Candidates
Academic Council Representative

Number of Candidates: 2 (Two)

Candidate for Academic Council Representative

Kolosa Mzukisi

Dr. Mzukisi Kolosa offers himself as a candidate for the Non-Senate Academic Seat on Council with a vision to strengthen Walter Sisulu University’s academic project and safeguard the voice of scholars in institutional decision-making. As an academic who combines teaching, research, postgraduate supervision, and professional practice, he represents the values and aspirations of colleagues whose daily work advances WSU’s mission.

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His academic leadership is demonstrated across multiple spheres. A medical practitioner and educator, Dr. Kolosa is actively engaged in postgraduate supervision within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Faculty of Education, and the Medical Orthotics and Prosthetics programme. His supervision and mentorship have already produced students whose research has been showcased at national conferences, positioning WSU as a contributor to scholarship of both national and international relevance. His ongoing research in health professions education, curriculum transformation, and decolonial scholarship aligns directly with the institution’s strategic priorities and the national call for socially accountable higher education.

Dr. Kolosa’s contributions extend beyond the classroom and research office into the national academic space. As a Health Professions Council of South Africa panelist, he has evaluated and accredited medical education programmes across the country, ensuring academic standards and accountability. This role reflects the esteem in which his academic judgment is held and his commitment to advancing quality in higher education. Equally significant is his technical service in implementing the Memorandum of Agreement between WSU, the Eastern Cape Department of Health, and the National Health Laboratory Service, where he has supported the establishment of the Joint Staff Establishment. This experience underscores his ability to integrate academic priorities with health system needs in ways that strengthen both governance and scholarship.

At WSU, his leadership in the admissions reform has ensured a transparent, evidence-driven model, culminating in the development of a three-tiered governance framework which comprises of a Technical Working Group, a Complaints Management Committee, and the Dean’s Advisory Panel. This process has led to the institution producing multiple cohorts of students who embody both academic excellence and WSU’s mission to serve rural and underserved communities. This work demonstrates his capacity to balance equity with standards, and access with quality. His academic development further reflects his dedication to advancing WSU’s mission. Having completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Professions Education at the University of Cape Town, and currently pursuing a Master’s in the same field, Dr. Kolosa is at the forefront of debates in curriculum transformation, socially accountable education, and decolonial scholarship.

Dr. Kolosa brings to the table the perspective of a scholar who understands the challenges and opportunities facing academics at WSU. His commitment is to ensure that Council decisions protect academic integrity, promote research productivity, and create enabling conditions for teaching and scholarship. He believes that the strength of any university lies in its academics, and he is prepared to champion their interests with clarity, principle, and vision.

By electing Dr. Mzukisi Kolosa, you entrust Council with an academic voice that is credible, principled, and deeply committed to WSU’s scholarly mission.

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Candidate for Academic Council Representative

Zoko Mxolisi

In pursuit of excellence, let’s move WSU forward - together. My name is Mxolisi Zoko, a lecturer in the Department of Public Management and Governance, Faculty of Management and Public Administration Sciences, and I am honoured to present myself as a candidate for the position of Academic Representative to the University Council. I bring a combination of academic experience, institutional leadership.

I have taught and supervised at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, developed curricula, and led academic quality assurance processes as the Chairperson of the Departmental Assessment Committee in the Faculty of Management and Public Administration Sciences. My earlier roles as a Financial Aid Officer and External Donor Coordinator strengthened my belief in equitable access to education. Played a significant role in historic student debt clearance working closely with university convocation. I worked closely with under-resourced students, mobilised donor funding, and upheld the values of fairness and accountability in financial support systems. These experiences gave me a strong appreciation for the institutional systems that enable success, especially for the most marginalised. I have served on the University Council before, contributing meaningfully through the Planning & Infrastructure Committee and the Human Resources Committee. Also served on the University Convocation, contributing to the improved stakeholder engagement between our university and its Alumni.

This previous governance experience will allow me to hit the ground running and ensure that your voice as an academic is heard at the highest level. If elected, I will focus on the following key areas:

1. Championing the Academic Voice Ensuring that academics are fully represented in all policy, planning, and resource allocation decisions. Including reviewing the Academic Workload Policy to ensure it is fair, realistic, and supportive of teaching, research, and service expectations.

2. Academic Staff Empowerment and Development Advocating for enhanced development opportunities, career progression, and support systems for academic staff, aligned with Strategic Goal 5 of the University Plan.

3. Reflecting Lived Realities in Council Decisions Ensuring that Council decisions account for the genuine pressures of teaching, research, transformation imperatives, and student success expectations.

4. Driving Innovation in Teaching and Learning Supporting impactful, technology-infused pedagogies that align with our Vision 2030 to modernise learning and prepare our graduates for a digital future.

5. Promoting Relevant and Engaged Research Advancing research that is both locally impactful and globally connected, in line with Strategic Goal 3 of the University Strategic Plan.

6. Financial Sustainability of the University Supporting initiatives that ensure long-term financial health, including:

• Strengthening Third Income Streams through research commercialisation, partnerships, and innovation hubs.

• Driving University Enterprise Models that create value while advancing our academic mission.

• Supporting Expansion Projects that broaden our reach and improve our infrastructure in line with the university's strategic growth.

• Promoting a Robust Performance Management System to enhance accountability and excellence across the university.

We are a university with a bold mission — to be an impactful, technology-infused African University. We need representation that understands both the academic project and the governance mechanisms that shape our future. I offer myself as your servant, collaborator, and advocate. Let’s work together to advance the academic heart of WSU.

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