VOICES OF INFLUENCE MARK HISTORIC INSTALLATION OF VICE-CHANCELLOR

Messages steeped in wisdom, respect, recognition, insight, encouragement and love flowed from some of the institution’s most influential voices as they delivered heartfelt tributes during the auspicious inauguration and investiture of iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Dr Thandi Mgwebi, in Mthatha on 23 April.

From across the country and beyond, family, friends, peers, captains of industry, and government leaders journeyed far and wide, not merely to witness the formal installation of the Walter Sisulu Vice-Chancellor, but to lend their voices in support as she firmly takes the reins, just under 100 days into her tenure.

An array of stakeholders from across sectors and disciplines took to the podium, including a fellow Vice-Chancellor, the SRC, institutional unions, the Institutional Forum, Convocation, Senate, and close associates.

In his address, iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Institutional SRC President, Mvelo Abenta, called on the Vice-Chancellor to lead with compassion, love, and an unwavering commitment to Ubuntu.

“Amongst the many principles upon which our university is founded is the core value of Ubuntu. I therefore humbly urge you, VC, to lead this institution guided by Ubuntu. Do not be distracted by immaterial things, but remain sharply focused on the challenges that lie ahead, while remaining ready to seize the opportunities that await,” said Abenta.

He further emphasised the importance of firm yet fair leadership - one that treats all stakeholders equally and equitably, fostering a culture of consistent and just consequence management.

Institutional Forum Chairperson, Sandiso Mbongo, delivered a thought-provoking and incisive address, cautioning and equipping the Vice-Chancellor for the complex terrain ahead.

“Walter Sisulu stands at the intersection of many voices, including students who demand justice and access; academics who pursue truth and innovation; labour that sustains the daily functioning of the institution; and public and private partners who look to the university for leadership and solutions,” Mbongo.

Within this dynamic convergence, he noted, the true measure of leadership would not lie solely in strategy, but in the ability to unify a diverse ecosystem with competing priorities and shared aspirations.

Universities South Africa (USAf) CEO, Dr Phethiwe Matutu, also lent her voice to the occasion, highlighting the institution’s growing influence in global research and student entrepreneurship.

Referencing a recent USAf study mapping South African universities against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Matutu noted that international collaborations account for 40% of Walter Sisulu’s research output between 2020 and 2024, followed by national collaborations at 28%, and institutional collaborations at 19%. She further noted that SDG 3, Good Health and Well-being, emerged as the most prominent focus area across both international and national research partnerships.

Matutu also spotlighted the university’s thriving culture of innovation, particularly among student entrepreneurs. She cited the institution’s regular hackathons hosted by the IT department, as well as the landmark achievement of Walter Sisulu graduate, Ncedo Ntsabo, who was crowned the overall winner of the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) competition in 2023.

By Thando Cezula