WSU AND CPUT STRENGTHEN ACADEMIC TIES THROUGH CELCAT BENCHMARKING PARTNERSHIP

In a commendable display of unity within South Africa’s higher education sector, Walter Sisulu University (WSU) and the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) strengthened institutional relations through collaboration and shared learning on Monday.

The two universities came together at the Phyllis Ntantala Collaboration Library in East London for a high-level CELCAT timetabling benchmarking session, highlighting a growing shift from competition to partnership among institutions.

At the centre of the engagement was the CELCAT timetabling system, a specialised digital platform widely used across higher education and the TVET sector. The system supports academic scheduling, teaching space management and student attendance monitoring, helping universities improve planning efficiency and service delivery.

During the session, WSU representatives from the Registrar Division played a leading role in unpacking how the system operates within the institution, using detailed presentations and live demonstrations to give the CPUT delegation a clear and practical understanding of its functionality.

WSU Deputy Registrar, Ms Khanyisa Mangwetshu, said the engagement created valuable space for institutions to reflect and grow together.

“I am thankful to the team for putting this together for us, it is indeed an honour for us to host our sister university, and with critical points shared, I believe that they will actually assist and improve our services and business processes. So, it indeed is a learning curve for us as well,” she said.

Magwentshu highlighted that the benchmarking session reflected a positive shift in how universities interact within the sector, moving towards openness and collective progress.

“It’s refreshing seeing universities working together instead of working in isolation, we encourage that we continue with this important culture of sharing,” she said.

She added that such collaborations signal a changing landscape within higher education institutions.

The visit also provided CPUT with an opportunity to closely observe WSU’s digital transformation journey and how CELCAT has been integrated into academic administration and planning.

The delegation engaged directly with WSU teams, asking practical questions and exploring implementation processes during the live system demonstrations.

CPUT Registrar, Dr Phumzile Masala, commended WSU for its progress and willingness to share its institutional knowledge.

“From our side, we are very pleased. When you look at what you have achieved and the extent of the work that has been done, it is clear that you have successfully transitioned into an online process,” he said.

Dr Masala noted that the openness demonstrated by WSU reflects the importance of partnerships that strengthen the entire higher education sector.

“We truly appreciate your availability and willingness to share your knowledge. In life, there are contributions you make that no one can take away from you, and it was evident from the presentations that you have done the work. We sincerely thank you for sharing your experience with us,” he added.

He indicated that CPUT planned to use the insights gained during the session to inform its own system development journey. The delegation indicated that it would compile a report to guide the development of a coordinated proposal, which would later be scheduled for implementation planning, drawing from the experience and progress demonstrated by WSU.

By: Yolanda Palezweni