WALTER SISULU RANKED AMONG SOUTH AFRICA’S TOP FOUR UNIVERSITIES FOR SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu (Walter Sisulu) has emerged as one of South Africa’s top four universities for sustainability impact after recording a significant improvement in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026.

The university advanced from the 401–600 global band in 2025 to the 301–400 global band in 2026, reinforcing its growing reputation as a leading institution committed to sustainability, social impact and inclusive development.

The latest rankings place Walter Sisulu among the top four universities in South Africa for sustainability impact, alongside some of the country’s most established institutions.

Its strongest performance was recorded in SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, and SDG 4: Quality Education.

In SDG 1: No Poverty, Walter Sisulu is ranked 80th globally, 5th in South Africa and 12th in Africa. In SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, the university is ranked 90th globally, 4th in South Africa and 8th in Africa.

In SDG 4: Quality Education, Walter Sisulu is ranked in the 101–200 global band, 4th in South Africa and 10th in Africa.

Walter Sisulu Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandi Mgwebi, welcomed the improved performance, stating that it affirmed the university’s role in advancing national development and global sustainability priorities.

“Our notable performance in SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth is consistent with our institutional identity as a university anchored in the Eastern Cape, committed to widening access, enabling opportunity, and serving marginalised communities. universities anchored in their social contexts,” she said.

She added that the milestone reflected the collective endeavour of the university staff, students, researchers, alumni, partners, and the communities with whom it works. 

“Their intellectual labour, resilience, and commitment give substance to the University’s mandate and societal impact,” she said.

“While global rankings provide a useful benchmark, the imperative remains the tangible impact of our scholarship, teaching, and engagement. iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu will continue to advance evidence-based contributions toward a just, inclusive, and sustainable society,” she alluded.

Prof Mgwebi recently reiterated the university’s commitment to societal impact while delivering a keynote address at the Walter Sisulu Gauteng Convocation Chapter Connect launch.

She stated that universities can no longer limit themselves to teaching and research alone. Instead, they must actively contribute to solving societal challenges, improving livelihoods and shaping sustainable futures for communities.

"Our future cannot be separated from the future of the Eastern Cape," she said.

She explained that the university's strategic direction was anchored on three mission pillars: transformative education, public good knowledge production and meaningful societal engagement.

By: Yolanda Palezweni