Graduates called on to support WSU

Funds requested to help university deal with facilities

WALTER Sisulu University convocation president, Zincedile Tiya, has challenged graduates to contribute towards refurbishing the institution’s facilities.

Tiya was giving a congratulatory message at WSU’s second leg of its annual graduation, which saw all campuses congregate at the Zamukulungisa site in Mthatha.

Tiya said it was important to remember that WSU was a historically disadvantaged institution and had its own problems, just as is the case with any other institution.

“In terms of funding, we still receive the lowest subsidy. We are calling upon you all to make pledges to our convocation account for fundraising.

“Our infrastructure is dilapidating because it’s old and not properly maintained, and our sporting facilities do not reflect that of a university.

“Let us donate, even if it’s R20 a month – it will make a difference,” said Tiya.

Earlier this year the Daily Dispatch reported on the poor state of some of the university’s student residences.

He reminded graduates they were now ambassadors of the university and that “we expect you to be shaped in different characters from the ones you were whilst you were students”.

He said graduates were expected to be highly ethical, professional and precise.

“Never disappoint us and your communities. Stay away from corruption, fraud and money laundering,” he said.

WSU vice-chancellor Professor Rob Midgley said social ills in society also manifested within universities and that, no matter how much they tried to insulate themselves, many of the issues crept into the university.

He made an example of the R14-million scandal that caused a major media frenzy recently.

“This incident is but one of a number of examples of unacceptable behaviour that our university has had to deal with in the past year,” said Midgley.

“WSU has experienced incidents of rapes, killings, corruption and destruction of property.

“This year we have had students losing their lives because of studenton-student attacks, we have had a building burnt down, and other extensive damage from student protests but, most worringly, we have had deaths and serious injuries associated with excessive alcohol consumption.”

WSU will host the Walter Sisulu Memorial Lecture today at the Nelson Mandela Drive Auditorium at 12pm. —