Candidates
Institutional Form Academic Representative

As a candidate for the Institutional Forum (IF) academic representative, I am committed to upholding the WSU Statute’s principles of fairness, transparency, and institutional advancement. My vision for the IF is to strengthen its role as an advisory body that promotes unity, equity, and academic excellence across WSU’s four campuses—Mthatha, Butterworth, Buffalo City, and Komani.

 

Key Priorities:

​

1. Advancing Academic Excellence: Advocate for enhanced teaching and learning resources, including technology integration and problem-based learning initiatives, to support WSU’s mission of academic innovation.

2. Promoting Equity and Inclusion: Ensure fair representation of academic staff in decision-making processes, addressing concerns such as workload balance, professional development, and diversity.

3. Strengthening Governance: Work collaboratively with WSU management, Senate, and Council to align IF recommendations with the university’s Vision 2030, focusing on sustainable education and community engagement.

4. Supporting Staff Welfare: Champion policies that enhance working conditions, professional growth, and mental health support for academic staff, fostering a conducive environment for teaching and research.

5. Engaging the Academic Community: Facilitate open communication channels between the IF and academic staff to ensure their voices shape institutional policies.

 

My approach is rooted in WSU’s commitment to rural development and socio-economic impact, ensuring that our academic community thrives in an environment of collaboration and innovation.

Nelson Nciweni is a dedicated academic, researcher, and community advocate, standing for election to represent academic staff on the Institutional Forum. He currently lectures in the Department of Marketing, Public Relations, and Communication at Walter Sisulu University, focusing on digital technologies in higher education and student support initiatives. Nelson holds National Diploma and B-Tech degrees in Public Relations Management and Public Management, a Master’s in Public Relations and Communication Management, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (Cum Laude). He is also a PhD candidate and pursuing another Master’s in Higher Education.

​

Nelson has made significant contributions to scholarship, presenting at national and international conferences on topics including student progression in TVET institutions, digital privacy in universities, and leadership in municipal transformation. He has published several research papers and received a Recognition Certificate at the Learning and Teaching Conference for his presentation “Unleashing the Potential of Digital Technologies in Higher Education.”

He also earned a Certificate of Service in Administration and Hospitality Management. A committed leader, Nelson is the former Chairperson of the Library Committee under the Faculty of Administration and Hospitality and currently chairs Student Support Services in his department. Beyond academia, he founded the Guiding Light Foundation, uplifting communities through education, mentorship, and leadership programs. He is also the author of three books: Means of Faith, Intimacy with God, and Power and Purpose of Faith.

​

Nelson Nciweni is committed to championing the interests of academic staff, advancing student support services, fostering research and professional growth, and promoting transparency, collaboration, and active engagement across the university. Proudly rooted in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, he embodies the values of faith, service, and empowerment in every aspect of his work.

​

Nelson Nciweni is ready to serve as a dedicated, visionary, and effective representative on the Institutional Forum.

Zinzisa Nokwali is a proud daughter of Mthatha and a product of Walter Sisulu University, where she received her training and continues to serve with passion, dedication, and a deep commitment to academic excellence. A Marine Scientist holding a Master’s degree in Marine Zoology and currently pursuing her PhD in Marine Studies, Ms Nokwali has devoted the past nine years to lecturing, mentoring, and inspiring students within the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

 

Beyond teaching, she is actively involved in supervising postgraduate research, guiding emerging scholars to reach their full potential. Her journey reflects both the challenges and triumphs of an emerging academic at WSU, giving her a profound understanding of the realities faced by staff and students alike. She knows firsthand the importance of support, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.

 

Currently serving as Chairperson of the Student Success Committee in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, Ms Nokwali also plays an influential role in the Community Engagement and Library Committees. Through these positions, she has proven herself to be a tireless advocate for academic excellence, student empowerment, research advancement, and the professional growth of her colleagues.

 

Her leadership is defined by integrity, collaboration, and a genuine commitment to making WSU a thriving academic environment. Zinzisa’s vision is to be a strong, authentic, and fearless voice for academics within the Institutional Forum focusing on championing inclusivity, fairness, and opportunity for all. She believes that WSU can be a place where academics flourish, students are empowered, and research meaningfully transforms communities.

 

Guided by her commitment to education, conservation, and transformation, Zinzisa Nokwali is ready to represent her colleagues with courage, integrity, and hope. She stands prepared to ensure that every academic at WSU has a platform to succeed and a voice that is heard.

Vote Zinzisa Nokwali—for leadership that inspires, represents, and transforms.

Now that the R and C project has been implemented, the University vision 2030 of becoming “an impactful, technology-infused African University is still in motion. The University is gradually transforming, taking a posture of a fully-fledged university of choice in Africa. This change required that all Faculties and their academic programs correspond with the vison across all Four campuses. If this is not implemented with careful consideration, it may yield unpleasant results that may impact negatively to the academics, students and the WSU Community at large.

 

The Institutional Forum plays a pivotal role in governance, as an important tool for transformation with its influence as the only advisory to the University council recognised by the university statute. As a candidate for the Institutional Forum (IF) academic representative, I will focus all my energies on the following key points.

​

1. Support the vision, mission and strategic goals of vision 2030. “In pursuit of excellent”, Water Sisulu University seeks to address societal challenges by producing relevant, innovate and impactful research, championing sustainable and just development and graduating versatile individuals.

2. Promote Walter Sisulu University core values: Honesty and integrity, quality and excellent, respect and ubuntu.

3. Encourage academic collaborations: Work collaboratively with WSU management, Senate and Council to align IF recommendations with the university’s vision 2030, focusing on sustainable education and community engagement.

4. Equity. Empowered Staff and inclusion; Recognizing the university campus differences and backgrounds from the previous model, ensuring that extra support is extended to faculties that previously produced only vocational qualifications to bring harmonised institutional culture among all academics.

5. Support awareness campaigns; (Gender based violence) that address social ills and promote the spirit ubuntu and social cohesion for academic staff to create productive environment for teaching and learning.