Walter Sisulu University
Walter Sisulu University (WSU) is a university of technology and science located in Mthatha, East London (Buffalo City), Butterworth and Komani (Queenstown). 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 the Transkei. The university is named after Walter Sisulu, a prominent figure in the struggle against apartheid.
![]() | |
Former names | Border Technikon, Eastern Cape Technikon and University of Transkei |
---|---|
Motto | A Developmental University |
Type | Public Comprehensive University |
Established | 2005 |
Chairperson | Mr Temba Zakuza |
Chancellor | Dr Sheila Sisulu |
Vice-Chancellor | Prof Rob Midgley |
Students | 31,500 |
Undergraduates | Yes |
Postgraduates | Yes |
Location | , Eastern Cape , 31°36′12″S 28°45′02″E |
Campus | 4 campuses - Mthatha, East London (Buffalo City), Butterworth, Komani (Queenstown) |
Colours | White and Black |
Nickname | WSU |
Website | www |
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.[1]
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 campus and then by faculty:
- Buffalo City (East London)
- Faculty of Engineering
- Faculty of Business Sciences
- Butterworth
- Faculty of Engineering and Technology
- Faculty of Business Sciences
- Faculty of Education
- Komani (Queenstown)
- Faculty of Education and School Development
- Faculty of Economics and Information Technology Systems
- Mthatha
- Faculty of Health Sciences
- Faculty of Educational Sciences
- Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law
- Faculty of Natural Sciences
- Faculty of Commerce and Administration
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. There are programmes offered in the following fields:
- Engineering
- Science
- Health
- Information Technology
- Business Management
- Education
- Fashion and Art
- Journalism and Broadcasting
- Tourism and Hospitality Management
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 who was the first Deputy National Director of Public Prosecutions