WS Faculty of Engineering,Built Environment and Information Technology

29/10/2026

26/10/2026

Professor Wellington Didibhuku Thwala Receives International Conference on Environmental, Social Governance and Sustainable Development of Africa (ICESDA) Global Research Impact Recognition Award

Honouring sustained research leadership, doctoral supervision and academic excellence

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu proudly celebrates Professor Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBEIT), who has received the prestigious ICESDA Global Research Impact Recognition Award. The award honours his sustained research leadership, academic excellence and significant contribution to postgraduate research development.

The award was presented at ICESDA 2026, held from 21 to 23 October 2026 at Pentecostal University in Accra, Ghana. The event took place under the theme “The Africa We Want: Driving Africa’s Green Transformational Inclusive Growth through ESGS and Digital Transformation.” The theme underscores the role of sustainable development, inclusive economic growth, environmental, social and governance principles, and digital transformation in shaping the continent’s future.

A career of research leadership across three universities

The citation recognises Professor Thwala for sustained research leadership across three South African universities: iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, the University of South Africa and the University of Johannesburg. His work reflects a lasting commitment to advancing scholarly knowledge, strengthening research collaboration and cultivating the next generation of researchers.

Building the next generation of scholars

The award also acknowledges Professor Thwala’s doctoral supervision,he has supervised 86 PhD candidates and over 100 Masters candidates. Through his mentorship, he has helped develop doctoral researchers who are equipped to advance knowledge, conduct independent research and contribute to both the academic and professional communities.

Doctoral supervision is a vital pillar of higher education. It supports knowledge production, scholarly publication and the growth of future academic leaders.

Research impact beyond publications

The recognition highlights the wider significance of research leadership in strengthening institutional capacity. Impactful academic leadership goes beyond scholarly publications. It encompasses mentorship, postgraduate development, collaborative knowledge creation and the cultivation of sustainable research environments.

For iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, this achievement affirms the value of academic excellence and postgraduate research development within FEBEIT. It reinforces the University’s commitment to advancing research, strengthening scholarly engagement and contributing to the development priorities of South Africa and the African continent.

The award also enhances Professor Thwala’s international scholarly visibility and opens the door to further collaboration with researchers and institutions working towards sustainable development, innovation and inclusive growth.

Impact measured over time

Professor Thwala’s achievement is a reminder that meaningful research impact extends beyond academic outputs. It is equally reflected in the researchers developed, the knowledge generated, the collaborations strengthened and the institutional capacity built over time.

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu congratulates Professor Wellington Didibhuku Thwala on this distinguished recognition and celebrates his contribution to research leadership, doctoral education and academic excellence, as well as the role of higher education in advancing Africa’s development agenda.

15/10/2026

The ICT NETWORK AND SUPPORT 2026 AWARDS celebrate excellence, innovation, and dedication in information and communication technology. The event recognises outstanding contributions to network and technical support, and digital transformation, highlighting the importance of reliable ICT services in driving efficiency, connectivity, and technological advancement.

15/10/2026

Celebrating excellence and innovation at the ICT Network and Support 2026 Awards, recognising outstanding achievements, dedication, and contributions to ICT network infrastructure and technical support. The awards highlight the vital role of technology, teamwork, and innovation in strengthening digital connectivity and service excellence.

14/10/2026

EXCELLENCE HONOURED AT ICT NETWORK AND IT SUPPORT AWARDS

The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBEIT) used the ceremony to recognise the people who keep the University’s digital systems running.

The Department of Networking and IT Support held its awards ceremony to recognise staff who have shown commitment, professionalism and innovation. Dr Vinod Kumar delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Executive Dean of FEBEIT, Prof Thwala.

The Faculty congratulated all the award recipients. It also thanked the Department’s leadership, its academic and technical staff, the organising committee and the industry partners who helped make the event possible.

Dr Kumar centred on the strategic importance of networking and IT support in higher education. Digital technologies, it said, are “no longer supplementary tools” but are central to how universities teach, learn, research, communicate and engage with society.

It noted that learning management systems, online assessment platforms, student administration systems, research databases and digital libraries all depend on reliable infrastructure and professional technical support. “Behind every successful online lecture, every accessible digital resource, every secure institutional transaction and every uninterrupted research activity is a network of systems and professionals working to ensure that technology performs as expected,” the speech said.

Dr Kumar, on behalf of Prof Thwala, said IT support must be understood as more than a reactive service. “IT support is not merely a reactive service; it is a strategic enabler of institutional performance, innovation and transformation.”

He linked the Department’s work directly to student outcomes: “When our networks are reliable, our students can learn effectively. When our systems are secure, our institutional information is better protected.”

Dr Kumar noted that excellence in technical environments often happens out of sight. It can mean resolving a complex network problem, preventing a security incident, restoring a critical system, or helping a student or colleague in difficulty. “These contributions may not always receive public recognition, but their impact is substantial,” it said. “Today, we bring those contributions into the spotlight.”

Award recipients were urged to treat their recognition as both an achievement and a responsibility. They were encouraged to sustain their performance, mentor colleagues and share knowledge with students and emerging professionals.

The address also stressed that leadership does not depend on a formal position. “It is demonstrated through the quality of your work, the example you set and the positive influence you have on others.” Recipients were asked to stay humble, since “every achievement is supported by the contributions of others.”

Staff who did not receive awards were encouraged to keep developing their skills and contributing to the Department. “Awards celebrate exceptional achievement, but a culture of excellence depends on the collective contribution of everyone,” the speech said.

He closed with three commitments for the Department. First, excellence must become the Department’s culture, built on professionalism, integrity, consistency and continuous improvement. Second, innovation must become a habit, with openness to new ideas and emerging technologies and a willingness to question established practices. Third, collaboration must become a strength, with staff working across disciplines, departments, professional bodies and industry partners.

The speech thanked the Head of Department and departmental leadership, academic, technical and administrative personnel, industry partners, the organising committee, and the families and friends who support the recipients.

“Let us celebrate excellence today, embrace innovation tomorrow and work together to build a digitally empowered future,” the address concluded. Dr. Kumar said it looks forward to seeing the Department “grow in capability, innovation and impact.”

14/10/2026

KEYNOTE SPEAKER: DR. TABISA NCUBUKEZI AT THE ICT NETWORK SUPPORT SYSTEM 2026 AWARDS

Dr. Tabisa Ncubukezi is an accomplished academic and researcher who serves as the Acting Head of Department and Lecturer in the Department of Information Technology within the Faculty of Informatics and Design at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Cape Town, South Africa. She is also an alumna of Walter Sisulu University, highlighting her academic connection to the institution.

Dr. Ncubukezi holds a Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.)/PhD qualification with a research focus on Information Security, particularly cyber hygiene, cybersecurity among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and e-learning security. Her academic career includes teaching and professional experience at institutions such as Walter Sisulu University, Vaal University of Technology, and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.

In recognition of her academic potential and research commitment, she was awarded the United States–South Africa Doctoral Programme scholarship through the University Capacity Development Programme. Her expertise in information security and cybersecurity positions her as a valuable contributor to advancing digital knowledge, research, and innovation in higher education.

13/10/2026

WALTER SISULU LAUNCHES SAIEE STUDENT CHAPTER, GIVING ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS A DIRECT LINK TO THE PROFESSION

The Department of Electrical Engineering at Walter Sisulu officially launched the Walter Sisulu Student Chapter of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) on 12 October 2026 at the College Street Campus. The launch was co-ordinated by Dr V. Kumar, the SAIEE Student Chapter in-charge for the Buffalo City Region. It was attended by Mr Philip Nicholson, Chairperson of the SAIEE Eastern Cape Centre and Lead Electrical Engineer at Bosch Projects. The Head of Department, staff members and Electrical Engineering students also attended.

Speakers emphasised the importance of student participation and encouraged students to take the initiative and become active members of the chapter. They noted that involvement in professional bodies such as the SAIEE helps students build networks, develop leadership skills and prepare for their careers as engineers.

Mr Nicholson spoke on the benefits of student membership and on ethics in the workplace. He then officially launched the chapter and introduced its first student committee.

The chapter gives Walter Sisulu students a direct link to the engineering profession through networking, industry exposure and a clear path towards professional registration. Planned activities include technical seminars, industry visits, mentorship programmes and career guidance.

The Department congratulated the new committee and wished its members well in their term.

13/10/2026

WALTER SISULU -ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT LAUNCHES SAIEE STUDENT CHAPTER AS EXECUTIVE DEAN PROF THWALA CALLS FOR ETHICAL, INDUSTRY-READY ENGINEERS

The Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBEIT) yesterday welcomed students, academics, industry partners and professional engineers to the launch of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE) Student Chapter, hosted by the Department of Electrical Engineering. Speaking at the event, Executive Dean Prof Thwala described the occasion as “more than the launch of a student organisation,” calling it the start of a new chapter in the Faculty’s commitment to developing competent, innovative, ethical and professionally responsible engineers. The launch, held under the theme “Empowering the Next Generation of Electrical Engineers through Professional Excellence, Innovation and Industry Collaboration,” was attended by SAIEE Eastern Cape Chairperson Mr P. Nicholson, the Head of Department and student leadership.

Prof Thwala said engineering education must extend beyond the lecture room, the laboratory and the examination hall, and described the Chapter as a strategic investment in students, the Department, the Faculty and the future of the profession. He noted that electrical engineering underpins electricity generation, renewable energy, industrial automation, telecommunications and smart manufacturing, and that South Africa needs a strong pipeline of engineering talent to support energy security, infrastructure development and the transition to a sustainable economy. Engineers are also needed to tackle emerging challenges such as climate change, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, smart grids and energy storage.

He said the Chapter would help bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice by giving students direct access to practising engineers and the wider professional community. Proposed activities include technical seminars, industry visits to power stations and renewable energy facilities, mentorship programmes, career guidance and graduate recruitment engagements, design competitions and entrepreneurship programmes. Students will also be introduced to professional registration pathways with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA), and the Chapter is expected to run community outreach on electricity safety and energy efficiency. “Our students should graduate with more than a qualification,” he said, adding that they should leave with professional networks, practical insights and confidence.

Professional ethics featured prominently in the address. Prof Thwala reminded students that errors in electrical design or compromises in professional judgement can have serious consequences for public safety, and urged the Chapter to make ethics, accountability and responsible innovation a central feature of its programme. He encouraged discussion of engineering failures, safety standards and the ethical implications of emerging technologies. “Technical knowledge may open doors, but integrity sustains professional trust,” he told the gathering.

Turning to the way forward, the Executive Dean called on the Department and the SAIEE to give the Chapter institutional support and mentorship, backed by an annual operational plan, defined leadership responsibilities and measurable outcomes such as student participation, mentorship engagements, industry visits and technical events. He proposed an annual review to track successes and set priorities. He thanked the SAIEE, industry partners, academic staff and the organising committee, and expressed the hope that the Chapter would become “a bridge between the University and industry,” helping graduates not only to participate in the future of engineering but to help shape it.

08/10/2026

WS-FEBEIT AND NUST COMMIT TO DEEPENING STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

The strategic partnership and collaborative benchmarking visit between iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu (WS) and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has concluded on a strong note, with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to strengthening collaboration in education, research, innovation and industry engagement.

Delivering the closing remarks, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology (FEBEIT) at iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, Prof Wellington Didibhuku Thwala, expressed sincere appreciation to the NUST leadership, academics and professional staff for the warm reception and openness extended to the WS delegation.

Prof Thwala emphasised that the visit was more than a benchmarking exercise, describing it as an opportunity for the two institutions to learn from one another, challenge existing assumptions, identify areas of common interest and explore practical opportunities for collaboration.

The engagement provided valuable insights into academic programme development, teaching and learning, research and innovation, postgraduate development, industry engagement, work-integrated learning, technology transfer, entrepreneurship and institutional partnerships. It also highlighted the importance of creating an ecosystem in which universities, industry, government, and communities work together to address societal challenges.

Among the potential areas identified for strengthened collaboration are joint research and innovation programmes, staff and student exchanges, collaborative postgraduate supervision, joint publications, industry engagement, work-integrated learning, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, sustainable engineering and infrastructure, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, as well as joint conferences, seminars and research workshops.

Prof Thwala further highlighted the broader African significance of the partnership, noting that challenges such as climate change, water and energy security, infrastructure deficits, urbanisation, digital transformation, unemployment and skills development cannot be addressed by institutions working in isolation.

He called for stronger African university-to-university partnerships that mobilise collective intellectual resources and enable academics, researchers and students to develop African solutions to African challenges while contributing to global knowledge.

A key message from the closing address was the need to translate the outcomes of the visit into tangible action. Prof Thwala encouraged the respective teams to move from engagement to collaboration, from collaboration to projects, and from projects to measurable outcomes and sustainable institutional impact. He also proposed the identification of quick-win initiatives that can be implemented within the next six to twelve months, alongside longer-term strategic programmes.

For FEBEIT, the engagement with NUST comes at an important time as the Faculty strengthens its contribution to the long-term strategic direction of iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu, particularly through engineering, the built environment and information technology as catalysts for innovation, economic development, digital transformation, sustainable infrastructure and human capital development.

Looking ahead, Prof Thwala described the conclusion of the visit not as the end of the engagement, but as the beginning of a new phase of strategic cooperation. He called for partnerships that create tangible benefits for students, academics, industries and communities, while encouraging cross-border research collaboration and academic programmes that respond to the future of work.

In a powerful closing message, Prof Thwala stated: “We came to benchmark, but we leave with a partnership.” He added that the delegation came to learn but was leaving with opportunities and came as institutions but was leaving as partners committed to a shared African future.

The WS–NUST engagement therefore closes with a renewed commitment to transform discussions into practical programmes, strengthen African scholarship and build sustainable institutional partnerships that contribute meaningfully to the development of communities and the continent.

As Prof Thwala concluded, the partnership represents an opportunity to advance institutional collaboration, African scholarship and partnerships that transform lives and communities.