Update on protest: Notice issued

15 October 2015 - By Wits University

Message from the acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

Dear Students and Colleagues

We have been trying for two days to negotiate with the groups of students who have staged a protest on our campuses, disrupted lectures, vandalised infrastructure and vehicles and intimidated members of the Wits community. Our staff and students are still being prevented from accessing and leaving our campuses. To this end, we draw your attention to the  (see below) which is circulated in hard copy and electronic form, which stipulates that no one is allowed to block access and egress points, stairwells etc.

The Dean of Students, Dr Pamela Dube and I have just addressed the group of students at some of the entrances and the protestors are still refusing to budge. In keeping with our obligation to ensure the safety and security of our staff and students, we are thus left with no option but to seek assistance from the South African Police Services to clear our entry and exit points, so that our staff and students can leave our campuses safely.

Professor Andrew Crouch

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Wits University 

NOTICE ISSUED:

Latest update on protest

15 October 2015 -

University activities suspended for Friday, 16 October 2015.

Dear Colleagues and Students

We are doing all that we can to diffuse the current situation on campus. We are making another attempt to engage with the students at the main gates on the Braamfontein campuses now. We are confident that the students will stand down from the main gates shortly. In this regard, we are again trying to get an indication of the number of staff and students still on the Braamfontein campuses – please let us know via wits.news@wits.ac.za how many people are still on campus and in which buildings you are situated.

We have taken a decision to postpone all University activities on all our campuses tomorrow, except for the Medical School Campus. The Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences will communicate directly with staff and students regarding the activities planned for the Faculty tomorrow.

Thank you for your patience in this matter. We will keep you updated.

Professor Andrew Crouch

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Wits University

15 October 2015

Lectures suspended

14 October 2015 - By Wits University

Message from the Vice-Chancellor's Office.

Dear Students and Colleagues,

Groups of students gathered at the entrances of the University this morning protesting against the fee increases for 2016. The students prevented access and egress to the University earlier in the day. In some cases, they have also disrupted teaching and other academic activities from occurring. This is an unofficial protest that follows one at the Wits Business School last night in which lectures were again disrupted and had to be cancelled. Overnight some lecture theatres were also vandalised.

Although events have now stabilised with students agreeing to allow traffic to flow through our entrances, there has been an overall disruption to the academic programme of the University. After consultation between Professor Andrew Crouch and the Deans, we are cancelling all lectures and other academic activities for the day. We think that this is the most prudent route to manage the situation and to ensure the safety and security of all staff and students.

The protest violates the protest policy of the University and our student rules. It is an orchestrated attempt to prevent the University from functioning, and it contravenes our agreements with student leaders and other stakeholders over the years. It is also a clear violation of South Africa’s Constitution and Bill of Rights. We recognise that students have a right to protest, but this cannot happen at the expense of the rights of students and staff members to learn and work in a safe environment.

The majority of our 32 500 students and 5 000 staff want to continue teaching, learning and preparing for the upcoming examinations. It is unacceptable for the majority of our staff and students to be held ransom by a minority. We will take the necessary action in line with our policies and procedures to create an environment that allows teaching and learning to continue.

I trust that we have your support and that you will work with us to create a free and safe environment in which we can continue our academic programme. We will continue to keep you updated during the course of the day.

Executive Management

Wits University

Restoring pride in African people

9 October 2015 - By Wits University

The 2015 accolade goes to Professors Christopher Henshilwood and Frederick Raal, co-winners of the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Award.

The purpose of the Vice-Chancellor’s Research Award is to stimulate research and research related scholarship by acknowledging and rewarding an “exceptional” scholar. The Fellowship Committee examines applications for a sustained track record of research that is universally regarded as excellent. Excellence in this context refers to published research that has stood the cold scrutiny of independent peer review and has been recognised as a significant contribution to the body of knowledge. This recognition is a testament to the impact of the work of the selected candidate based on his or her scholarly abilities.

The 2015 accolade goes to Professor Christopher Henshilwood who was named the co-winner of the Vice Chancellor’s research award, along with Professor Frederick Raal from the Faculty of Health Sciences. Henshilwood and Raal each won R250 000 in prize money.

Henshilwood currently holds a 15 year South Africa National Research Foundation funded Research Chair and Distinguished Professorship within the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Palaeosciences at Wits, is A-rated by the National Research Foundation, and is a Professor of African Prehistory in the Archaeology, History, Culture and Religion Institute at the University of Bergen, Norway.

“I believe (the award) was made because of the discoveries that my team and I have made over the past 20 years have helped to restore a pride in African people by demonstrating the principal role that Africa played in the evolution of our own species, Homo sapiens, a role that just two decades ago was accorded mostly to Europe,” says Henshilwood.

“In sum, my work on early Homo sapiens’ cognitive abilities has frequently challenged mainframe views,” says Henshilwood. “My discoveries, with my team, over the past four years of new archaeological sites located in the southern Cape will add significantly to existing knowledge of early Homo sapiens in southern Africa, especially in coastal environments.”Since 1991, Henshilwood has directed excavations at Stone Age sites in South Africa. With his research team, he increasingly provides evidence for an African origin for behavioural and technological modernity associated with Homo sapiens from about 100 000 years ago and has decisively shown that Africa is the birthplace for the early development of modern human cognition. 

Henshilwood has published more than 60 papers in leading peer reviewed journals, volumes and books on aspects of African archaeology, especially the Middle and Later Stone Age; on the origins of language and symbolism; the effects of climatic variation on human demographics; and the epistemology of early behavioural evolution. 

His research on the recognition of symbolic material culture among Middle Stone Age people and their ability for complex technology has enabled us to question the once dominant paradigm of a sudden European origin of human behavioural modernity.

“A central achievement and focus of my many publications is recognising that the most ancient symbolic traditions in Africa date back at least 100 000 years,” he says.

For Henshilwood, excavating an archaeological site is like travelling in a time-machine.

“The deposits that were laid down up to 100 000 years ago in these sites by the direct ancestors of all of us, Homo sapiens, are still lying in the exact place they were put. It is a great privilege to painstakingly recover these deposits and to reconstruct, piece by piece, the daily lives of these ancient people,” he says.

Henshilwood is passionate about challenging mainframe views and making new breakthroughs that will continue to produce evidence for the remarkable achievements in southern Africa of early Homo sapiens after 100 00 years. Together with his intercontinental multi- and cross-disciplinary research teams in South Africa, Europe and the USA, Henshilwood says he will directly address some of the still unanswered questions about Homo sapiens in the next decade.

“Some of these questions include: when and why did humans first become ‘behaviourally modern’; did cognitive changes in the human brain accelerate behavioural variability; how were these groups of hunter gatherers socially organised; was social cohesion enhanced by the adoption of symbolic material culture; how adaptable were humans to environmental change and did climatic unpredictability act a driver for technological innovation and subsistence adaptations,” he says.

“Our research will focus explicitly on the period between 100-50 000 thousand years ago.”

Message from acting Vice-Chancellor

15 October 2015 - By Wits University

Message from the acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Crouch.

Dear Colleagues and Students

I am aware that many staff members were affected in multiple ways during the student protests that took place in the last two days. We are aware that students have started protesting again this morning and have blocked some entrances. The Senior Executive Team and I are working to clear these entrances.

I have had reports of intimidation, the vandalism of vehicles, altercations involving staff and students and more generally a frustration at not being able to move freely on campus.

I would like to personally apologise to each and every one who was affected by the protest. The illegal protest was a violation of your rights as staff members of the University and as citizens of this country. Your safety and security is paramount and we will do whatever is in our power to ensure that you remain safe and sound.

We have received criticism from many quarters, and especially from staff who were prevented from leaving. I would like to explain our responses in four areas.

1. The original protest was planned to run from 12:00 – 14:00 yesterday but students started the illegal sit-in from 07:00. This was unexpected and we had to deal with the situation on the ground in order to try to calm the situation. The decision was thus made to suspend lectures for the day.  
2. This protest action followed a sit-in at the Wits Business School on Tuesday night where students were demonstrating against Wits’ expansion plans in Parktown which would see PKV2 shutting down. This was a peaceful protest and a memorandum was handed over which was accepted.
3. We tried negotiating with the student leaders and others throughout the day in order to try to reach an amicable solution. We felt that tensions would be heightened if we called in the police. We also issued a warning to students that if the behaviour continued we would take swifter action today and institute our disciplinary and other processes. The full text of the statement is available at www.wits.ac.za   
4. It did take us some time to determine what an appropriate response would be and to communicate this to staff and students. We consulted with Senate and Council who overwhelmingly supported our stance and in some instances encouraged a more forceful approach.

This morning we have commissioned additional security at all the gates and have the police on stand-by if they are required. We cannot allow the rights of 32 500 students and 5 000 staff to be violated by a group of 300 – 500 students.  

The Vice-Chancellor is currently at the Higher Education Transformation Summit in Durban where a key session will focus on finding solutions to issues around student finance. We are confident that this national conversation will contribute towards addressing the long-term solutions to this critical problem. 

We appeal for your support and patience as we manage this very difficult, delicate situation. We thank you for your loyalty and commitment to Wits.  Once again, I apologise to all those who were affected by the protest action.

We will keep you updated as the day progresses.

Prof. Andrew Crouch

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Wits University

15 October 2015

University update on student protests

14 October 2015 - By Wits University

Statement from the Executive Management of Wits University

The University will continue its academic programme for Thursday, 15 October 2015, as usual.

If the student protest continues, additional security and the South African Police Service will be on standby to make sure staff and students will have access to the campus. Additional security will be put in place at all campus entry and exit points.

Should there be any changes, the University will alert staff and students via email, www.wits.ac.za, SMS and the media where possible.

We apologise for the disruption and any inconvenience and strain that staff and students are experiencing.

Executive Management

Wits University

Wits Maths project a success

5 October 2015 - By Wits University

One teacher shares how this project has helped her to be a better maths teacher.

The world today celebrates World Teachers’ Day and the global theme is Empowering teachers, building sustainable societies.

The Wits School of Education is at the forefront of providing evidence-based interventions to improve teaching practice. One of the projects by the School has had a positive impact on the teaching of mathematics in classrooms around the Gauteng.

The Wits Maths Connect Secondary Project has been piloting two professional development courses for maths teachers since 2012. Learners taught by educators enrolled in the programme performed better than to those taught teachers who have not been exposed to the programme.

Ms Julia Mabilesta from Realogile Secondary School shared how this course helped her to be a better maths teacher in an by The Star newspaper. This project is supported by the FirstRand Foundation Mathematics Education Chairs Initiative, the Department of Science and Technology, and administered by the National Research Foundation.

SA’s rich is too rich, says Piketty

2 October 2015 - Erna van Wyk

Very limited data is available on wealth in SA and the country needs to be more transparent about income and wealth dynamics.

South Africa has become noticeably more unequal after 1994, says Professor Thomas Piketty, French economist and expert on wealth and inequality.

Speaking at Wits University on Thursday, 1 October 2015, he said research has shown that South Africa’s income inequality is extremely high by international and historical standards with the top 10% of the country’s rich sharing between 60 – 65% of the country’s total income.

However, there is very limited data available on wealth in South Africa and the country needs to be more transparent about income and wealth dynamics, especially wealth inequality.

His lecture, titled: Inequality in South Africa: What is to be done? Piketty highlighted the need for a progressive wealth tax and an increase the minimum wage.

Piketty is Professor of Economics at the Paris School of Economics is also the author of the international bestseller: Capital in the 21st Century.

In answering questions from the audience, Piketty said that historians and sociologists play an important role in seeking solution to inequality and that democratising economics should be a priority on every country: “Everyone should have an opinion about economy and wealth.

Piketty’s lecture was followed by a panel discussion with Professors Achille Mbembe (WiSER), Hlonipha Mokoena (WiSER), Chris Malikane (SEBS) and the Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Kuben Naidoo.

Professor Adam Habib, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, and Piketty highlighting the extremity of inequality in South Africa.

Media statement on protests by students

14 October 2015 - By Wits University

All lectures and academic activities suspended.

All lectures and academic activities have been suspended for one day only – Wednesday, 14 October 2015 in the interests of protecting the safety and security of staff and students.

This follows a sit-in by groups of students and student leaders who initially prevented staff and students from entering campus and who disrupted some academic activities this morning. Aside from one altercation this morning and the vandalisation of some classes overnight, no violence has been reported.

This is an unofficial protest and although everything is calm, Wits is cancelling all lectures and other academic activities for the day. We think that this is the most prudent route to manage the situation and to ensure the safety and security of all staff and students.

The protest violates the protest policy of the University and Wits’ student rules and while the University recognises that students have a right to protest this cannot happen at the expense of the rights of students and staff members to learn and work in a safe environment.

Wits will take the necessary action in line with our policies and procedures to create an environment that allows teaching and learning to continue.

Read the Statement from the Senior Executive Team and the statement on Why fee increases are necessary.

For interviews contact Shirona Patel, Wits spokesperson on 0833621995 or 011 717 1191 or obtain updates www.wits.ac.za. 

Why fee increases are necessary

14 October 2015 - By Wits University

Statement from Linda Jarvis, Chief Financial Officer: Wits University.

Following the release of the fee increases for 2016 by the Chairperson of Council, Dr Randall Carolissen, my office has been inundated with requests for information as to why these fee increases are necessary.

Some of the key reasons are:

1. The rand-dollar exchange rate has fallen by approximately 22%, which has resulted in a substantial increase in the amount of money that we pay for all library books, journals, electronic resources research equipment that are procured in dollars and euros.
2. Salary increases for academics are set at 7% based on a three-year cycle and these increases are necessary to ensure that we retain the best intellectual minds in the country.
3. Generic inflation is hovering at around 6% which impacts on all other expenses that the University has to cover.
4. Utilities are increasing at rates substantially higher than the inflation rate.

The subsidy increase from government is expected to come in at around 5% and the nett effect is that we have to make up our income to cover our expenditure in order to remain sustainable. If we do not do so, we put the quality of our academic project at risk.

We are mindful of the current economic climate and the financial strain on students and families. In light of this and following extensive consultations with the SRC and other University structures, we have reduced the average tuition fee for 2016 from 11% to 10.5%, and the upfront fee increase from 10% to 6%.

Even though two thirds (about 20 000) of our students are on bursaries, scholarships and financial aid, we are cognisant of the pressure that this places on parents and caregivers of those who have to pay their own way.

These increases are unfortunately unavoidable but we are doing all that we can, especially at the national level to look at long-term solutions to resolve the issue of student funding.

Being gay in academia

8 October 2015 - By Buhle Zuma

Professor Robert Balfour spoke candidly about his experience and being referred to as ‘the gay dean’.

Race, gender and curriculum have dominated discussions on transformation lately. However, these debates in institutions of higher learning are missing an important component according to Professor Robert Balfour.

The neglect of the rights of minority groups such as the LGBTIAQ * community is not so apparent but one that has real consequences.

“Minority rights are also a transformation issue in higher education. Without having difference recognised within institutions in which we conduct education, we can’t really expect that difference will be understood outside of education,” said Balfour.

Balfour, a Dean of Education at North West University, was speaking at a conference themed Sustainable Transformation and Higher Education, hosted by the Wits School of Education in partnership with the Higher Education Research and Policy Network (HERPNET).

Balfour, who spoke candidly about his experience and being referred to as ‘the gay dean’ said that institutions of higher learning differ in their commitment to transformation, hinting that there is superficial support extended to the LGBTIAQ * community in academia.

Even in institutions that advocate for freedom of association, it is not easy to identify as gay, he said.

Balfour said he is often asked whether he really wants to disclose his orientation and whether he has considered how this might limit his career aspirations.

Balfour, who has taught at three universities in the country, said it is not enough for institutions to create Safe Zones and Safe Places.

“Unless there is policy, money to support it (LGBTIAQ * initiatives) and goodwill to support it – those policies and spaces end up being in the backrooms where students gather to talk about issues they can’t talk about in and out of the university,” he said.

Balfour noted that student movements who attempt to champion the cause of the LGBTIAQ * often collapse because they operate “on the margins of mainstream student life” with no support from the institutions.

He further touched on issues of access and retention with respect to this group.

Redress and restitution for the minority group

Balfour said he is cognisant that race and gender are the most visible and the most obvious areas of redress in the country, however, the LGBTIAQ * community has always been subject to oppression.

“Apartheid and its colonial predecessor were severely homophobic in nature and homophobic across the race and gender divide.”

He posed a question on whether the Constitution really protects the rights of minority groups, disadvantaged groups and vulnerable groups when it comes to the world of work.

Advancing his argument, he said there are contradictions between the Constitution and the Employment Equity Act.

According to Balfour, the Employment Equity Act, which seeks to ensure equitable representation in all occupational categories and levels in the workforce, is in many respects a discriminatory Act in its narrow definition of designated groups eligible for affirmative action appointments.

Universities should lead the way in true transformation. 

His presentation elicited a vigorous discussion among delegates, a majority of whom hail from the continent.

Thirty eight of the 54 African countries on the continent criminalise same sex activities including countries such as Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Balfour’s presentation was titled Postcards from the edge*: gay identity, leadership and transformation in higher education.

* Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Asexual, Queer and other sexual orientations and gender identities.

Update on student protests - 15 October 2015 -11:00

15 October 2015 - By Wits University

Message from the acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Andrew Crouch.

Dear Colleagues and Students

The student protest continues this morning on our campuses and many entrances and exits have been blocked. We again apologise for any inconvenience caused.

We are working on clearing these entrances as quickly as we can, and if needs be with the assistance of the South African Police Services. We have consulted with SAPS on our respective roles and the SAPS has agreed to manage the parameter security. They will assist the University in allowing students, staff and visitors to move freely on and off our campuses. We will inform you as soon as these gates are open.

The academic programme will continue as planned and any disruptions will be managed on a case by case basis. Should any disruption occur, please remain calm, allow students to leave the venue and report the incident to Campus Control on (011) 717-4444 or (011) 717-6666 as well as to your relevant Head of Department, Dean or Head of School. Please also consult with your relevant Head of Department or School if you need to suspend or postpone any academic activities.

We are also open to talking to the students and other groups who are protesting in order to find an amicable solution to this matter. This offer has been made to the students.

Please note that the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Habib is in Durban for the remainder of this week attending the Summit on Higher Education where he is working towards finding lasting solutions to resolve the student funding issues in the higher education sector.

We will keep you posted as things progress throughout the day. Please visit www.wits.ac.za for the latest update or follow @Wits_News and @Wits_University on Twitter for regular information. Also check your Wits Inbox for emails from the University.

Thank you

Prof. Andrew Crouch

Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Wits University

15 October 2015

Top students tour Wits

6 October 2015 - By Kemantha Govender

The VC’s Top 100 event gives learners the opportunity to see what Wits has to offer.

Wits Vice-Chancellor, Professor Adam Habib told top learners in South Africa that they have what it takes to address the multitude of challenges in the country.

The VC’s Top 100 Event took place on 3 October 2015 and was attended by learners and their parents. The programme allowed learners to get a better idea of what Wits is about and what it can offer them should they choose this institution.

Apart from compelling arguments made by the Wits leadership, the grade 12 learners also had the option of a campus tour.

After Dr Pamela Dube, Dean of Students, welcomed the guests, Habib highlighted several of Wits’ accolades.

One of them was the Centre of Excellence - Mathematical and Statistical Sciences awarded by The National Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation. Habib said the Centre carries the hopes for the country.

Habib also drew attention to the Origins Centre, which not only houses the country’s premier rock art collection, but has large depictions of hominid fossils. He said Wits has a premier group of researchers that work on providing knowledge about the origins of humankind. He mentioned how the discovery of Homo naledi created all sorts of debates and said this is what Wits is all about, getting the country to engage in robust debate.

Serious challenges

This much-needed debate is vital if South Africa is to find productive ways to combat its challenges such as poverty, inequality, unemployment and education.

“There are lots of serious challenges in education, but on the top end of our education system we produce students that the world cannot compete with. We produce some of the best minds in the world,” said Habib.

He added that the students present represented the crème de la crème of South Africa.

“For you to have earned the place, walking through that door meant that you have a point score of more than 55. This suggests that you are in the real top end of the school system, so we are proud to have you here,” said Habib.

He stressed that the important thing about going to university is finding the right match. In order to entice students to consider Wits has their first choice, Habib emphasised the central location of the institution in the country.

More importantly, Habib talked about the University’s serious commitment to excellence and ensuring that Wits is globally competitive and locally responsive.

Wits has brought in at least 20 distinguished professors and will continue to attract more A-rated scientists. The University also plans to increase its post graduate cohort in the coming years. These measures are being put into place to ensure that Wits students are able to address the challenges of society and continent by being locally responsible.

“If you want to be world class, you have to take your local challenges as use it as a source of innovation. This is why our mining engineering programmes are so brilliant, because we specialise in deep level mining because it is a national challenge and we use that as a basis for going forward.

“Wits recently signed a R2 million contract with the Chamber of Mines around health and safety in the mining industry largely with the University of Pretoria and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research,” said Habib.

Habib said another example is the HIV and Aids issue.“It is a national challenge but Wits scholars produce some of the best research in the world,” he said.

He reminded that aside from the high research output, Wits is also one the highest producers of chief executive officers on the continent.

Habib quipped that no other University can have a soccer team, a game reserve, a partially private hospital, a five billion rand turnover and the privilege of esteemed leaders such as former President Nelson Mandela and Robert Sobukwe having attended this campus. 

He also playfully told the prospective students  that, should they come to Wits,their gastronomical needs will be met because there are a few great restaurants at Wits.

Head of Residence, Rob Sharman also addressed the students. 

Drones in healthcare

6 October 2015 - By Kemantha Govender

Emeritus Professor Barry Mendelow delivered the AJ Orenstein Memorial Lecture.

Drones have received much attention recently as offensive weapons of warfare but it could just be the thing to help save lives of people in remote areas around the country, says Wits Emeritus Professor Barry Mendelow.

Speaking at the AJ Orenstein Memorial lecture on 1 October 2015, Mendelow focused on his experience in the early development and successful field testing of drones for the transportation of medical cargoes between rural clinics and urban centres. 

Mendelow spoke about development of e-Juba, a preliminary proof of concept unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to facilitate the transportation of microbiological test samples from remote rural clinics to the National Health Laboratory Service Laboratories (NHLS).

Mendelow, an advocate for using drones for medical purposes, has been researching this field for almost a decade. He partnered with arms manufacturer, Denel and other researchers in this area.

He said that research indicated that the payload is specified to accommodate medical diagnostic samples, but could also be applicable to carrying urgently required medications such as rabies immune globulin, anti-snakebite serum or packed red cells.

“The current e-Juba airframe could be modified to carry a maximum of two units, whose weight would not exceed the payload design specification.”

Tests

He used tuberculosis (TB) to make a compelling argument for drone usage as the country is said to have the highest incidence of TB annually.

Mendelow and his team collaborated with a Somerset West entrepreneur, Jaco Davel, to modify a smaller, cheaper UAV that could be launched by hand and can land almost anywhere.

In 2009, the NHLS approached S-Plane Automation to create a small, inexpensive unmanned aircraft system to transport sterile medical samples between more than 1 500 rural clinics and laboratories.

“The resulting system, named Nightingale, is an incredibly reliable aircraft, capable of enduring extreme punishment in remote parts of South Africa. Nightingale was a resounding success. It completed a two-month-equivalent operational field trial between a clinic and a laboratory on the West Coast of South Africa with a  100% success rate under extreme environmental conditions,” said Mendelow.

He added that it is essential to draw from local communities and incorporate people into a youth development plan with a broader view of employment opportunities as pilots, manufacturers and in-service and maintenance technicians. He added that drone usage in medicine could provide a platform for rural teaching and learning opportunities in science, engineering and technology.

With legislation being prepared on drone usage in South Africa, Mendelow said it is expected that medical activity through our airspace will be on the increase. 

Nature of politics in Africa is changing

13 October 2015 - By Wits University

Dr Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the United Nations’ Economic Commission for Africa, delivered the 2015 Harold Wolpe Memorial Lecture.

In Africa, civil society claims and agitations, if consistent and sustained, may begin to reshape not only the character of politics but also the nature and essence of the state.

This is according to Dr Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the United Nations’ Economic Commission for Africa. He delivered the 2015 Harold Wolpe Memorial Lecture, titled: Diagnosing African Politics, at Wits University on Friday, 9 October 2015.

“Politics is still perceived as a ‘do or die’ affair in which politicians and political parties stake virtually everything in the accumulation and retention of power. This makes elections a discounted value in promoting meaningful change in governance. Often the winner-takes-all syndrome prevails. Negotiation of political power is associated to access to public resources. However, the rise and flourishing of civil society portends a good omen for democratic politics in Africa. The possibility of accountability from below is increasing by the day as citizens’ demand for rights and opportunities,” Lope said.

Tackling a wide range of views on how Africa shaped its political self, Lopes said it remains a “continent in transition … (where) both domestic and external forces are impacting on the nature of its politics and economy”.

While democracy in Africa remains “fragile and tenuous, and the possibility of many reversals lurks”, there are some consensus that the nature of politics is changing in Africa.

“Citizens’ political participation is on the increase, there is better observance of the rule of law, political freedom is widening, conflicts have largely receded, and with increasing political stability and predictable political environment, steady economic growth has been posted,” he said.

Albeit slowly, institutions of democracy such as parliament, the media and civil society, are gradually checking power excesses by leaders and government officials, he added.

ACTION plan for obesity

18 November 2015 - Kemantha Govender

The new African Centre for Obesity Prevention will provide a repository of the most effective obesity prevention policies and programmes available in Africa.

Obesity prevention should be made a national priority. This is according to Dr Moji Musa of the Wits Developmental Pathways for Health Research Unit at the media launch of the African Centre for Obesity Prevention (ACTION) on 17 November 2015.

“With South African children consuming 75g of sugar per day, three times the daily recommendation by the American Heart Association, there is a need to focus on restricting excessive sugar consumption,” said Musa.

ACTION will work with institutions, such as the Global Obesity Prevention Centre at Johns Hopkins University in the US, to form a collaborative network of experts, stakeholders and projects that will support programs at a cross-continental level. ACTION will participate in strengthening country resources through information, research and training, in support of national health development.

Professor Shane Norris, head of DPHRU, said ACTION will also summarise and disseminate African data and trends on obesity to the public, government and media.

“ACTION will also provide a repository of the most effective obesity prevention policies and programmes available in Africa in order to encourage lifestyle changes to prevent and manage obesity,” he said.

The Centre will provide credible and evidence-based information on the causes of obesity and associated non-communicable diseases (NCDs), as well as fact sheets on how to increase physical activity, decrease sedentary behaviour, and make healthy nutritional choices.

“One of the things that we are advocating is that South Africans, who lead sedentary lifestyles, start to introduce at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise into their daily routines,” said Norris.

It is especially important to focus children for optimal prevention and research into interventions such as healthy eating and exercising will be taken into account.

Norris believes that media can act as change agents to ensure that obesity in South Africa is prevented.

“Information dissemination and engagement with the media and public is our first plan of action,” he said.

The Centre will also support new local and international studies in the field of obesity prevention in African populations and provide intellectual expertise for national surveillance studies and obesity targeted interventions across Africa.

About ACTION

ACTION will work with institutions, such as the Global Obesity Prevention Centre at Johns Hopkins, US, to form a collaborative network of experts, stakeholders and projects that will support programs at a cross-continental level. ACTION will participate in strengthening country resources through information, research and training, in support of national health development.

ACTION will work to realise the following objectives:

• To summarise and disseminate African data and trends on obesity to the public, government and media;
• To provide a repository of the most effective obesity prevention policies and programmes available in Africa in order to encourage lifestyle change to prevent and manage obesity;
• To provide a credible and evidence-based source of information on the causes of obesity and associated non communicable diseases, as well as fact sheets on how to increase physical activity, decrease sedentary behaviour, and make healthy nutritional choices;
• To support new local and international studies in the field of obesity prevention in African populations; and
• To provide intellectual expertise for national surveillance studies and obesity targeted interventions across Africa.

Student protest

16 October 2015 - Wits University

Update: 16 October 2015

Students continue to protest at Wits today.

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Adam Habib tried to address students since 09:00 today but was not afforded the opportunity. He also tried engaging with the current student leadership, but given the diverse demands of the various groups, it has been difficult to take the process forward.

Some political student societies also tried to hijack the protest to raise their own issues. 

Nevertheless, Wits has committed to continue to engage with the students and Habib is currently sitting amongst students on the Senate House Ground Floor to try to understand all their grievances.

He does not have the authority to overturn the Council’s decision on the 10.5% increase for 2016, but has requested that the Council Executive meet to discuss this matter.

The protests remain generally peaceful. We will keep you updated on developments as the day unfolds. University activities were suspended on most campuses today so staff and non-protesting students were not affected.

For interviews, please call Shirona Patel on 0833621995 or email shirona.patel@wits.ac.za or visit www.wits.ac.za for updates.

Wits Council Exco and students sign agreement

17 October 2015 - Wits University

Agree on process to be followed to determine student fee increases for 2016.

Following an intense and protracted engagement between protesting students and members of the Executive Committee of Council, it was agreed that:

1. The University will suspend the decision on all fee increments made for 2016. There will be no fee increments until negotiations reach an agreement.
2. The negotiations pertaining to fee increments will resume anew.
3. In the eventuality of negotiations breaking down, the University will not revert to its initial decision.
4. A new framework for negotiations will be jointly agreed upon in which any final decision of Council on this matter will be ratified to a University Assembly.
5. There will be no disciplinary action taken against students or workers who participated in the protest, and no worker will face dismissal as a result of their participation in the protest.
6. The Exco of Council will advance the position of the students for a no fee increase at Council.

The University will officially be closed on Monday, 19 October 2015, to allow Council to report to a University Assembly. This includes the suspension of all University activities including lectures, examinations, assessments, practicals, etc and will affect all students and staff on all campuses including the Medical School and affiliated hospitals.

The agreement was signed by the Chairperson of the Wits Council, Dr Randall Carolissen and Ms Shaeera Kalla, the outgoing SRC President. 

A full Council meeting will be called tomorrow, Sunday, 18 October 2015 to deliberate on these matters. Council will report to students at noon on Monday, 19 October 2015.

University will be closed on Monday, 19 October 2015

18 October 2015 - Wits University

Notice to staff/students.

As part of the agreement signed between the Exco of Council and student representatives on Saturday, 17 October 2015, the University will officially be closed on Monday, 19 October 2015. Council will report to students on the issue of fees following a meeting held to today. You will be kept updated.  

Council statement, Mon 19/10 at 13:30

19 October 2015 - Wits University

Council statement: Response from the Council of the University of the Witwatersrand on the agreement reached between Council EXO and students.

Representatives of Wits University Council were ready to address students today, Monday, 19 October 2015, at noon as per the agreement that was reached on Saturday morning, 17 October 2015.

The condition was that the Council representatives would have a fair chance to report. In anticipation of large numbers of students, and for health and safety reasons, Council informed the Wits Student Representative Council that this would happen on the piazza outside the Great Hall.

Council’s response was developed at a full day Council meeting held on Sunday, 18 October 2015. However, given the storming of Senate House on Monday morning, which runs contrary to the spirit of the agreement and the representative’s engagement, Council was regrettably no longer in a position to report in person.

Council has therefore shared with students the response from Council electronically. The statement follows below.

Council and executive management of the University remain committed to resolving the fee issue and to getting the academic project on track as soon as possible. This can only happen under safe conditions that are conducive to the academic project.

HERE FOLLOWS THE FULL STATEMENT BY THE COUNCIL OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND:

Response from the Council of the University of the Witwatersrand on the agreement reached between Council EXO and students on 17 October 2015:

A special meeting of Council was convened on Sunday, 18 October 2015, to consider the agreement that was reached on Saturday, 17 October 2015, between the Executive Committee of Council and students. This agreement was prompted by developments at the University over the past few days and the concerns raised by students. 

Council understands and appreciates the extremely difficult circumstances under which this agreement was reached. Council further appreciates the willingness of the student leadership to engage in a transparent process of renegotiating student fees for 2016.

Council recognises the absolute priority of the academic project and the international stature that the University, as an African university, enjoys. It is especially important for Wits to retain its premier academic status given the fact that we have a large number of poor students who are entitled, as are all others, to receive quality education. Council does, however, agree with students that the large fee increases are now a barrier to access for talented but financially stressed students who are prevented from realising their ambitions.

Council affirms the general principles reached in the agreement, including that the current proposal on fee increases be suspended and that a transparent process of negotiation, between the University and the students, be implemented as a matter of urgency.

Cognisant of the spirit and the conditions under which the agreement was reached, Council:

1. Heard from Council Exco, as agreed, who advanced the position put forward by students, regarding the hardships that will be created by an above inflation increase in student fees and their demand for a 0% increase.
2. Recognised the rationale for a 0% increase, given the position put forward by students that an above inflation increase is extremely onerous on students and their families in the current economic climate.
3. Recognised that above inflation increases over a number of years have created a burden of higher education costs that is becoming increasingly difficult for students and their families to sustain.
4. Deliberated on the conditions that have forced fee increases over the years. These include the decline in state subsidy. This is made worse by above inflation increases in the costs related to infrastructure, utilities, including lights and water, and the falling rand-dollar exchange rate, which have resulted in a substantial increase in the cost of all library books, journals, electronic resources and research equipment.

In recognition of the issues that were advanced by students, Council has considered a number of substantive ideas and options to address the fee increase challenge. These possible mechanisms include:

1. Austerity measures to ensure that the University’s financial resources are biased towards the academic project and improved access. All non-essential expenditure will be interrogated.
2. Discounts for NSFAS and financially stressed students, and the sourcing of additional funding from external sources.
3. Waiving the upfront fee for not just NSFAS students, that is already a practice at Wits, but for all qualifying students. 
4. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Adam Habib, has committed that, given the context, any performance bonus that is due to him for 2015 will go towards access for deserving students.
5. Continued engagement with government with regards to addressing the identified shortfall in funding for higher education.

In keeping with both parties’ commitment to negotiations, Council agrees that these options must be considered through a deliberative process and concrete negotiations, in line with the University’s governance procedures. Council has established a team and is requesting the student community and the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) to establish a similar team to partner with Council on resolving this issue as anticipated in the agreement. A process will also be established that will enable all financial and other information to be made available to all parties.

The outcome of these negotiations will be presented to Council as soon as possible, or by the latest, at the next Council meeting.

The University will resume academic operations on Tuesday, 20 October 2015 to enable students to conclude their studies and prepare for examinations.

Council of the University of the Witwatersrand

19 October 2015

Notice to staff and students in Senate House

19 October 2015 - Wits University

Notice to staff/students from Council of the University of the Witwatersrand, 19 October 2015 at 14:15.

Council will not engage with students in Senate House. Council has instructed Wits University’s executive management to clear and secure Senate House today (Monday, 19 October 2015) by 15:00. Staff and students are therefore requested to leave the building immediately.

Council of the University of the Witwatersrand

19 October 2015

University closed on Tuesday

19 October 2015 - Wits University

Notice: Academic programme suspended.

Due to the ongoing protests, and concerns for the health and safety of our staff and students, it has been decided that Wits University’s academic project will be suspended for Tuesday, 20 October 2015. The suspension will be reviewed depending on further developments. 

The University will continue to communicate with staff and students, and will issue a notification regarding the resumption of the academic project as soon as circumstances allow. 

The University Council and executive management remain committed to finding an amicable resolution and are willing to engage student leadership to facilitate this. However, students are urged not to congregate in the Senate House Concourse, for health and safety reasons. 

The University thanks staff and students for their patience in this matter.

Summary of Council proposals

20 October 2015 - Wits University

Summary of Wits Council proposals on how it plans to address the fee increase challenge:

• Qualifying students and students on NSFAS will not pay an upfront fee.
• The fee increase proposal for 2016 has been suspended.
• Calling for transparent negotiations between the University and the student community/Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) as a matter of urgency.
• Wits will cut spending and investigate non-essential spending, and will focus financial resources on academic matters and access for students.
• Discounts for NSFAS and financially stressed students.
• Wits will continue to source additional funding from external sources.
• Wits will continue to engage with government to address the shortfall in higher education funding.
• Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Adam Habib, to give up any performance bonus and redirect the monies towards access for deserving students.

University closed until Monday, 26 October 2015

20 October 2015 - Wits University

Advisory: In light of the current student protests, Wits University has suspended all University activities until Monday, 26 October, 2015.

In order to ensure the safety and security of our staff and students, the executive management has decided to suspend all University activities for the remainder of this week. This applies to all staff (academic, professional, support and administrative) and students. Wits also recognises the need to allow time for the necessary negotiations to take place to resolve the current situation.

The University encourages students to use this time productively to prepare for their examinations.

Students are also reminded that any protests that take place off campus are out of Wits University’s control and that the University has no influence over how the South African Police Service may deal with situations that occur in public areas.

Please note that the University will communicate with you only via its official channels: SMS’s, your staff/student email address, the Wits website or the University’s official Twitter (@Wits_News and @WitsUniversity) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/witsuniversity) accounts. 

Student funding explained

21 October 2015 - Wits University

Chief Financial Officer, Linda Jarvis, explains the University's funding model.

Q: Why is government subsidy not enough to fund Wits’ activities?

A: The funding from the state for 2016 is expected to increase by 5% to R1,2 billion. Higher education inflation is much higher than that of the normal Consumer Price Index and the subsidy increase is insufficient in this regard. The rand has depreciated by 22% in the past 12 months, making it more expensive to procure imported library books and electronic journals, laboratory equipment and consumables, ICT and licence fees. Municipal utilities contribute significantly to the cost structure of the University and continue to increase much higher than CPI. Academic salaries will increase by 7% and professional, support and administrative staff by 6%, as per a three year agreement.

Q: What are Wits’ main income streams?

A: Wits strives for a breakeven budget, so unlike a corporate the University does not make a profit. The University’s main income streams are from government subsidies, tuition fees and third stream income. Together, they make up the University’s Council budget.

Council Budget

The Council Budget refers to funds under the control of the University Council utilised for education purposes.  These funds pay for the operational expenditure of the University including staff salary costs (62%) and operational costs (38%).

Restricted Research and Grant Funds

The restricted revenue is donation and grant revenue granted to the University for specific purposes and may only be utilised for the purposes intended by the donor, sponsor or grantor. This budget includes bursaries for students which are administered by the faculties and the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office. The balance of these funds are government grants for infrastructure development, clinical training and those that we hold on behalf of the new universities, as we assist them to develop. It also includes research grants funded from government and other sources. Any monies unspent in any financial year are spent in the following financial years.

Residence Funds

Residence funds may only be utilised for purposes of residences. Any surpluses generated from residences are utilised for the refurbishment and maintenance of residences.

Q: How much do the University’s investments generate?

A: The University does not have any reserve operational funds. The investments that the University does have may only be used for the purposes for which they were granted. Any revenue earned from these investments is allocated back into the same grants.

Q: What are the pressures that play a role in the fee increases?

We support students - Habib

22 October 2015 - Wits University

Message from Professor Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor and Principal:

Our students have taught us an important lesson in this past week through the unprecedented uprisings that we have seen not only on our campus but throughout our country. 

They have put the issue of access to higher education for all firmly on the agenda in a way that no one else has been able to do in the last 20 years. They have had more success in the last week than many of our collective efforts since the dawn of our democracy.

We have heard and understood the concerns raised by our students. We fully support their call for more funding for the higher education sector so that students in need are not confronted with a fee increase in 2016.

The single biggest challenge in our society is inequality. It can only truly be addressed if those in need have access to an affordable world-class education. Our students have done more to achieve this in the last seven days than we have ever managed to achieve before.

The Chairperson of Council and I, together with other Vice-Chancellors and Chairs of Council, and student leaders will be meeting with the President tomorrow. We will voice support for the students’ struggle and their demands. We hope in this meeting to reach a decisive agreement that will see an immediate resolution to the short-term crisis, and a substantive plan to resolve the long-term challenge of underfunding for higher education.

We were dismayed to see the excessive police action against protesting students at parliament and elsewhere in recent days. At Wits, we have kept the police off the campus because we do not believe that force should be used to prevent the expression of legitimate demands by peaceful protestors. We call on the police to hold back and to exercise restraint when the students march to the Union Buildings tomorrow.

We would like to see an urgent resolution to the current crisis and call on all stakeholders to work collectively towards achieving this. We cannot afford to lose this academic year because it will further entrench the inequality within our society.

The University is willing to do everything in its power to assist in reaching such an agreement so that we can resume our academic programme as soon as possible.

Professor Adam Habib

Vice-Chancellor and Principal

University of the Witwatersrand

22 October 2015

Wits supports students’ demands

22 October 2015 - Wits University

Senior Executive Team statement:

Dear Staff and Students

The University's management expresses its broad support for the students' demands for more funding for the higher education sector. We agree with our students that everyone has an equal right to access higher education. We will continue to lobby government, the private sector and other stakeholders to look at ways to resolve this crisis as soon as possible.

Professor Adam Habib, our Vice-Chancellor and Principal will lead a delegation of vice-chancellors to the Union Buildings tomorrow to meet with the President and student leaders. He is committed to working with all stakeholders to develop creative solutions to the short- and long-term funding issues. 

Closer to home, we have heard the voices of our students and we recognise the financial burdens that they face. In this regard, Council has made several concessions pertaining to the upfront payment, the 2016 fee negotiation process, discounts for NSFAS and financially stressed students and the implementation of austerity measures. The negotiation table is open to the student leaders and we are hopeful that they will take the opportunity to work with us to find a speedy resolution to this important issue, especially since our examinations are only ten days away. This is of utmost concern to us as management as it is in everyone's best interests for the academic programme to resume urgently.  

The Vice-Chancellor is open to addressing students and is engaging with the student leadership on a convenient date and time for this to happen. We thank you all for your patience during this period.

We will keep you updated on progress in this regard.

Thank you

Senior Executive Team

22 October 2015

Statement on Union Buildings meeting

23 October 2015 - Wits University

Statement from Professor Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor and Principal:

Update on student protest – 24 October 2015

24 October 2015 - Wits University

Message from Professor Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor and Principal:

I apologise for not communicating earlier about the timing of the University's re-opening. We were waiting to obtain clarity from Wits’ student leaders as to how they have decided to proceed. We wanted to avoid sending out conflicting information in this regard.

The students have just concluded their mass meeting and we have been told that despite the decision taken at the historic meeting between government, students and university leaders yesterday to agree to a zero percent increase for 2016, and to reorganise the academic and examination programme, our students have decided to continue with their protest.

We are disappointed at their decision, as we feel that it will put in jeopardy the academic futures of many students who will not be able to pass or graduate. This will only further entrench and deepen the inequalities in our society.

We strongly encourage all protesting students to participate in a parallel negotiation process that covers all outstanding issues and to allow the academic programme and examinations to proceed unhampered.

Wits will remain closed on Monday, 26 October 2015. However, a special meeting of Senate, the highest academic decision-making body of the University, will be convened on Monday to deliberate on the protest and to decide on the resumption of the academic programme. The outcome will be communicated to all students and staff thereafter.

We are also told that the protesting students have decided to reconvene tomorrow afternoon. Should they change their decision and agree to immediately resume the academic programme, we will send out further communication informing you of this and commence the programme on Monday.

One of the key issues that the protesting students have put on the table is that of the insourcing of all workers. This is a matter that the University is investigating and which it will deliberate upon at Council. Government also agreed at yesterday’s meeting to establish a task team to explore how the state could assist universities to address this challenge.

We will keep you updated as changes occur. In the interim, we encourage all students to continue to spend their time preparing for the examinations.

We apologise to all those who have been affected by the protests, especially our staff and students, and we thank you for your patience during this difficult period.

Update on protest: 26 October 2015

26 October 2015 - Wits University

The University will be closed tomorrow, Tuesday, 27 October 2015.

The proposals put forward by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Adam Habib, to the student body earlier today have now been updated. Kindly see the updated proposals below.

This includes that the University has withdrawn the date for the continuation of the academic programme as it awaits a response from the students in this regard. Wits has also clarified under point three that the examinations will be postponed and that the new timetable will essentially be similar to the original timetable but will have new dates. 

The University will communicate to its community about any new developments as they occur and when the University re-opens.

UPDATED STATEMENT FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL, PROFESSOR ADAM HABIB, ON BEHALF OF THE SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM

Wits University’s Senior Executive Team met today, Monday, 26 October 2015, after taking into account all of the representations received from students and the University community. The Senior Executive Team commits to implementing the following measures in order to get the academic programme back on track:

1. There will be no increase in fees for 2016. This means that academic, residence and any other fees will not be increased. The Presidency has agreed to underwrite the cost of this, provided that the University makes some contribution.
2. The University is prepared to address the increase in the upfront fee payment.
3. The University recognises that the protests have adversely affected the ability of students to write their examinations. It therefore commits to restructuring the academic programme and examination timetable. The examinations are postponed for now and a new examination timetable will be put forward as soon as possible. The new timetable will essentially be similar to the original timetable but will have new dates.
4. The University recognises that outsourcing is an exploitative practice. The University commits to establishing its own internal commission. This is in addition to the President’s commission. The internal commission will be chaired by the Chairperson of Council and will comprise the Chairperson of Finco and representatives from all stakeholders, including students, unions and others. It may also include an independent expert. This commission will investigate the effects of outsourcing services on the University, the cost structures associated with insourcing and possible alternative models. 
5. The University undertakes to find financial resources to support the children of all workers employed in currently outsourced services, provided that these children qualify for admission to the University.
6. There will be no disciplinary processes against students who were involved in legitimate forms of protest.
7. The University commits to drawing up a workers’ charter.
8. The University agrees, in principle, to make every effort to resolve any other outstanding issue that the students may want to address in good faith.
9. Should the students agree to these measures, the University will commit to calling a General Assembly.

We will inform the Wits community when the University will re-open and when the academic programmes will resume. 

Update on protest: Resolution reached

26 October 2015 - Wits University

Message from Professor Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor and Principal on behalf of the Senior Executive Team:

The University of the Witwatersrand and the Students' Representative Council have reached resolution on a series of proposals put forward today. Read management's proposal and the SRC's statement. The SRC put forward a further elaboration on their demands on 28 October 2015. Read the statement.

In light of this, the academic programme and all University activities will commence on Wednesday, 28 October 2015.

We have agreed to postpone the examinations and a new examination timetable will be shared with students before the end of the week.

We recognise the achievement of the student movement to place on the national agenda the issue of affordable, quality higher education.

We sincerely apologise to all staff, students, parents and all those affected by the recent protests. We thank you for your patience during this trying time.

Wits re-opens on Wednesday, 28 October 2015

27 October 2015 - Wits University

Message from the Senior Executive Team, 27 October 2015:

Following the resolution that was reached between Wits University Management and the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) yesterday (read Management’s proposal and the SRC’s statement), the University will reopen tomorrow, Wednesday, 28 October 2015. Lectures will take place and lecture venues will be arranged as per the normal Wednesday schedule.

We expect all members of the University community to respect this resolution and to act within the rules of the institution. If any member of the University community experiences any difficulty in entering or leaving our campuses, or if any other disruption to the academic programme and normal operations of the University occurs, the following security measures will be in place:

• Campus Control will be stationed at all entrances to ensure access and egress
• Campus Control will also ensure that lecture venues and other operational spaces remain safe and secure

We urge all staff and students to do everything possible to fulfil the obligation of every one of us to get the academic programme back on track. We cannot afford for 32 500 students to lose the academic year. This will only serve to further entrench the inequality within our society. The University has agreed to address all outstanding concerns with the student leadership and will be engaging with them in this regard.

We remain committed to finalising the examination timetable by the end of the week.

The past few days have been trying for all, and we appreciate your assistance in reaching this point of reopening. We look forward to your continued support in getting the academic programme back on track and enabling our students to write their examinations.

Update: Clarity on 0%

27 October 2015 - Wits University

VCO statement:

As per the proposal put forward by the Senior Executive Team on Monday, 26 October 2015, we would like to clarify the following:

1. There will be a 0% increase in tuition, residence and other fees for 2016.

2. There will be no increase in the upfront payment for 2016 and it will remain at R9 340. The upfront fee will be waived for students on NSFAS and for those qualifying students who cannot afford it.

Bringing academic project on track

27 November 2015 - Wits University

Statement from the Senior Executive Team:

We would like to confirm that we are on track to reopen the University tomorrow morning (Wednesday, 28 October 2015). We have received communication from the Students' Representative Council in this regard.

Academic

It is absolutely imperative that academic activities commence so that we do not lose the academic year.

We urge all role-players to focus on the academic project and to refrain from compromising it in any way.

We also urge all members of the University community to respect the rights of others in this regard.

Safety

We have put in place reinforced security protocols at entrances and other key places on campus.

Please ensure that you carry your official University access card at all times.

Should you experience any problems, please contact Campus Control at the numbers available on the back of your access card or make your way to the closest Campus Control office.

Tests/assignments

Academic staff members are requested to refrain from setting tests or assignments. This message has been communicated to the Deans of the Faculties.

We urge you to exercise sensitivity towards all members of the University community. We would like to thank you once again for your understanding and support over the past few days.

Safety and security

28 October 2015 - Wits University

Message from Professor Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor and Principal:

A number of fires were started deliberately and simultaneously on the University's Braamfontein campuses in the early hours of this morning.

Fortunately, Protection Services was on hand to extinguish the fires with the assistance of others and no one was injured.

We strongly condemn these cowardly acts of violence and vandalism. Any perpetrator caught undertaking these acts will be arrested and charged.

The safety and security of our staff and students remains paramount and security reinforcements are being brought onto campus now to ensure that the University opens today without any further incidents. The police will also be on standby.

Anyone who has any knowledge as to whom is responsible for these cowardly acts should report it to Protection Services on 0117174444 or 0117176666. Please also report any suspicious behaviour to Protection Services.

The University will open today, Wednesday, 28 October 2015, a call also supported by the Wits SRC.

We will keep you updated throughout the day. 

Wits campusses are open

28 October 2015 - Wits University

Statement from the Senior Executive Team:

The campus has opened although we do have incidents at some of the gates. A number of lecture rooms have been locked and we are in the process of opening them.

The police are on standby and we are currently liaising with their command structures.

The safety and security of our staff and students remains paramount.

We will keep you updated throughout the day.

Important notice to staff and students

28 October 2015 - Wits University

Notice from the Senior Executive Team:

We draw your attention to Section 1 of the Trespass Act of 1959.

The University, exercising its rights as the owner and lawful occupier of the University’s property, hereby revokes its permission for any person who:-

a)    blockades entrances and exits to the University;

b)    blocks lifts and stairwells;

c)     otherwise prevents the proper functioning of the University; or

d)    engages in any activity of a similar nature

to enter or be present on the University’s property.

Anybody engaged in the activities identified above does so contrary to the express instructions of the University and acts without the permission of the University.

Access to or continued presence on the University’s property without permission is an offence in terms of the Act.

The University reserves the right to report these incidents to the South African National Prosecuting Authority.

YOU ARE REQUIRED TO IMMEDIATELY CEASE AND DESIST FROM ENGAGING IN THE CONDUCT REFERRED TO ABOVE. IF THIS CONDUCT PERSISTS THE UNIVERSITY WILL TAKE THE NECESSARY ACTION.

Police to secure entrances

28 October 2015 - Wits University

Message from Executive Management:

We have now engaged the command structures of the police and they are securing all entrances. They are authorised to arrest all individuals who are involved in preventing lectures from taking place and other disruptive activities. 

We urge all staff and students to continue academic and other normal operations, and to support the academic project.

Report on first day of lectures

28 October 2015 - Wits University

Message from the Executive Management:

As you are aware, we reopened the University today.

We did have disruptions at a number of entrances and some lectures were disturbed.

The police were brought in and they cleared the entrances. They will be on standby tonight to ensure that nothing untoward happens.

We would like to thank you for your patience and calmness throughout the day.

Exam timetable out on Friday

29 October 2015 - Wits University

All University activities at Wits are continuing today, 29 October 2015.

All access points are open and the majority of Wits’ lectures are underway. The University has put in place additional security measures on our campuses and the police remain on standby.

The revised examination timetable will be made available to all students on Friday, 30 October.

We know that it has been a difficult time for many students and staff – we thank you for your tolerance and patience. We wish all our students the best for the upcoming examinations.

Update on protest

29 October 2015 - Wits University

Statement from Professor Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor and Principal:

I was asked to engage a group of protesting workers and students who made a series of demands of management.

I addressed them and provided management’s responses to these demands today, as per our previous communication in this regard. We have agreed to engage further with some of their representatives, as part of a wider stakeholder engagement, and I have undertaken to provide a response to the group on Sunday.

The University remains open and focussed on its academic programme and other operational functions, and Campus Control has been mandated to facilitate this. The police are also on standby, should they be required.

We urge all members of the University community to continue to do everything possible to allow for the completion of this academic year.

Examinations postponed

30 October 2015 - Wits University

Notice: Postponement of final examinations.

Notification of Interim Court Order

30 October 2015 - Wits University

The University obtained an Interim Court Order in the South Gauteng High Court on 29 October 2015.

View a copy of the Interim Court Order.