Innovate.
Create. Scale
& Go Global.

iYunivesithi Walter Sisulu has cemented its place as a national leader in sustainability and social impact, with back-to-back recognitions in the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings proving that its mission to serve marginalised communities is yielding measurable global results.

The journey began with a historic milestone in 2025, when WSU was ranked 5th in South Africa among 23 local universities assessed. In an evaluation of over 2,500 institutions from 130 countries, the university’s strongest results were recorded in its contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in social equity, innovation, and community engagement.

Building on this momentum, Walter Sisulu has advanced significantly in the 2026 ratings, moving from the 401–600 global band to the 301–400 band. This leap places Walter Sisulu among the top four universities in South Africa for sustainability impact, with standout performances in SDG 1: No Poverty (ranked 80th globally) and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth (ranked 90th globally). This upward trajectory directly validates the university's strategic vision to be a technology-infused African university responsive to societal needs. Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Thandi Mgwebi, affirmed that this success is rooted in the institution's identity.

“Our notable performance... is consistent with our institutional identity as a university anchored in the Eastern Cape, committed to widening access, enabling opportunity, and serving marginalised communities,” said Prof Mgwebi. She added that the milestone reflects the collective endeavour of staff, students, and partners, noting that “while global rankings provide a useful benchmark, the imperative remains the tangible impact of our scholarship, teaching, and engagement.”

By anchoring its strategic direction on transformative education, public good knowledge production, and meaningful societal engagement, Walter Sisulu is proving that its mission is not just academic, but a force for real-world transformation.