FROM REBRANDING TO DEBT RELIEF: IYUNIVESITHI WALTER SISULU CONVOCATION SETS AMBITIOUS AGENDA FOR INSTITUTIONAL PROGRESS

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Convocation Executive (Convex) presented a comprehensive progress report that outlined key strategic milestones achieved and institutional updates from July 2025 to date.

Dr Lunga Mantashe, the President of The Convocation highlighted that following the university's rebranding launch in March 2026, the institution transitioned to using the name 'iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu', and established that 'Walter Sisulu' will be the official short form in place of the previous abbreviations. He implored the members of the convocation and alumni alike to adhere to the change in name.

Speaking on the change in the institutional name Mantashe stated, "The structure is not meant to be grammatically sound. It is a work of art. That is how it should be understood," Mantashe said.

Building on the brand transformation, Convex gave an update about the much-anticipated institutional blazer and growing financial support options, sharing that in line with the rebranding Convex is working alongside the Marketing and Communications Directorate (MCD) to design a new official blazer.

Mantashe stated that the blazer will be sold and a portion of the proceeds will go to the graduate debt clearance fund. He added that they we are also in the process of selling convocation regalia and material to support the graduate debt repayment programme.

He also gave an update on the third Annual Half-Marathon, which was organised by Mthatha Athletics Club and held on the 18^th of October.

According to Dr Mantashe, the half-marathon was a success.

He gushed saying, "The race has grown over the last three years between 2024 and 2026, from a mere 141 athletes to nearly 900 athletes this time around at nearly half the cost,” he said.

On the matter of graduate debt, Mantashe noted that the Convocation has introduced a practical repayment framework designed to work for both Walter Sisulu and its graduates. He disclosed that a number of graduates have already embraced the initiative, with deposits to the value of R1 million received and certificates released accordingly. The report went on to mention that there would be no added interest rate fees on those that enter this repayment initiative.

He assured the attendees, "A university is not a pure business entity and cannot therefore operate as a pure commercial entity" he said

The Convex stated that their success on the establishment of the National Forum of Convocations, which took place in March 2025, would yield results.

Mantashe shared that the Convocation envisions themselves being a structure that does more than voting on matters, therefore they would be hosting a dialogue that explores unemployment, graduate debt and institutional curricula, this event is scheduled to take place before the end of the year.

He mentioned that the most welcome addition of the Alumni Office is fully functional. While adding that the GATE Portal has been the offices' current project.

Dr Mantashe revealed that the establishment of Bizana Campus and one of an AI centre are still in conceptual phases, while the Komani Campus is a land issue and that it would be resolved.  He mentioned that on the issue of institutionally owned residences they have made significant progress.

According to Mantashe, only the Eastern Cape, Gauteng, and the Western Cape of the four nationwide chapters have been inducted due to a lack of funds, but the chapters are still working hard to support the students as the Gauteng province has a project in the pipeline.

On the initiative, he said, "The Chapter of Gauteng has initiated a project to alleviate hunger on campus. The project is currently in the pipeline and will provide for more than 20 students," he revealed.

In closing Mantashe exclaimed that he believes the university convocation has contributed to and fulfilled their statutory roles, which are according to him promoting the image of the institution and assisting the university raise funds.

By Buhlebezwe Manzi