Candidates
Non-Academic Institutional Forum Representative

Candidate Institutional Forum Reprepresentative (Non-Academic)

Buqa Xolani

Our university must not only reflect the aspirations of our society, but it must also shape

them. We must dismantle barriers to access, challenge outdated systems and build

campuses that are inclusive, dynamic, sanctuaries of critical thought, vessels of

innovation and future ready. The Institutional Forum is not a passive advisory body; it is

a living engine of change. As an agent for transformative change these are the focal

points I will espouse should I be elected: 

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• Promote Institutional culture that embraces diversity, respect and human dignity through policies. 

• Promote gender and racial inclusivity in senior management and decision-making structures.

• Infrastructure Development\ On campus accommodation, Proliferation of office space, Special commercial zones, Recreational facilities. 

• Proponent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) infused environment/curriculum that is relevant and responsive to the country’s developmental needs.

• Ensure that mediation and dispute resolution procedures are fair, accessible, and effective.

• Advocate for commuting aid for staff in scattered campuses. 

• Staff empowerment through skills development enabling intentional succession.

• Stimulate collaboration with Industry for diversification of revenue\ third stream income for financial stability. 

• Digital transformation for streamlined business processes. 

• Positioning of the institution as a driver of regional development through deliberate community engagements. 

• Internationalization of staff and students for global competitiveness. 

Together, we can build an institution that is not only academically strong, but socially

responsive, ethically grounded, and globally connected.

Candidate Institutional Forum Representative (Non-Academic)

Kalake Thabang Rosa

I am a psychology graduate of this institution. I furthered my studies to understand the higher education space. I have a Bachelor of Psychology and a postgraduate diploma in higher education. I am currently studying towards a Master's in higher education.

As a postgraduate diploma in higher education, I learned that Higher education in South Africa has undergone significant transformation. The transformation has aimed to address historical inequalities, increase access to education for previously marginalised groups, and enhance the quality and relevance of higher education institutions. At WSU, we have just gone through Rationalisation and Consolidation. Therefore, the impact of Rationalisation and Consolidation needs to be looked at in all spheres of the institution.

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My role as a non-academic staff member would be as follows:

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• Support the vision, mission and strategic goals of WSU.

• Support policies that promote equity and access, particularly among the support staff and students with disability. Our institution needs to do more on inclusivity and transform teaching and learning spaces to be accessible to all.

• Participate in advising the Council effectively on the matters that rebuilt WSU.

• Promote programmes encouraging non-support staff to study and enrol in developmental programmes that enhance their skills in their prospective portfolios.

• Support and promote programmes encouraging robust engagements among all university stakeholders to promote social cohesion and culture and avoid unnecessary conflicts that delay teaching and learning.

• Promoting policies on gender equity in the institution to create an inclusive and supportive environment where individuals of all genders have equal opportunities to thrive academically, professionally, and personally.

• Support policies that address Gender-Based Violence and LGBTI+ to promote a non-discriminatory environment within the institution and inculcate the spirit of ubuntu.

Candidate Institutional Forum Representative (Non-Academic)

Mzaza Ndileko Zizo

Ndileko Zizo Mzaza is standing as a candidate for the Institutional Forum Support Staff, Mzaza has a strong record of service, leadership, and commitment to institutional progress. Holding a Master of Public Administration, he combines academic knowledge with practical experience gained through years of student representation, labour activism, and administrative service.

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From his early leadership as SRC leader at the Mthatha Campus, where he championed student rights and welfare, to his role as a shop steward advocating for fair treatment and labour rights, and now as Administrator in the Department of Management Accounting and Finance, where he ensures efficient and accountable administration, Mzaza has consistently demonstrated integrity and dedication to service.

He has further sharpened his leadership and policy insight by attending the South African Association of Public Administration and Management Conference, which strengthened his understanding of governance, public sector reform, and higher education transformation.

His vision is to build an institution where support staff are fully recognised and empowered as part of implementing higher education policy. As a past student of Walter Sisulu University, he brings a deep understanding of its culture and is committed to advancing race and gender equity, fairness in recruitment, and transparent governance. He seeks to foster a positive institutional culture through respect, accountability, and open communication, while strengthening dispute resolution and ensuring that staff welfare and recognition remain central to institutional excellence.

With his proven track record, academic grounding, and unwavering dedication, Ndileko Zizo Mzaza offers himself as a committed servant and a strong voice for support staff, ready to bridge divides and ensure that their role in shaping the future of the university is valued and strengthened.

Vote for Ndileko Zizo Mzaza – A Proven Leader, A Committed Servant, A Voice for Support Staff.

Candidate Institutional Forum Representative (Non-Academic)

Mzileni Nomawethu

Nomawethu Mzileni is a dedicated administrator, academic mentor, and engaged community leader who has committed her career to advancing inclusive education and strengthening student development at Walter Sisulu University.

With a strong multidisciplinary background in the sciences and education, she combines academic excellence with a passion for student support, collaboration, and institutional transformation.

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At WSU, Ms. Mzileni has been a pillar of both academic and community engagement. She mentors students in the Physical and Natural Sciences, supports teaching and learning initiatives, and promotes teamwork among staff and students. Beyond the classroom, she leads the SciMat Project, assisting learners from grades 8–12 in eZibeleni with Maths and Science.

Her contributions extend to research and innovation as Administrative Editor of the Innovative Journal of African Education and as 2025 HELTASA (Un)Conference Secretary.

She has co-authored scholarly work on competency development among peer learning leaders and is currently pursuing her Master of Education, focusing on strategies to strengthen teacher preparedness in under-resourced schools.

Her leadership journey spans from serving as SCO Arts and Student Affairs Director and member of the first WSU Student Parliament, to her current roles as APSA Shop Steward, Executive Member of the Education Advisory Board, and member of the Staff, Social and Welfare Task Team. Her vision for the Institutional Forum is to embed inclusive education, expand student support, strengthen partnerships, and position WSU as a leader in innovation and transformation. Nomawethu Mzileni is ready to bring dedication, leadership, and integrity to the Institutional Forum.