PROF SONGCA REFLECTS ON WSU’S TRANSFORMATION AT 2025 VC’s DISTINGUSHED AWARDS

Walter Sisulu University community witnessed a deeply reflective keynote address from WSU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Rushiella Songca at the 2025 Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Awards, who reminded the WSU community how far the institution has journeyed since 2021.

Speaking with conviction and gratitude, she revisited the difficult realities WSU faced when she assumed office ranging from an incomplete merger to deteriorating infrastructure and accreditation risks.

“These were not new problems, they echoed the very same issues documented in the 2011 Ncayiyana Report, which had also highlighted the loss of accreditation for some of our programmes. And I knew when I assumed my role as Vice Chancellor that substantial foundational work lay ahead not just for me but for all of us,” she said.

Songca highlighted the decisive turnaround sparked by Vision 2030, a brave commitment to pursuing excellence and transforming WSU into an Impactful Technology-Infused African University.

She reflected on the early days of engagement with students, staff, labour formations, and national stakeholders, emphasising the hope and second chance that renewed the institution’s momentum.

“Central to our vision, was the restoration agenda, based on two pillars. First, the academic project required us to pay particular attention to the quality of our programs, capacitation of our staff and creating enabling environment for research and partnerships to thrive.”

“The second pillar of the restoration project compelled us to restore the dignity of our students and staff through the provision of decent technology infused living and learning spaces and which by implication required us to accelerate our infrastructure endeavours,” Songca asserted.

A major portion of her address celebrated the remarkable strides in academic renewal and research growth.

She detailed how the Rationalisation and Consolidation Project streamlined faculties from 12 to 7, strengthened programme quality, expanded online delivery, and elevated research productivity.

“Through extensive internal and external stakeholder engagements, some encouraging, others challenging, we built consensus for change. On 26 May 2023, Council approved the Rationalisation and Consolidation implementation, launching us on this ambitious journey. In just two years, we have achieved remarkable progress,” said Songca.

From only 4 NRF-rated researchers in 2020 to an impressive 42 in 2025, the university’s research profile has undergone a historic transformation.

Songca also celebrated WSU’s infrastructure revolution as one that included modernised facilities, upgraded laboratories, smart classrooms, safer campuses, and over 1 800 student beds refurbished or built.

Once among the lowest performers in infrastructure utilisation, WSU now ranks in the top five universities nationally, a testament to disciplined planning and accountability.

“This represents a complete turnaround in Infrastructure and Efficiency Grant spending. From being among the worst performers, Walter Sisulu University now ranks in the top 5 universities in South Africa for IEG utilization,” she noted proudly.

In her reflection, Songca acknowledged the dedication of academic staff who continue to upgrade their qualifications, noting that this year alone WSU celebrates 69 new Masters graduates and 30 new PhDs among its staff.

She also expressed immense pride in WSU students making national strides, including the 2025 EDHE Studentpreneur of the Year, Mr Zanodumo Godlimpi.

Closing her address, Songca reaffirmed that while significant hills remain ahead, the foundation built over the past four years is strong, strategic, and future-ready. She thanked the WSU community for its resilience and partnership, emphasising that the university’s transformation is not an endpoint but a continued journey toward excellence, impact, and innovation.

By Anita Roji