Advancing society, governance and justice
Born amidst protests on the Reef in 1922, Wits is known for standing up against the prejudices of apartheid, for fostering a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and two of South Africa’s post-democracy chief justices. Wits academics and alumni have a proud record of defending democracy and justice, and addressing socioeconomic challenges that affect society.
Centenary projects:
1. Honouring our great jurists through the ongoing development of key social justice pillars
The Chaskalson Chair in Law, Public Policy and Economic Justice and the Moseneke Chair in Constitutional Democracy & Human Rights are two key Centenary Chairs being established to build on Wits’ proud record in defending, promoting and developing these key pillars of social justice within a rapidly changing digital world.
2. Chair in African Philanthropy
The Chair in African Philanthropy will build on the pioneering work that has been conducted in the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment at the Wits Business School. Research and skills development are the foundation for effective and expanding resource mobilisation for the African continent.
3. Prioritising the informal sector as a driver of employment and economic development
While the informal sector is the ‘forgotten’ sector in many ways, it provides livelihoods, employment and income for about 2.5 million workers and business owners. The Chair in the Informal Economy will drive the recognition and growth of this integral part of the economy through the design of well-crafted ‘smart’ policies to enable, support, and formalise the sector.
