Higher Education Portfolio Committee Heads to WSU Komani

Portfolio Committee on Higher Education to Visit Walter Sisulu University

The Portfolio Committee on Higher Education will on Monday undertake an oversight visit to Walter Sisulu University as part of Parliament’s ongoing monitoring of public universities ahead of the 2026 academic year.

The visit will be conducted at the university’s Komani Campus and forms part of a broader national oversight programme aimed at assessing institutional readiness, governance systems, and service delivery at higher education institutions across the country.

Focus on Governance, Infrastructure and Accommodation

During the visit, the committee will assess key areas critical to the start of the academic year, including governance and leadership stability, infrastructure conditions, student accommodation, and the university’s overall capacity to support teaching and learning without disruption.

These focus areas have been prioritised nationally following repeated concerns about administrative instability, aging infrastructure, and accommodation shortages at some public universities, particularly in provinces such as the Eastern Cape.

Committee Emphasises Leadership and Accountability

Chairperson of the committee, Mr Teboho Letsie, said leadership stability and accountability remain essential to institutional success. He noted that recent oversight work conducted in Limpopo demonstrated that when leadership is stable and governance systems function effectively, institutions are better positioned to ensure a smooth start to the academic year.

He added that the committee expects institutions in the Eastern Cape to demonstrate the same level of preparedness and responsiveness, given the significant role universities play in expanding access to education and supporting social mobility.

Engagement With University Management

Members of the committee are expected to engage directly with university management during the visit and conduct on-site inspections of facilities. The engagement will allow the committee to assess progress made, identify ongoing challenges, and determine whether corrective measures are required to address any shortcomings identified.

The oversight visit will also contribute to Parliament’s broader evaluation of the higher education sector and inform future recommendations to the Department of Higher Education and Training.

Visit Details

• Date: Monday, 2 February 2026

• Venue: Walter Sisulu University, Komani Campus

• Time: 09:00 – 17:00

The outcomes of the visit are expected to be consolidated into a formal report to Parliament, highlighting areas of progress as well as any concerns requiring further attention.