the fund.
This report by the Committee is now
complete and has been submitted to
the Department of Higher Education
and Training as well as to Cabinet for
consideration. The scope of the review
mandated the Committee to assess
the strengths and shortcomings of
current scheme and to advise the
Minister on the short, medium and
long term needs for student financial >>
Page 10
• Angela Church: Communications Manager – Walter
Sisulu University
• Terry Taylor: Communications Manager – Portnet
• Pastor Patrick Mhloma: Public Relations Consultant
• Mr Luthando Bara: Communication Business Consultant
• Cheri Rudy: Investpro Events
• Marcine Cooper: Featherstone Consultants
• Saskia Kriedemann: Di Stap Communications
Department of Construction Management and Quantity
Surveying members are:
• Ian Cooper: Eastern Cape Master Builders Association.
• Hilton Wait: Eastern Cape Master Builders Association.
• Bill Heaton: Heaton Construction.
• Sakhumzi Diko: DPV Quantity Surveyors
• John Kayula: LMA Quantity Surveyors
• Khulile Nzo: Lakhanya Quantity Surveyors cc.
• Eric Williams-Jones: PQS East London.
• Anthony Hattingh: Lakhanya Quantity Surveyors.
Government takes
first step
towards free
education
Dr Blade Nzimande, National Minister of Higher Education and
Training

aid to promote the twin goals of equity of access and
providing free undergraduate education to students from
working class and poor communities who cannot afford
further or higher education.
The terms of reference requested the Committee to, among
other things:
• Make recommendations on appropriate mechanisms for
raising and administering the required funds, including
the parameters of the recapitalisation of NSFAS and
for the possible establishment of a student loan bank.
• Investigate the feasibility of student financial aid being
linked to priority fields of study and levels of academic
performance.
• Assess the viability of extending financial aid to
students in not-for-profit private higher education
institutions (HEIs).
• Assess the nature and extent of former and current
students blacklisted by NSFAS and universities and
recommend appropriate action to be taken to deal with
the problem.
• Recommend changes to the governance, management,
operational capacity and systems of the NSFAS to meet
the needs of the new policy framework
• Some of the committee’s key findings show that the
amount of NSFAS funding available falls far short of
demand and that there are significant gaps between
the NSFAS award and the full cost of study for many
students. This underfunding is a contributing factor to
the high attrition rate in our university system. The
report highlights the need for the Department of Higher
Education and Training (DOHET) to revisit the access
and success debate and makes several proposals in
this regard. In addition, there are many families who
cannot afford higher education but whose income is
above the threshold of R122 000. This is referred to by
the Committee as the ‘missing middle’.
The full list of recommendations can be found on page 124
in Chapter 10 of the report. (To download the full report
go to www.education.gov.za and look under “What’s new”.)
“I wish to acknowledge the difficult task of the Board of
NSFAS over the years, particularly as members do this on
a voluntary basis. I thank them for their work. It is my
fervent hope that the recommendations of the committee
lead to the strengthening and improved functioning of the
Board,” said Minister of Higher Education and Training Dr
Blade Ndzimande.
He added that, “I would like to extend my heartfelt
appreciation to Professor Malusi Balintulo and his
team for the intensive work they undertook during the
review, including an extensive consultation process with
stakeholders as well as the commissioning of several
research pieces which have informed the study.”
“We presented the summary of findings and
recommendations of the committee to Cabinet last month
(March 2009) and I will report on our final response,
including recommendations and an implementation plan,
to Cabinet once we have concluded the period of public
Page 11
Professor Malusi Balintulo, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of WSU
consultation. Our intention is take the matter before Cabinet
by the end of August.”
“There are, however, some matters arising from
recommendations that require our immediate attention.
These include simplifying the means test to be applied
uniformly at all institutions; revisiting the institutional
allocation model; reviewing the funding formula and
framework for universities; commissioning research into the
inter-relationship between affordability, access and success;
and the appointment of a task team to look into several
recommendations by the Committee on loan recovery by
the South African Revenue Service and solutions for the
‘missing middle’. These issues will be acted upon urgently.”
“This is the first step taken by government to realise the
commitment of the ruling party to “progressively introduce
free education for the poor until undergraduate level”.
The review of NSFAS was undertaken in fulfilment of the
resolution of the governing party to “encourage students
from working class and poor communities to go to tertiary
institutions by reviewing and improving the Scheme.”
(This information originated from the Ministry of Higher
Education and Training)

B.Tech Fine Art Annual Exhibition
WALTER Sisulu University’s seven BTech
Degree artists received rave reviews and
made excellent sales during their exhibition
late last year. The unique collections were exhibited at
the Ann Bryant Gallery in East London. Bernard Barry’s
‘Adults Only’ work was only viewable at his home in
Vincent because the content is sexually explicit and is
not for sensitive viewers.
Zukisa Madyibi whose collection is titled, ‘I tune,
can you dance’, says he is thrilled about the number
of people who saw and loved his work. “I can say
confidently that my art has a market, people get it.”
Of the 15 pieces he displayed at Ann Bryant, he sold
five to tourists and managed to sell the other work
privately.
He maintains that he will be based in the Eastern Cape
because that is where he gets his inspiration and will
market his work aggressively outside the province.
Leon du Preez, a curator at the Ann Bryant Gallery is
also impressed and proud to carry WSU Fine Art. “The
WSU exhibitions keep raising the standard each year.
All the artists had a good response from the public,
especially Unathi Feni who sold a lot of pieces.”
Department of Fine Art lecturer John Steele says he
is delighted with the Exhibition, and feels proud that,
raises the bar once again, the WSU Department
of Fine Art benchmarked visual arts
excellence in our region. “I was also
delighted with the variety in medium
and contrasts in styles, varying
from the large and boldly painted
works of Unathi Feni and Bernard
Barry, to the carefully rendered and
finely detailed prints of Tess Barry,
to the humorous take on political
events drawn by cartoonist Xolile
Machakela,” he expressed.
MOTHERHOOD: Wherever you go, there you are, a piece by Tess Bruce from the collection An
artists’ maternal dilemma
Page 12
He adds that each student showed
themselves to have developed the
beginnings of a clearly defined
individual style and focus of interest
to stand them in good stead in the
years to come as they practise as
young artists.
I tune, can you dance by Zukisa Madyibi
By Khuthala Nandipha

WSU delegation attends
International Rural Development
A
FOUR-member Walter Sisulu University delegation
attended the Annual International Rural
Development Conference that ran from the 17
to 23 April in New Delhi, India. They were part of a
40-member South African team led by the Minister of
the National Department of Rural Development and
Land Reform, Mr Gugile Nkwinti.
The WSU delegation was made up of Professor
Nomfundo Luswazi, Director of the Centre for Rural
Development (CRD), Dr Somadoda Fikeni, WSU Council
Chairperson, Professor Sandile Songca, Executive Dean
for the Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology
and Mr Mzolisi Payi, Director for the Centre of Community
and International Partnerships.
The Conference brought together the emerging
economies of India, China, Brazil and South Africa. The
aim is to promote solidarity, especially exchange of
information, and best practices in Rural Development in
these countries.
WSU’s Professor Luswazi was selected due to the concept
and activities of the Centre for Rural Development’s
Annual Conference which has been running for five
years. Other South African delegates were selected
from NGOs, government departments, Higher Education
institutions and community-based organisations.
After the Conference the WSU delegation spent time at
the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in the Punjab
province in India. Speaking on the purpose of the visit
to PAU, Professor Luswazi recalled that the partnership
Conference
Page 13
between the PAU and WSU dates back to the 2007 WSU’s
CRD Annual Rural Development Conference when the
then Vice-Chancellor of PAU, Dr Kirpal Singh Aulakh,
addressed the Conference as a keynote speaker.
“He enlightened conference participants on the role
that agricultural universities have played in India, in the
Green Revolution. He maintained that forty years ago
the Punjab had been poorer than Transkei is today,” she
said.
She added that he emphasized how a policy change
transformed 39 universities in agriculture and led to
partnerships, which working together brought about
the Green Revolution in the Punjab and other parts of
India. The role of the agricultural universities has been
to produce high level scientists, agricultural managers
and practitioners as well as to conduct research that is
relevant to the problems of the region.
“WSU has studied this and other transformatory higher
education models in Africa and abroad. We are going to
visit PAU in order to see for ourselves, critically assess
the model and learn as much as we can.”
She believes that the experience will make an impact
upon the Eastern Cape and beyond if they are able to
share and infuse it into WSU programmes. “Exposure
to these agricultural universities will assist WSU in
its current big project of establishing a new Faculty
of Agriculture and Rural Development Studies,” she
concluded.
By Khuthala Nandipha
Delegates from the Walter Sisulu University and the SA National Department of Rural Development and Land Reform with the Management of
the Punjab University in New Delhi, India during the Conference.

African
Tradition in
a modern SA
dialogue sets
tongues wagging
NKOSI Phathekile Holomisa’s (Aah Dilizintaba)
book, According to Tradition: A cultural
perspective on current affairs was launched
nationally in March at WSU Mthatha campus to a
diverse audience, igniting a robust debate on a
contentious element of society: tradition.
The book is a collection of articles that King
Holomisa has written for the South African Press
over the years in relation to the role of tradition
in present day society. The last leg of the launch
was a dialogue hosted by the Daily Dispatch, cohosted
by Walter Sisulu University, in conversation
with political analyst and Walter Sisulu University
Council Chairperson, Dr Somadoda Fikeni.
Dr Somadoda Fikeni seemed especially thrilled by
the prospect of analysing a book that speaks to
his sentiments. He heavily criticised the absence
of black people in knowledge production in South
Africa. He cited a research fact that 95% of the
knowledge production is by whites, according to
the Human Science Research Council (HRSC).
He argued that the epitome of black people’s
struggle against the apartheid regime was the
abundance of concrete debates and wealth of
ideas. He commended the King for his efforts to
end the drought that prevails in today’s society.
He made mention of the three power blocks that
are central to the book: politics, the economy and
the socio-cultural aspect. The current political
regime was criticized for its indecisive nature
on critical social issues, reducing themselves
to merely a government with power but lack of
implementation.
Socio-culturally, Dr Fikeni seemed to understand
the challenges that are facing the Eastern Cape.
“Colonialism spent most of its time here, meaning
there are deep-seated issues that need to be
reversed. This book tries to claim that space,” he
said.
Dr Fikeni stated clearly that, “Africans are in exile
within their own land. Culture and tradition is
practised part-time because we are trying so hard
to be white.”
He cited author and politician Dr Walter Rubusana
in his rendition “Zem’iinkomo magwalandini”,
(the cows are being taken away from you, you
cowards).
Page 14
Nkosi Phathekile Holomisa signs a copy of his book for a reader
King Holomisa, with his usual calm demeanor, was
nonetheless frank from the beginning, declaring diversity in
South Africa as a rhetoric rather than reality. In the book he
speaks of his battle with the democratic government on the
clarity of the role of traditional leaders in local government
structures, which is yet to be clearly defined.
Holomisa has been the president of the Congress of
Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa) for the past
twenty years and is also the traditional leader of AmaHegebe
in Mqanduli in the Transkei, an advocate and an MP which
gives him credibility when it comes to taking a critical look at
socio-political redundancy.
He is baffled by the concept of South Africa being the leading
African country when the identity of its people is in question,
when the soul of the country is still elsewhere.
The two took the government down to its knees questioning
the value system that exists within the ruling party. In a brief
narration, Holomisa broke down the term ‘qabane’ (comrade)
which is supposed to mean solidarity, loyalty and trust.
“Instead, the so-called ‘maqabane’ do nothing but backstab
each other to advance their own agendas.”
The book is very clear in its stance about the nontransformed
SA economy, which sees power still in the hands
of white people. Adding to that problem, he says, is the mefirst-attitude
that is ravaging the government. “This self
enrichment is not healthy for our country, it is just wrong,”
said Holomisa, a sentiment that was shared by Dr Fikeni.
The dialogue was attended by Western Thembuland King
Lwandile Matanzima, AbaThembu King Buyelekhaya
Dalindyebo, MEC for Human Settlement, Ms Nombulelo
Mabandla, Mthatha High Court Judge Xola Petse, WSU Vice-
Chancellor Professor Malusi Balintulo and praise singer Zolani
Mkiva as well as the Mthatha public.
There are plans for WSU to translate the book into Xhosa and
other African languages and for copies to be made available
as setbooks in schools. Get a copy of the book at your local
bookshop for R140.
By Khuthala Nandipha

WSU fashion: a celebration of
MODERN art is a whimsical look at the mixture and
fusion of colours, a celebration of individualism
and comfort. What fuels the mind of a fashionista?
A creative manifestation of raw honesty, honest books,
photographs, music, drawings, architecture, history and
culture; according to Head of the Fashion school, Mr
Aaron Sepeng. This was experienced at WSU’s Annual
3rd year’s Fashion Show held in December 2009 in East
London.
Declared the most Commercial Collection, Pirates of the
Afroribean by Rowen Koni
individualism
Page 15
Rowen Koni’s collection won the most Innovative Range,
and Sepeng describes it as follows: “He drew inspiration
from comic elements, Goth and morbid stretching
beyond the time of Halloween and finding their way into
fashion.”
Koni describes his distinct collection titled Pirates of the
Afroribean as, “A duet between two powerful forces
pulling to one direction to give an overrated eyecatching
output. This range is inspired by the spirit of
the Pirates of the Carribean and the authentic, textured
and earthly feel of Africa.”
Defining the trends showcased during the show, Sepeng
said: “We are still going green with trends: recycle,
recycle, recycle, deconstruction and reconstruction. The
environmentally conscious movement is also being felt.
It is about these great colours and awareness, care for
the environment that great colours and consciousness
exist.”
Judges were Ms Yandiswa Sodaba from the Department
of Arts and Culture, George Vorster, Head of Fashion at
the Durban University of Technology and Vassie Pillay
from DUT as well.
Giving a message of support, Mrs T Mandindi, Director
of the School of Applied Technology said, “With the
expansion and redrafting of our curriculum we are set
to provide our students with skills that meet this goal
as well as the immediate needs of the industry, while
providing them with the fundamental knowledge base
for a continually evolving career that will grow within
the social, evolving cultural and economic context.”
by Aaron Sepeng
2009 Collection by Viwe Gulwa, winner
of Eastern Cape Young and Upcoming
Fashion Designer

Through the lens
WSU’s male students and staff formed a group called Men in Action, for the purpose of men
working together to change mindsets and educate other men about HIV/Aids and healthy
lifestyles
Page 16
Senior Mthatha High Court Judge Xola Petse
(right) at the Daily Dispatch/Walter Sisulu
University Dialogue
A recently qualified doctor is overwhelmed at the Oath Taking Ceremony where final year doctors, nurses and social workers vowed to be
responsible and caring health practitioners.
SABC sports presenter Tsepho Mabona (left), former Premier Soccer League general manager Ace Ncobo and
Rhythm City actress Nokuthula Ledwaba at the WSU Sports Awards for 2009

Professor Sandile Songca, Executive Dean for the
Faculty of Science, Engineering and Technology
raised some thought-provoking questions at the
BKCOB Summit
Buffalo City WSU Consumer Sciences students practise their culinary talents
Eastern Cape Premier Ms Noxolo Kiviet and ANC Secretary General Mr Gwede Mantashe
share a joke at the EC Rural Development Summit that was hosted by WSU in Mthatha,
this year
Three groups of WSU students won at the National Innovation Competition (NIC)/Students Business Plan Competition (SBPC) Awards held in
Mthatha. The annual project promotes entrepreneurship among young people through commercialization of students’ technological inventions
accompanied by a business plan

Contact Details
www.wsu.ac.za
Mthatha Campus
Nelson Mandela Drive Site: +27 (0) 47 502 2447/8
Zamukulungisa Site: +27 (0) 47 501 1400
Butterworth Campus
Ibika Site: +27 (0) 47 401 6254
Buffalo City Campus
Potsdam Site: +27 (0) 43 708 5200
College Street Site: +27 (0) 43 702 9200
Cambridge Street Site: +27 (0) 43 702 9200
Chiselhurst Site: +27 (0) 43 709 4000
Absa Stadium Site: +27 (0) 43 702 9200
Heritage Building Site: +27 (0) 43 703 8500
Queenstown Campus
Grey Street Site and Masibulele Site:
+27 (0) 45 838 2998
The Insider is produced by the Walter Sisulu University Department of Marketing, Communication and Development (MCD).
Editor: Angela Church, Manager : Communication Unit
Contributors: Khuthala Nandipha, Oyanga Ngalika, Luthando Jack, Valindawo Dwayi, Aaron Sepeng
Photography: Khuthala Nandipha, Oyanga Ngalika, Linda Mynhardt and Steyn Swanepoel
Layout and Design: Linda Mynhardt
Contact the Communication Unit on 043 702 9377 or email: achurch@wsu.ac.za
Visit our new website for regular updates on WSU news: www.wsu.ac.za