Alumni News

Alumni Success Story | Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC

Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC is widely regarded as one of South Africa's most accomplished constitutional lawyers, legal scholars, and public intellectuals. Renowned for his expertise in constitutional law, public law…

Student Success Story | Gcobani Sanda

Gcobani Sanda, originally from Mqanduli in the Eastern Cape, is a remarkable example of perseverance and the transformative power of education. Coming from a family of eight siblings and being the third youngest, he prou…

Alumni Making a Difference | Healthcare — Dr Ncumisa Jilata

Dr. Ncumisa Jilata is widely recognized as one of South Africa's pioneering female neurosurgeons and a trailblazer for women in medicine. Originating from the Eastern Cape, she pursued a career in medicine with determina…

Alumni Making a Difference | Business and Finance — Dr Nonkululeko Gobodo

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu proudly celebrates alumna Dr Nonkululeko Gobodo, who made history as South Africa's first Black female Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)). Dr Gobodo is currently Chancellor of iYunivesithi Walter Si…

Alumni Making a Difference | Dr Terence Nombembe

Terence Nombembe is one of South Africa's most respected accounting and governance professionals, renowned for his contributions to public financial management, accountability, and ethical leadership. A graduate of iYuni…

Alumni Making a Difference | Law and Justice — Chief Justice Mandisa Maya

Alumni Making a Difference | Ms. Nomgcobo Jiba

A distinguished iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu law alumna, Ms. Nomgcobo Jiba has held several senior leadership positions within South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority, including serving as Acting National Director of…

Alumni Making a Difference | Mr. Zincedile Monde Tiya

Born and raised in Mthatha, Eastern Cape, Mr. Zincedile Monde Tiya overcame challenging socio-economic circumstances through education, sport, and leadership. He is a distinguished iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu alumnus whos…

Alumni Making a Difference | Mr. Xola Nqola, MP

Mr. Xola Nqola is a Member of Parliament and iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu graduate who has emerged as one of the prominent leaders in South Africa's justice and constitutional governance landscape. He holds an LLB degree f…

Community Engagement | Indigenous Health Systems Research Institute

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu has launched one of the country's first institutes to collaborate with traditional healers for Afrocentric medical research and teaching and learning solutions. The Indigenous Health Systems Re…

Digital Skills for the Fourth Industrial Revolution

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu continues to strengthen its commitment to producing graduates who are equipped for the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution through strategic partnerships and industry-aligned training p…

Advancing Rural Healthcare — Rural Clinical School Launch

The Faculty of Health launched the Rural Clinical School in Lusikisiki by iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Health, marking a significant milestone in advancing rural healthcar…

Research Leadership | Professor Albert Thembinkosi Modi

Professor Albert Thembinkosi Modi is a distinguished South African agricultural scientist and academic leader who serves as the Executive Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu. An NRF C2-r…

Research Excellence | Recent Journal Articles

Recent scholarly contributions by Professor S. Mxunyelwa demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in entrepreneurship, tourism development, public policy, and higher education marketing. In 2026, Professor…

Graduate and Alumni Tracking & Engagement Portal

The Graduate and Alumni Tracking & Engagement (GATE) Portal has been introduced to strengthen relationships between the university and its graduates. The Alumni Office is making significant strides to strengthen connecti…

Launch of Alumni Provincial Chapters

Academic Excellence | Double Cum Laude Success Story

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu continues to pride itself on producing graduates of distinction. Dr. Sineziwe Nompukane, a graduate from a rural Eastern Cape community, achieved the distinction of becoming a two-time Cum Laud…

Alumni Success Story | Sandiswa Mgolozeli, Epitomely

Sandiswa Mgolozeli is a distinguished entrepreneur, business leader, and alumna of iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, where she obtained a qualification in Public Relations Management. She is the founder and Managing Director o…

Entrepreneurship and Agricultural Innovation | Qombe Maize

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu continues to produce innovative entrepreneurs who contribute meaningfully to South Africa's economic development and rural transformation. Mr. Ncedo Ntsabo gained national recognition after win…

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Convocation President Makes History

Dr. Lunga Mantashe, President of the iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Convocation, has made history following his election as the inaugural President of the newly established Association of University Convocations. This nation…

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Graduate Shares Inspirational Journey That Led Him to the SABC

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu graduate Kamvelihle Kalani is making waves as an intern producer and stand-in presenter at SABC Lehae, the national broadcaster's twenty-four-hour news channel. His journey is rooted in surviva…

Message from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal

It is my pleasure to present the 2026 First Semester edition of the iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Alumni Newsletter. This edition celebrates the achievements of our university, our students, our alumni, and our partners who…

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Alumnus Set to Publish a Powerful New Book

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu alumnus and award-winning author Sipho Ellen Tshaka is preparing to release his fourth book in 2026, The Dark Side of Campus Life, a work shaped by the emotional realities many students face.

Graduate Profile | Dr Mthembeni Michael Tebelele

More than 25 years after graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, Dr Tebelele now serves on the university council and remains a recognised healthcare voice, public speaker and…

New Leadership Chapter: Vice-Chancellor and Principal

The appointment of Professor Thandi Mgwebi as Vice-Chancellor and Principal marked a significant milestone in the history of iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu. An accomplished academic and proud iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu alumn…

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Ranked 4th in South Africa for Sustainability Impact

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu is now ranked 4th in South Africa by the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rating 2026. iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu now follows University of Johannesburg, University of Pretoria, as…

Meet the Programme Director for the VC's Distinguished Awards

A graduate of iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu's Journalism programme, Chriselda Lewis has become one of South Africa's respected broadcast journalists, with 22 years of experience across print, radio and television.

Alumni Success Story | Ayanda Ramncwana, COO of ELIDZ

In 2025, Ramncwana represented ELIDZ at major national and international investment and infrastructure forums, promoting the Eastern Cape as a destination for industrial investment. She has become one of the prominent vo…

Graduate Profile | Justice Mbuyiseli Russel Madlanga

The former acting deputy chief justice of the Constitutional Court obtained a BJuris degree at the University of Transkei, now iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, in 1983 and has built a distinguished judicial career.

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Joins CMSA Admission Ceremony in kuGompo City

In a momentous celebration of academic excellence and professional achievement, iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu proudly participated in the prestigious Colleges of Medicine South Africa Admission Ceremony held in kuGompo City…

Graduate Profile | Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC

Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC is a distinguished alumnus, legal scholar and practitioner recognised for his expertise in constitutional law, public law, land reform and student advocacy.

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Students Receive Recognition at SAYDC 2026

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu students, Thembekile Mdluli and Tshepiso Moshoeshoe, were recognized for their outstanding scholarly contributions at the Southern African Youth Development Council 2026, each receiving the Bes…

Yonga Balfour Rises to Editor-in-Chief of Bona Magazine

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Journalism alumna Yonga Balfour is the new Editor-in-Chief of Bona Magazine, describing the appointment as a full-circle moment rooted in storytelling and legacy.

New Brand Identity Launched

On 27 March 2026, at the Nelson Mandela Drive Campus in Mthatha, iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu officially unveiled its new brand identity and repositioned itself as iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu. The launch marked a significan…

Connecting Our Legacy: A Message from the Acting Director

Dear Esteemed Alumni, Students, and Friends of iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, It is with immense pride and a deep sense of purpose that I welcome you to this Semester Edition of the iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Alumni Newslet…

Meet the iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu Alumna Behind the Hollywoodbets Brand

From strategy work for the Durban July to campaigns for Hollywoodbets and its divisions, iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu alumna Kuhle Mkhize is building a strong career as the betting giant's Public Relations Manager.

𝐢𝐘𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐢 𝐖𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐥𝐮 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐠𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐛𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐧𝐚

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Local Municipality and the Alfred Nzo District Municipality to establish a satellite agricultural campus in Mbi…

Thank you Walter Sisulu for believing in Me.

My name is Luyanda Ntame. I come from a small town called Sterkspruit, in the Kroomspruit Village, in the vicinity of the Eastern Cape mountains. Today, I stand before you not just as a graduate but as a testimony. I am…

Walter Sisulu STRENGTHENS LIFELONG ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT THROUGH THE GATE PORTAL

Walter Sisulu has launched the Graduate Access and Tracking Engagement (GATE) Portal to strengthen lifelong relationships with its graduates. The platform connects alumni, faculties, employers, and entrepreneurs, creatin…