The Insider - Walter Sisulu University

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drive the economy. Before the start of the conference, WSU and RAPDASA had ‘planted a seed’ by inviting 160 grade 10 high school learners from the different schools surrounding WSU’s Buffalo City engineering campus. The scholars were motivated by Dr Terry Wohlers about the importance of Engineering and how underdeveloped it is in South Africa compared to other parts of the world. He said in his talk that the students should empower themselves with Walter Sisulu University collaborates with well-equipped advisors AS a comprehensive university that offers both academic and technological programmes, Walter Sisulu University constantly and vigorously strives to keep its technologyfocused academic programmes and their content up-to-date. That is why it recognises the unique opportunities that Advisory Boards and industry collaborations offer the institution. These collaborations are equally beneficial because they ensure that the industry receives an opportunity to shape and inform the acquired skills relevant to the job market for graduates. The Advisory Boards are divided according to WSU’s four faculties that host different schools and departments. They assist many of the schools in recognising the latest needs of the differing industries and give advice on more knowledge of how to develop products of change at early ages as those create wealth for the country at large. He continued to note that engineering is much needed around the world as it impacts upon everything from automobiles, medical, dental, footwear, sports and jewellery. He also described the establishment and evolution of the facilitating role that the Association plays as an independent organisation in stimulating and improving the level existing and proposed programmes to ensure that the curriculum will produce the best professional and industrial practices. “Advisory Boards are important because we build external relationships that our students and the institution can benefit from. For instance our School of Tourism and Hospitality (SCOTH) Advisory Board meets with us twice a year where they give us advice and assist, where appropriate, in finding industrial placements for students”, said Kofi Acheampong, Director of the School of Tourism and Hospitality. This relationship also promotes collaboration on research between the university and the industry. In February this year a Strategic Engagement was held between higher and further education institutions, Members of the School of Technology (Scoth) Advisory Board Page 8 of communication and interaction between the users of technology and the technology providers. “The ability to design and develop new products is generally accepted as a strong enabler for improving the competitiveness of a country’s manufacturing industry. RAPDASA is a vehicle for product development technology diffusion in South Africa and all creative thinkers from our institutions must form part of that “history in making”, concluded Wohlers. by Oyanga Ngalika government and local business, organised by the Border Kei Chamber of Business in East London. The engagement was attended by the Buffalo City Mayor, Ms Zolisa Faku and Businessman of the Year, Mr Simphiwe Kondlo, CEO of the East London Industrial Development Zone and other local organizations. Mr Kondlo said: “The knowledge industry needs to be nurtured and developed. To do something meaningful, start where you are, use what you have and make the most of your situation.” It was emphasized that universities and their research component is a key strength of the Eastern Province’s innovation. David Lefutso of the Cooperation Framework on Innovation Systems (Cofisa) programme under the Department of Science and Technology reminded the stakeholders that a >>
country like Finland used to be a rural economy and today it is at the centre of cutting edge technology. He commended Walter Sisulu University on their cutting edge research on biochemicals but also a raised a concern on the lack of collaboration between academia and the private sector. The Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC) has done research on how universities contribute to the province. Speaking on behalf of the WSU Vice- Chancellor, Professor Sandile Songca said that we need to create an environment where learners want to come and study in Buffalo City. “We also need to retain graduates in order for us to utilize their knowledge and competence.” He added that the responsibility of higher education is to create graduates that will not be job seekers, but rather job creators and for that to happen activities such as incubations, innovation and relationships need to be strengthened. A question was raised around the evident brain drain in the province despite the fact that there are 70 000 university students. “Are we training for this economy?” asked Prof Songca. These partnerships seek to address this challenge and with enough close collaboration they will prove fruitful. Existing Advisory Boards between Walter Sisulu University and the business sector include various prominent business and industry leaders: The School of Technology Advisory Board members are: • Nomawonga Kama: The Department of Health, Nutrition Directorate • Mandisa Mdyoli: The Tsolo Institute of Agriculture, Manager Home Industries • Terry Flynn : Fine Art, Ann Bryant Art Gallery • Sisilana Gidakazi: Department of Arts and Culture • Mpumi Fundam: Eastern Cape Development Corporation • Masana Chikeka: Department of Arts and Culture • Zandile Malotana: Foschini Group • Thandi Mbethe: Department of Arts and Culture • Sunshine Blouw: Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) School of Tourism and Hospitality (SCOTH) members are: • Nthabiseng Moleko: Researcher, Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC) • Fezeka Mlungu: Executive Manager, Eastern Cape Tourism Board • Mandisa Xolo: Director, Lagoon View Lodge • Zola Tshefu: Chief Executive Officer, Eastern Cape Tourism Board • Bradley Gilbert: Food & Beverage Manager, Hemingways • Chandré Ammes: Chairperson & Route Manager, eScape Route • Grazia Linden: Owner, Grazia Fine Food & Wine • Keith Stanton: Director, Inkwenkwezi Private Game Reserve • Peter King: General Manager, Tourism Buffalo City • Tom Wanklin: Director, Tshani Consultants • Weziwe Busakwe: Senior Manager, Department of Economic Affairs, Environment & Tourism • Peter Gregerson: General Manager, Blue Lagoon Hotel School of Public Relations, Media Studies and Marketing members are: • Owen Bekker: Buffalo City Municipality >> Delegates deep in thought at the Border Kei Chamber of Business Strategic Engagement Page 9
Page 1 and 2: Issue 2 June 2010 The Insider The l
Page 3 and 4: Walter sisulu: A Man of Excellence,
Page 5 and 6: Democratic Youth at its third World
Page 7 and 8: centre of development. In my view,
Page 9: Walter Sisulu University hosts WALT
Page 13 and 14: aid to promote the twin goals of eq
Page 15 and 16: WSU delegation attends Internationa
Page 17 and 18: WSU fashion: a celebration of MODER
Page 19 and 20: Professor Sandile Songca, Executive

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