E-learning receives great attention among educational practitioners in recent times. Many institutions of higher learning are using E-learning as a supplementary tool to the traditional ways of teaching and learning. Though many African universities, like their counterparts globally, have adopted E-learning as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the success of it, among the institutions located in rural settings depends heavily on the e-readiness of the students these institutions enroll at undergraduate levels. Walter Sisulu University (WSU), situated in one of the most disadvantaged areas in South Africa, predominantly enrolls students who are hailing from the rural and townships population. This study investigated the readiness of entry-level students enrolled at (WSU) undergraduate programmes to use E-learning as a tool to enhance their learning. A quantitative approach in a case study design was used in this study. Data were collected from a sample of 240 students using a questionnaire. There is a growing concern about the readiness of matriculant’s from previously disadvantaged black high schools for higher education learning environment. This study makes its contribution by assessing how ready in terms of technological skills of first entry university students predominately from previously disadvantaged former black high schools to engage in e-learning. The study found that only 32% of the students owned a computer device but most of them owned a smartphone. Their major means of access to the Internet were Wi-Fi/Internet ports. The study further found that the students entering university seriously lacked in essential computer skills.

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