A deeply personal journey
Once a cleaner and secretary, Dr Millicent Motheogane’s drive to attain a PhD was a fight against poverty and a quest for representation.
Drama therapists becomes 5th PhD holder in SA
Dr Linda Mdena-Thibedi has achieved a milestone by becoming the fifth and the youngest female PhD graduate in Drama Therapy.
Kabelo Mocwane leads maintenance and operations at Wits
Infrastructure management is key to delivering high-quality education and the state of immovable infrastructure contributes to students and staff experiences.
Tinyiko Mahlaule is reimagining utilities at Wits
Mahlaule, Deputy Director of Energy, Utilities and GMR Compliance, leads a dedicated team of professionals supporting the academic project.
New mining leader aims for the top 10
Dr Paseka Leeuw brings rockface experience from industry and a long academic career to the ambitions of the Wits School of Mining Engineering.
Meet Jabu Mashinini, Head of Student Governance
In a world where student activism can be complex and demanding, Mashinini offers a calm and consistent presence.
Reshaping attitudes towards learning
Early-career academics teaching undergraduate levels embrace their role in helping students move from memorising facts to integrated learning.
Balancing ambition and an invisible chronic condition
Reasonable accommodation ensured that an early diagnosis did not get in the way of a successful academic career.
 _600x300px "Lazarus Matizirofa (Matizi) appointed to the International Open Repositories Steering Committee")
Open repository advocate appointed to global committee
Lazarus Matizirofa (Matizi) has been appointed to the International Open Repositories Steering Committee (ORSC) serving from 2025 to 2027.
Unsung Heroes
Itumeleng Molefe follows in his father’s footsteps to unearth the links to humanity’s deep past.
Harshila Dulabh - expertly guiding Business Intelligence at Wits
As one of the first women to study computers at Wits in the mid-80s, Dulabh has always had the ability to see new paths and harness the power of data.
On a journey to self-empowerment
Once a cashier at a cafeteria on campus, Mpumi Ngceni has now progressed to join Campus Protection Services.
Tribute to Prof. Chabani Manganyi
Prof. Manganyi, an academic and the first black psychologist, made an invaluable contribution to the discipline and higher education.
Retirees' Lunch adds sparkle to milestones
Farewell to friends, mentors and leaders who have been an integral part of Wits' story and mission to build a better South Africa and reimagine the world.
University sport a space to effect growth
Student athletes and spectators contribute to a vibrant student experience says Wits Sports Director.
Christopher Gevers to lead the Centre for Applied Legal Studies
The Centre focuses on public interest law using a combination of research, advocacy and litigation to advance human rights and social justice.
Reflecting on Tito Mboweni’s legacy
Former finance minister and Reserve Bank governor Tito Mboweni, served as an Honorary Professor at Wits.
New Head of the School of Electrical and Information Engineering
Professor Cuthbert Nyamupangedengu takes on the role of the Head of School of Electrical and Information Engineering with effect from 1 October 2024.
From farm to fork
World Food Safety Day is observed annually on 7 June, and the Services Department at Wits held its third annual commemoration of the occasion on 13 June.
Wits chairs national forum to tackle student finance issues
Ismail Soobader will chair the Board of the SA Student Finance Forum (SASFF – the Forum) until 2027.
Stepping up to the task
Juliet Ndlovu, an Operations Administrative Assistant, is adding sign language to her skills so that she can converse with colleagues.
Making difficult decisions
Workers’ Day feature: the Director of Employee Relations at Wits chats about her role, love for the law and balancing PhD studies with motherhood.
Lessons in Chemistry
Science education professor envisages a theoretical construct to help high school teachers teach Chemistry – wins global recognition.
A surprisingly regular academic achiever
A switch in 2nd-year from an LLB degree to Sociology paved the way to a rewarding career as Professor of Demography and now Senior Director: Academic Affairs.
Choreographing new ways of knowing
Thirteen years ago Kamogelo Molobye enrolled for Law at Rhodes but The Amazing Other Show changed the trajectory for the Wits Theatre & Performance lecturer...
A career rooted in promoting mental health
Lived experiences inspired a career in psychology and these keep Shameen Naidu close to students that need support.
New Head for Campus Health and Wellness Centre
This nursing and health activist, and a community builder, looks forward to promoting student health and success on campus.
.jpg "Wits Chief Financial Officer Maureen Manyama")
Meet Maureen Manyama CA(SA), Wits’ CFO
Manyama describes herself as interested in combining her rural upbringing with finance and governance experience to advance national interests.
Not your stereotypical librarian
Dr Daisy Selematsela, the new Director of Wits Libraries, has many names that people have given her over the years.
Law Clinic brings hope even under hard conditions
Hundreds of legal clients in just months underscores the desperation of the indigent even during lockdown.
Triumph for Mandela and Castro medical programme
Wits Covid-19 Heroes support the vision to increase doctors from historically disadvantaged areas.
The balancing act of managing and motherhood
Enthusiasm, patience and diligence are some of the traits that earned Prof. Sumaya Laher the title of Wits Covid-19 Hero for her role in supporting Witsies.
Alumna honoured with the 2021 Outstanding Educator Award
Denise Nicholson recognised for her commitment to intellectual property rights and improving library access.
Jar of Hope restores smiles
A little extra help goes a long way
Keen eyes like those of Lynne Pritchard’s are needed during the era of online learning.
Keeping the lights on
Jeandre Hazelhurst surprised by Wits Covid-19 Hero nomination
Singing and dancing in hospital lifts spirits
Rheumatologist takes innovative approach to managing Covid-19.
Another Wits Hero from ICT
Dreaming of “zero local dependencies” and a complete move to the cloud.
The changing role of ICT
Wits alumna and Senior Manager at Wits ICT says the role of techies should go beyond providing cutting edge and user-friendly infrastructure.
Ensuring optimal service delivery on campus
From bathrooms to buses and public areas on campus, the unsung heroes in the Services Department wage a daily battle against the virus.
Chemistry’s Monyai is a ray of light
Create space for dreams and wellbeing so that impactful work can happen.
Faculties come together in fight against Covid-19
A diverse team of staff and students proudly came together at a time when the country needed them most.
Teaching and medicine – a perfect blend against Covid-19
Two disciplines have paved the way for Hartmann to make an impact on the lives of others.
Paying it forward
Wits Covid-19 Hero Dr Armand Bahini says his actions are inspired by the institution that made him the man he is today.
Answering the call of students
“No matter what you’re feeling inside, the purpose is to be kind and help students with a smile.”
Lessons from Wits rural campus
Wits Covid-19 Hero Ngoni Ngwarai, shares what it’s like to work with 31 villages and humble lessons from Covid-19.
Harnessing resources for greater good
Chemicals and special pencils are never too far from this Wits Covid-19 Hero.
Knack for technology benefits those with disabilities
Adaptive Technologist and Wits Covid-19 Hero, Andrew Sam, provides specialised support to students and staff with special needs.
Managing in an ever changing world
“Covid has taught us to be very flexible and to understand that no two people are exactly the same in how they deal with things,”
Being part of something bigger drives educator
Wits Covid-19 Hero, Professor Lee Rusznyak spearheaded an initiative that assisted teaching students from 24 South µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø universities.
Providing data for Covid decisions
From providing analysis to the government, media and the public - Prof. Bruce Mellado has empowered many to make informed decisions about the pandemic.
Protecting the first line of defenders
“Wits has a very dynamic community. Every day is Day One at Wits.”
Keeping information flowing
“I simply could not sit back and do nothing when I knew that I could try to make a difference and help the students out.”
Leaving no one behind
Scott Smalley instrumental in the safe return of students and staff, and the vaccination drive on campus.
Wits employees go the extra mile for students and academics stranded abroad
Dr Yan Yang and Alison Simons from the Wits Strategic Partnerships Office supported Witsies who were abroad at the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Serving all equally – Service before self
Fears of Covid-19 did not stop Wits network support technicians to service staff at academic hospitals during hard lockdown.
Passion, love and dedication for teaching
A source of inspiration for his students.
All about developing people
Wits Hero Dr Lisa Ware has first-hand experience of what can happen when youth are without hope.
Team work makes the Science Faculty work
A love for teaching and learning, and a deep commitment to the provision of high quality educational experiences drives the Faculty of Science.
Lego blocks and pasta trigger dentistry students
If you think that macaroni, spaghetti and lego blocks only excite preschoolers then you’d be shocked to discover that these also stimulate university students.
Leadership behind the scenes keeps WBS ticking over
He leads with respect, dignity, and passion for excellent IT support and service delivery on the Parktown Management Campus.
Protecting Covid positive pregnant women
Pregnant women who have tested positive for Covid-19 require a different approach.
Healing students humanely with heart
“Covid-19 reminded me of my oath”, says Head of Campus Health and Wellness Centre, Anna Moloi.
Staying connected in sport during a pandemic
From the sports fields to online spaces, Wits Sports staff kept things moving amidst the pandemic.
Ruth Mohamed’s food pack revolution
The expression, “sharing is caring,” is the source behind Covid-19 hero, Ruth Mohamed’s philanthropic values.
Providing a safe home away from home
All titles went out the window – there was no manager or boss position – we all had to help where we could.
A Servant to the youth
“I’m that person that if you want someone to work with in assisting students, people just think of Lucy.”
Guarding the arts in a pandemic
I wanted to help the School of Arts because the lecturers were busy dealing with so many other issues concerning students.
Protecting frontline healthcare workers
There is no question that without the PPE training, the virus would have spread more rapidly in the hospital where students and staff were placed.
Rural doctors did it for local communities and schools
The Wits Heroes Series celebrates staff members who went beyond the call of duty at the onset of Covid-19 in 2020.
IT Administrator at the forefront, providing innovative online learning solutions
The Wits Heroes Series celebrates staff members who went beyond the call of duty at the onset of Covid-19 in 2020.
Sunnyside housekeeper keeps the virus at bay
The improved working conditions she found as a Wits employee made it easy for Mncwabe to dedicate her time to the institutions’ fight against the virus.
Fears forgotten, Students first
“I want this University to know there is nothing I wouldn’t do for it.”
A Covid-19 Hero for WBS
The Wits Heroes Series celebrates staff members who went beyond the call of duty at the onset of Covid-19 in 2020.
Inspiring the next generation of µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø scientists – Sikhumbuzo Masina’s story
"If there is inspiration and collaboration, there is learning, and learning can be passed on," says Sikhumbuzo Masina, PhD candidate.
Maurice Radebe appointed as the Head of the Wits Business School
The University of the Witwatersrand is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Maurice Radebe as the new Head and Director of the Wits Business School (WBS).
Wits bids farewell to a prodigious leader
Wits Vice-Principal, Professor Andrew Crouch, to lead one of South Africa’s newest universities.
Wits Business School welcomes Mervyn King as Honorary Professor
Mervyn King, Chair of the King Committee on Corporate Governance in South Africa has been appointed honorary professor at Wits Business School.
Academic-activist reckons radical love required for equitable healthcare
Shehnaz Munshi in the Centre for Health Policy at Wits believes we need to start grappling with the multi-dimensional nature of inequality in public health.
Dr Robyn Kerr shares her passion for teaching
A lecturer in the Department of Human Genetics in the School of Pathology, Dr Robyn Kerr has a strong focus on teaching and research.
Leading Wits to new research frontiers
Biography: Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Postgraduate Affairs.
Teaching engineers through art
Interdisciplinary learning is on the rise so we asked an industrial engineer what the Wits Art Museum had to teach her engineering students.
A legacy of excellence in applied mathematics
Prof. David Mason from the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics has dedicated his life to inspiring excellence and producing quality graduates.
Arts and Science marry at Wits Art Museum
Since 2012, WAM has been driving educational innovations that demonstrate the relevance of art collections for teaching and learning across disciplines.
Q&A with clinical microbiologist Sanelisiwe Thinasonke Duze
Young, driven and vibrant Sanelisiwe Thinasonke Duze is an associate researcher in the Wits Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (CMID).
A moment with Professor Caroline Tiemessen
In celebration of Women's month, the Wits School of Pathology celebrated Professor Caroline Tiemessen as a prestigious female in Science.
Meet HIV researcher, Thulile Khanyile
Young, passionate and dynamic Wits lecturer, Thulile Khanyile is determined to conduct research that will have a social impact.
Creative Writing Head wins Olive Schreiner Prize
Associate Professor, Bronwyn Law-Viljoen has been awarded the 2018 Olive Schreiner Prize for fiction from the English Academy of South Africa.
Tribute to Professor Lorna Jacklin
Professor Lorna Jacklin, a retired paediatrician from the Wits Department of Paediatrics and Child Health died on 11 April 2019.
A nephrologist with a vision for justice in health care
Dr. Nolubabalo Unati Nqebelele has been awarded a PhD in nephrology. She is the first black woman to earn a PhD in internal medicine at Wits University.
Wits PhD sets national standard for human tissue transfer
Dancing to a corporate tune didn’t turn out to be the kind of legal professional Safia Mahomed wanted to be.
The passing of Professor Sergio Colafrancesco
It is with great sadness that the University announces the passing of Professor Sergio Colafrancesco, a scientist and member of the School of Physics.
Helping others to live their best life
Dr Thobeka Nkomo, the new Head of the Department of Social Work, has always known that she wants to be in a field that improves the lives of others.
The students’ advocate
Social justice, advocacy and transformation are words that resonate with Dean of Student Affairs, Jerome September.
Medical anthropologist provokes new thinking about water
Distinguished Professor Lenore Manderson created WATERSHED: Art, Science and Elemental Politics, a programme to provoke new thinking about water.
Noise Music and Acid Love
Dr. Brian House is a visiting fellow in Digital Arts and the History of Art at Wits. His background in computer science and noise music informs his research.
Student Support in Health Sciences
The multi-lingual Dr Constance Khupe is ideally positioned to help Wits students from rural South Africa adapt to university life and succeed.
Valuing exceptional nursing
“I am no longer in nursing, but nursing is in me,” says Professor Judith Bruce, head of the School of Therapeutic Sciences at Wits.
Mogomotsi at your service
The new Director of Services at Wits, Israel Mogomotsi is committed to rendering excellent services.
Wits surgeon a cut above
Dr Thifheli Luvhengo is a Lecturer and the Clinical Head of the Department of Surgery at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital.
Meet Professor Diane Grayson
The new Senior Director of Academic Affairs at Wits tasked with quality enhancement is a scientist, academic entrepreneur and Tai Chi fundi who speaks French.
Dr Yvonne Kabeya Saini: Marketing lecturer at Wits Business School
Dr Yvonne Kabeya Saini from the Wits Business School is one of the speakers at the 2018 Emerging Market Marketing Conference.
Top honour for Science Educator
Professor Marissa Rollnick is admired for her efforts in unlocking more creative teaching practices among science educators.
Professor Sehliselo Ndlovu
She holds the SARChI Research Chair in Hydrometallurgy and Sustainable Development and is president of the Southern µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø Institute of Mining and Metallurgy.
Dr Sibusiso Sibisi to head Wits Business School
New Director of the WBS, Dr Sibusiso Sibisi, praised for his strong strategic, leadership and operational skills, as well as academic background.
Domingo to head School of Law
Professor Wesahl Domingo appointed to head the School of Law as from 1 January 2018.
Major Scoop for Tsoanelo
Wits Hockey coach Tsoanelo Pholo has become the first black female coach to go through the highest international qualification and score a distinction.
Dr Tiisetso Lephoto
Dr Tiisetso Lephoto from the School of Molecular and Cell Biology is an avid science communicator.
Shakira Choonara
Shakira Choonara is a young leader, researcher and activist at the forefront of public health – both locally and internationally.
Professor Shabir Madhi
Professor Shabir Madhi has established an internationally recognised research unit in the field of epidemiology and vaccine preventable diseases.
Professor Lynette Wadley
One of Africa’s leading archaeologists, Professor Lynnette Wadley first worked as a teacher in Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Professor Derk Brouwer
Professor Derk Brouwer from the School of Public Health started his professional career in the field of Occupational Hygiene in the Netherlands.
Professor Christopher Mathew
Professor Christopher Mathew’s genetics research is acknowledged particularly for work on inherited cancer syndromes and on inflammatory bowel disorders.
Professor Yevhen Zelenyuk
Professor Yevhen Zelenyuk from the School of Mathematics at Wits obtained his masters and PhD degrees from Kiev Shevchenko University in the Ukraine.
Professor Nicole Falkof
Nicole Falkof is an Associate Professor and of Department, Media Studies at Wits.
Dr Musa Manzi
Dr Musa Manzi is a Senior Researcher and Director of the Wits Seismic Research Centre at Wits.
Game changer: Hanli Geyser
Hanli Geyser, head of Game Design in Digital Arts in the School of Arts at Wits, doesn’t like being called a 'gamer'.
Winning hearts and minds
One of the greatest compliments that an academic can receive is to be recognised by grassroot structures and the community that one serves.
ICT industry leader joins Wits
Professor Brian Armstrong appointed to head up WBS/Telkom Chair in Digital Business.
Prof. Steele leaves a rich legacy
Few South µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍøs have contributed as much to the general financial health of higher education in this country as Professor Steele.
Amandla for Gender Parity at Wits
The new Director for the Wits Gender Equity Office (GEO), Crystal Dicks is “maatla – amandla (strength)” personified.
Wits Choir Conductor: Dalene Hoogenhout
Wits Choir conductor, Dalene Hoogenhout has passionately trained and conducted the University Choir since 1994.
Professor Michel Verstraete: Global Change Institute Visiting Professor
Professor Michel Verstraete is a Visiting Professor at the Global Change Institute at Wits with over 250 contributions published.
New Diversity, Ethics and Social Justice Manager in the Wits Transformation Office
Dr Kendall Petersen joined his alma mater as the new Diversity, Ethics and Social Justice Manager in February 2017.
WiSER professor wins inaugural Humanities Book Award
The Academy of Science of South Africa has identified Prof. Keith Breckenridge as the winner of its Humanities Book Award for his book on the Biometric State.
The rewards of persistence
Oscar Manqaba, a Campus Control employee, is one of many unsung heroes at Wits University.
Prakash Desai joins Wits as Chief Financial Officer
Prakash Desai joined Wits as Chief Financial Officer in January 2017. He is a Chartered Accountant and holds BCom and BCom Honours (Accounting Science) degrees.
Advantages of being a ‘free listener’
In-depth interview with Dr Polo Moji, Wits lecturer and recently named: French Embassy “Woman of the month” for October.
New Head of the School of Oral Health Sciences appointed
Dr Mbulaheni Simon Nemutandani joins Wits as CEO of the Wits Oral Health Centre and Head of the School of Oral Health Sciences.
New Chair to boost Jozi's global power
Professor Wall has been appointed to the newly established Chair in Economic Development of the City of Johannesburg.
SEnC: A one stop shop for prospective students
A one stop shop is envisioned for Wits' Student Enrolment Centre.
Professor Lynne Schepartz
Professor Lynne Schepartz is the Head of the Biological Anthropology Division in the School of Anatomical Sciences.
Dean of Students – our very own student protector
The Dean is the steward of students and promotes fairness and accountability in matters that relate to students and the various arms of the University.
The man behind the street
Wits University Press published Professor Benedict Vilakazi’s first book of poems, the first poetry ever published in isiZulu.
I was an ambassador of Wits
After 26 years at Wits dedicated parking officer, Michael Bodibe, dons his uniform for the last time.
21st Century libraries for Wits
Wits' new University Librarian plans to transform Wits libraries into 21st Century libraries.
The science of small things
Nosipho Moloto hopes to use nanotechnology to solve our energy crisis.
The power of light
Andrew Forbes is a Distinguished Professor in the School of Physics.
The joys and terrors of writing
Ivan Vladislavić is a Distinguished Professor in the Creative Writing Department.
Sitting on an economic time bomb
Vishnu Padayachee is a Distinguished Professor in the School of Economics and Business Sciences.
Race and whiteness in a post-apartheid SA
Samantha Vice is a Distinguished Professor who works with the Wits Philosophy Department and the Wits Centre for Ethics.
Reinventing building blocks of maths education
Mike Askew is a Distinguished Professor in the Mathematics Education Division of the Wits School of Education.
The first 1 000 days
Linda Richter is a Distinguished Professor and Director of the Wits Centre of Excellence in Human Development.
Making the right climate decisions
Coleen Vogel is a Distinguished Professor at the Global Change and Sustainability Research Institute (GCSRI).
Manhunt for an elusive mutant gene
Chris Mathew is a Distinguished Professor in the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience.
Addressing the world’s major problems
Bob Scholes is a Distinguished Professor at the Wits Global Change and Sustainability Research Institute (GCSRI).
Florian Luca awarded NRF A-rating
One of the world's leading authorities on number theory and analysis, Luca joined Wits in 2014 as Distinguished Professor.
Rising star
Biography: Professor Lee Berger is an award-winning researcher, explorer, author and speaker and a Wits alumnus.