The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) has been urged to urgently intervene to support Walter Sisulu University (WSU), as ongoing infrastructure, funding and administrative challenges continue to limit access to higher education for thousands of students from poor and rural communities.
Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi told the Portfolio Committee on Higher Education that the university remains severely oversubscribed, while it can only provide few enrolment spaces. Adv Ngcukaitobi said the university received close to 500 000 applications for only 7 000 available spaces. “The demand for places at WSU is overwhelming because of its rural location and accessibility to poor communities. But limited infrastructure and an inflexible enrolment plan make it impossible to absorb more students,” Adv Ngcukaitobi said.
He argued that DHET’s lack of support has become a major barrier to the university’s growth and long-term vision. “WSU cannot become a university of the future without DHET’s full commitment. With the right investment, the university could accommodate up to 60 000 students through a mix of on-site and off-site learning,” he said.
Adv Ngcukaitobi highlighted the lack of investment in digital infrastructure, including fibre connectivity, as a critical constraint. He also raised concerns about land ownership, noting that the university does not own the land on which it is built, as it belongs to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure. “It is extremely difficult to develop infrastructure on land you do not own. This continues to delay much-needed expansion and refurbishment,” he said.
The absence of Department of Higher Education and Training senior leadership, particularly the Director-General, during the oversight visit was also troubling. “At a time when the sector is under pressure, the failure of senior DHET leadership to attend or delegate is deeply concerning,” Adv Ngcukaitobi observed.
Members of Parliament also raised concerns over the maintenance of ICT labs and the Student Services Health Centre. Portfolio committee members also questioned the state of campus maintenance and the slow pace of infrastructure upgrades. Committee member Dr Delmaine Christians noted that some buildings have deteriorated, despite being handed over to the university in good condition by the previous government.
Dr Christians compared the university unfavourably to the University of Venda, saying both institutions operate in rural settings but have produced very different outcomes. “Rural location cannot be the excuse. Universities must show innovation and a willingness to turn things around. Where that exists, DHET must come in and support,” Dr Christians said.
The committee stressed that access to functional ICT equipment is essential for student success and warned that bureaucratic delays should never be allowed to undermine teaching and learning.
Portfolio Committee Chairperson Mr Tebogo Letsie said the university’s plans to expand are ambitious but achievable. “These plans are not impossible. With a clear enrolment strategy and proper financial and infrastructure support from DHET, WSU can significantly improve access and the quality of education,” he said.
During a visit to the campus health centre, the committee was concerned about poor preparedness to treat patients, as demonstrated by dysfunctional basic medical equipment.
Jabulani Majozi
3 February 2026
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