WSU SEALS LANDMARK PARTNERSHIP TO DRIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CENTRE AND TRANSFORM EDUCATION

Walter Sisulu University (WSU) has taken a bold step towards reshaping its academic and digital future by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its partners recently in Cape Town, a milestone that cements the growth of the institution’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre.

The AI Centre, a five-year project already housed within WSU, is designed to position the university as a leader in technology-driven education and research in line with the university’s Vision 2030.

It will operate through four core pillars—Research and Development, Education and Training, Industry Collaboration, and Community Engagement—ensuring that AI is embedded not only in academia but in the broader society.

WSU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Rushiella Songca, said the signing demonstrates the institution’s determination to become a leader in technology-infused education.

“Our vision is to be an impactful, technology-infused African university. Technology is a critical element that will propel us forward, enabling us to do what we need to do,” she said.

She added that, the moment has been years in the making.  

Bytefuse and Alphawave will steer AI application and development, whereas, Maskew Miller Learning leverages its extensive experience in educational publishing and vast reach within the schooling sector. while, the Novus Foundation will provide strategic funding and innovation-driven interventions, propelling the collaboration forward. This strategic partnership, facilitated by the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), unites leading expertise across key sectors

Together, these partners form the backbone of a centre poised to redefine how technology drives education.

WSU AI Centre project manager, Bubele Vakalisa, explained that the initiative will roll out in phases, with 2025 marking the first year of implementation.

“Key milestones for the initial year include the formal approval of the AI Centre by the university Council, the signing of the MoU, and the commencement of business operations related to the Centre,” he said.

“Our immediate priorities involve developing training material and identifying which groups—students, academic staff, and professional staff—will be trained first,” he explained.

For the Novus Foundation, partnering with WSU was a natural alignment. Group Executive, Ruth Shogoe, said the Foundation’s mission was to drive scalable impact in education through innovation and digital transformation.

The Novus Foundation, newly rebranded and now chaired by AI pioneer Dr Liesbeth Botha who holds a PhD in AI. “The Novus Foundation believes that preparing South African students for a future where education and technology are inseparable is essential. WSU’s vision to pioneer as a technology-infused African university directly mirrors the Foundation’s vision, which made this partnership a natural fit,” Shogoe said.ICT Executive Director, Nkosinathi Zulu, emphasised the importance of collaboration and foresight.

“This has not been a rushed process. We have taken time to learn from established AI hubs and partners, ensuring that WSU is equipped with the right technologies and frameworks. Our goal is not just to follow global trends but to be counted among the leaders in AI-driven education,” he said.

Maskew Miller Learning also highlighted the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in AI-driven education.

CEO, Keshree Alwar, said the Centre was an opportunity to ensure that communities historically left behind also benefit from innovation.

“Together with our partners, we were motivated by the opportunity to not only pioneer AI-driven solutions but to make sure these advancements are inclusive, accessible, and impactful. Through Alphawave’s engineering expertise, the Centre will draw from world-class lessons in infrastructure and frameworks,” Alwar said.

Supporting this view, Dr Benadette Aineamani, Executive of Product and Services at Maskew Miller Learning, highlighted the organisation’s strengths.

“MML brings deep expertise in early childhood development, teacher development, and digital learning. These strengths will guide the creation of AI tools and programmes that are not only practical but sustainable for South Africa’s education system,” she explained.

WSU’s Director of Special Projects, Ndiyakholwa Ngqulu, said the Centre is about more than internal transformation.

“Digital transformation must be felt from the moment a student enters WSU to the day they graduate. It is also about how we connect outward, working with TVET colleges, municipalities, and communities to prepare people for tomorrow’s world,” he said.

Alwar added that the long-term vision is to reshape the educational landscape.

“We see this as a catalyst for closing the digital divide. Our partnership with Bytefuse led by Greg Newman on the Maski AI tool has already shown how teachers and learners can be empowered. The impact will stretch beyond classrooms into industries and communities across South Africa.”

By: Yolanda Palezweni