About Walter Sisulu
Get in touch
Email Address:
Contact Numbers:
Mthatha: 047 502 2100
Butterworth: 047 401 6000
East London: 043 702 9200
Potsdam: 043 708 5200
Chiselhurst: 043 709 4000
10. Reduced Inequalities
As a historically disadvantaged, rural-based comprehensive institution established through the 2005 merger of Border Technikon, Eastern Cape Technikon, and the University of Transkei, iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu plays a fundamental role in redressing structural socio-economic, spatial, and educational inequalities across South Africa.
First-Generation Access & Financial Debt Relief
- First-Generation Student Equity. Over 75% of the enrolled student body at Walter Sisulu represents first-generation university entrants drawn from families in the lowest national income quintiles (earning under R350,000 per annum).
- National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) Mobilisation. In 2023, 21,998 out of 29,313 students (75%) received full NSFAS funding covering tuition, university accommodation, food allowances, and learning materials. Total NSFAS funding transfers reached R2.55 billion in 2024, directly closing socio - economic gaps for rural youth.
- Siyaphumelela Network 3.0 Partnership. Read the story. Walter Sisulu collaborates within the national Siyaphumelela Network to track academic progress and integrate data-driven, student- centred equity strategies into university operations.
- Missing Middle Support & DHET Grant. The university manages R26.13 million in accumulated DHET Missing Middle Grant reserves to subsidise fee increases for students who exceed NSFAS income thresholds but remain unable to afford full higher education costs.
- Registration Debt Concessions. Through special cases guidelines and Acknowledgement of Debt (AOD) frameworks, Walter Sisulu cleared thousands of financially vulnerable returning students with prior-year fee debt to register and continue their studies.
Disability Inclusion & Support Services
- Disability Support Services Unit (DSSU). Read the story. Established in August 2023 under the Transformation and Languages Directorate, the DSSU is explicitly mandated to guarantee equal participation, access, and reasonable accommodation for students and staff with disabilities. The unit manages seamless campus transitions and spatial accessibility for persons with disabilities during university consolidation and building rationalisation. DSSU is advancing the formal institutional approval of the Institutional Disability Policy and Reasonable Accommodations Policy.
- Inaugural Institutional Disability Imbizo. Read the story. On 22 October 2024, Walter Sisulu hosted its first Disability Imbizo at the Mthatha Health Resource Centre, themed "Repositioning Students and Staff with Disabilities in Universities". Brought together university leaders, legislators from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), the Office of the Premier, and regional disability activists to eliminate systemic barriers and establish concrete action plans for accessible infrastructure.
- Capacity Building with REHAB Association. Partnered with the Association for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disability (REHAB) to train staff and student leaders on accepted disability terminology, rights, and assistive technologies.
Human Rights, Non-Discrimination & LGBTQIA+ Inclusion
- Campus Pride March & LGBTQIA+ Awareness. The Student Life and Co-curricular Unit hosted its inaugural Campus Pride March and LGBTQIA+ Awareness Day, themed "Pride is Equality, Pride is Excellence". Featured keynote addresses advocating for the rights, dignity, self-expression, and equal protection of gender-diverse students on campus.
- Human Rights & Equal Mental Health Access Panel. Hosted by the Public Health Department, this multi-stakeholder panel addressed human rights, justice, and social equality. The Student Counselling Unit presented policy-driven interventions ensuring that vulnerable groups —including students with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of abuse —receive equal access to mental health services without discrimination or stigma.
- Institutional Forum (IF) Mandate. Read the story. The Institutional Forum actively drives non - discriminatory governance and culture renewal under the Mphekweni Mandate, ensuring institutional redressing of historical representation imbalances.
Cultural Diversity, Indigenous Inclusion & Social Cohesion
- Xhamela Cultural Festival. Read the story. Launched by the Student Governance and Leadership Development (SGLD) unit at Potsdam Campus during Heritage Month in honour of Tatu Walter Sisulu. Celebrates the university's diverse cultural heritage through traditional dance, spoken - word recitals, and choral performances, creating an inclusive platform for student expression across all four campuses.
- Spirituality & African Heritage Workshop (Itshoba Nesidanga). Organised by the Residence Life and Co-Curricular Unit, this initiative creates a supportive framework for African students experiencing spiritual callings alongside their academic studies. Integrates Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and cultural traditions into mainstream student development
This account is drawn from the iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Sustainability Impact Progress Report, prepared against the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings methodology.
The Sustainable Development Goals icons are United Nations marks, used here for information. The content of this publication has not been approved by the United Nations and does not reflect the views of the United Nations or its officials or Member States. Read the Sustainable Development Goals.
