Building a diverse professoriate through strategic investment
- Wits University
Insights from the Carnegie Diversifying the Academy programme.
The Transformation and Employment Equity Office (TEEO) hosted an event to welcome the newest recipients of grants awarded under the Carnegie Diversifying the Academy (CDTA) programme.
CDTA funds are targeted at addressing the underrepresentation of Black African and Coloured South African academic staff at Wits by attracting new academic staff into the university, and by providing programmes to support the career development of existing academic staff from the designated groups. The programme was officially launched in 2015 and has successfully recruited intellectuals from industry to join academia while at the same time growing its own timber by identifying and mentoring talented postgraduate students.
The 2023 welcome and networking event took place on 6 September and was attended by the new cohort of 14 grant recipients and 19 returning grantees. To date, 52 grants have been awarded. Between 2021 and 2023 CDTA received 80 applications and 52 were awarded. These include eight new appointment grants for appointments to senior lecturer positions at Wits; thirty enabling grants to support research; five doctoral grants to support contracted academics/researchers at Wits complete their PhD and nine post-doctoral grants for fellows appointed at Wits University.
Dr Gillian Mahumane, Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, and Researcher at the Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform, is a recipient of the Carnegie Enabling Grant, offered under the CDTA programme. Being part of the programme has provided additional resources to expand her academic endeavours. Of value to her is the relationship between CDTA and leadership in various areas of the University, which in turns facilitates alignment of objectives and expectations.
“The Enabling Grant programme encourages regular check-ins and support through semi-annual meetings between deans and the Head of Transformation. This ensures that candidates receive ongoing assistance and mentorship, guaranteeing their continued growth and success. Assigning a mentor adds an additional layer of personalised guidance, enhancing the programme's effectiveness,” she says.
These events are an opportunity for grantees to be introduce to the support team and management team of the grant and begin the discussion around managing their grants and reporting requirements. This is also an opportunity for grantees to get to know each other’s academic work and career goals.
Dr Musa Marimani, Researcher and Lecture at both the School of Pathology and the Department of Molecular Medicine and Haematology, attests that: “The Carnegie DTA research grant has been very useful for purchasing laboratory reagents and recruiting new postgraduate students. The grant also facilitated the formation of local and international collaborations.”
Guest speaker and Wits Business School Director, Professor Maurice Radebe gave an inspirational talk drawing on his recently published book The Fuel to Lead: Developing the Next Generation of Leaders.
Lethu Kapueja, Programme Manager: Wits CDTA stressed that leadership development is an ongoing project.
“Academic leadership is the same as leadership in any area of society; and academics need these type of interventions early in their career just as much as everyone else.”
NASA welcomes Wits delegation
- Wits University
Wits alumni give VC a guided tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi and a University delegation participated in a guided tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), located in Houston, Texas. The group was joined by Wits graduate Dr Justin Wilkinson, Jacobs Technology Inc.
Vilakazi, who as a young boy was fascinated by spaceflight and inspired by the Planetarium at Wits University (soon to be a Digital Dome) began the tour at the Christopher C. Kraft Jr. Mission Control Center, also known as Houston, which is the facility that manages flight control for the United States human space flight programme, currently involving astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS), and the Artemis missions.
“It is wonderful to be at the heart of humanity’s reach to the stars, and at the same time, knowing how much potential our own space and aeronautics programmes at Wits are advancing. It should not be too long before our own South African flag can join those from other nations displayed here, with our own contribution to this special branch of human progress,” said Vilakazi.
Upon completion of the Mission Control Center tour, the group proceeded to the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, an astronaut training facility and neutral buoyancy pool operated by NASA. Its main feature is a large indoor pool of water, where astronauts train, refine spacewalk procedures, as well as develop flight procedures and verify hardware compatibility. Astronauts in spacesuits are weighted in the pool to achieve neutral buoyancy, which is close to the microgravity they will experience during spaceflight.
The tour ended at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility which houses mockups of the pressurised modules on the ISS which are primarily used for astronaut training and systems familiarisation.
“The tour of the NASA facility was a wonderful end to a fruitful tour of Texas by our Wits delegation. We have met many of our own notable alumni, made new friends and partners, and returned home with renewed enthusiasm for Wits’ own place at the leading edge of the global academy,” added Vilakazi.
The tour to NASA formed part of the Wits Advancement programme to the US, which included four alumni reunions, several donor meetings, and visits to universities and other entities to establish mutually beneficial partnerships. This forms part of the Wits Centenary Campaign.
A leap of faith and resilience
- Wits University
Agents at the heart of creating a better world for the Deaf community mark 25 years of impact and partnerships.
“If we waited for the money, we would be no where today.”
These were the words of Dr Claudine Storbeck who narrated the story of how the Centre for Deaf Studies at Wits came into being.
The Centre started with nothing but a resolve to change the educational outcomes and prospects of the Deaf community.
Storbeck approached Wits 25-years ago with a bold request.
“I said to Wits, give me an office and a phone – I will pay for my own phone bill and don’t give me a salary.”
This was a big gamble and an audacious move. Committing to working with no income could have serious consequences for her including destabilising her family household as a newlywed.
To her surprise, the University said yes to providing an office, marking a ‘U-turn’ as up until then, two other institutions had turned her down citing that Deaf education was not a strategic area at the time.
In the months to follow, she dispatched 50 sponsorship letters while at the same time assembling a team that would support the vision to establish South Africa’s first academic programme dedicated to the training of teachers for the Deaf.
The first to join her despite the lack of financial security was Lucas Mangongwa, then a school principal carving his own path in North West province as the first Deaf principal in South Africa to lead a school for the Deaf.
“I tell you these things because it shows what faith can do.”
“If we waited for the money, we would be nowhere today,” said Storbeck addressing dignitaries and well-wishers at the official celebration to mark the 25th anniversary of the Centre.
This initiative of humble beginnings yet big dreams has become a Centre of Excellence recognised by the Department of Education and Training. Beyond teaching and research, the Centre has been a key contributor towards building an inclusive society. It is the go-to partner for families of deaf and hard-of-hearing babies, which through the Hi Hopes programme, provides psycho-social and language support to families across six provinces. This reach is increasing. In addition, the Centre has a dedicated SafeSpace programme to support Deaf victims of gender-based violence (GBV).
Speaking at the celebration Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi said the anniversary is “a remarkable milestone in the history of this 100-year-old institution. This milestone speaks about the key elements of this University, namely diversity, equity and inclusion.”
“It is a testament to the enduring spirit of our university,” said Vilakazi.
The event also served to honour Deaf Heroes who have made a significant contribution to the Deaf Ccommunity.
Building an eco-system
What began as a teaching programme to address the shortage of skilled teachers who can sign fluently and in tune with the needs of Deaf learners has evolved with the times filling a gap in the services provided to the Deaf community.
Adapting and innovating, the Centre has championed the availability of childrens’ books by producing a valuable resource for the socialisation and self-actualisation of Deaf children and families.
Rootz Resources produces books for deaf babies, available for in multi-media using both South African Sign Language and audio.
“Representation matters. The main characters in these books are Deaf babies who live full lives.”
The Centre also runs an entrepreneurship project on its premises and operates a coffee shop which employs Deaf baristas.
The Centre also houses data of the longest longitudinal study of Deaf babies in sub-Saharan Africa spanning 17 years.
Where to from here?
“The young Deaf leaders are going to pave the way,” said Storbeck.
“We are already looking for Deaf people to take over. The Centre for Deaf Studies is not about an individual but is driven by the Deaf community.”
Fak’ugesi 2023 Awards celebrate digital creativity
- Wits University
Honouring 10 Pan-African innovators for outstanding creative achievements as the Festival celebrates a decade of African creativity.
In a vibrant awards ceremony that illuminated the 10th-anniversary celebrations of the Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival, the Fak’ugesi 2023 Awards for Digital Creativity proudly unveiled the winning projects spanning Animation, Video Games, Visual Arts, Music, and XR (AR/VR) categories.
The awards, now in its second year following a successful debut in 2022, holds the distinction of being the sole award of its kind on the continent, recognising exceptional digital innovation within Africa’s creative landscape. Commenting on the awards, Fak’ugesi’s Festival Director Eduardo Cachucho says, “Over the past decade since our inception, we’ve witnessed and celebrated the phenomenal growth of African creativity in the digital space. This year’s nominees showcased an exceptional standard, seamlessly blending multidisciplinary practices with digital creativity to celebrate the richness of African culture.”
Selected and scored by an esteemed panel of external judges, who are leaders in their respective fields, these visionary individuals are recognised for their groundbreaking achievements in their chosen fields and for having masterfully infused creativity and digital art to reshape the landscape of African innovation.
Arowan Parker, a South African animator, storyteller, and writer, is the creative mind behind 'The Present'. This award-winning project explores the escape into fictional narratives, the rediscovery of human connections and finding beauty in the present moment.
Nkem Nwaturuocha, Co-founder and Creative Director of Disrupt DNA, is a passionate storyteller across advertising, film, and animation. ‘The Song Maiden’ is a short, animated film depicting the struggles of a young girl caught between cultural norms, offering a compelling story of resilience and personal growth.
Lola Aikins, a talented 2D animator and visual development artist, is on a mission to promote authentic African aesthetics in animation. Her debut short film, 'NALEDI' delves into the story of a star athlete who must confront her overwhelming grief to regain confidence and finish her race.
Kushal Jeethendra Sithlu, a multifaceted creative as a Game Designer, Writer, and Founder of Pineapple on Pizza Studios. His latest project, ‘The Null Factor’ is an action-packed adventure in a post-pandemic world against a rogue AI.
Alkemaize, a game development studio, is on a mission to create inspirational and educational games that challenge perceptions. Their latest project, ‘Rapz!’ follows the story of Rapulani, a young girl with a magical afro. The game aims to promote self-love, especially among young girls dealing with hair-related challenges.
Diane Cescutti, is a French visual artist of Cameroonian-Italian and French heritage. Her latest project, ‘Nosukaay’ explores the links between Manjak weaving and computer technology using a Manjak cloth as a keyboard.
Agnes Ndegwa is an imaginative 3D artist, VR content creator, and Illustrator, whose brainchild ‘Young Haven’ ventures into the realm of virtual reality with a profound focus on children's mental health and emotional acumen. It serves as a sanctuary for children to play, relax, and communicate with their guardians, fostering open and expressive dialogues.
A Johannesburg-based digital artist and game developer, Aluta utilises various digital mediums, from extended reality to video games, to convey their distinctive perspectives on politics, perception, and pop culture. Their latest project, PHANTOM, is a digital art endeavour that delves into the complexities of mental health disintegration employing extended reality as a means to draw parallels between the elusive nature of mental illness and haunting, ethereal apparitions.
Hailing from Kenya, Baruu Collective is a dynamic production and creative agency on a mission to redefine and rekindle African narratives rooted in cultural heritage. 'If Objects Could Speak' follows daring filmmakers who unearth Kenyan artifacts from a German museum cellar, using immersive AR to revitalise them and embark on a journey to share this cultural treasure in Kenya's communities.
|Kx'am, a non-profit organisation, is dedicated to researching, restoring, and promoting |Xam and Khoe knowledge systems, culture, art, and heritage through new media. Their multimedia exhibition, !Habesi (roots), showcases fine art, photography, poetry, indigenous instruments, and augmented reality, shedding light on |Xam and Khoe land rights and honouring Ouma Katrina.
“As we celebrate the outstanding winners of the Fak’ugesi Digital Creativity Awards, we recognise that their exceptional projects not only captivate local audiences but also resonate on the global stage. With opportunities for international residencies and participation in industry events, these innovators are poised to showcase their talents to the world. Recognition in these awards underscores Fak’ugesi’s pivotal role in shaping the future of digital creativity, while these projects stand as powerful examples of how local perspectives can speak to audiences across the African continent,” says Cachucho.
沙巴体育官网_2024欧洲杯博彩app@ the Fak’ugesi Digital Innovation Festival
The Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival is at the forefront of Africa’s culture and technology scene. Founded in 2014 as a collaboration between the Tshimologong Precinct and the Wits School of Arts, Digital Arts Department, the festival originated on the idea that for innovation with technology to succeed, a strong connection needs to be made between African cultural practices and creative encounters.
Now celebrating its 10th year, the festival is rooted in showcasing and developing skills in technology, art and culture in Africa.
Political theorist Dr Ayesha Omar has been awarded a three-year British Academy International Fellowship.
Omar is one of 15 outstanding scholars from across the globe to receive the prestigious fellowship, which includes salaried employment, research expenses and relocation allowance including an endorsement for the Global Talent Visa. The total value of the award is £361,425, approximately R8,500 000.
Her research titled Liberal Engagements of Black Intellectual History in South Africa will be conducted at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) University of London.
“I am both delighted and honoured to have been awarded the British Academy International Fellowship. The project builds on the foundations of earlier research that I developed at Wits which studies the intricate tapestry of Black intellectual history in South Africa. My project hopes to further explore these neglected archives by illuminating the myriad of ways in which black intellectuals engaged and critiqued liberalism in the context of settler colonialism and Apartheid,” says Omar a Senior Lecturer at Wits.
Omar who joined Wits in 2017 is also a Mellon Early Career Research Fellow and a visiting scholar at the University of Cambridge. The British Academy complements her work as a research and teacher.
The fellowship provides early career researchers with the opportunity to gain experience across international borders, acquire and transfer new skills and knowledge, and foster long-term relationships through networking opportunities.
Student on the Go Programme to end Period Poverty
- Wits University
The launch of the Student on the Go Programme marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against period poverty.
The Dean of Students Office at Wits University, in collaboration with Chancellor Doctor Judy Dlamini, celebrated the official launch of the "Student on the Go Programme" in partnership with the Clicks Group. The event was not only a milestone but a moment of gratitude towards the partners who have joined the mission to eradicate period poverty.
Initially originated by the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC), Ending Period Poverty has grown to become a beacon of hope for countless female students facing period poverty. This initiative is founded on the belief that access to menstrual products is a fundamental right, not a privilege.
Last year, the SRC initiated the Wits100 Centenary Period Poverty Pilot Project, providing 10 000 sanitary towels to Wits students on campus. This marked the first significant step in combating the harsh reality of period poverty that plagues low-income women and girls.
Speaking at the launch on 28 September, Chancellor Doctor Judy Dlamini expressed her admiration for the SRC and the Dean of Students’ Office, saying, "I'm filled with gratitude at different levels. You never dropped the baton; you passed it on like true servant leaders who are driven by purpose rather than position."
Kamogelo Mabe, Wits SRC Acting President, praised the university's management and sponsors for their unwavering support. “This project has indeed breathed life beyond a Pilot Project and is now a legacy project as it exists outside of the previous term's SRC, and we envision it to launch beyond Wits University and become a nationwide project.”
“I am super proud of this project because it's a great collaboration between us as the number one health and beauty company and, secondly, Wits University, which has such a phenomenal legacy. If you can keep girls in school for longer and if you can make sure that you are trying to remove some of the obstacles for them, then we are building a phenomenal society for the future, and that's really at the heart of it,” said Group CEO of Clicks, Bertina Engelbrecht.
The Student on the Go Programme is designed to provide convenience and dignity to female students. Benefits will be loaded onto the Clicks club card, allowing students to access sanitary towels at selected Clicks stores at their convenience.
Jerome September, the Dean of Students, expressed his appreciation for the SRC's initiative and thanked the sponsors for their invaluable support. He emphasised the significance of corporate support in projects that seek to bring dignity to young people, change the face of the country, and make a real difference in society.
With the unwavering dedication of Wits University, Dlamini, the SRC, the Clicks Group, AFI, Motsepe Foundation, and Eyerus, this initiative is poised to make a lasting impact not only within the university but also throughout South Africa, ensuring that no student has to compromise their education and dignity due to period poverty.
Water and sanitation problem-solvers win
- Wits University
Wits students among top teams at the Sustainathon 2023, bringing home great prizes.
Students from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) have emerged as frontrunners at the Tata Consulting Services (TCS) Sustainathon, a competition focused on harnessing innovation to tackle water and sanitation challenges, hosted in Johannesburg, on 02 October 2023.
Out of 200 teams, three teams comprising a total of 11 Wits students secured coveted spots among the top 10 finalists. Of the three Wits teams, the team called Waterwise Professionals walked away with a R10 000 cash prize for the third position, while all the other finalist teams received R5 000 each. All participants were presented with gift vouchers, goodie bags and potential TCS internships. Their innovative solutions hold the promise of revolutionising water management and access, addressing pressing issues facing not only South Africa but the world.
“The idea behind the second TCS Sustainathon South Africa was to inspire our youth to advocate for a more sustainable world. By allowing students to tap into the power of technology, communities, and our partner ecosystem, I can confidently say that the work they have presented here today could have a real impact on South Africa’s critical water and sanitation challenges,” says TCS South Africa country manager Langa Dube.
Team Waterwise Professionals (Nelly Khoza, Tumelo Ngoepe, Totodi Senyolo, Siyanda Pikwa, and Goitseona Taukobong), clinched a top-three position with their practical water-saving system. Redefining traditional toilets, their innovation reduces water consumption per flush to 1.5 litres, compared to the usual 11 litres. Using hydrogen peroxide to treat urine and a vacuum system to flush out solid waste, their eco-friendly solution holds the promise of reshaping sanitation practices. The team is currently redefining their solutions and preparing to register their IP with the Wits Innovation Centre.
Another Wits team, One-More-Thing (Isaiah Chiraira, Steven Makoni, and Kagiso Koenaite) introduced a cutting-edge Drop-wise hydro tech solution that empowers households to take control of their water consumption. Leveraging smart sensors, this innovative approach conserves water in showers, taps, and geysers while offering users real-time insights into their usage patterns via a user-friendly web app.
The third Wits team, Aquaconnect (Phenyetso leboho, Nomusa khambule and Lea Radebe) focused on ensuring safe and pure drinking water. Their solution combines UV purification with intelligent monitoring and reporting systems. The technology not only removes harmful substances but also maintains essential mineral content. Moreover, the inclusion of a USSD component extends its accessibility to those without smartphones, ensuring equitable access to clean water.
These Wits teams weren't alone in their journey; they were supported by the Office Dean of Student Affairs under the leadership of Jerome September, Dean of Student Affairs, and Tshegofatso Mogaladi, Deputy Dean of Student Affairs. This support played a crucial role in nurturing and guiding the students' innovative ideas.
Mogaladi, says “This is a monumental accomplishment by Wits students which is indicative of growing culture of entrepreneurship and innovation amongst our students. I am particularly elated that this group of students has now claimed a prize at a national competition, was recently involved in the recent AFRETEC workshop where they also produced one of the top ideas intended to address some of the world's most pressing challenges”.
“How our students showed up at the TSC Sustainathon is testament to a collection of institutional efforts aimed at stimulating student entrepreneurial mindset. With their dedication to practical and sustainable solutions, these students are surely poised to make a lasting impact for the benefit of humanity and the environment and thereby addressing critical water and sanitation issues,’’ says Mogaladi.
Their winning ideas may be further developed into full-fledged solutions at the TCS Innovation Lab, ultimately benefiting the community and addressing critical water and sanitation issues.
Researchers to examine the impact of support provided to deaf children
- Wits University
Wits and its UK partner are to investigate the impact of support provided to deaf infants and children in South Africa.
This collaborative study between Wits’ Centre for Deaf Studies and the University of Manchester’s Social Research with Deaf People programme, will analyse the impact of a home-based early intervention programme, on the development of children under six-years. The research project is funded by the UK's Medical Research Council.
Around 6,000 deaf children are born in South Africa each year, however, the lack of universal newborn hearing screening means that the average age of diagnosis of hearing loss amongst babies in South Africa is at 28-months-old.
"As a result, the linguistic, communicative, cognitive, and socio-emotional development of deaf and hard-of-hearing children in South Africa can be delayed, often significantly,” says Professor Claudine Storbeck, Principal Investigator at Wits University.
“In comparison, results from high-income countries show that identification and diagnosis by three-months of age with family support and early intervention by six months of age drastically improve the developmental progress of deaf children,” says Professor Alys Young, the UK Principal Investigator.
The researchers will investigate the HI HOPES programme, an early intervention and family support programme for families with deaf and hard of hearing children. Founded in 2006 by the Wits Centre for Deaf Studies as a non-profit programme, it provides families with specialised home-based early childhood development programme for children from birth to six-years.
“The research project will investigate the extent and character of the impact of such a home-based early intervention programme, alongside an understanding of what might mitigate the effectiveness of such a programme of intervention,” says the researchers.
“This is important because home-based early intervention for deaf infants is not universal and the case for its effectiveness is not proven within the wider context of school readiness in South Africa.”
School readiness and assessment tools
Information from the project also aims to provide large scale data on the development of deaf children in South Africa that will help to inform the South African Government/UNICEF National Early Learning and Development Standards (NELDS) from birth to four years.
Data will also inform assessments for children under five-years such as the Early Learning Outcomes Measure (ELOM), developed by South African early learning charity DataDrive2030. Outcomes will promote the suitability of ELOM for deaf children as well as developing a standardised South African Sign Language (SASL) version to ensure the validity of all items for children who are SASL users.
Prof. Storbeck adds: “It will be possible for the first time in South Africa to accurately evaluate deaf children’s developmental progress and needs in all domains (not just language) at the point of school entry.
Currently the availability of data on deaf child development and impact of early intervention is sparce and structured early intervention programmes to promote early childhood development in the first three years of life are minimal.
Wits leads IUPAP Working Group on Climate Action
- Wits University
Two Wits academics lead international working group on physics for climate action and sustainable development
The Dean of the Wits Faculty of Science, Prof. Nithaya Chetty, has been appointed as the Chair of the International Union for Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP) Working Group on Physics for Climate Action and Sustainable Development, and Visiting Professor Igle Gledhill from the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering is serving as its secretary. These appointments, effective for an initial three-year term, were confirmed during the IUPAP General Assembly held on 9 October 2023 in Geneva. Chetty also serves as the Vice-President of the Union responsible for membership and development and oversees the global development of physics. Both Chetty and Gledhill are previous presidents of the South African Institute of Physics.
“Issues around climate change are set to grow in the coming years. These challenges are intimately connected with the need for energy security and sustainability of the environment, and if not addressed will impact negatively on poverty, inequality, mass migration, and the human condition,” says Chetty. “These are global problems that require a global effort, and a more focused quest for the green economy.”
He adds: “This is a multidisciplinary endeavour involving the basics sciences like physics, chemistry, mathematics, computing, engineering, human and social sciences, law and health sciences. This terrain is fraught with political influences, and it is essential to carefully differentiate between academic discourse on the one hand and political discourse on the other, and between climate action and climate activism.”
It is noteworthy that Syukuro Manabe, Klaus Hasselmann and Giorgio Parisi were awarded the 2021 Nobel Prize in Physics for providing the basis for current climate models and for helping sound an early alarm on human-caused climate change. This highlights the importance of basic sciences for sustainable development which has been celebrated with the International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development in 2022/23 whose proposal at the UN was led by the IUPAP. Read the statement on the global green economysigned by national physical societies around the globe.
Chetty says that the working group's primary objectives include promoting the distinct role of physics in addressing climate change and the energy transition. It aims to achieve this by:
advocating for an evidence-based approach to climate studies and the energy transition, collaborating closely with experts from various fields,
establishing robust global connections to engage the public in discussions on these vital topics, and
encouraging the integration of green economy and sustainability principles into university curricula and research training.
The working group, comprising of experts from around the world, will offer recommendations to the Executive Council of the IUPAP on actionable measures, tasks, and statements. Over the next three years, it plans to organise at least one significant international conference. The group is also committed to active participation in initiatives related to the United Nations' International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, declared in August 2023, an initiative also led at the UN by the IUPAP.
“Amongst other initiatives, our discussions revolve around the formulation of a comprehensive programme aimed at enhancing the field of physics in the Pacific Island nations,” says Chetty. “It is crucial to underline that one of IUPAP's core missions is the global advancement of physics. However, we hold concerns that island nations and economically disadvantaged countries, especially African countries, will disproportionately bear the brunt of the myriad challenges confronting humanity in this coming decade. Given that physics serves as a pioneering discipline, it becomes imperative that we foster its growth in these regions. This, in turn, forms the bedrock for the advancement of science, resulting in a deeper comprehension of societal issues and a more profound commitment to collaboratively devising solutions.”
Prof. Rudolph Erasmus, the current president of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP) and associate professor in the School of Physics at Wits also attended the recent IUPAP meeting, supporting the resolutions of the working group. He congratulated Chetty and Gledhill on their appointments and proffered his full support of the Institute for the working group’s activities. He says: “I hope to see Climate Physics as a recognised sub-field at South African universities in the near future. South Africa is a founding member of the IUPAP, having been one of only 13 countries that formed the IUPAP 101 years ago, and has a record of being a strong voice in the IUPAP for the development of physics around the globe, a matter of strategic importance for the IUPAP.”
Happy Birthday, Witsies!
- Wits University
Epic parade and student-inspired music festival painted Braamfontein blue and gold as Wits enters its second century.
On Friday, 6 October 2023, thousands of Wits students and staff celebrated the University’s 101st birthday with a colourful parade that snaked through the vibrant streets of Braamfontein.
Dressed in Wits signature blue and gold colours, the Wits Parade also included Wits residences and societies, Departments, Faculties and Schools, Kudos Kudu mascot, stilt walkers, the Wits Brass Band, float and the Wits cheerleaders.
The parade was followed by a picnic and an energetic Wits Music Festival which was held at the Diggs field. The line-up included talented Wits students and included some of South Africa’s biggest stars in entertainment such as Mafikizolo, Mi Casa, and Amapiano DJ’s Dlala Thukzin and DBN Gogo.
Photo Gallery
#WitsForGood
Wits University is a national treasure that occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of both Witsies who have walked these halls and friends of Wits all over the world. For 101 years the institution and its staff, students, and alumni have played an integral role in the development of the University, the City of Johannesburg, and our country, and have made a global impact.
Changing the subject in feminist and queer politics
- Wits University
Professor of Sociology wins prestigious award for book on feminist studies in neoliberal India.
Srila Roy, Professor of Sociology at the University of the Witwatersrand, has won the Distinguished Book Award in the Sexualities category from the American Sociology Association (ASA) for Changing the Subject: Feminist and Queer Politics in Neoliberal India.
The Distinguished Book Award is awarded annually to an ASA member for the best single book published.
Roy’s research interest and expertise are in the field of transnational and decolonial feminist studies. Her book, Changing the Subject, maps out India’s rapid transformation of gender and sexual politics today in the neoliberal global context.
The book demonstrates how historical and local feminist currents influence contemporary queer and straight neoliberal feminisms.
Roy describes this through the actions and assumptions of an organisation she calls ‘Janam’, which is central to the book. The work of Janam is poverty alleviation and empowerment of women in rural west Bengal through financialization, human, and women’s rights.
“For the data collection, I used a mixed methods approach, which included the open-ended interview and participant observation,” she explains, regarding her research process to write the book.
The emphasis by queer feminist governmentality on altering the self, and how this interacts with traditional activist governance methods, gives a new way of seeing feminism – both as an ideology that has always been appropriated and as a force for change in the world.
Roy’s aim is for readers to consider “a new way of looking at feminism, which is not only about the march, the public protest, or the placard.”
She says, “I hope my book shows how feminist and queer struggles take place in all sorts of ways, with all sorts of consequences, from the level of the state and non-state organisations, like NGOs, to the micro level of the everyday and the self.”
Roy is currently writing a new book, to be published by Wits University Press, called Dissonant Intimacies: Transnational Feminism in the Global South.
Top performing learners from Class of 2023 embrace their academic future at Wits
- Wits University
Wits hosted the Vice-Chancellor's Top Applicants Function in a bid to offer prospective students a taste of the academic journey that awaits them.
This annual event welcomed the brightest minds from the Class of 2023 to embark on a journey into their academic future at Wits. It is designed for matriculants who have applied to pursue their higher education and have demonstrated remarkable academic excellence. Aspiring Witsies had the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the dynamic student life of the university and gain insights into the impactful and progressive courses offered across the institution's five Faculties.
Speaking at the event was Wits' Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, who notably mentioned that the university has consistently ranked among the top 100 institutions worldwide in terms of alumni who have ascended to become CEOs of Fortune 500 companies.
Vilakazi remarked, "We believe in academic excellence because we are an excellent university. We believe in respect for differences in our background because strength comes from that diversity."
"You are here because you've already demonstrated that, at a relatively young age, the power in your minds has the potential to change the world for the better. Wits University will refine that power, deepen your knowledge and expose you to a universe of intellect that you don't know about," said Vilakazi.
As the day unfolded, learners and their parents were privy to the ground-breaking research conducted at the university, from cutting-edge medical advancements to pioneering studies in science, commerce, engineering, and the arts.
The event offered learners the chance to interact with faculty staff and fellow students, offering them first-hand experiences with world-class resources. Guests explored the Actom Energy Laboratory and learnt about meteorites and earthquakes in Geosciences. They also explored the Adler Museum of Medicine on the Parktown campus, a unique space preserving the rich history of health sciences in Southern Africa.
Jeppe High School matriculant Zaeem Fakir hopes to be a student at the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics in 2024. The applicant praised Wits for its commitment to academic excellence.
"The calibre of education and staff at this institution will certainly provide me with the utmost skill to develop my professional career in the future," said Fakir.
Isabelle Johnson, a pupil from Northcliff High School, expressed her eagerness to pursue studies in the field of engineering as her primary choice. However, she also has a strong interest in the Humanities.
"I have a very creative side. The language, the arts and the cultural factor are all very special," said Johnson. The day concluded with a light lunch and networking session, allowing learners to connect and gain a deeper understanding of the pioneering paths they aspire to carve out as future Witsies.
The Top Applicants' event is organised by the Wits Schools Liaisons Office, responsible for recruiting student talent.
Wits awards student leaders
- Wits University
Outstanding student leaders across various categories have been recognised at the annual student awards.
The Student Leadership Awards were held on 13 October 2023, at Solomon Mahlangu House, Wits University.
Storme Johnson receives Vice-Chancellor's Student Leader of the Year award
The most prestigious award - the Vice-Chancellor's Student Leader of the Year Award was presented to the SRC's Storme Johnson, who received a prize of R10,000. The year 2023 has seen Johnson scoop several awards including the Sports Student Leader of the Year award.
Leader of the year, Johnson was delighted to have made an impact, serving others.
“Leadership activities matter because you never know whose life you might change or how many people you could end up helping. I have recently realised that I have helped people in the most unexpected ways and helped unexpected people by being involved in these activities. These activities will also drive you into an era of growth within yourself,” says the final year Bachelor of Arts with Law student.
Johnson has played an exceptional role in various areas such as excellence in sports, tutoring, coaching, community outreach, and student governance. She has raised the University’s flag in various sporting leagues and forums, including the USSA Hockey and the University Sports South Africa Student Forum. Furthermore, her commitment to academic excellence has enabled her to serve as a Tutor and Writing Consultant in the Wits School of Law and various high school programs where she inspires academic excellence. As the Chairperson of the Wits Sports Council (WSC) and the Sports Officer in the Student Representative Council (SRC) 2022/23, this student leader actively advocates for gender equality and overall equality among sport clubs. This was also evident in her contributions to the women empowerment campaign which was aired on national TV during the Varsity Netball Matches on SuperSport TV.
Diverse categories recognise outstanding contributions
Awards were also conferred in the following categories: Most Outstanding Student Leader at a Post-Graduate level, Most Outstanding Student Leader in a School Council, Most Outstanding School Council, Most Outstanding Class Representative, Most Outstanding Project/Initiative by a House Committee, Most Outstanding Student Leader in a University Residence House Committee, Champion of Service Award, Social Innovator Award, Most Outstanding Student Leader in Peer Mentorship, Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Special Recognition for the Student Entrepreneurship Education Development Mentorship Programme.
These awards aim to recognise students' contributions to co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, entrepreneurial and innovative thinking, social impact, and their selfless contributions to the Wits community and communities beyond the university. In celebrating Wits students, the University places special emphasis on acknowledging those who have demonstrated distinctive leadership qualities in alignment with the University's mission and values. They exemplify the notion of #WitsForGood.
VC's perspective on Wits student leadership
On the night of the awards, Zeblon Vilakazi, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, stated, "Wits University has always prided itself on being a fertile ground for molding leaders. We provide an environment that encourages critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, and a strong sense of social responsibility. The awardees tonight serve as a testament to the fact that our students are not just the leaders of tomorrow; they are leaders of today, making a tangible difference in the world even as they pursue their studies." His words underscore the University's commitment to nurturing leaders and celebrating the impactful contributions of its students.
Faith Mokgalaka's innovative entrepreneurship
Faith Mokgalaka, final year Bachelor of Science in Computer Science student, who was announced as Student Entrepreneur of the Year, has delivered an innovative impact-driven venture that seeks to empower the agricultural landscape by bridging the gap between smallholder farmers and the resources they need to thrive. This is through a fin-tech platform which offers farmers access to finance, pay-as-you-harvest insurance, and various markets. To date, over 50 farmers have been assisted through this platform. Moreover, the venture has received support from prestigious institutions such as Harvard Innovation Labs, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services (AWS).
“I’ve always looked at my journey as rather unconventional and seeing Wits recognise and celebrate me, means a lot. In my journey as an entrepreneur, the lesson I learned must be that taking the path less traveled is worth it and can be very rewarding,” says Mokgalaka.
Girton Hall's exceptional house committee
Girton Hall of Residence went away with Most Outstanding House Committee award, for playing an outstanding role in effectively championing for their fellow residents’ holistic development and wellness; promoting social and environmental responsibility; leading a culture of fundraising; and further creating a sense of belonging and community. This was done through well-planned and executed campaigns, projects, and events such as: Going Green Initiative- plastic bottle collection and recycling, which has reinforced the culture of taking care of the environment, while simultaneously fundraising; The annual Movie Night; 21st birthday excursion; Games Night; Academic Dinner; Clothing drive with donations presented to the Tshimagandzo Care Centre; Academic talks centered around Mental Health, Academic Exclusion, and Time Management; Hiking activities at the Klipriviersberg Nature Reserve; and ‘Big-sister,-Little-sister’ mentorship conversations, among many others.
Jubilee Hall's community development project
Another residence Jubilee Hall of Residence won the Most Outstanding House Committee Project Award for outstanding contribution towards a community development/social responsibility project and demonstrated how they have aligned their project to the Living and Learning Community Pillars within Campus Housing and Residence Life. Jubilee has made a significant contribution to tackling student hunger by initiating and maintaining a food garden in their residence. The fresh produce such as spinach and carrots from this diligently managed garden supports the Wits Citizenship and Community Outreach (WCCO) programme responsible for the Wits Food Bank. In addition, this initiative seeks to equip volunteers with knowledge about agriculture and crop growing, and further cultivate a culture of changing our community's social issues through teamwork and collaboration. Their impact and consistency have been evident in their ability to influence two neighboring residences to join the initiative, increasing the number of volunteers from 40 to approximately 60.
Lethabo Maphopha: A Social Innovator
The Social Innovator Award has been received by Lethabo Maphopha for his leadership in linking business with community development. Maphopha is recognised as the young, motivated entrepreneur behind BroughtCargo, an e-commerce startup. This online platform helps spaza shops and street vendors gain access to bulk suppliers and allows them to share the cost of shipping. His hard work and effort were acknowledged at the Nedbank Green Superheroes competition, for his work advising spaza shop owners on how to reduce their carbon emissions from their packaging and discarding waste materials. He also won the entrepreneurship internal rounds this year in the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) competition. All of this, while being a fourth year Medical student at Wits. This extraordinary business leader already employs five people.
Outstanding student leaders in education and mentorship
The award for the Most Outstanding Student Leader in a School Council went away with Tyler Anthony, Bachelor of Science Honours in Property Studies student, Chairperson of CEM Council & EBE Faculty Council, Anthony's exceptional leadership as Chairperson of the School Council and her tireless dedication to addressing social justice issues within her constituency have made her a shining beacon of leadership among school councils. On the other hand, Zenande Socenywa, Bachelor of Economic Science with Honours student won Most Outstanding Student Leader in Mentorship award for consistently demonstrating value-based leadership, serving as a mentor in the First Year Experience program and a Gateway-to-Success Lead Mentor. She goes above and beyond by contributing as a peer educator at the CCDU and as a tutor in the School of Economics and Finance, all while actively participating in initiatives like the Kindness Campaign and Rethinking Economics for Africa (REFA).
Sibusiso Msibi's leadership and academic excellence
Sibusiso Msibi, final year BA with Law student, who was announced Most Outstanding Student Leader in a University Residence House Committee, shares, “I have inspired a lot of young people to be in the leadership space. I find leadership activities pivotal to building and developing one’s leadership skills such as communication, interpersonal, decision making and more. I have hosted several events which I am planning to host in the future with the goal to pass some leadership skills that I have acquired in my tenure.”
Msibi has shown that it is possible to lead fellow students while maintaining an excellent academic performance. This is because despite holding various leadership positions and participating in co-curricular activities, this student has maintained an impressive academic record and continues to inspire academic excellence, like a true Witsie. Through the initiation of the Queer and Allies initiative and related events in their residence, this student leader has demonstrated a sense of agency and inclusivity. This exemplified efforts to building a sense of community and safe spaces for all, in the University residences.
Jazz, musical bows and a baritone enthrall at music concert
- Wits University
A standing ovation for the Khaya Mahlangu Quintet at the inaugural Wits Vice-Chancellor’s Music Concert, which also featured Wits’ own Mombelli's Chamber.
The flagship concert, set to become an annual event, took place in the iconic Wits Chris Seabrooke Music Hall on Thursday, 19 October 2023.
Wits Vice-Chancellor Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, a patron of the arts and of jazz specifically, welcomed the packed house: “I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the incredible artists who will grace this stage tonight. They have poured their hearts and souls into their craft, and their dedication to their artistry is nothing short of inspiring. I am especially grateful that we have two legends performing at this inaugural VC’s Concert – Carlo Mombelli and Khaya Mahlangu. We are blessed tonight!”
The concert featured a veritable soundscape of musicians and performers, many of them in Wits Music in the Wits School of Arts. Dr Donato Somma, Head of Wits Music, set the scene: “Wits Music works in three closely related musical traditions: African music, jazz, and traditional. But blindly reproducing tradition is not what we do. To paraphrase a quote from the composer Mahler, ‘Tradition is not in saving the ashes, but in tending the living flame’. And what you will hear tonight is that living flame.”
The first of two Wits Music students performing to “carry the flame forward” was Lesedi Masela, a student in the foundation phase of his Bachelor of Music at Wits. Masala sang an aria from Don Giovanni, Act 1 in an astonishing baritone that both enthralled and entertained. In addition to training as a classical bass singer, Masela is a conductor and an aspiring composer and teacher.
Accomplished pianist Andrew Duncan, currently completing his master’s in music at Wits, accompanied Masela. Duncan is a respected accompanist at several South African universities and opera organisations, and also coaches and accompanies several Wits students.
Musicologist, musician, and composer Dr Cara Stacey joined Wits Music this year. She holds a doctorate in African music, specifically the makhoyane musical bow from Eswatini. Stacey took to the stage with Mpho Molikeng, a Lesotho-born multi-faceted artist who plays a range of southern African traditional instruments but specialises in those of the Basotho.
A highlight of the duo’s performance was Molikeng’s demonstration of the conversion of an oil can into a bow instrument called a mamokhorong, an innovation of the Basotho and favoured by shepherds wiling away the hours while tending their livestock. The mamokhorong emits a haunting sound, reminiscent of an elephant’s call.
Mombelli’s Chamber was met with rousing applause immediately on alighting the stage. Comprising world-renowned and iconic jazz icon, Associate Professor Carlo Mombelli (electric bass), Kyle Shepherd (piano), Sisonke Xonti (woodwinds) and Jonno Sweetman (drums), the Chamber performed music from Mombelli’s latest recording called ‘Lullaby for Planet Earth’. Nandi Zulu, the second of the two BMus students performing, delivered haunting vocals.
Finally, the much-anticipated Khaya Mahlangu Quintet performed compositions by veteran jazz composer and saxophonist, Khaya Mahlangu. With a career spanning more than four decades, Mahlangu is revered and respected, having performed with luminaries including Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, Caphus Semenya, Abdullah Ibrahim and Carlo Mombelli. When not performing, Mahlangu teaches the saxophone at Wits University.
His Quintet, comprising Mandla Mlangeni (trumpet), Sanele Phakathi (piano), Dalisu Ndlazi (bass) and Sphiwe Shiburi (drums) – and Mahlangu himself on tenor sax – brought the house down with lively, emotive, and provocative renditions including ‘Feya’s Dance’, ‘Visions’ (written for a world without war and famine), ‘Nobelungu’ (for Mahlangu’s late wife), and ‘Enkosi Jabu Xhosa’ (for the pianist Jabu Nkosi).
Somma said that in the coming years, the focus of the Vice-Chancellor’s Music Concert will shift. “Next year, a concert showcasing our classical lecturers and teachers and the year thereafter, an African music focus.”
Civils FC grabs 2nd position in the 2023 Wits Soccer League!
-
Congratulations Civils FC! This is a soccer club comprising of undergraduate and postgraduate students in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
The Civils FC soccer team represented the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the 2023 Wits Internal Soccer League Season and emerged First Runner-up, a major improvement in their performance compared to the 2022 league Season when they held the 5th place.
This achievement was despite a rather shaky start at the beginning of the league that saw the team lose the first two games, but the team’s spirited efforts bore fruits that saw it on an impressive eleven-match unbeaten streak. The team's unity and commitment to Excel. Together. played a pivotal role in elevating Civils FC to this remarkable achievement. The team, mainly a student-led initiative, was the culmination of the dedication by students to participate in extracurricular activities following the resumption of contact classes in 2022.
The idea was welcomed by the Head of School Prof. Mike Otieno who supported the students in a number of ways, including financial support to acquire training and playing kits. With around 50 team members led by students Shahed Melane, Liam Seetal, Murangi Mudau and Phiwayinkosi Mhlongo, the team sought and secured sponsorship from various sources to support their training and league participation activities.
World-renowned vaccinologist awarded CBE
- Wits University
Professor Shabir Madhi has been appointed as an honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by King Charles III.
Wits Professor of Vaccinology Shabir Madhi led the Oxford University sponsored Oxford/AstraZeneca 沙巴体育官网_2024欧洲杯博彩app@ vaccine clinical trials in South Africa
Wits University and the University of Oxford contributed scientifically to informing the public health response to the 沙巴体育官网_2024欧洲杯博彩app@ pandemic in South Africa and globally.
Madhi receives the Order in recognition of his services to science and public health in a global pandemic.
Madhi led South Africa and the continent’s first 沙巴体育官网_2024欧洲杯博彩app@ vaccine trials in 2020/2021 as founder and Director of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Wits Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics (Wits VIDA) Research Unit.
An internationally recognised leader in his field, the National Research Foundation A-rated scientist was involved in multiple clinical and serology epidemiology studies on 沙巴体育官网_2024欧洲杯博彩app@, in addition to his research on vaccines against other life-threatening diseases.
The first of (subsequently two) Wits University-led South African 沙巴体育官网_2024欧洲杯博彩app@ vaccine trials, Madhi led the Oxford/AstraZeneca 沙巴体育官网_2024欧洲杯博彩app@ vaccine clinical trials in South Africa, in association with the University of Oxford.
Professor Sir Andrew Pollard, Director of the Oxford Vaccine Group, University of Oxford, and Madhi’s UK counterpart in these 沙巴体育官网_2024欧洲杯博彩app@ vaccine trials, says of Madhi’s CBE appointment: “I am delighted that Professor Shabir Madhi CBE has been honoured by King Charles for his remarkable contributions to global public health and particularly for his extraordinary leadership in the midst of a global pandemic. It has been a huge privilege for me to work alongside him and his team on the development of the globally impactful Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.”
Over the course of the pandemic (2020-2022), Madhi had been an outspoken, articulate, and ardent advocate of 沙巴体育官网_2024欧洲杯博彩app@ vaccination as well as for increased access to these and other vaccines in Africa.
On his appointment as CBE, Madhi says: “The privilege of being conferred this honour is credit to the tremendous effort of the incredible Wits VIDA research team that I have the privilege of leading at Wits University – before, during and beyond the 沙巴体育官网_2024欧洲杯博彩app@ pandemic. As a collective, and together with colleagues at the University of Oxford and in South Africa, we are proud to have contributed scientifically to informing the public health response to the 沙巴体育官网_2024欧洲杯博彩app@ pandemic in South Africa and globally.”
A lifetime dedicated to saving lives
During the pandemic, Madhi was simultaneously (and remains) Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits University, Director of Wits VIDA, and co-Director of the African Leadership Initiative for Vaccinology Expertise (ALIVE). He is deputy-Chair of the World Health Organization Scientific Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization (SAGE) and a member of the National Advisory Group on Immunization in South Africa.
A Wits University alumnus, Madhi trained as a paediatrician. Before the pandemic necessitated pivoting to 沙巴体育官网_2024欧洲杯博彩app@ research, his focus was (and continues) to be on the epidemiology and clinical development of vaccines against pneumonia and diarrheal diseases.
Madhi is internationally renowned for his research on clinical development of vaccines targeted at pregnant women that have the potential to benefit the mother, the pregnancy outcome, and their infants. Studies by Madhi have informed World Health Organization recommendations on the use of lifesaving vaccines against pneumonia, diarrheal disease, and in relation to vaccines in pregnant women.
Another jewel in his crown
Madhi’s royal appointment as CBE follows extensive recognition and accolades in South Africa. In 2021/22 he was awarded the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Lifetime Achiever Award, which acknowledges his leadership in researching vaccines against life-threatening diseases in Africa and globally, and for being at the cutting-edge of research in this area since 1997.
That same year, the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) awarded Madhi the Science for Society Gold Medal for outstanding achievement in scientific thinking to the benefit of society.
A decade before the pandemic, the SAMRC awarded Madhi its most prestigious accolade, the Lifetime Achievement Award (Platinum Medal). This award recognised Madhi’s research excellence in the field of vaccinology and respiratory and meningeal pathogens, and its impact on improving child health in South Africa and other developing countries.
Madhi is a member of ASSAf, the Royal Society of South Africa (RSSAf) and The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS).
Witsies cheer Springboks to victory
- Wits University
What a night! On a drizzling Saturday evening, the Wits University campus came alive with a sea of green and gold.
The campus buzzed with excitement as students, staff, and their families gathered at the Wits Rugby Stadium for the highly anticipated 2023 Rugby World Cup Final screening. The mood was electrifying as everyone gathered to watch history being made, flags flying, and students wearing Springboks jerseys.
As the Bokke battled New Zealand tooth and nail, the tension was evident. Nails were bitten and hearts pounded as the clock ticked down.
Finally, the moment of glory arrived as the final whistle blew, signaling an epic victory for the Springboks.
Hugs, high fives, and cheers of "Go Bokke!" erupted throughout the fan park as excitement increased. It was a moment of national pride.
Jerome September, the Dean of Students, beamed with pride, saying, "Like the Springboks, Wits is about excellence and being the best in the world."
"The World Cup was an unforgettable experience, a much-needed experience for us as students, before the start of the final exams. The atmosphere was electric and filled with cheers, laughter, and a little anxiety because it was a very close game, but I think we all knew that the Boks were bringing it back home. It was great for Wits to host the screening because it gave us a safe space as students, said Augustine Ledwaba, second-year BSC student.
, .jpg "Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi and a University delegation participated in a guided tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC), .jpg")
.jpg "A standing ovation and encore for the Khaya Mahlangu Quintet at the inaugural Wits Vice Chancellors Music Concert")
