Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, on behalf of the Eastern Cape Provincial Government and the people of Eastern was among the privileged few who took part in the historic occasion in the life of Walter Sisulu University.
The Premier witnessed this sacred ceremony, as Water Sisulu University inaugurated its Vice-Chan ellor & Principal, whom the executive custodianship of an institution s heritage, legacy, and administrative oversight, are vested. The occasion is the peak of a tradition long honored by knowledge seeking communities since time immemorial.
I would like to believe, that our presence here is a testament to a timeless commitment, including to us Africans, similar to other members of the global community who continue to ask questions and are searching for answers in pursuit of both old and new knowledge” Premier said during his keynote address at the occasion.
We have come to appreciate the value of collaboration in finding lasting, workable solutions to some of the issues facing us all including tackling climate change, a growing equality gap between the rich and poor, and improving the human condition, particularly of the vulnerable in society” he added.
Premier hopes that the university views the inauguration as an opportunity to welcome a new era and celebrate as a community, and that the installation of Professor Rushiella Nolundi Songca as Walter Sisulu University Vice-Chancellor and Principal must echo the clarion call of ages past and beckoning futures.
Perhaps this is a fitting metaphor given that Prof Songca is the first-woman Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Walter Sisulu University. Prof Songca, I m also certain that today represents in many ways a moment of coming full-circle in your academic career, as this is where you first cut your teeth as an academic, when this historic and familiar edifice against the backdrop of the Mthatha landscape - was still known as UNITRA”
We hope to look to this institution of higher learning here in the Eastern Cape as being part of the integral armoury of centres, through which research excellence, teaching & learning and development can flourish. As the provincial government, among the key sectors of the socio-economic strata, in which we are keen to see exponential growth, is the agricultural economy - through which we hope Walter Sisulu University can play a pivotal role in leading its modernisation, and innovation, and occupy a position of a specialist in the research and knowledge of this field” Premier said.
Eastern Cape Government has already have a solid partnership with WSU not only in the area of research, but also is assisting financially struggling students to access higher education. Our recent investment in this regard was R30 million, with WSU and the University of Fort Hare each receiving R10 million and the Nelson Mandela University and Rhodes University each receiving R5 million.
According to the Premier, is an intervention government will continue to make as the sixth administration of the ANC led government because they know that the students they are assisting with funding are the hope of their families to get out of poverty.
