SGLD is unit of Student Affairs, was re-established, re-imagined ,integrated from four campuses that operated under the then Campus Divisional Model in July 2022.It has since made big strides in ensuring that it offers uniform service to the four (4) Walter Sisulu University campuses. The unit drives its agenda its four sections coordinated institutionally and implemented at Campus level namely:

(i) Student Governance

(ii) Creative Arts

(iii) Student Leadership and Training & Development

(iv) Student Innovation, Entrepreneurship Development and International Linkages

It brings winds of change to the university by promoting stable and effective student governance, which in turn strengthens teaching and learning.

The unit actively engages with all levels of student leadership, fostering growth that produces well-rounded graduates equipped with a broad range of professional, cultural, and leadership skills. SGLD works tirelessly to review and refine policies, protocols and processes to enhance student experience and ensure strong governance practices.

Through its workshops, capacity-building sessions, competitions, cultural events, mentorship programmes and student engagement activities, the unit ensures that students are empowered, supported and actively involved in shaping the WSU student experience.

Student Governance coordinates the establishment and support of the SRC and all its substructures across the four campuses. These structures operate under the Higher Education Act, the University Statute, and Institutional Rules. The unit ensures that student leaders are adequately supported to represent students effectively and uphold high governance standards.

This pillar works with political and non-political student organizations, faculty councils, campus councils, residence committees, academic non- academic societies, clubs, religious movement, debate and many organised student interest groups. It facilitates policy consultation, promotes accountability, and supports the smooth functioning of democratic student processes at WSU.

This pillar focuses on building strong, ethical and capable leaders. It offers a range of training programmes, including first-year compulsory orientation, sub-structure induction, strategic leadership development, operational leadership training, and introductory training for aspiring leaders.

Activities include leadership seminars, mentorship programmes, team-building sessions, developmental bootcamps, dialogues and personal growth workshops. Student societies such as peer mentorship groups and leadership clubs are supported under this pillar to promote responsible leadership and professionalism.

The Creative Arts pillar promotes cultural expression, artistic development and talent showcasing across all campuses. Students participate in activities such as music, dance, drama, poetry, fashion design, fine arts, and cultural performances. The unit trains creative arts coaches, hosts workshops, and organises inter-campus and external competitions.

Creative arts societies include drama groups, dance crews, choirs, poetry circles, and cultural associations. Through festivals, exhibitions, showcases and competitions, students gain confidence, celebrate diversity and contribute to WSU’s vibrant cultural identity.

This pillar equips students with entrepreneurial skills, innovative thinking and global exposure. It supports student innovators and entrepreneurs through bootcamps, ideation workshops, mentorship, pitching competitions and incubation opportunities. It also works with structures such as Enactus, entrepreneurship clubs and innovation societies to promote creativity and socio-economic development.

The international linkages component connects WSU students to international opportunities, including exchange programmes, global leadership forums, study tours and partnerships with institutions worldwide. Students benefit from international exposure, cultural exchange, global networks and expanded academic and career pathways.