![The South African Parliament The South African Parliament](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_The-South-African-Parliament_600x300px.jpg)
GNU must act in widest possible interest
Too often, a ruling party assumes — wrongly — that what’s good for it must also be good for the nation.
Wildfires in South Africa are set to increase
How legal action can help the country adapt better to climate change and it's deadly impact.
![TB, tuberculosis TB, tuberculosis](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-may-aug/TB,tuberculosis_600x300px.jpg)
TB: gene editing could add new power to vaccine
The only vaccination against TB is more than 100 years old. Gene-editing has made it more effective.
![Netflix Fund for Creative Equity Event Netflix Fund for Creative Equity Event](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Untitled design (26).jpg)
Wits University and Netflix Collaborate to Support the Next Generations of Filmmakers
Netflix supports Wits University’s Film and TV students with a grant to upgrade their Digital infrastructure.
![HIV Aids_Virus_Pandemics HIV Aids_Virus_Pandemics](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-may-aug/HIV-Aids_600x300px.jpg)
The HIV epidemic 40 years on
The 25th International AIDS Conference is currently happening in Germany. Here are five essential reads on breakthroughs, blind spots and new challenges.
![Life Esidimeni tragedy Life Esidimeni tragedy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Life-Esidimeni_600x300px.jpg)
Lessons from the inquest judgment of the Life Esidimeni tragedy
Holding two public officials responsible for the Life Esidimeni tragedy is a legal milestone. It also highlights the consequences of putting costs over care.
![Financial Health Financial Health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Financial Health_600x300px.jpg)
Take control of your financial health
Tips to manage debt and financial anxiety. According to the National Credit Regulator, 40.5% of credit active individuals have an impaired credit record.
![Light microscope photographs of Aulacoseira ambigua and Staurosirella construens, two of the dominant species throughout the diatomite core. Light microscope photographs of Aulacoseira ambigua and Staurosirella construens, two of the dominant species throughout the diatomite core.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Untitled design (23).jpg)
Lesotho's Lost Lake sheds light on past and future water security
Scientists uncover fascinating evidence of an ancient mountain lake that flourished thousands of years ago.
![](/media/wits-university/research/coe-pal/images/cultural-evolution-600x300.png)
How old are South African fossils like the Taung Child?
Using a method applied directly to ancient hominin teeth, researchers have calculated the age of several important fossils.
![DNA DNA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/DNA-600x300px.jpg)
BePRECISE consortium unveils guidelines to enhance reporting in precision medicine research
The inaugural reporting guidelines for precision medicine research, of which Professor Michèle Ramsay is co-author, have been published in Nature Medicine.
![Mining and construction © Curiosity Mining and construction © Curiosity](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-12/Mining-and-construction_Â-Curiosity_600x300px.jpg)
SA needs a game-changer to fix joblessness crisis
The country needs fresh thinking to shift the economy onto a more employment-intensive growth path.
![Makanyoge Dalton Morerwa Makanyoge Dalton Morerwa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Makanyoge Dalton Morerwa 600x300.jpg)
Student leadership programme propels community building dream
Maths student and volunteer shares his experiences in the Civic Leadership Programme, aimed at developing ethically aware and motivated leaders.
![Work, skills, plumbing Work, skills, plumbing](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-may-aug/Work,-skills,-plumbing_600x300p3.jpg)
Part 2: It’s time to get vocational education right
TVET colleges must be strengthened to provide niche, high-quality training to counter the reality of their students’ weak, prior educational achievements.
![Economy, work, construction, steel, building Economy, work, construction, steel, building](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Work_construction_economy_600x300px.jpg)
Part 1: Getting SA's skills needs right
The clumsy rules for employers to get training money back actually encourages them to give poor data.
![Prospector’s Course in Entrepreneurship Prospector’s Course in Entrepreneurship](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Dr-Adam-Pantanowitz_Prospector-Coursse_600x300px.jpg)
From knowledge to impact: Bridging the academic-entrepreneurship divide
Aspiring African innovators and entrepreneurs converge at Wits to learn skills to transform ideas into market-ready solutions.
![Carnegie Diversifying the Academy Programme Carnegie Diversifying the Academy Programme](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Carnegie-Diversifying-the-Academy_600x300px.jpg)
Transformation: Carnegie Diversifying the Academy welcomes 2024 recipients
Eight PhD students and postdocs were inducted into the programme run by the Wits Transformation and Employment Equity Office (TEEO).
![Pan-African Entrepreneurship Week Pan-African Entrepreneurship Week](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Pan-African-Entrepreneurship-Week_600x300px.jpg)
Postgrads learn how to become ‘academic entrepreneurs’
To grow their entrepreneurial spirit and skills, 70 postgraduate students attended the Pan-African Entrepreneurship Week during the winter break.
![Peco Power team delivers unit to Nomzamo resident Peco Power team delivers unit to Nomzamo resident](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Peco-Power-team-with-Nomzamo-resident_600x300px.jpg)
Peco Power empowers rural community with Rent-to-Own Electricity
The pioneering technology from Wits is transforming energy access with its new impact-driven Champion Franchise Model.
![2024 NSFT Awards trophy 600 x300 2024 NSFT Awards trophy 600 x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/2024 NSFT Awards trophy 600 x300 copy.jpg)
Research rock stars dazzle at 'Science Oscars'
Wits researchers won in six out of 15 categories at the prestigious NSTF-South 32 Research Awards.
![Cyber security, online scammers, cyber attack Cyber security, online scammers, cyber attack](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-may-aug/cyber-security_online-scammers_600x300px.jpg)
The psychological games cybercriminals play
Catching online scammers: Our model combines data and behavioural science.
![Professor Loyiso Nongxa's Honorary Doctorate Degree ceremony Professor Loyiso Nongxa's Honorary Doctorate Degree ceremony](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Professor Loyiso Nongxa 600x300px.jpg)
Not your average mathematician
Inspirational leader, Professor Loyiso Nongxa honoured for his exemplary contribution and commitment to the mathematical sciences.
![Medicine. Injection. Flu. Vaccine. Health Medicine. Injection. Flu. Vaccine. Health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Medicine_Injection_600x300px.jpg)
Mobile phone data help track pathogen spread and evolution of superbugs
Novel way to map spread and evolution of pathogens, and their responses to vaccines and antibiotics, reveals how to help predict and prevent future outbreaks.
![Dr Muhammad Ahsan Mahboob at Wits 2024 July graduations Dr Muhammad Ahsan Mahboob at Wits 2024 July graduations](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Dr Muhammad Ahsan Mahboob at Wits 2024 July Graduations 600 x 300 px. png.png)
From code to cowl: Head of ‘DigiMine’ gets his PhD
Head of Sibanye Stillwater Digital Mining Laboratory graduates with a PhD in engineering from Wits.
![Professor Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, MBBCh PhD DTM&H is Professor and Director: Research at Wits RHI at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg Professor Sinead Delany-Moretlwe, MBBCh PhD DTM&H is Professor and Director: Research at Wits RHI at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-sept-dec/Professor-Sinead-Delany-Moretlwe_600x300.jpg)
SA professor appointed co-principal investigator in landmark HIV prevention network
Sinéad Delany-Moretlwe is Professor of Global Health and Infectious Diseases and Research Director at Wits RHI.
![Saurodersmus robertsoni NHMUK PV OR 28877: Right femur depicted both in situ within the rock matrix (left) and after extraction (right). Saurodersmus robertsoni NHMUK PV OR 28877: Right femur depicted both in situ within the rock matrix (left) and after extraction (right).](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Untitled design (21).jpg)
Discovering Scotland's first 'almost-mammal’, Saurodesmus robertsoni
Researchers identify the oldest known non-mammaliaform cynodont from Scotland.
![The whole body of Mesostaphylinus orapa sp. n. holotype, counterpart BP.227596, Orapa Diamond Mine, polarized light, scale bar = 1 mm. The whole body of Mesostaphylinus orapa sp. n. holotype, counterpart BP.227596, Orapa Diamond Mine, polarized light, scale bar = 1 mm.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/The whole body of Mesostaphylinus orapa sp. n. holotype, counterpart BP.227596, Orapa Diamond Mine, polarized light, scale bar 1 mm..jpg)
Beetle outbreak: Another fossil rove beetle from Botswana
A new species of fossil paederine rove beetle from Orapa.
![Nurses deliver health and medical services in clinics Nurses deliver health and medical services in clinics](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jul-dec/Health-and-medical-services-in-clinics_600x300px.jpg)
Eight steps to get SA's healthcare system on track
Much needs to be done to improve governance of South Africa’s health system. Eight recommendations provide a guide to what needs to be prioritised.
![Great Hall and Library Lawns Great Hall and Library Lawns](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/buildings/Gerat-Hall-and-Library-Laws_1200x500px.jpg)
Senate Resolution
Statement on the Gaza/Israel conflict
![Business, work, technology Business, work, technology](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Business_work_tech_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa’s political monopoly has been broken: could it help the economy?
South Africa’s more plural political space might bring in new voices that generate better economic policies.
![Professors Zeblon Vilakazi and Lynn Morris with Dr Solomon Assefa at the inaugural Professor Barry Dwolatzki Memorial Lecture Professors Zeblon Vilakazi and Lynn Morris with Dr Solomon Assefa at the inaugural Professor Barry Dwolatzki Memorial Lecture](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Professors-Zeblon-Vilakazi-and-Lynn-Morris-with-Dr-Solomon-Assefa_600x300px.jpg)
‘It’s all about the youth’
Dr Solomon Assefa, the former Vice President at IBM Research, delivered the inaugural Professor Barry Dwolatzky Memorial Lecture.
![The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Afretec-Network_600x300px.jpg)
Afretec awards almost $1.7 million
One of the grant recipient projects from Wits University will investigate the role of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa.
![Doctors, medical, surgery, medicine, health Doctors, medical, surgery, medicine, health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_medical_health_doctor_600x300px.jpg)
Report on governance and management in SA health system launched
The Academy of Science of South Africa released the report, "Achieving Good Governance and Management in the South African Health System" on 28 June 2024.
![Avril Joffe and Professor Annick Schramme Avril Joffe and Professor Annick Schramme](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Avril Joffe and Professor Annick Schramme 600x300px.jpg)
Wits UNESCO Chair to bolster entrepreneurship in the cultural and creative sectors
Wits University and the University of Antwerp collaborate to drive cultural research and strengthen arts policy on two continents.
![Dr Ryan Wagner is a research fellow at Agincourt and co-chair of the Task Force on the Economic Burden of Epilepsy Dr Ryan Wagner is a research fellow at Agincourt and co-chair of the Task Force on the Economic Burden of Epilepsy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/Dr Ryan Wagner of Agincourt_600x300.jpg)
Tackling brain health through strategic global partnerships
Wits Faculty of Health Sciences and Barrow Neurological Institute, USA, MoU cements relationship to further research neurological conditions
![Chief Executive of Anglo American Duncan Wanblad and Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Witwatersrand Professor Prof Zeblon Vilakazi Chief Executive of Anglo American Duncan Wanblad and Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the Witwatersrand Professor Prof Zeblon Vilakazi](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Untitled design (20).jpg)
Anglo American’s iconic building to become Wits Business School’s Centre for Entrepreneurship
WBS will use the City Centre building to provide crucial business education, business incubation, and business acceleration services for entrepreneurs.
![Kenya protests 2024 Kenya protests 2024](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Kenya-protests_600x300px.jpg)
Kenya protests: Gen Z shows the power of digital activism
Kenyan activism is witnessing a shift from ethnic-based mobilisation to issue-based activism.
![Student success presenters engaged the Wits community on a range of topics that promote or hinder holistic success Student success presenters engaged the Wits community on a range of topics that promote or hinder holistic success](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Student Success Imbizo_600x300px.jpg)
Student Success Imbizo
Stakeholders emphasise the importance of data-driven student programmes, systems integration and strengthening of the student voice.
![One step closer to vaccine for HIV. One step closer to vaccine for HIV.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/HIV-Aids-600x300px.jpg)
Gilead results on injectable lenacapavir for PREP
First HIV prevention trial in history to show zero HIV infections with an intervention.
![Wits University’s Professor James Larkin (left) and Arrie van Deventer, founder of the Rhino Orphanage inserts radioisotopes into the horn of a white rhino. Wits University’s Professor James Larkin (left) and Arrie van Deventer, founder of the Rhino Orphanage inserts radioisotopes into the horn of a white rhino.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Pic1a600x300.jpg)
A Novel way to save Rhinos
The Rhisotope Project at Wits is entering a new testing phase with the insertion of radioisotopes into 20 live rhinoceros.
![Prof. Nthabiseng Ogude appointed CEO of the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF) programme Prof. Nthabiseng Ogude appointed CEO of the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF) programme](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Prof. Nthabiseng_Ogude_600x300px.jpg)
Pathfinder to illuminate the path for more women
A woman of many firsts, Prof. Nthabiseng Audrey Ogude has been appointed CEO of the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship programme.
![Pregnancy, motherhood, baby Pregnancy, motherhood, baby](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-may-aug/Pregnancy_baby_600x300px.jpg)
Heat exposure during pregnancy can lead to a lifetime of health problems
Research shows climate change carries greater risks for unborn babies than previously thought, including worsening health and wellbeing in later life.
![Best defence against Covid-19 is physical distancing, wearing masks, avoiding crowds, washing hands frequently and wiping surfaces clean. Best defence against Covid-19 is physical distancing, wearing masks, avoiding crowds, washing hands frequently and wiping surfaces clean.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid19-and-PPE-protection_600x300px.jpg)
Global pandemic treaty will help fight future threats
The 194 member states of the WHO are negotiating a pandemic accord, only the second health accord after the 2003 convention against tobacco.
![The Wits Integrated Experience 2024 The Wits Integrated Experience 2024](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Wits Integrated Experience 2024 600x300.jpg)
Grade 11 learners investigate Johannesburg gas explosion at Wits
The seventh annual Wits Integrated Experience short course commenced in June, with this year's learners assigned to investigate a gas explosion.
![Covid-19 and vaccination Covid-19 and vaccination](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Covid19_vaccines_600x300px.jpg)
What is cervical cancer and how can it be prevented?
The human papillomavirus is the primary cause of cervical cancer – but not all infected individuals develop the disease.
![The South African Parliament The South African Parliament](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_The-South-African-Parliament_600x300px.jpg)
Time to knock undeserving politicians off their pedestals
Sadly, politicos have become the pre-eminent role models for many black South Africans.
![](/media/wits-university/faculties-and-schools/health-sciences/images/Pictures-4.png)
Researchers discover a potential vaccine to prevent tuberculosis in people of all ages
In a critical global public health development, a candidate vaccine for tuberculosis (TB) has been created using a gene-editing approach.
![Online attacks and cyber crime | Curiosity 11: #Viral © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Online attacks and cyber crime | Curiosity 11: #Viral © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-11/Invection-online_600x300px.jpg)
How to avoid being hacked: ‘12345’ doesn’t cut it
The question has shifted from whether cyberattacks will occur to when and how they will happen.
![Wits-Bath Spa collaboration takes off Wits-Bath Spa collaboration takes off](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Wits-Bath-Spa-collaboration_600x300px.jpg)
Wits-Bath Spa collaboration takes off
Three-year bursary scheme to support strategic collaboration between the two universities.
![GradnGive - graduating Witsies donate to assist fellow Witsies as they strive for independence GradnGive - graduating Witsies donate to assist fellow Witsies as they strive for independence](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/GradnGive_600300px.jpg)
#GradnGive - a commitment to a brighter future
Helping a fellow Witsies on graduation day, through #GradnGive, is an act of love, solidarity and encouragement that great days are on the horizon.
![World Food Safety World Food Safety](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Food Safety 600x300.jpg)
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.
![Bridging urban divides through education for a sustainable future - Artwork Bridging urban divides through education for a sustainable future - Artwork](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/c1234.png)
Bridging urban divides through education for a sustainable future
The Kelvin-Alexandra-Frankenwald City Studio is set to tackle the pressing urban challenges surrounding the Alexandra township in Johannesburg.
![Harry Saner Harry Saner](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Harry Saner 600x300.jpg)
Wits fencer set to compete at 2024 Olympics
Engineering student Harry Saner qualifies as the first South African fencer to compete in nearly two decades.
![Pedro Ornelas Pedro Ornelas](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Pedro Dinis Ornelas_pressphoto 600x300.jpg)
Wits PhD student wins prestigious John Kiel Scholarship
Pedro Ornelas is one of 72 students globally who won an award from the International Society for Optics and Photonics.
![Black, green, and yellow wall Black, green, and yellow wall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Black, Green, and Yellow wall.png)
Death of a liberation movement: how ANC became just a regular party – with some help from Zuma
Never has the future of South Africa’s politics been more uncertain, but the one certainty is that the ANC’s standing as a liberation movement is dead.
![The Wits Digitisation Centre The Wits Digitisation Centre](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Wits-Digitisation-Centre-1_600x300px.jpg)
New cutting-edge digitisation equipment for Wits Digitisation Centre
This addition marks a significant step forward in the ongoing efforts to preserve the University's vast archives and collections.
![Sappi Research Chair holder Professor Mary Scholes with Sappi team Sappi Research Chair holder Professor Mary Scholes with Sappi team](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Professor Mary Scholes with Sappi team Chair_600x300px.png)
Sappi Chair marks a milestone year of climate action
The Wits research team is spearheading sustainability efforts to bolster climate resilience in the forestry industry.
![Natalie Zimmelman, CEO of WitsPlus Natalie Zimmelman, CEO of WitsPlus](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-may-aug/Natalie-Zimmelman_600x300px.jpg)
Wits appoints new CEO for WitsPlus
Natalie Zimmelman is a business leader dedicated to the development of skills, leadership, and professionalism.
![Solar power and energy Solar power and energy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jan-june/Solar-power_600x300px.jpg)
A coalition government won’t fix past failures
Expect the private sector to play a bigger role in delivering power, transport and security.
![Ismail Soobader Ismail Soobader](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Ismail Soobader 600x300px.jpg)
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.
![Wits VC Prof Zeblon Vilakazi with digital twins Arthur left and Charles Goldstuck 600x300 Wits VC Prof Zeblon Vilakazi with digital twins Arthur left and Charles Goldstuck 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Wits VC Prof Zeblon Vilakazi with Arthur and Charles Goldstuck 600x300 (002).jpg)
Eminent alumni register for innovative doctoral degrees in AI and music
Twins and Wits alumni, Arthur and Charles Goldstuck, veterans of tech and music respectively, have registered for unique PhDs at Wits.
![The Vice-Chancellor and Principal Wits University, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, joined by the Acting CEO of SEDA, Nkosinathi Mbatha and the Deputy Director General of the Department of Small Business Development, Thulisile Manzini. The Vice-Chancellor and Principal Wits University, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, joined by the Acting CEO of SEDA, Nkosinathi Mbatha and the Deputy Director General of the Department of Small Business Development, Thulisile Manzini.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Student-Entrepreneurship-Hub-launch_600x300px.jpg)
New Student Entrepreneurship Hub launched
The E-Hub marks the beginning of a new era in fostering student-led innovation and entrepreneurship.
![Fathers and sons | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Fathers and sons | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Father-and-son-on-scateboard_600x300px.jpg)
The social consensus revolution
[Column] To prevent South Africa from becoming a failed society, we must all rise and become active citizens.
![Musankwa sanyatiensis fossil bones in situ, after mechanical preparation, and after CT scanning. Barrett et al. 2024, Atashni Moopen Musankwa sanyatiensis fossil bones in situ, after mechanical preparation, and after CT scanning. Barrett et al. 2024, Atashni Moopen](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Musankwa sanyatiensis, 600x300px.jpg)
Musankwa sanyatiensis, a new dinosaur from Zimbabwe
A new Late Triassic sauropodomorph dinosaur discovered in the Mid-Zambezi Basin, Zimbabwe.
![Protest and strikes | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Protest and strikes | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Protests_600x300px.jpg)
Reimagining democracy
Democracy, as a system of government by the whole population, seems to have had its heyday. Is ‘People Power’ a viable option?
![Witsies Connect promotes inter-departmental interactions and a vibrant Wits culture Witsies Connect promotes inter-departmental interactions and a vibrant Wits culture](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Witsies-Connect_600x300px.jpg)
Witsies Connect uncovers shared interests
Wits staff break down institutional silos as they pause and step out of their usual routine.
![Streets of Braamfontein © Chanté Schatz | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Streets of Braamfontein © Chanté Schatz | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Streets-of-Braamfontein_600x300px.jpg)
Q&A: The South African Constitution
Constitutional expert, Professor Cathi Albertyn, answers your questions on the South African Constitution, the bedrock of South Africa’s democracy.
![Statue of President Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Statue of President Nelson Mandela at the Union Buildings | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Nelson-Mandela-statue_600x300px.jpg)
A violent freedom
Despite the knife-edge upon which South Africans live, the country is not, in fact, a failed state – but a new form of democracy is required.
![US Capital insurrection | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ US Capital insurrection | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/US-Capitol-insurrection_600x300px.jpg)
The Untouchables: Crime and corruption
Corruption is not unique to SA as US and UK have shown. Democracy relies on holding authorities accountable, but no one seems keen to do that.
![Religion and the state | © Lauren Mulligan | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Religion and the state | © Lauren Mulligan | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Religion-and-the-state_600x300px.jpg)
Religion and the state: A shifting cocktail of contradictions
Many countries are grappling with religious challenges. Can political structures withstand the pressures of religious groups’ ‘New Right’ ideology?
![AI and digital technology | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ AI and digital technology | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/David-Beckham-AI_600x300px.jpg)
AI and democracy: For better and for worse
Today’s news and current affairs landscape, which underpins our democracy, requires both ethical content producers and discerning consumers.
![Peter Sarnak Peter Sarnak](/media/wits-university/alumni/images-2024/ProfSarnak_thumbnail.jpg)
Peter Sarnak awarded the 2024 Shaw Prize
Celebrated mathematician and Wits alumnus acknowledged for his profound impact on number theory.
![Service delivery and lack of services | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Service delivery and lack of services | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Service-deliver_water_600x300px.jpg)
A drought of political will
South Africans are still fighting for the right to basic water supply as enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
![Media and journalism | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Media and journalism | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Media-and-journalism_600x300px.jpg)
Stabilising the crumbling walls of the Fourth Estate
Journalism as an institution is facing a bleak outlook. It needs to dig deep to find ways in which to pull itself out of the well.
![MSSOA Prize giving MSSOA Prize giving](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/MSSOA 600x300-1-1.png)
Margo Steele School of Accountancy honours top students
The students' achievements underscore the school's impact on transforming the accountancy profession over the 30 years since democracy.
![Queuing to vote in South Africa's general elections. © IEC Queuing to vote in South Africa's general elections. © IEC](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Queuing-to-vote-in-South-Africas-elections_Â-IEC_600x300px.jpg)
Loss of power is the ultimate motivator to fulfill promises
The key to getting public services is to have opposition parties that have realistic chances to replace a sitting government.
![Gogo-Busi is a traditional health practitioner involved in the study to test her clients for HIV and refer those positive for ART 600x300_Photo Sandra Maytham Bailey Gogo-Busi is a traditional health practitioner involved in the study to test her clients for HIV and refer those positive for ART 600x300_Photo Sandra Maytham Bailey](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Gogo-Busi is a traditional health practitioner involved in the study to test her clients for HIV and refer those positive for ART 600x300_Photo Sandra Maytham Bailey.jpg)
Study that empowers traditional health practitioners to test for HIV expands in rural SA
National Institutes of Health 5-year, $2.8m grant to Wits and Vanderbilt University will advance traditional health practitioner-initiated HIV testing.
![Wits hosts Southern African synchrotron workshop Wits hosts Southern African synchrotron workshop](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Synchrotron.jpg)
Wits hosts Southern African synchrotron workshop
South African researchers have fully funded access to the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, through the NRF.
![Healthcare and medicine | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Healthcare and medicine | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Healthcare-medicine_600x300px.jpg)
NHI: From aspiration to implementation
Access to healthcare services is a constitutional right but is equal healthcare in South Africa a reality in our lifetime?
![Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Curiosity 17_600x300px.jpg)
Curios.ty 17: #Democracy
This issue is very timely as South Africa celebrates 30 years of democracy, and heads to the polls again on 29 May 2024.
![Professor Lynn Morris | #Curiosity 17, #Democracy | www.curiosity.ac.za Professor Lynn Morris | #Curiosity 17, #Democracy | www.curiosity.ac.za](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Professor-Lynn-Morris_600x300px.jpg)
Celebrating 30 years of democracy
[Editorial] Wits continues to contribute towards advancing democracy, social justice, and human rights.
![Protest music | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Protest music | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Protest-music_600x300px.jpg)
Marching to new drums
A generation of ‘born frees’ are heading to the polls in 2024. What is the soundtrack, if any, that underscores this election year?
![Lobola and traditional weddings © Lombe K | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Lobola and traditional weddings © Lombe K | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Lobola-and-traditional-weddings_Credit_Lombe-K_600x300px.jpg)
How colonialism bastardised ancient rituals
Traditional rituals and practices such as lobola and initiation are often misunderstood in democratic societies where they are viewed through a western lens.
![ATM, money and economy | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ ATM, money and economy | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/ATM-money-economy_600x300px.jpg)
Social grants: A hand up, not a hand-out
The child support grant and proposed pregnancy grant give children a healthier start in life and make democratic and economic sense.
![Disability Rights | © Chanté Schatz | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Disability Rights | © Chanté Schatz | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Disability-rights_600x300px.jpg)
Realising disability rights in Southern Africa
People with disabilities still experience barriers to the realisation of their rights. A new view on disability is required.
![Migration and immigration | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Migration and immigration | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Migration-and-immigrants_600x300px.jpg)
Playing the migration blame game
Pushing a nationalist agenda and fuelling xenophobia is politicians’ way of disguising the causes of South Africa’s economic woes.
![Willem Cullen Library | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Willem Cullen Library | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Willem-Cullen-Library_600x300px.jpg)
Democratising knowledge through open access
More than half of SA’s academic publications appear in Open Access sources, with Wits University embracing this trend.
![Busisiwe Kamolane-Kgadima | © Chanté Schatz | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Busisiwe Kamolane-Kgadima | © Chanté Schatz | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Busisiwe-Kamolane-Kgadima_600x300px.jpg)
Finding ubuntu in the word of the law
Busisiwe Kamolane-Kgadima, the Acting Director at CALS is driven by human rights, and the fight for social justice.
![Stockvel communities | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Stockvel communities | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Stokvel-and-community_600x300px.jpg)
Stokvels secure income and social capital
A stokvel research project at Wits could lead to greater financial freedom, transparency, and accessibility for members.
![South African Parliament | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ South African Parliament | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/South-African-Parliament_600x300px.jpg)
Who is accountable for environmental rights?
The lack of enforcement of environmental laws allow powerful entities to act without consequence. Where does the buck stop?
![Solar power farm in South Africa | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Solar power farm in South Africa | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Solar-power-farm_600x300px.jpg)
What environmental equality in Africa really looks like
As countries move to adopt green technologies to fight climate change, the Global South is left at a disadvantage in this new revolution.
![Conservation, nature and animals | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Conservation, nature and animals | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Conservation-and-animal-rights_600x300px.jpg)
Conflicts of (natural) interest
The creation of conservation areas has become a tug-of-war between the needs of local communities and preserving critical natural resources.
![Animal rights | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Animal rights | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Animal-rights_600x300px.jpg)
Using Ubuntu to recognise animal rights
[Column] Under the SA Constitution, animals do not enjoy the same rights as humans. But Ubuntu principles can change that, writes Dr Sheena Swemmer.
![President for a day | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ President for a day | Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/President-for-a-day_600x300px.jpg)
Ethical conundrums of the great dictator
[Column] As elected president for one day, I struggle with the same ethical question as those who have come before me: To plunder or to serve?
![Rivonia Trial defence team at the Historical Papers Research Archives in the Willem Cullen Library Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Rivonia Trial defence team at the Historical Papers Research Archives in the Willem Cullen Library Curiosity 17: #Democracy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-17/Historical-Papers-Research-Archive_600x300px.jpg)
Democracy and Archives: A quest for truth
Archives are the custodians of evidence in the pursuit of truth and records of Commissions of Inquiry are fundamental to support democracy.
![The flu vaccine reduces chances of serious illness The flu vaccine reduces chances of serious illness](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Flu vaccine_600x300px.png)
Arm yourself against flu this winter
The flu season is upon us and several institutions are reporting an increase in the number of flu cases, says Higher Health.
![Wits in association with the Liberty Group has launched a new Fintech Hub. Wits in association with the Liberty Group has launched a new Fintech Hub.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/fintech_hub.jpg)
Wits and Liberty launch new Fintech Hub
New Hub will be a place where researchers, entrepreneurs and professionals can get together to leverage technology to solve problems in the field of finance.
![Juliet Ndlovu, Operations Administrative Assistant: Cleaning Parktown Residences Juliet Ndlovu, Operations Administrative Assistant: Cleaning Parktown Residences](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Juliet Ndlovu2_600x300px.png)
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.
![President Cyril Ramaphosa with Prof. Adebayo Olukoshi during the 2024 election dialogue hosted by the Wits School of Governance President Cyril Ramaphosa with Prof. Adebayo Olukoshi during the 2024 election dialogue hosted by the Wits School of Governance](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/President Cyril Ramaphosa_ Prof Adebayo Olukoshi_WSG_600x300px.jpg)
ANC President and Head of State speaks at Wits
It was the big Cs: coalitions, corruption and crime that dominated questions put to President Cyril Ramaphosa by the Wits community.
![Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Doctoral Programme Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Doctoral Programme](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/WESAF_Sustainability School__600x300px.jpg)
A better Africa needs interdisciplinary research
Emerging Mastercard Foundation WESAF Fellows urged to bridge the knowledge deficit in climate change research and move beyond the hard sciences.
![Buffalo Buffalo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/600x300px.jpg)
New Fossil Bovids from Kromdraai
New Fossil Bovids from Kromdraai shed light on South Africa's ancient ecosystems.
![Waving flag of ANC Waving flag of ANC](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Waving flag of ANC 600x300.png)
South African elections: research explores how disillusioned ANC supporters might use their vote
The 2024 elections may be the tipping point that enables opposition parties to portray themselves as viable contenders in forming a coalition government in SA.
![Tears of the Weaver by Zaheera Asvat Jina in Wits Maths Education was a NIHSS award finalist 600x300 Tears of the Weaver by Zaheera Asvat Jina in Wits Maths Education was a NIHSS award finalist 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Tears of the Weaver by Zaheera Asvat Jina was a NIHSS award finalist 600x300.jpg)
Intellectual creative workers shine at prestigious Humanities and Social Sciences awards
Scholars in the School of Arts and the School of Education distinguished themselves at the 2024 National Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences Awards.
![Wits World IP day event Wits World IP day event](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-may-aug/Wits World IP day event 600x300.jpg)
Wits celebrates Intellectual Property Day
By awarding Wits researchers for their contribution to IP rights, the event highlights the integration of innovation and creativity for a shared future.
![On the left side (Nelson Nhamutole-PhD student), and his main supervisor Prof. Marion Bamford (on the right side) discussing some important aspects regarding the outcrop sampling in the Michunwa outcrop. On the middle (Imede Macungo), a local guide from Tulo locality packing some collected samples. On the left side (Nelson Nhamutole-PhD student), and his main supervisor Prof. Marion Bamford (on the right side) discussing some important aspects regarding the outcrop sampling in the Michunwa outcrop. On the middle (Imede Macungo), a local guide from Tulo locality packing some collected samples.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Fig 2 (G2) On the left side (Nelson Nhamutole-PhD student).jpg)
From Fossils to Fuel: Mozambique's Maniamba Basin’s Energy Potential
Mozambique's Maniamba Basin’s Energy Potential.
![Wits staff outside the Great Hall Wits staff outside the Great Hall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Wits staff 600x300.jpg)
Wits remains an attractive employer
Wits University is a competitive employer in the higher education sector and beyond, says Senior Director of Human Resources.
![U.S. CDC and photo documentarian Thom Pierce traveled to the epicenter of the global HIV epidemic in South Africa to capture the faces and stories of the individuals at the forefront of the response against. © Thom Pierce/South Africa/2018/ U.S. CDC and photo documentarian Thom Pierce traveled to the epicenter of the global HIV epidemic in South Africa to capture the faces and stories of the individuals at the forefront of the response against. © Thom Pierce/South Africa/2018/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/U.S. CDC and photo credit Thom Pierce South Africa 2018 600x300.jpg)
CHAMPS receives grant to study causes of death in adults with HIV in Africa
New grant will enable Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) Network to leverage laboratory capacity and partnerships in Africa.
![Mathematician Professor Florian Luca is now aCNRS Fellow Ambassador 600x300 Mathematician Professor Florian Luca is now aCNRS Fellow Ambassador 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Professor-Florian-Luca.jpg)
Global collaboration adds up for mathematician
Number theory specialist Professor Florian Luca is now a CNRS Fellow-Ambassador.
![Betina Fleming, Director of Employee Relations at Wits Betina Fleming, Director of Employee Relations at Wits](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Betina Fleming_Director_Employee Relations_600x300px.png)
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.
![Emmah Mthembu, Sinegugu Khulu and Rijav Maharaj Emmah Mthembu, Sinegugu Khulu and Rijav Maharaj](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/EmmahMthembu_SineguguKhulu_RijavMaharaj_600x300px.jpg)
Staff reflect on their employee experience
International Workers Day, celebrated annually on 1 May, is an opportunity for employees and employers alike to reflect on the workplace.
![Joint Freedom Celebration 22 April 2024 1 Joint Freedom Celebration 22 April 2024 1](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/bc 1.png)
Remembering the past, envisioning the future
Exploring Portuguese-South African Relations at the Joint Freedom Celebration.
![Sydney Brenner Exhibition at the Adler Museum of Medicine at Wits from 9 to 30 April 2024 Sydney Brenner Exhibition at the Adler Museum of Medicine at Wits from 9 to 30 April 2024](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Sydney Brenner Exhibition Launch 600x300.jpg)
Science meets history at Adler Museum of Medicine
Exhibition celebrates the life and scientific journey of Nobel Laureate and alumnus Sydney Brenner.
![Dr. Shakira Choonara Dr. Shakira Choonara](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Untitled design (9).jpg)
Witsie appointed Thematic Lead at the United Nations
Wits alumna Dr Shakira Choonara takes the reins as the head of the Action Coalition on Bodily Autonomy and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights.
![STEM event STEM event](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/STEM event 600 x 300.png)
Empowering the next generation of female leaders
The STEM MentHER programme held its annual induction for Grade 12 learners in pursuit of careers in STEM fields.
![Witsies Connect promotes inter-departmental interactions and a vibrant Wits culture Witsies Connect promotes inter-departmental interactions and a vibrant Wits culture](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/gifs/Witsies Connect_600x300px.png)
Connect with Witsies from other departments
How much do you know about colleagues in the office next to you? It's time to be part of Witsies Connect.
![Young men waiting to be offered casual jobs in Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa. shutterstock Young men waiting to be offered casual jobs in Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa. shutterstock](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Young men waiting to be offered casual jobs in Hermanus, Western Cape, South Africa. shutterstock.png)
South Africa’s youth are a generation lost under democracy – study
Fewer young South Africans are doing as well as their counterparts from 30 years ago. They are hardest hit by unemployment.
![Added sugar gives babies a sweet tooth, which can lead to obesity and health problems later in life. Getty Images Added sugar gives babies a sweet tooth, which can lead to obesity and health problems later in life. Getty Images](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Added sugar gives babies a sweet tooth, which can lead to obesity and health problems later in life. Getty Images 600x300.png)
Sugar in baby food: why Nestlé needs to be held to account in Africa
Added sugar gives babies a sweet tooth, which can lead to obesity and health problems later in life.
![](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Graduate-Recruiters-Breakfast.png)
Wits bridges gap between graduates and potential employers
Graduate Recruitment Programme facilitates dialogue between academia and industry and contributes to developing highly skilled and employable graduates.
![Wits Professor of Vaccinology Shabir Madhi awarded CBE by King Charles III_Oct 2023 Wits Professor of Vaccinology Shabir Madhi awarded CBE by King Charles III_Oct 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Professor of Vaccinology Shabir Madhi awarded CBE by King Charles III_Oct 2023 600x300.jpg)
Vaccinologists Keith Klugman and Shabir Madhi awarded Sabin’s prestigious Gold Medal
The Sabin Vaccine Institute presented the Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal to physician-researchers Keith Klugman and Shabir Madhi.
![AI models’ outputs need to be properly explained to the people affected. DrAfter123/Getty Images AI models’ outputs need to be properly explained to the people affected. DrAfter123/Getty Images](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/AI modelsâ outputs need to be properly explained to the people affected. DrAfter123Getty Images 600x300.png)
Study shows pro-western cultural bias in the way AI decisions are explained
Many existing explainable artificial intelligence systems produce explanations that are tailored to individualist, typically western, populations.
![VC Schorlaship awards VC Schorlaship awards](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/VC Schorlaship awards 600x300.png)
Top scholars honoured at Wits
Vice-Chancellor shines a spotlight on first-year scholarship recipients, celebrating academic excellence and the transformative impact of education.
![An Egyptian slit-faced bat, Nycteris thebaica. Mariëtte Pretorius, Author provided (no reuse). 600x300png An Egyptian slit-faced bat, Nycteris thebaica. Mariëtte Pretorius, Author provided (no reuse). 600x300png](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/An Egyptian slit-faced bat, Nycteris thebaica. MariÃtte Pretorius, Author provided (no reuse).png)
Africa is full of bats, but their fossils are scarce – why these rare records matter
The scarcity of bat fossils is more than a palaeontological puzzle: it has implications for bat conservation strategies today.
![Teachers can learn from each other and come to see that they are inclusive educators. zeljkosantrac/Getty Images Teachers can learn from each other and come to see that they are inclusive educators. zeljkosantrac/Getty Images](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Teachers can learn from each other and come to see that they are inclusive educators. zeljkosantracGetty Images 600x300.png)
Professional learning communities are a space for teachers to discuss their teaching methods
South African study shows the power of sharing daily experiences for teachers to learn how to include all learners.
![HRDU promotes academic and professional staff development HRDU promotes academic and professional staff development](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Future_Leaders_HRDU_600x300px.png)
Opening cross-boundary synergies across Wits
Academics and professional staff form new networks.
![Boris Balinsky Symposium Boris Balinsky Symposium](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Boris Balinsky Symposium-7 600 x 300.png)
Symposium held to honour Professor Boris Balinsky
Wits and the Embassy of Ukraine come together to honour a scientist son of both countries.
![Playtime is as important for child development as exercise is for adult health. Getty Images Playtime is as important for child development as exercise is for adult health. Getty Images](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Playtime is as important for child development as exercise is for adult health. Getty Images 600 x 300.png)
Fun and growth: how you play with your child matters
Read, sing, dance and funny faces: expert tips on how you can help your baby’s development through play.
![Wits students working in the field Wits students working in the field](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Group photo BUGEMET.jpg)
Leading mining companies invest R40 million in geosciences research at Wits
The Bushveld Geology and Metallogeny Research Chair will advance the mining industry and develop the next generation of geoscientists.
![Skull of_Little Foot_ Australopithecus Prometheus Skull of_Little Foot_ Australopithecus Prometheus](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Skull of_Little Foot_ Australopithecus Prometheus 600 x 300 px.jpg)
ERC Advanced Grant for Paleoanthropologist Gabriele Macho
European Research Council funds project on early human evolution at Senckenberg.
Ear and hearing care services offered to local communities
Final year audiology students advance hearing health equity through activities aimed at Vrededorp and Jan Hofmeyer residents.
![Digital trade protocol for Africa: why it matters, what’s in it and what’s still missing Digital trade protocol for Africa: why it matters, what’s in it and what’s still missing](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/digital trade.png)
Digital trade protocol for Africa: why it matters, what’s in it and what’s still missing
Africa’s market share of the digital trade globally is small. But it has expanded rapidly, outpacing the global average.
![Michaela Mahes, a Programme Coaching and Quality Assurance Manager at the Wits Business School Michaela Mahes, a Programme Coaching and Quality Assurance Manager at the Wits Business School](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Social Capital 1.png)
The power of building social capital
Executive coach urges students to nurture relationships early in life as these are key to success.
![Figure 1: Summarising the key components of the African Carbon Cycle and their change over the first two decades of this century. Figure 1: Summarising the key components of the African Carbon Cycle and their change over the first two decades of this century.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Figure 1 600 x 300.jpg)
Africa is no longer the carbon sink of the world
In only nine years between 2010 and 2019, Africa has turned from being a net carbon sink, to being a net carbon source.
![Artistic reconstruction of Nanoparia luckhoffi (RC 109) by Viktor Radermacher Artistic reconstruction of Nanoparia luckhoffi (RC 109) by Viktor Radermacher](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Untitled design (8).jpg)
New description of a ‘dwarf’ pareiasaur from the Karoo Basin
Tiny Titans of the Permian: New anatomical description of the ‘dwarf’ pareiasaur Nanoparia luckhoffi from the Karoo Basin
![The continent’s forests, like this Ugandan rain forest, are crucial carbon sinks. Camille Delbos/Art In All of Us/Corbis via Getty Images The continent’s forests, like this Ugandan rain forest, are crucial carbon sinks. Camille Delbos/Art In All of Us/Corbis via Getty Images](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/carbon_emission.png)
Africa now emits as much carbon as it stores: landmark new study
Knowing which parts of Africa best help to store carbon means funding and policy efforts can be directed to protecting and increasing this carbon ‘land sink’.
![A climate justice picket in 2022 outside the Port Elizabeth High Court against Shell. “Hamba! Voetsek!” mean “get lost”. Joseph Chirume/GroundUp A climate justice picket in 2022 outside the Port Elizabeth High Court against Shell. “Hamba! Voetsek!” mean “get lost”. Joseph Chirume/GroundUp](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/A climate justice picket in 2022 outside the Port Elizabeth High Court against Shell. âHamba Voetsekâ mean âget lostâ. Joseph ChirumeGroundUp. 600x300jpg.jpg)
SA’s laws aren’t geared to protecting against climate change: judges are trying to fill the gap
The is no law specifically obliges companies building new developments like power stations to do a climate change assessment before they start construction.
![Students working in a laboratory. Getty Images Students working in a laboratory. Getty Images](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Students working in a laboratory. Getty Images 600x300.jpg)
Africa’s PhDs: study shows how to develop strong graduates who want to make a difference
The challenge for universities is to produce graduates who can work with others to produce knowledge and research that can change societies for the better.
![Professor of Science Education Elizabeth Mavhunga Professor of Science Education Elizabeth Mavhunga](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Professor of Science Education Elizabeth Mavhunga 600x300.jpg)
Lessons in Chemistry
Science education professor envisages a theoretical construct to help high school teachers teach Chemistry – wins global recognition.
![Dehydration, drinking, sport Dehydration, drinking, sport](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-jan-april/Dehydration_drinking_600x300px.jpg)
How to avoid and manage dehydration
About 60% of the human body is made up of water. Excessive water loss can be fatal.
![Ensuring the right skills to navigate the energy transition Ensuring the right skills to navigate the energy transition](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/sustainable-energy-production_600x300px.jpg.png)
What happened to the Just Energy Transition grant funding?
Researchers take a closer look to determine who the money has gone to, when it was disbursed, and what it was spent on.
![Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research & Innovation](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Professor-Lynn-Morris_600x300px.jpg)
Wits welcomes 12 000 future researchers
The University held its annual Postgraduate Orientation Programme from 4 – 6 March in the Great Hall and online.
![Researchers have found a way to send patterned light messages through obstructions, without distorting the message. Researchers have found a way to send patterned light messages through obstructions, without distorting the message.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Patterns-of-light_600x300px.jpg)
Light correcting light
Researchers have found a way to send patterned light messages through obstructions, without distorting the message.
![Professor Jon Patricios Professor Jon Patricios](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Professor Jon Patricios 600 x 300 px.jpg)
Sports Innovation takes centre stage at annual Principals' Function
Representatives from Gauteng feeder schools recently attended Wits University's annual Principals’ Function to recognise outstanding school principals.
![Geoffrey Mwendwa Geoffrey Mwendwa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Geoffrey-Mwendwa_600x300px.jpg)
Witsie awarded prestigious scholarship
Geoffrey Mwendwa, a PhD candidate in Physics, secures one of the initial spots in the 100 PhDs for Africa Programme (EXAF).
![Paleothius mckayi Paleothius mckayi](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Paleothius-mckayi_600x300px.jpg)
New fossil rove beetle is a first in Africa
In the heart of Botswana, a groundbreaking discovery at the Orapa Diamond Mine has unveiled a fossil that sheds light on the evolutionary history of beetles.
![With an increasing risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera spreading in cities, it is important to learn how to keep your surroundings and your family safe. With an increasing risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera spreading in cities, it is important to learn how to keep your surroundings and your family safe.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/water.jpg)
Make sure the water from your tap is safe to drink
With an increasing risk of water-borne diseases such as cholera spreading in cities, it is important to learn how to keep your family safe.
![Business, work, technology © Curiosity Business, work, technology © Curiosity](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-12/Business_boardroom_work_Â-Curiosity_600x300px.jpg)
Are you sitting too long in your office job?
Office workers are sedentary for hours at a time. Our research looked at what they should do to stay healthy.
![Professor Lee Fairlie from the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) Professor Lee Fairlie from the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Professor-Lee-Fairlie_600x300px.jpg)
Urgent TB vaccine trial kicks off in SA
Professor Lee Fairlie from the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) is a Co-National Principal Investigator of the trial.
![Eddie Webster Eddie Webster](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Eddie Webster 600x300px.jpg)
Remembering Eddie Webster: A man of boundless curiosity
Professor Eddie Webster was remembered as a beacon of wisdom.
![Pioneering Science Communications Workshop Pioneering Science Communications Workshop](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Pioneering-Science-Communications-Workshop_600x300px.jpg)
Empowering academic fellows to share their impact
The Wits Carnegie Diversifying the Academy (CDTA) Programme recently hosted its inaugural Pioneering Science Communications Workshop.
![Students at Wits residences are committed to sustainability Students at Wits residences are committed to sustainability](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/GreenCampusInit_600x300px.jpg)
Students commit to sustainability projects
Members of the Green Campus Initiative, located within Wits residences, are determined to create a sustainable campus, working alongside their peers
![Rooftop solar energy support drive to reduce carbon emissions and generate renewable energy Rooftop solar energy support drive to reduce carbon emissions and generate renewable energy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Solar Power_WellnessCentre_600x300px.jpg)
Rooftop projects boost clean energy
There are 14 solar installations across Wits to promote environmental and financial sustainability. This is in addition to the hybrid hot water system.
![Sola powered benches bring convenience to students Sola powered benches bring convenience to students](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Solar Benches_600x300px.jpg)
Solar benches facilitate outdoor learning
Benches hardly spark conversations but the new benches on campus are hitting the right notes with students.
![Professor Zeblon Vilakazi and Irish Minister Darragh O’Brien T.D. Professor Zeblon Vilakazi and Irish Minister Darragh O’Brien T.D.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Irish-Tech-Challenge-SA-2024_600x300px.jpg)
Launch of Irish Tech Challenge SA 2024 ignites innovation
The Tech Challenge seeks to foster partnerships between South African and Irish startups.
![Mental gymnastics © Lauren Mulligan © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Mental gymnastics © Lauren Mulligan © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-10/Mental-gymnastics_600x300px.jpg)
Why do we usually sleep at night and what happens when we don’t?
Sleep is as essential to our health as food and water. It is important to a number of brain functions, including how nerve cells communicate with each other.
![Professor Achille Mbembe Professor Achille Mbembe](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Professor-Achille-Mbembe_600x300px.jpg)
Political theorist Achille Mbembe named 2024 Holberg Prize Laureate
The Holberg Prize is one of the largest international prizes awarded annually to an outstanding researcher in the humanities, social sciences, law or theology.
![Afretec Gender in STEM Workshop in Kigali, Rwanda. Afretec Gender in STEM Workshop in Kigali, Rwanda.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Afretec-Gender-in-STEM-Workshop_600x300px.jpg)
Advancing gender and leadership in higher education
A group of ten Wits University staff and students recently attended the Afretec Gender in STEM Workshop in Kigali, Rwanda.
![Water tower Water tower](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Water-Tower600x300px.jpg)
Is water in SA cities safe to drink?
Water can make you ill for two reasons: it can contain chemicals or pathogenic organisms.
![SAMRC Scientific Award Winners Wits 600x300 SAMRC Scientific Award Winners Wits 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/SAMRC Scientific Award Winners Wits 600x300.jpg)
Accolades for advancing public health, for good
Medals for health scientists at South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Scientific Merit Awards.
![Professor Eddie Webster Professor Eddie Webster](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Eddie-Webster_4_600x300px.jpg)
One of the pioneer scholar-activists at Wits
Edward Webster: South African intellectual, teacher, activist, a man of great energy and integrity, and the life and soul of any party.
![Professor Eddie Webster Professor Eddie Webster](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Eddie-Webster_2_600x300px.jpg)
The ‘Sociology Madala’ who shaped the way we think
Eddie Webster was the ultimate socially engaged academic who played a key role in the labour movement.
![Professor Edward (Eddie) Webster Professor Edward (Eddie) Webster](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Edward-Webster_600x300px.jpg)
Wits mourns the loss of Professor Eddie Webster
It is with great sadness that we learnt of the passing of Professor Edward (Eddie) Webster (82), who passed away yesterday after a short illness.
![Prof-Hans-van-Delden-Wits-ASSAf-ethics-lecture keynote address_600x300 Prof-Hans-van-Delden-Wits-ASSAf-ethics-lecture keynote address_600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Prof-Hans-van-Delden-Wits-ASSAf-ethics-lecture_600x300.jpg)
More questions than answers in research ethics debates
Medical ethics expert lectures on safeguarding research participants in line with Council of International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS) guidelines.
![Shopping, grocery store, food, healthy Shopping, grocery store, food, healthy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-jan-april/Generic_Food_Shopping_Healthy_600x300px.jpg)
The problem with big companies funding health research in SA
Financial links between corporations, like Nestlé, and health research invariably lead to conflicts of interest.
![Climate crisis, climate change, Africa, burning Climate crisis, climate change, Africa, burning](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-jan-april/Cliimate-crisis_600x300px.jpg)
Alarming report predicts 30% drop in crop revenue, 50 million without water in Africa
Study reveals that from 2050, Africa will suffer from food and water scarcity, and job losses in agriculture, unless climate change mitigation are put in place.
![Marlene Dumas exhibition of Portrait of Elisabeth Eybers at WAM 600x300. Marlene Dumas exhibition of Portrait of Elisabeth Eybers at WAM 600x300.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Marlene Dumas exhibition at WAM 600x300.png)
A thousand words behind famous artist's portrait of a poet
World-renowned SA-born artist donates portrait of acclaimed Afrikaans poet and alumna to WAM.
![Before mating, some male and female dung beetles work together to move their brood balls to unknown locations. Before mating, some male and female dung beetles work together to move their brood balls to unknown locations.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/dungbeetles.jpg)
Dung beetles show their love by sharing the load
Before mating, some male and female dung beetles work together to move their brood balls to a location unknown to either.
![Professor Imraan Valodia and Anne Gordon celebrate the opening of the Phiroshaw Camay Library Professor Imraan Valodia and Anne Gordon celebrate the opening of the Phiroshaw Camay Library](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-jan-april/Prof. Imraan Valodia and Anne Gordon_Phiroshaw Camay Library_600x300px.jpg)
Phiroshaw Camay Library opens
The new facility boasts a collection of 8 000 books from Camay, an activist, unionist and champion of democracy who was once denied access to a library.
![generic_sign language generic_sign language](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Generic-Sign-Language_600x300-jpg.jpg)
New copyright bill gives Deaf and blind people a fair deal
The mother tongue for millions of Deaf people in South Africa is SA Sign Language (SASL), which became the 12th official language on 19 July 2023.
![Water being poured into watering bucket Water being poured into watering bucket](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Water_600x300px.jpg)
Why taps are running dry in South Africa’s biggest city
Citizens in Johannesburg, SA's industrial heartland, use too much water, the city wastes way too much and there is too much theft of drinking water.
![Breastfeeding advances society. © Curiosity | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Breastfeeding advances society. © Curiosity | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-6/Nursing-and-breastfeeding_ÂCuriosity_600x300px.jpg)
Pregnant women in SA should be offered social grants
Healthy mothers mean healthy babies. Giving pregnant women cash grants could help prevent conditions such as stunting and save the state money in the long run.
![Wits logo full colour 600x300 Wits logo full colour 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.jpg)
Update from the Senior Executive Team – 26 Feb
Academic programme continues as usual
![Free online courses provide young people an opportunity to gain valuable skills. Free online courses provide young people an opportunity to gain valuable skills.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/Tech skills_Gap Year_600x300px.jpg)
ICT courses to explore
A gap year can enable one to gain new skills and find new career paths.
![Jane Goodall Jane Goodall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Jane Goodall 600x300px.jpg)
There’s hope for the future
Dr Jane Goodall is positive that we will overcome challenges such as climate change and biodiversity devastation.
![Helping young adults to deal with disappointment Helping young adults to deal with disappointment](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Teen_600x300px.png)
Managing a Forced Gap Year
Advice to help matriculants who did not get admission to further their studies.
![Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Barberton-Makhonjwa-Mountains_600x300px.jpg)
Earth’s evolution: fresh insights from rocks formed 3.5 billion years ago
Studying cratons, pieces of ancient continents formed billions of years ago, offers a window into the processes within and on the surface of Earth.
![Hamzah Mia budget speech competition winner Hamzah Mia budget speech competition winner](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Nedbank 600x300px.jpg)
Trio Top Budget Speech Contest
Witsies clinch the top three places in the #BudgetSpeechCompetition
![Students, study, Wits University Students, study, Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-jan-april/Generic_Students_600x300px.jpg)
Committed to enabling access to education
The University received several queries pertaining to fees, funding, financial aid, and accommodation. Here are the many ways Wits assists students.
![Aatikah Moola Aatikah Moola](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Aatikah Moola 600x300 px.jpg)
Climate change and me
First-year student at Wits says climate change and its impact on our world are more than just distant concepts—they're personal.
![AI, chatbot, ChatGPT AI, chatbot, ChatGPT](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2024/AI,-chatbot,-ChatGPT_600x300px.jpg)
How academics can counter ‘AI thinks, therefore I am’
2023 will be remembered as the year that artificial intelligence (AI) – or, more specifically, large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT – changed the world.
![Profs Nosipho Moloto and Claudia Polese are new Director and Deputy Director of ARUA CoE MEN 600x300 Profs Nosipho Moloto and Claudia Polese are new Director and Deputy Director of ARUA CoE MEN 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Profs Nosipho Moloto and Claudia Polese are new Director and Deputy Director of ARUA CoE MEN.jpg)
Women in leadership at the ARUA CoE MEN
Sustained female leadership in the Centre of Excellence for Materials, Energy and Nanotechnology (CoE MEN).
![Class of 84' reunion Class of 84' reunion](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Class of 84 reunion.jpg)
Still smiling after 40 years
A reunion after 40 years is reason to smile for the graduating Wits dentists of 1984
![Professor Imraan Valodia Professor Imraan Valodia](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Prof Imraan Valodia 600x300px.png)
Professor Imraan Valodia appointed Chair of National Minimum Wage Commission
Professor Valodia's appointment stands as a testament to the University’s commitment to academic excellence and societal impact.
![Getty Images Getty Images](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Getty Images 600x300px.jpg)
University rankings are unscientific and bad for education: experts point out the flaws
We all need to understand that ranking is not objective and true. University rankings are massively overvalued, and reinforce global and national inequalities.
![Daven Dass appointed President of the South African University Law Clinics Association Daven Dass appointed President of the South African University Law Clinics Association](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Daven Dass_Law Clinic_600x300px.png)
Dass elected President of the SA University Law Clinics Association
Daven Dass, a key figure in clinical legal education, is dedicated to promoting excellence and access to justice.
![Postgrad, postdoc and early career researchers at Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform have benefited from international trips and collaborations Postgrad, postdoc and early career researchers at Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform have benefited from international trips and collaborations](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/WADDP researchers.jpg)
World-class pharmaceutical sciences training goes global
Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP) enables international research opportunities for its postgrads, postdocs, and early career researchers.
![Lead founder of Pelebox Smart Lockers Lead founder of Pelebox Smart Lockers](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Neo-Hutiri_600x300px.jpg)
South African technology winners visit Dublin
Pelebox founder, Neo Hutiri, is one of the five winners of the Irish Tech Challenge - a prestigious competition seeking to unearth high-impact SA start-ups.
![Wits Theatre celebrates 40 years Wits Theatre celebrates 40 years](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Wits Theatre celebrates 40 years 600x300.jpg)
Wits Theatre celebrates 40 Years of performing arts
Esteemed alumni gathered at the Wits Theatre in style to celebrate the theatre’s rich history and talent.
![The Nile River The Nile River](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-jan-april/The-Nile-River_600x300px.jpg)
Microplastics found in Nile River’s tilapia fish
The Nile, one of the world’s most famous rivers, is not immune to the same pollutants that affects rivers all over the world.
![Dementia © Lauren Mulligan www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Dementia © Lauren Mulligan www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-10/Dementia-Â-Lauren-Mulligan_600x300px.jpg)
Cash grants help people live longer and have better memory
Nearly half of South Africa’s 60 million people receive social grants. SA study shows they improve cognitive health among the elderly.
![Fieldwork for the ARK study in Agincourt_Study nurse Phumzile Dlamini does a home visit for a blood sample to assess kidney function in a consenting participant_Pic Sandra Maytham Fieldwork for the ARK study in Agincourt_Study nurse Phumzile Dlamini does a home visit for a blood sample to assess kidney function in a consenting participant_Pic Sandra Maytham](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-sept-dec/Fieldwork for the ARK study in Agincourt_Study nurse Phumzile Dlamini does a home visit for a blood sample to assess kidney function in a consenting participant_Pic Sandra Mayth 600x300.jpg)
Unique insights from 30 years of rural health research
Agincourt covers some 31 villages and 120,000 people, and is one of the longest-running research centres of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa.
![Wits and Harvard present Health and Ageing in Africa addressing inequities over the life course Wits and Harvard present Health and Ageing in Africa addressing inequities over the life course](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/Wits and Harvard present Health and Ageing in Africa addressing inequities over the life course on 15 October.jpg)
Public research showcase reveals how to age successfully in Africa
A ‘whole of society’ approach is needed to address health issues as populations in Africa age.
![African National Congress (ANC) African National Congress (ANC)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_ANC_flag_600x300px.jpg)
New poll shows dramatic decline in electoral support of ANC
Unless something unforeseen occurs, the shape of post-election South Africa is already reasonably clear - it shows a wounded and decaying ANC.
![Neo Hutiri has been awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering's special medal to mark 10 years of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. Photo: The Royal Academy of Engineering Neo Hutiri has been awarded the Royal Academy of Engineering's special medal to mark 10 years of the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation. Photo: The Royal Academy of Engineering](/media/wits-university/alumni/images-2024/neo-hutiriSMALLTHUMB.jpg)
Royal Academy of Engineering awards Witsie special medal
Neo Hutiri recognised as top achiever among Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation winners.
![Technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code Technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2022/Tech_AI_web_online_6700x300px.jpg)
Journalism in the age of social media and AI
Digging for the truth has become easier and far more convenient, but distinguishing fact from fake has become more complicated in the digitised world.
![Gateway to Success 2024 600 x 300 Gateway to Success 2024 600 x 300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/GTS 600X300[23].jpeg)
Students prepare for success
New comers reflect on their journey as they navigate through the Gateway to Success programme.
![Picture of a blue teddy bear being injected by a white-coated doctor Picture of a blue teddy bear being injected by a white-coated doctor](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Teddy paediatrics pexels 600x300.jpg)
Advancing paediatric antibiotic research
Two new African-European research collaborations tackle severe infections in neonates and children.
![Professor Nicole De Wet-Billings, Senior Academic Director at Wits Professor Nicole De Wet-Billings, Senior Academic Director at Wits](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Prof_Nicole-De-Wet-Billings-600x300px.jpg)
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.
![TTP reflection evening TTP reflection evening](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/ttp closure event 600x300.jpg)
Final curtain call for Targeting Talent Programme
The Programme celebrates a remarkable 16 years of excellence.
![President Jacob Zuma President Jacob Zuma](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/Jacob-Zuma_BW_600x300px.jpg)
The two faces of Jacob Zuma. Who supports him and why?
Jacob Zuma claims that his new political home, the Umkhonto we Sizwe Party, is the authentic ANC, not the one led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
![Delegates gathered at the Wits School of Education to learn LCT and solve urgent problems in their fields. Delegates gathered at the Wits School of Education to learn LCT and solve urgent problems in their fields.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/LCT_Conference.jpg)
Connecting a community through concepts
Wits University hosts the Fifth International Legitimation Code Theory Conference.
![Africa, animals, water, Zebra Africa, animals, water, Zebra](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-jan-april/Animals_water_Africa_600x300px.jpg)
How do animals survive natural hazards like cyclones?
The flooding caused by Cyclone Idai in Mozambique was devastating to animals – we studied how body size affected their survival.
![A 3D rendering of Ga-Mohana Hill in South Africa, a sacred and important heritage site. Stephen Wessels, CC BY-NC-ND A 3D rendering of Ga-Mohana Hill in South Africa, a sacred and important heritage site. Stephen Wessels, CC BY-NC-ND](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/3D-rendering-of-Ga-Mohana-Hill_Credit-Stephen-Wessels_600x300px.jpg)
3D scanning: We recreated a sacred South African site
One criticism of current 3D models of archaeological sites is that they are presented devoid of human traces and history. We captured the spirit with our model.
![First-year students at the 2024 Welcome Day First-year students at the 2024 Welcome Day](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Welcome Day 600x300.jpg)
Wits welcomes freshers to embrace new academic chapter
Wits University officially welcomed 6 300 first-year students to its campus during the annual Welcome Day event.
![Pitso Ya Kalaneng Pitso Ya Kalaneng](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Wits Theatre Press Release Image_600x300px.png)
Wits Theatre launches Pitso Ya Kalaneng Student Festival
The Wits Theatre complex opens its doors to this student-led festival taking place from 06 to 10 February.
![LtoR_Drs Isaac Nape, Saeideh Babaee, Ashley Coatesand Matt Noakes are the 2024 Friedel Sellschop Fellows_600x300 LtoR_Drs Isaac Nape, Saeideh Babaee, Ashley Coatesand Matt Noakes are the 2024 Friedel Sellschop Fellows_600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/2024 Friedel Sellschop Fellows - Wits 600x300.jpg)
Meet the 2024 Friedel Sellschop Fellows
Doctors Saeideh Babaee, Ashley Coates, Isaac Nape, and Matt Noakes are the 2024 Friedel Sellschop Fellows.
![Old College, University of Edinburgh Old College, University of Edinburgh](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Old-College_University-of-Edinburgh_600x300px.jpg)
UK Fellowships for Wits humanities researchers
The African Fellowships programme advances South-North research collaboration to find solutions to global challenges.
![Mental health Mental health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jul-dec/Mental-health-2_600x300px.jpg)
'Ketamine infusions are a mental health boon'
The emerging role of ketamine in treating mental health issues is a promising development that could bring relief to those who have long suffered in silence.
![The Origins of Early Southern Sapiens behaviour has opened to the public at the De Hoop Collection in the Western Cape. The Origins of Early Southern Sapiens behaviour has opened to the public at the De Hoop Collection in the Western Cape.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/sapiens.jpg)
Origins of Early Southern Sapiens Behaviour exhibition opens in the Western Cape
The exhibition showcases the archaeological heritage and rich marine environment of the Southern Cape coastline.
![Climate crisis, climate change, Africa, burning Climate crisis, climate change, Africa, burning](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2024-jan-april/Cliimate-crisis_600x300px.jpg)
Mission impossible? Not for these postdocs
8 Postdoc Fellows join Wits to boost research on the intersecting themes of climate change, just transition, sustainability, and inequality.
![Asif Aziz, Tech-entrepreneur and category winner at the 2023 EDHE finals Asif Aziz, Tech-entrepreneur and category winner at the 2023 EDHE finals](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Asif Aziz_EDHE Tech category winner_600x300px.jpg)
Witsies shine at intervarsity entrepreneurship finals
Tech entrepreneur wins for financial inclusion platform and medical student recognised for enabling tech efficiency and savings in spaza shops.
![Student Leadership Awards Student Leadership Awards](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Student Leadership Awards 600x300jpg.jpg)
Wits awards student leaders
Outstanding student leaders across various categories have been recognised at the annual student awards.
![Top Applicant's from the Class of 23 take a picture on the steps of the Great Hall. Top Applicant's from the Class of 23 take a picture on the steps of the Great Hall.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Top Applicants Function 600x300.jpg)
Top performing learners from Class of 2023 embrace their academic future at Wits
Wits hosted the Vice-Chancellor's Top Applicants Function in a bid to offer prospective students a taste of the academic journey that awaits them.
![Technology and mindfulness © Lauren Mulligan © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Technology and mindfulness © Lauren Mulligan © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-10/Technology-and-mindfulness-health_600x300px.jpg)
Stressed out? Why mindfulness and meditation help
In a world fraught with anxiety, stress, and environmental and humanitarian disasters, people are looking for ways to cope.
![Women and children in South Africa Women and children in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jul-dec/Women-and-children_600x300px.jpg)
What do children need most?
Social workers can help children more effectively by assessing the needs of the whole family.
![Computer gaming, screen addiction | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Computer gaming, screen addiction | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Online-gaming_internet_digital_600xs300px.jpg)
Hooked on games and the silver screen
What is it about TV and film that’s so compelling that we can’t resist immersing ourselves in celluloid?
![Cigarettes and smoking | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Cigarettes and smoking | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Cicaretts-and-smoking_600x300px.jpg)
Seeing through the cigarette tax smokescreen
The high taxes on tobacco are counterproductive in decreasing smoking. It only benefits the illegal cigarette trade – and its political masters.
![Online attacks and cyber crime | Curiosity 11: #Viral © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Online attacks and cyber crime | Curiosity 11: #Viral © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-11/Invection-online_600x300px.jpg)
Phishing scams: Don't drop your guard
Cybercriminals don’t take breaks. Even seasoned internet users fall prey to these scams. Here are seven safety tips from a cybersecurity expert.
![Conceptual illustration of the entangled Skyrmion topology. Each photon contributes to the emerging topology that only exists as a combined entity of the two photons. Conceptual illustration of the entangled Skyrmion topology. Each photon contributes to the emerging topology that only exists as a combined entity of the two photons.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/entanglement_1.jpg)
Researchers demonstrate that quantum entanglement and topology are inextricably linked
This experimental milestone allows for the preservation of quantum information even when entanglement is fragile.
![Elliot and Clarens Formations in South Africa’s Eastern Cape - the same dinosaur-rich rock formation as in Bolahla. Julien Benoit, Author provided (no reuse) Elliot and Clarens Formations in South Africa’s Eastern Cape - the same dinosaur-rich rock formation as in Bolahla. Julien Benoit, Author provided (no reuse)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2024-jan-april/Elliot-and-Clarens-Formations_(no-reuse)_600x300px.jpg)
Africans discovered fossils first
A new study shows Africans discovered dinosaur fossils long before the term ‘palaeontology’ existed.
![2023 Global Undergraduate Awards Summit 2023 Global Undergraduate Awards Summit](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Global Undergraduate Awards event 600x300.jpg)
Wits projects earn international acclaim
The Global Undergraduate Awards, awards two Wits students for excellence.
![Waterwise Professionals 600x300px Waterwise Professionals 600x300px](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Waterwise Professionals 2.png)
Water and sanitation problem-solvers win
Wits students among top teams at the Sustainathon 2023, bringing home great prizes.
Student on the Go Programme to end Period Poverty
The launch of the Student on the Go Programme marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against period poverty.
![Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Curiosity-16_600x300px.jpg)
Curios.ty 16 (#Drugs): Between hope and hell
In this issue, we highlight the diversity, scope, and multi-dimensional nature of drug-related research at Wits University.
![Professor Lynn Morris | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Professor Lynn Morris | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Professor-Lynn-Morris_600x300px.jpg)
DRUGS!
Editorial: The word ‘drugs’ evokes a range of reactions – from the hopes of ‘miracle’ cures to the sadness of addiction and social harm.
![Medicine, health, medication | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Medicine, health, medication | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Medicine-and-health_600x300px.jpg)
The future of medicine
Imagine a world where medicines can be guided to the exact place that they are needed in the body – a world closer than you think.
![Leading the way to an HIV cure | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Leading the way to an HIV cure | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/HIV-Aids_600x300px.jpg)
Leading the way to an HIV cure
The battle to save millions of HIV-positive lives bears fruit in unexpected ways.
![Health, medicine and obesity | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Health, medicine and obesity | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Medicine_Health_600x300px.jpg)
Obesity – a new treatment frontier
Current treatments are complex and expensive but new studies reveal that obesity medication could be the answer to this epidemic.
![Alternative medication and health care | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Alternative medication and health care | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Health_medicine_cannibis_600x300px.jpg)
Alternatives to traditional cancer treatment
Opinions around cancer treatment options can be highly divisive, but many patients don’t have the luxury of choice.
![Pills and health care | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Pills and health care | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Medicine_pills_600x300px.jpg)
Jagged little pills or panacea for health?
Vitamin and nutritional supplements are big business, but are they effective or just a waste of money – or even dangerous?
![Sugar, sugar tax, obesity | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Sugar, sugar tax, obesity | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Sugar_600x300px.jpg)
The daily drugs in our diet
“We need to create an environment for people where the healthy choice is the easier choice.”
![Psychedelics and mushrooms | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Psychedelics and mushrooms | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Mushrooms_psychedelics_600x300px.jpg)
Inside the mushroom bubble
Psychedelics: Are they the magic bullet some claim for the treatment of conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder?
![Alcohol, addiction, poverty | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Alcohol, addiction, poverty | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Alcohol_600x300px.jpg)
Cheers to SA’s most pervasive drug
Alcohol is so ubiquitous and its marketing so pernicious that there’s a tendency to underestimate its impact on public health. So, why do we drink?
![Studying, students and mindfulness Studying, students and mindfulness](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Study-stress_600x300px.jpg)
Getting into that natural study rhythm
Q&A: Academic stress and pressure can lead students to use unhealthy choices such as medication cocktails, energy drinks and supplements.
![Drugs, sugar, alcohol, coffee, smoking | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Drugs, sugar, alcohol, coffee, smoking | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Drugs_600x300px.jpg)
Your drug questions answered
From alcohol to cocaine, caffeine to cough syrup, Wits experts shed light on legal and not-so-legal drugs of choice.
![Constant Breckerling from AgiSmart Engineering | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Constant Breckerling from AgiSmart Engineering | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Constant-Beckerling_Credit_Wits-University_600x300px.jpg)
Turning green grass into gold
Academia can help show how the cannabis industry can be a thriving sector in the country.
![Drugs in sport | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Drugs in sport | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Drugs-in-sports_600x300px.jpg)
Beating the ʻpharmaceutical arms race’ in sports
Drugs in sport is eroding the public credibility of many sports heroes’ superhuman performances. Can trust be restored?
![Opioids, drugs, nyaope, addiction | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Opioids, drugs, nyaope, addiction | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Opioids-and-nyaope_600x300px.jpg)
Blocking the opioid pipeline
Treating opioid addiction is a painful, time consuming and often frustrating process. New medication can help solve this problem.
![Medications, pills, health and antibiotics | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Medications, pills, health and antibiotics | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Drugs_Pills_Medicine_600x300px.jpg)
Antibiotics: Too much of a good thing?
The complicated doctor-patient dynamic requires managing expectations to protect both drug efficacy and public health.
![Antibiotics in animals and the impact on human health | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Antibiotics in animals and the impact on human health | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Hormones_antibiotics_cattle_600x300px.jpg)
The antibiotic bully in your beef
The use of antibiotics in livestock threatens public health, the environment, and food security. Researchers explore plants as an alternative.
![Mosquitoes and malaria | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Mosquitoes and malaria | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Mosquito_malaria_600x300px.jpg)
Mosquitoes on birth control
Eradicating malaria in SA is a national policy goal, but is easier said than done. But sterile insect technique could take the bite out of mosquitoes.
![Dr Eve Kowalska | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Dr Eve Kowalska | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Eva-Kowalska_600x300px.jpg)
Down the rabbit hole to bring back some words
Profile: Dr Eva Kowalska shares what her research of drug literature and opioid biographies across time and space reveals.
![Medications, pills and health | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Medications, pills and health | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Medications_pills_health_600x300px.jpg)
Motivational messaging for medicine
Behavioural Linguistics is a new advanced area in healthcare that's especially critical to medication compliance and adherence.
![This image shows the 3D Bioplotter which is capable of 3D printing cellular matrices for applications in tissue engineering. The design and cells used in this equipment allow for the printing of artificial/replacement/regenerative tissue and organs. | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ This image shows the 3D Bioplotter which is capable of 3D printing cellular matrices for applications in tissue engineering. The design and cells used in this equipment allow for the printing of artificial/replacement/regenerative tissue and organs. | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/3D-Bioplotter_600x300px.jpg)
Printing 3D patches to heal wounds
New biotechnical treatments can fast-track recovery from traumatic injuries.
![Snake and venom | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Snake and venom | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Snakes-adn-venom_600x300px.jpg)
Sucking the venom out of the bite
Treating snake bite victims remains antiquated – hopefully a new way of creating antivenom can lead to a better solution.
![Ancient apothecary | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Ancient apothecary | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/ancient-medicine_healing_600x300px.jpg)
From ancient apothecary to modern medicine
How our early ancestors shaped our medicine use today. Throughout history, humanity has used nature's pharmacy for healing.
![Put a pill in it | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Put a pill in it | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/Drugs_Medicine_600x300px.jpg)
Put a pill in it!
Column: When it comes to health, we have grown into a society that is looking for a quick fix, rather than treating our lives holistically.
![William Shakespeare | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ William Shakespeare | Curiosity 16: #Drugs © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-16/William-Shakespeare_600x300px.jpg)
Doobee or not doobee?
Unravelling Shakespeare's Green Quill: Professor Francis Thackeray's quest for cannabis connection.
![Wits staff suggest books for your reading pleasure these holidays Wits staff suggest books for your reading pleasure these holidays](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Book list contributors_2023_600x300px.png)
Books for the festive season
Wits staff suggest local and international books covering a range of genres to explore these holidays.
![Promoting a reading culture and child literacy, book suggestions from academic and writer Dr Zaheera Jina Asvat Promoting a reading culture and child literacy, book suggestions from academic and writer Dr Zaheera Jina Asvat](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Book suggestions_children_600x300px.jpg)
Thrilling holiday reads for children
A reading list for children, tweens and teens from a Wits academic, writer and founder of Jozi’s Books and Blogs Festival.
![Exercise discipline and avoid overspending by budgeting carefully Exercise discipline and avoid overspending by budgeting carefully](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Christmas shopping_600x300px.png)
Balancing Finances
December is a month of excesses and can burn a hole in the pocket. Avoid Janua-Worry through these tips.
![SA visionary and quantum expert, Dr Isaac Nape, appointed as inaugural Optica Emerging Leader in Optics Chair SA visionary and quantum expert, Dr Isaac Nape, appointed as inaugural Optica Emerging Leader in Optics Chair](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Dr-Isaac-Nape_600x300px.jpg)
New Optica Emerging Leader in Optics Chair
SA visionary and quantum expert, Dr Isaac Nape, has been appointed as the inaugural Chair that seeks to advance quantum research.
![Professor Derick Raal Professor Derick Raal](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Derick-Raal_600x300px.jpg)
African endocrinologist again amongst the world’s best
Distinguished Professor Derick Raal has for the fourth time been named as a Highly Cited Researcher™ globally.
![Graduates from the SA Medical Research Council (MRC)/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (MRC/Wits-Agincourt) Graduates from the SA Medical Research Council (MRC)/Wits Rural Public Health and Health Transitions Research Unit (MRC/Wits-Agincourt)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Agincourt-students_600x300px.jpg)
Landmark graduation in rural Mpumalanga empowers local community
Certificates of Completion in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for first cohort of candidates.
![Professor Peliwe Lolwana Professor Peliwe Lolwana](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Professor-Peliwe-Lolwana_600x300px.jpg)
Wits mourns the loss of Professor Peliwe Lolwana
Wits is saddened by the loss of Professor Lolwana, who recently retired as the Director of the Centre for Researching Education and Labour (REAL).
![Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Vice-Chancellors-update_600x300px.jpg)
'Wits remains a beacon of hope in society'
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, extends thanks to Witsies for their service and sends wishes of goodwill for the holidays.
![Sustainable Development Goal 17 Sustainable Development Goal 17](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Sustainable-Development-Goal-17_600x300px.jpg)
Research ethics and integrity as a force for good
While polarisation has emerged as a defining characteristic of our age, ‘good’ ethics can navigate differences to tackle shared challenges.
![Wits alumnus Prof Keith Klugman receives an honorary doctorate at the Wits Health Sciences graduation ceremony December 2023 Wits alumnus Prof Keith Klugman receives an honorary doctorate at the Wits Health Sciences graduation ceremony December 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Honorary DSc Keith-Klugman_1_600x300p (002).jpg)
Renowned scientist honoured for efforts to prevent babies dying from pneumonia
Honorary doctorate for global health scientist recognises his contribution to reducing infant mortality globally.
![Lead experimentalist on the project, Dr Bereneice Sephton, in the laboratory working on the experiment, which formed part of her PhD studies at the University of the Witwatersrand. Lead experimentalist on the project, Dr Bereneice Sephton, in the laboratory working on the experiment, which formed part of her PhD studies at the University of the Witwatersrand.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Lead-experimentalist-on-the-project,-Dr-Bereneice-Sephton_600x300px.jpg)
'Teleporting' images across a network securely using only light
Researchers show for the first time, how we can transport images across a network without physically sending the image.
![Wits graduations 2023 Wits graduations 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Wits graduations 2023 Dec.jpg)
Graduands are a beacon of hope in society
Professsor Keith Klugman honoured for his work in preventing infectious diseases and a Gold Medal is awarded to a champion in heritage preservation.
![Wits bids farewell to retirees in 2023 Wits bids farewell to retirees in 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Wits-retirees_600x300px.jpg)
Thank you for your service
Wits bids farewell to 87 retirees who have served the University well for decades.
![Cross-Faculty Symposium winners Cross-Faculty Symposium winners](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Cross-Faculty-Symposium-winners_600x300px.jpg)
The Postgraduate Symposium, a festival of ideas
Masters students and PhD fellows showcase quality research at the annual Cross-Faculty Postgraduate Symposium.
![Advanced 3D imaging technology allows for fossil-bearing rocks to be examined non-invasively and saves time and resources. Advanced 3D imaging technology allows for fossil-bearing rocks to be examined non-invasively and saves time and resources.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Advanced-3D-imaging-technology_600x300px.jpg)
Upgraded Micro-CT Scanner to advance research
Advanced 3D imaging technology allows for fossil-bearing rocks to be examined non-invasively and saves time and resources.
![Wits Business School and Absa launch a Chair in Future Energy Wits Business School and Absa launch a Chair in Future Energy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Wits ABSA Chair.jpg)
Wits Business School and Absa launch a Chair in Future Energy
The Absa chair in Future Energy to enable the development of a new energy modelling laboratory.
![Global Tipping Points Global Tipping Points](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Global Tipping Points 600x300px.jpg)
Pivotal moment for humanity as tipping point threats accelerate
Wits professor at COP28 says that business as usual is no longer possible
![Wits Structured Light research Wits Structured Light research](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Untitled design (4).jpg)
Wits Structured Light research amongst top 30 advances in optics worldwide in 2023
New approach to studying complex light features on the cover of Optica’s Optics and Photonics News.
![Image by Steinar Melby Image by Steinar Melby](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/10 Insights 600x300px.jpg)
Top 10 Climate Science Insights Unveiled
Global experts in social and natural sciences unveiled the annual 10 New Insights in Climate Science Report.
![Irish Tech Challenge Irish Tech Challenge](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Irish Tech Challenge 2023.jpg)
Irish Tech Challenge boosts innovation in South Africa
The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa has announced the five South African tech start-ups that will participate in the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2023.
![Justice Edwin Cameron reflects on the history of the Wits Law Clinic and the future of law in South Africa Justice Edwin Cameron reflects on the history of the Wits Law Clinic and the future of law in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Jusitce Edwin Cameron_600x300px.jpg)
Law Clinic a proud and vigorous force for good
Retired judge Edwin Cameron applauds the Wits Law Clinic for its role in embedding public interest law in the country.
![Electricity and blackouts | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Electricity and blackouts | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Electricity-and-blackouts_600x300px.jpg)
Insights from SA's renewables procurement
There are many unknowns about how societies will manage the climate transition. And the associated energy transition from fossil fuel-based to renewable energy.
![Artistic representation of the expansion of Bantu-speaking populations_Credit Cesar Fortes-Lima 600x300 Artistic representation of the expansion of Bantu-speaking populations_Credit Cesar Fortes-Lima 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Artistic representation of the expansion of Bantu-speaking populations_Credit Cesar Fortes-Lima 600x300 (002).jpg)
New research sheds light on Bantu-speaking populations’ expansion in Africa
The study is unique in that it contains genetic data of both living and past (archaeological DNA/aDNA) populations.
![Wits and Harvard are partners on the HAALSI study researching ageing in Africa_Pic Its hard out here for a Gogo.Pic_www.mynewoldself.com 600x300 Wits and Harvard are partners on the HAALSI study researching ageing in Africa_Pic Its hard out here for a Gogo.Pic_www.mynewoldself.com 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Wits and Harvard are partners on the HAALSI study researching ageing in Africa_Pic Its hard out here for a Gogo.Pic_www.mynewoldself.com 600x300.jpg)
Successful ageing in Africa
Decade-long partnership researching ageing in rural Mpumalanga awarded major multi-year NIH grant to expand nationally and focus on dementia, cognitive health.
![Sylvan Changuion, Crime Prevention & Liaison Manager at Wits Campus Protection Services Sylvan Changuion, Crime Prevention & Liaison Manager at Wits Campus Protection Services](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Sylvan Changuion-web_600x300px.jpg)
Safety and security tips from CPS
Wits' crime prevention expert wants Witsies to stay safe on and off campus, especially during the holidays. Read his advice to minimise incidents.
![Wits Prof. Steve Tollman on right receives the Harvard Alumni Merit Award from Dr Bernard Lee Chair of Alumni Awards Committee Wits Prof. Steve Tollman on right receives the Harvard Alumni Merit Award from Dr Bernard Lee Chair of Alumni Awards Committee](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Prof. Steve Tollman on right receives the Harvard Alumni Merit Award from Dr Bernard Lee Chair of Alumni Awards Committee 600x300.jpg)
Harvard awards Wits professor for building advanced research capability in rural SA
Professor Stephen Tollman has received the 2023 Alumni Award of Merit from Harvard University.
![Immigration Immigration](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jul-dec/Immigration_600x300px.jpg)
SA’s immigration proposals - false claims and poor logic
Experts say the White Paper’s proposals are vague and seek to solve problems that are not about immigration.
![African Investigative Journalism Conference 2023 African Investigative Journalism Conference 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/AIJC23_600x300px.jpg)
Journalism in a time of great instability
African investigative journalists gather to empower change through knowledge exchange and tech innovation.
![Wits Fine Arts NEWWORK23 Class Prize winner Ntsako Nkuna on left and merit awards to Noa Hall in middle and Rethabile Padi Wits Fine Arts NEWWORK23 Class Prize winner Ntsako Nkuna on left and merit awards to Noa Hall in middle and Rethabile Padi](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/NEWWORK23 Class Prize winner Ntsako Nkuna on left and merit awards to Noa Hall in middle and Rethabile Padi 600x300.jpg)
Graduate exhibition showcases fine artists
NEWWORK23 is an exhibition of work by young artists in fulfilment of a Wits BA Fine Arts degree.
![Dark Matter Dark Matter](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Dark_Matter.jpg)
Wits researchers pioneer a new way of searching for Dark Matter
Researchers explore whether Dark Matter particles actually are produced inside a jet of standard model particles.
![Feeding the robots generic photo Feeding the robots generic photo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Feeding the robots generit photo.jpg)
Feeding the robots
The 19th African Investigative Journalism Conference sees hundreds of investigative journalists getting to grips with the new AI.
![Mental health Mental health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jul-dec/Mental-health-2_600x300px.jpg)
Energy crisis takes toll on pandemic-weary mental health
Understanding the psychological impact of loadshedding is particularly critical because the country is only just emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic.
![Cresan Ramjathan, Executive Chef: Wits Dining Halls Cresan Ramjathan, Executive Chef: Wits Dining Halls](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Cresan Ramjathan_600_300px.png)
Table treats from Dining Hall staff
Staff from Wits Dining Halls share dishes for the festive season as well as budget friendly meals for January.
![Wits University's MACE Award winners Wits University's MACE Award winners](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/Wits MACE Awardees 600x300.jpg)
It’s about people…and excellence
Wits Advancement Division wins 11 awards at the Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education Excellence Awards.
![BCX, Alibaba Cloud and Wits University have partnered to empower students to foster skills for the digital economy in Africa. BCX, Alibaba Cloud and Wits University have partnered to empower students to foster skills for the digital economy in Africa.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Alibaba-and-BCX-Cloud-Computing_600x300px.jpg)
Partnership unlocks cloud computing opportunities
BCX, Alibaba Cloud and Wits University have partnered to empower students to foster skills for the digital economy in Africa.
![Wits ARM Building Wits ARM Building](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/ARM Building 600x300px.jpeg)
African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) sponsors R20 million into research at Wits
ARM Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme to support research into water, energy and digitalisation in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
![Wits Prof. Lizette Koekemoer LEFT receives the PAMCA Women in Vector Control Award from Dr Helen Jamet of BMGF 600x300 Wits Prof. Lizette Koekemoer LEFT receives the PAMCA Women in Vector Control Award from Dr Helen Jamet of BMGF 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/600x300 Prof. Lizette Koekemoer LEFT receives the PAMCA Women in Vector Control Award from Dr Helen Jamet 600x300.jpg)
Entomologist takes on mosquitoes, malaria, wins award
Professor Lizette Koekemoer has won the Women in Vector Control (WiVC) Excellence Award in the Senior Career category.
![Rumbo Mercy Rumbo Mercy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Rumbo Mercy.png)
A fourth-year fine arts student wins Wits Young Artist Award
Rumbo Mercy took first place with her multimedia installation.
![L_R Wits Profs. Jonah Choiniere, Shabir Madhi, Jennifer Fitchett and Peter Kamerman at the Royal Society of SA Awards 600x300 L_R Wits Profs. Jonah Choiniere, Shabir Madhi, Jennifer Fitchett and Peter Kamerman at the Royal Society of SA Awards 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/L_R Wits Profs. Jonah Choiniere, Shabir Madhi, Jennifer Fitchett and Peter Kamerman at the Royal Society of SA Awards 600x300.jpg)
Medals and fellowships from Royal Society of South Africa
Medals for established and emerging researchers, eminent scholars inducted as Fellows.
![Malcolm Weaich accepting his award Malcolm Weaich accepting his award](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Untitled design-14.png)
Emerging scholar takes top honour for pioneering sustainable housing research
“I wish to advocate that it is the mission of all Quantity Surveyors, local and abroad, to make Sustainability Affordable.”
![This is the cover of the Wits University 2015 Research Report 'Research Matters' This is the cover of the Wits University 2015 Research Report 'Research Matters'](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Research Matters 2015_600x300px.jpg)
One gold medal and Academy membership for 15
Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) awards Gold Medal to world-renowned HIV expert and inaugurates 15 Wits scholars as new members.
![Wits Maths Competition medal Wits Maths Competition medal](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Wits Maths Competition Medal 600x300 px.jpg)
Wits counts
The sixth annual prize-giving for the Maths Competition is more than a ceremony, it is a celebration of the significant impact that maths can have in Africa.
![Technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code Technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2022/Robotics_AI_tech_600x300px.jpg)
Wits secures Digital Transformation research grants
Wits University scholars have secured funding as a network partner of the African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec).
![An African woman in a white coat measures kidney function in a lab 600x300 An African woman in a white coat measures kidney function in a lab 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/African Research on Kidney Disease consortium study finds commonly used tests to measure kidney function under estimate kidney disease in Africans 600x300.jpg.png)
Science is the unifying force to bring Africa together
Breaking barriers to intracontinental mobility is paramount and the continent must engage in closer collaboration, placing science at the forefront.
![Wits Football Stadium grandstand renamed after legendary football administrator, Ronnie Schloss. Wits Football Stadium grandstand renamed after legendary football administrator, Ronnie Schloss.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/RonnieSchloss_600x300.jpg)
Wits football grandstand renamed after legendary administrator, Ronnie Schloss
Schloss honoured for his lifelong commitment to the Wits Football Club and to the sport in South Africa.
![Woman sleeping © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Woman sleeping © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-10/Sleep-health_600x300px.jpg)
What happens to South Africans when they have sleep disorders?
The Restonic Ezintsha Sleep Clinic will pioneer South African sleep research and treat sleep disorders.
![Wits Researcher, Hiral Naik 600x300 Wits Researcher, Hiral Naik 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Wits Researcher, Hiral Naik 600x300.jpg)
Do you like snakes, lizards and frogs? Then herpetology is for you
Learning about snakes offers unique insights into the natural world. As predators and prey, snakes are an emblem of the circle of life.
![Wits School of Education Academics at DBE event Wits School of Education Academics at DBE event](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Wits School of Education Academics at DBE event 600x300 px.jpg)
Academics and policymakers convene to reshape SA’s education sector
The Wits School of Education (WSoE) hosted the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to re-envision South Africa's education sector.
![The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Afretec-Network_600x300px.jpg)
Creating technology leaders and innovators in Africa
Afretec Faculty Enrichment Program provides an opportunity to learn and share effective teaching methods and approaches.
![Professor Thokozani Majozi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Professor Thokozani Majozi, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Professor-Thokozani-Majozi_600x300px.jpg)
First FEBE Research Seminar breaks down barriers
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment hosted its inaugural Research Seminar on 25 and 26 October 2023.
![Mining and miners Mining and miners](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Mining_600x300px.jpg)
Why companies should report what CEOs and workers earn
Changes in the law will ensure that companies can’t go on ignoring inequalities in earnings and wealth in South Africa.
![Best of Wits celebrated at the Vice-Chancellor's Awards Best of Wits celebrated at the Vice-Chancellor's Awards](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/VC Awards_2022 winners_600x300px.png)
Celebrating people and excellence
Duly deserved honours awarded to Wits staff at the annual Vice-Chancellor’s Awards.
![The World Health Organisation recommends no more than 12 teaspoons of sugar a day for an adult. The World Health Organisation recommends no more than 12 teaspoons of sugar a day for an adult.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_sugar_600x300px.jpg)
Diabetes - SA's second biggest killer
Diabetes affects about 12% of South Africa’s adult population. Hiking the sugar tax would help.
![Award Winner - Khwezi Ndawonde, Administrative Assistant, School of Chemistry Award Winner - Khwezi Ndawonde, Administrative Assistant, School of Chemistry](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Khwezi-Ndawonde_Chemistry_Service Excellence_600x300px.jpg)
A star performer that brings chemistry in Chemistry
Service Excellence Award winner has earned several prizes including the ‘coach Rassie Erasmus’ certificate.
![2023 Rugby World Cup Final screening at Wits 2023 Rugby World Cup Final screening at Wits](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Rugby-World-Cup-Final-screening_600x300px.jpg)
Witsies cheer Springboks to victory
What a night! On a drizzling Saturday evening, the Wits University campus came alive with a sea of green and gold.
![Wits Professor of Vaccinology Shabir Madhi awarded CBE by King Charles III_Oct 2023 Wits Professor of Vaccinology Shabir Madhi awarded CBE by King Charles III_Oct 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Professor of Vaccinology Shabir Madhi awarded CBE by King Charles III_Oct 2023 600x300.jpg)
World-renowned vaccinologist awarded CBE
Professor Shabir Madhi has been appointed as an honorary Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by King Charles III.
![The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) The African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Afretec-Network_600x300px.jpg)
2023 Afretec Conference celebrates collaboration
Higher education leaders from across the continent recently convened for the second Pan-African network's annual conference in Nairobi, Kenya.
![Human ancestors may have worn shoes up to 150 000 years ago Human ancestors may have worn shoes up to 150 000 years ago](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/plakkies.jpg)
Shoes maketh man
The humble “plakkie” made its debut up to 150 000 years ago.
![Johannesburg, city in South Africa Johannesburg, city in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Johannesburg-city_600x300px.jpg)
Sweeping the city clean: ‘Anti-poor’ plans for urban renewal
In his poem about Eloff Street in Johannesburg, Oswald Mbuyiseni Mtshali reflected on the living conditions for a black person in the city at that time.
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
'Race' cannot simply be wished away
The thorny issue of ‘race’ in South African politics: why it endures almost 30 years after apartheid ended.
![Mombelli's Chamber are LtoR Kyle Shepherd Sisonke Xonti Carlo Mombelli and Jonno Sweetman, which performed at the inaugural Wits VC's Music Concert Mombelli's Chamber are LtoR Kyle Shepherd Sisonke Xonti Carlo Mombelli and Jonno Sweetman, which performed at the inaugural Wits VC's Music Concert](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/600x300_Mombellis Chamber are LtoR Kyle Shepherd Sisonke Xonti Carlo Mombelli and Jonno Sweetman.jpg)
Jazz, musical bows and a baritone enthrall at music concert
A standing ovation for the Khaya Mahlangu Quintet at the inaugural Wits Vice-Chancellor’s Music Concert, which also featured Wits’ own Mombelli's Chamber.
![Wits Researcher, Hiral Naik 600x300 Wits Researcher, Hiral Naik 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Wits Researcher, Hiral Naik 600x300.jpg)
Snake researcher features in ‘Women in Herpetology’
50 stories from around the world celebrate the grit and passion of women in amphibian and reptile science.
![Ocean disasters on the South African coast led to massive extinctions. Ocean disasters on the South African coast led to massive extinctions.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Oceans.jpg)
Ancient sea level and climate changes led to major extinctions around South Africa
Sea level and climate changes altered the marine ecosystems at the South Pole 390-385 million years ago.
![](/media/wits-university/faculties-and-schools/-engineering-and-the-built-environment/civil-and-environmental-engineering/images/civilsfc-team.png)
Civils FC grabs 2nd position in the 2023 Wits Soccer League!
Congratulations Civils FC! This is a soccer club comprising of undergraduate and postgraduate students in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
![Diamonds with microscopic silicate and sulphide inclusions exposed new processes of how continents were formed and stabilised, allowing for early evolution of life on Earth. Diamonds with microscopic silicate and sulphide inclusions exposed new processes of how continents were formed and stabilised, allowing for early evolution of life on Earth.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Karen_Smit.jpg)
Ancient diamonds shine light on the evolution of Earth
Superdeep diamonds formed between 650 and 450 million years ago show how continents developed and moved.
![Johannesburg, CBD, city, South Africa, skyline, buildings Johannesburg, CBD, city, South Africa, skyline, buildings](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Johannesburg_city_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa’s 2022 census: Who's the biggest?
Has Johannesburg stopped growing, or are the numbers wrong? Cape Town may have overtaken Joburg as the largest city in South Africa.
![Sustainable cities | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Sustainable cities | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Sustainable-cities_600x300px.jpg)
SA’s 2022 census missed 31% of people - big data could help in future
Big data is not the answer to all the challenges that faced Census 2022, but it may be a key enabler for gathering reliable national data in the future.
Changing the subject in feminist and queer politics
Professor of Sociology wins prestigious award for book on feminist studies in neoliberal India.
![ICESCO Chair for the Study of Innovation and Futures in Africa ICESCO Chair for the Study of Innovation and Futures in Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/ICESCO-Chair-for-the-Study-of-Innovation-and-Futures-in-Africa_600x300px.jpg)
ICESCO Chair for Innovation and Futures in Africa launched at Wits
The Chair will be located within the Tayarisha Research Group that focuses on the effects and implications of digital transformation and governance in Africa.
![Wits Parade and Concert 2023 Wits Parade and Concert 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Wits-Parade-and-Concert-2023_600x300px.jpg)
Happy Birthday, Witsies!
Epic parade and student-inspired music festival painted Braamfontein blue and gold as Wits enters its second century.
![Future-proofing pandemic preparedness and response Future-proofing pandemic preparedness and response](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Future-proofing-pandemic-preparedness-and-response_600x300px.jpg)
Future-proofing pandemic preparedness and response
Comparative analysis of the Pandemic accord and amendments to the International Health Regulations texts.
![Professor Nithaya Chetty 600X300 Professor Nithaya Chetty 600X300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/Professor Nithaya Chetty 600X300.png)
Wits leads IUPAP Working Group on Climate Action
Two Wits academics lead international working group on physics for climate action and sustainable development
![Deaf, sign language and hearing © Curiosity Deaf, sign language and hearing © Curiosity](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-12/Hearing-and-deaf_Â-Curiosity_600x300px.jpg)
Researchers to examine the impact of support provided to deaf children
Wits and its UK partner are to investigate the impact of support provided to deaf infants and children in South Africa.
![Chane Moodley Chane Moodley](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/chane_moodley_1.jpg)
PhD graduate leads efforts to create first quantum microscope
Chané Moodley will be heading a research team into finding the best ways of developing and commercialising a quantum microscope.
![Political Theorist Dr Ayesha Omar is a recipient of the British Academy International Fellowship Political Theorist Dr Ayesha Omar is a recipient of the British Academy International Fellowship](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Ayesha Omar_Politics_600x300.jpg)
British Academy awards Early-Career Scholar
Political theorist Dr Ayesha Omar has been awarded a three-year British Academy International Fellowship.
![Addressing the spiritual needs of terminally ill patients helps to ease pain, amongst other benefits Addressing the spiritual needs of terminally ill patients helps to ease pain, amongst other benefits](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Palliative Care_600x300px.jpg)
Terminally ill patients need more than prayers from spiritual leaders
Cancer patients in Soweto give more clues on how spiritual leaders can assist them to find peace amidst a difficult journey.
![Professor Sally Archibald, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences Professor Sally Archibald, School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Sally-Archibald_600x300px.jpg)
Science and climate advocacy - a much-needed balancing act
Ecologist Professor Sally Archibald makes a case for scientists 'stepping out of their labs' and engaging in activism and keeping an ethical balance.
![Recasting Workers’ Power: Work and Inequality in the Shadow of the Digital Age Recasting Workers’ Power: Work and Inequality in the Shadow of the Digital Age](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Book_Recasting-Workers-Power_600x300px.jpg)
Trade unions - new ways of organising in the digital age
Three African case studies show how workers are recasting their power in the new economy
![Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi and a University delegation participated in a guided tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) 600 x 300. Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi and a University delegation participated in a guided tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) 600 x 300.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi and a University delegation participated in a guided tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) 600 x 300.jpg)
NASA welcomes Wits delegation
Wits alumni give VC a guided tour of the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
![Wits Mining Institute Wits Mining Institute](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/Wits-Mining-Institute_600x300px.jpg)
WMI summit explores the changing mining landscape
The Summit is another step forward in developing mining tech and skills to drive a low-carbon future and just energy transition.
![NEW STUDY: SapienCE researchers have published a new study which provides vital information about how and when we may have started developing modern human identities. Image showing excavation at Blombos Cave, South Africa. Photo: UiB, SapienCE NEW STUDY: SapienCE researchers have published a new study which provides vital information about how and when we may have started developing modern human identities. Image showing excavation at Blombos Cave, South Africa. Photo: UiB, SapienCE](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Excavation.jpg)
New study shows signs of early creation of modern human identities
Early ancestors collected eye-catching shells that radically changed the way we looked at ourselves and others.
![2023 Fak'ugesi Digital Innovation Festival Awards 2023 Fak'ugesi Digital Innovation Festival Awards](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Fakugesi-Awards-2023_600x300px.jpg)
Fak’ugesi 2023 Awards celebrate digital creativity
Honouring 10 Pan-African innovators for outstanding creative achievements as the Festival celebrates a decade of African creativity.
![The 25th anniversary of the Centre for Deaf Studies was a community celebration and a moment to celebrate Deaf Heroes who have advanced the rights of the often marginalised community. The 25th anniversary of the Centre for Deaf Studies was a community celebration and a moment to celebrate Deaf Heroes who have advanced the rights of the often marginalised community.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Deaf Heroes_600x300px.jpg)
A leap of faith and resilience
Agents at the heart of creating a better world for the Deaf community mark 25 years of impact and partnerships.
![Professor Maurice at Carnegie event 600 x 300 px, jpg Professor Maurice at Carnegie event 600 x 300 px, jpg](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Prof Maurice at Carnegie.jpg)
Building a diverse professoriate through strategic investment
Insights from the Carnegie Diversifying the Academy programme.
![Taskeen, FameLab Winner from Wits 600x300 Taskeen, FameLab Winner from Wits 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/FameLab Winner.jpg)
Setting the stage for scientific brilliance. For Good
Wits Chemistry student Taskeen Hasrod set to represent South Africa on the global stage at the FameLab science communication competition.
![Korean Deaf artists 'Handspeak' to perform at Wits Korean Deaf artists 'Handspeak' to perform at Wits](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Handspeak_600x300.png)
Deaf film and arts festival marks 25 years of deaf education
Korean artists 'Handspeak' and South African artists will perform at a festival showcasing Deaf culture as part of celebrations at Wits.
![Fak'ugesi banner Fak'ugesi banner](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Fakugesi banner.jpg)
What to see and what to do at the 2023 Fak'ugesi Festival
A virtual feast of Africa’s best creative showcases, digital workshops, talks, music, and digital art exhibitions
Hope abounds at Founders’ Tea
They graduated in the summer of ’83 but for many of the inaugural Wits Founders, it wasn’t too long ago that they walked across the Great Hall stage.
![Flooding in the Western Cape Flooding in the Western Cape](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Flooding-in-the-Western-Cape-2023_600x300px.jpg)
Three factors driving SA's destructive storms
A series of powerful tidal surges battered coastal areas in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces over the weekend of 16 September 2023.
![New meteorites discovered push South Africa's meteorite heritage to over 50. New meteorites discovered push South Africa's meteorite heritage to over 50.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/meteorite_1.jpg)
South Africa’s meteorite heritage grow to over 50
Discovery of two meteorites are the first to be found by a member of the public on South African soil in over 40 years.
![Editors John Marnell and B Camminga in conversation with Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane, co-founder and co-host of a literary podcast ‘The Cheeky Natives’ Editors John Marnell and B Camminga in conversation with Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane, co-founder and co-host of a literary podcast ‘The Cheeky Natives’](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Editors John Marnell and B Camminga in conversation with Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane, co-founder and co-host of a literary podcast âThe Cheeky Natives_600x300px.jpg)
Award for Queer and Trans African Mobilities anthology
The book expands our understanding of the intersection between gender, sexuality and mobility in Africa.
![A large specimen of a Nile crocodile, showcasing the sprawling posture and water-adjacent lifestyle. Image credit: Jonah Choiniere. A large specimen of a Nile crocodile, showcasing the sprawling posture and water-adjacent lifestyle. Image credit: Jonah Choiniere.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/crocodile.jpg)
Crocks' ancestors grew old sloooowly
A gigantic, ancient crocodylomorph species that was recently discovered grew slower than other large reptiles of its day, such as dinosaurs.
![Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehok and Wits' Prof Joy Shackleton cutting ribbon to Wits Zola Dental Clinic Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehok and Wits' Prof Joy Shackleton cutting ribbon to Wits Zola Dental Clinic](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehok and Wits Prof Joy Shackleton cutting ribbon to Wits Zola Dental Clinic.jpg)
Smiles all round at launch of Zola Wits Dental Clinic
The Zola Wits Dental Clinic is a refurbished and re-equipped 15-chair, state-of the-art facility for community-based training and clinical services in Zola.
![New fruit trees complement food gardens on campus New fruit trees complement food gardens on campus](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Services_Tracey Boogard and colleaugue__600x300 (1).jpg)
New trees for a sustainable and healthy campus
The addition of fruit trees promotes food security and reminds Witsies about the critical role that trees play in mitigating the effects of climate change.
![Bath Spa University VC Professor Sue Rigby Bath Spa University VC Professor Sue Rigby](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Bath Spa University VC Professor Sue Rigby.jpg)
Wits' Path to Gender Equity: Insights from Bath Spa University's Vice-Chancellor
Wits University's TEEO invited university transformation committees to discuss gender equity with Bath Spa University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sue Rigby.
![Wits PGDip in Inovation banner 600x300 Wits PGDip in Inovation banner 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/PGDip innovation banner[49].png)
Wits launches new PGDip in Science in the field of Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Graduates and third year students encouraged to apply now for the new PG Diploma to drive business ownership and job creation.
![Alexandra township 600x300 Alexandra township 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Alexandra township 600x300.jpg)
South Africa can’t crack the inequality curse. Why, and what can be done
Efforts have been made to change the patterns of inequality in South Africa. But not enough has been done. Race-based inequality is still a real problem.
![South Africa play Scotland during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. NICOLAS TUCAT:AFP via Getty Images).600x300 South Africa play Scotland during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. NICOLAS TUCAT:AFP via Getty Images).600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/South Africa play Scotland during the 2023 Rugby World Cup. NICOLAS TUCATAFP via Getty Images).png)
Concussion: what it is and how sports science is making rugby safer
Rugby players risk serious injury due to the game’s sheer physicality. Sports scientists have worked with international rugby bodies to improve safety.
![Artistic view of the evolution of elephants. From left to right, Moeritherium (30 million years old), Deinotherium (5 million years old) and a modern African elephant. Alex Bernardini (Simplex Paléo) and Sophie Vrard (Creaphi)., Author provided (no reuse) Artistic view of the evolution of elephants. From left to right, Moeritherium (30 million years old), Deinotherium (5 million years old) and a modern African elephant. Alex Bernardini (Simplex Paléo) and Sophie Vrard (Creaphi)., Author provided (no reuse)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Untitled design-5.jpeg)
How did elephants evolve such a large brain? Climate change is part of the answer
Climate change along with other environmental disruptions and new predators all likely played an important role in reshaping ancient elephants’ brains.
![Pic: Gauteng-City Region Observatory Pic: Gauteng-City Region Observatory](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Hillbrow Flat_Jozishopper_GCRO_600x300px.jpg)
Johannesburg fire: how to move forward
There was a plan to fix derelict buildings and provide good accommodation.
![Witsies at the 2023 Lenn Smith Fun Race/Walk Witsies at the 2023 Lenn Smith Fun Race/Walk](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Lenn Smith 2023_600x300px.jpg)
Witsies rediscover campus during fun run
The Lenn Smith Fun Run/Walk cultivates camaraderie and reconnects scores of Witsies to the beautiful Wits landscape.
![Dr Sibu Mkwanazi at the FALF symposium Dr Sibu Mkwanazi at the FALF symposium](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/FALF1_600x300.jpg)
FALF leads the way in deepening the knowledge project
Launched just three years ago, the Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF) programme is steadily expanding the knowledge legacy of South Africa.
![Wits CLTD event Wits CLTD event](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/Wits CLTD event-3 600x300.jpg)
How do we use Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education for Good?
Wits workshop on Learning and Teaching debates responsibility, equity, and access of generative AI in Higher Education.
![Brazilian Rectors at Wits Brazilian Rectors at Wits](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/Brazilian Rectors at Wits 600X300.jpg)
Brazilian Rectors gather at Wits to pave the way for future collaborations
More than 50 distinguished Brazilian university leaders and scholars from various institutions convened at Wits to forge collaborative pathways for the future.
![Professor Ugo Ripamonti Professor Ugo Ripamonti](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Professor Ugo Ripamonti 600x300.jpg)
Bone healing research shows promise in treating malignant cancers
Wits Bone Research Lab the only unit of its kind to show that a bone-forming protein can block growth of human squamous cell carcinoma.
![WESAF Doctoral event WESAF Doctoral event](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/WESAF Doctoral event 600x300.jpg)
Wits welcomes WESAF Doctoral Programme Fellows
The first cohort of Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Fellows participate in a week-long orientation programme at Wits University.
![South African police officers at the scene of the burned building in Johannesburg. Luca Sola/AFP via Getty Images South African police officers at the scene of the burned building in Johannesburg. Luca Sola/AFP via Getty Images](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Untitled design-8.png)
Johannesburg fire disaster: why eradicating hijacked buildings is not the answer
Inner city occupations are the inevitable consequence of the fact that huge populations of people have to get by without a living wage.
![Professor Lee Berger, Timothy Nash and Matthew Berger with the Homo naledi and Australopithecus sediba fossils that travelled to space. Professor Lee Berger, Timothy Nash and Matthew Berger with the Homo naledi and Australopithecus sediba fossils that travelled to space.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Galactic.jpg)
First fossils of ancient human relatives journey to space
Fossils from Homo naledi and Australopithecus sediba become the oldest astronauts to travel to space, flying on Virgin Galactic's spaceship VSS Unity.
![Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, in conversation with Wits students. Gita Gopinath, the First Deputy Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, in conversation with Wits students.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Gita Gopinath _600x300px.jpg)
IMF leader engages Wits students
South Africa needs to match its goals with strong ambition, said IMF’s First Deputy during a talk on campus.
![Prof of Maths Education Jill Adler NRF Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 Prof of Maths Education Jill Adler NRF Lifetime Achievement Award 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Prof of Maths Education Jill Adler NRF Lifetime Achievement Award 2023.png)
Maths education researcher wins prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award
National Research Foundation awards Wits Professor Jill Adler for advancing maths teaching, research, and empowering maths educators in post-democratic SA.
![On August 18, 2023, Project PrEP, an initiative funded by Unitaid and implemented by the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), proudly introduced the PrEP ring, now registered as Dapi-Ring. On August 18, 2023, Project PrEP, an initiative funded by Unitaid and implemented by the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI), proudly introduced the PrEP ring, now registered as Dapi-Ring.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Project-Prep_600x300px.jpg)
Wits RHI launches Project PrEP
The study will generate real-world data on integrating a new PrEP method, the Dapi-ring, to protect women against sexual transmission of HIV.
![Traditional medicine Traditional medicine](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jul-dec/Traditional-medicine_600x300px.jpg)
Traditional medicines should be used in healthcare
Using centuries of indigenous knowledge along with modern healthcare could benefit more people.
![Emeritus Professor Paul Ruff Emeritus Professor Paul Ruff](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Emeritus-Professor-Paul-Ruff-_600x300px.jpg)
Renowned medical oncologist to Chair Ethics Committee
Emeritus Professor Paul Ruff was appointed Chairperson of the Wits Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC): Medical, effective 1 August 2023.
![the Faculty of Health Sciences’ annual Prestigious Research Lecture the Faculty of Health Sciences’ annual Prestigious Research Lecture](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Faculty-of-Health-Sciences-Prestigious-Research-Lecture_600x300px.jpg)
Genomics research in Africa will improve global health
African populations are the most genetically diverse in the world, with thousands of different ethnolinguistic groups across the continent.
![Beaches and oceans Beaches and oceans](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jul-dec/Beaches-and-oceans_600x300px.jpg)
Green thinking is needed to save beaches
Coastlines need to be recognised as dynamic, shifting environments rather than as environments that need to be controlled and managed.
![The Wits-Afretec Tech-Entrepreneurship Workshop The Wits-Afretec Tech-Entrepreneurship Workshop](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-sept-dec/Wits-Afretec-Tech-Entrepreneurship-Workshop_600x300px.jpg)
Signing, to save a life
The Wits-Afretec Tech-Entrepreneurship Workshop held marks a pioneering stride for young, aspiring entrepreneurs.
![Company recruiters at Wits Professional Speed Dating hosted by Wits CCDU Company recruiters at Wits Professional Speed Dating hosted by Wits CCDU](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Companie represantatives at Wits Professional Speed Dating.png)
Professional Speed Dating connects students with possible future employers
Wits Counselling and Careers Development Unit expose top performing students to an interview process with industry in five minutes.
![BRICS BRICS](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/Brics-600x300px.jpg)
Wits and the Bank of China produce the first Chinese Investors’ Confidence Index for South Africa
The index, called CICISA is a quarterly index that tracks the evolution of the “investment climate” or “investment attractiveness” of South Africa over time.
![The official launch of the CATALYST (Catalyzing Access to New Prevention Products to Stop HIV) Study The official launch of the CATALYST (Catalyzing Access to New Prevention Products to Stop HIV) Study](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Launch-of-CATALYST-study_600x300px.jpg)
Putting the choice in the hands that matter
A new study has been launched that will harness real-world data to maximise the impact of PreP products on reducing HIV infections.
![BRICS Summit South Africa 2023 BRICS Summit South Africa 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/BRICS-2023_600x300px.jpg)
Brics summit creates a global opportunity for public health
No commitment yet to tackle the ‘commercial determinants’ of noncommunicable disease pandemics.
![Rowing coach and Wits alumnus Muhammad Saloojee Rowing coach and Wits alumnus Muhammad Saloojee](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Muhammad Saloojee_600x300px.jpeg.png)
Sport talent bolsters national teams
Student athletes and coaches from various sport codes fly the SA flag at the World University Games.
![The launch of the Wits Centre for Journalism The launch of the Wits Centre for Journalism](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/WCJ launch 600x300.jpg)
Wits Centre for Journalism marks a new era in media research
A new era of journalism research dawned as Wits University inaugurated the formally known Wits Journalism into the Wits Centre for Journalism (WCJ).
Wits scientists opens up the world of pharmaceutical research at National Science Week
Wits Advanced Drug Delivery Platform use the national science fair to interact with future generation of scientists, healthcare professionals, and innovators.
![WIE winner: Lebohang High School WIE winner: Lebohang High School](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/WIE part two 6000x300[69].jpeg)
Wits empowers future leaders through short course programme
Over 200 learners hailing from 55 schools in Gauteng recently participated in the second instalment of the Wits Integrated Experience (WitsIE) Short Course.
![A learner experiences Wits NeuRL innovative IVR methods 600x300px A learner experiences Wits NeuRL innovative IVR methods 600x300px](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Readhill-learner_NeuRL_600x300px.jpg)
Immersive experiences with Wits NeuRL
NeuRL’s Immersive Virtual Reality Lab uses innovative body owner illusions to understand cross-cultural bias.
![Women and children in South Africa Women and children in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jul-dec/Women-and-children_600x300px.jpg)
The plight of South Africa’s women
South African women: violence, health and money issues among 5 biggest obstacles that stand in their way.
![Emerging researcher Janina and Prof. Mike Otieno, Head of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering Emerging researcher Janina and Prof. Mike Otieno, Head of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Janina Kanjee and Mike Otieno_600x300px.png)
Concrete specialist wins prestigious award
Emerging scholar receives Young Concrete Researcher Award by industry body Cement & Concrete SA.
![Gogo Grace is one of the traditional healers who is now a certified HIV counsellor and tester in Bushbuckridge Mpumalanga_photo Sandra Maytham Bailey Gogo Grace is one of the traditional healers who is now a certified HIV counsellor and tester in Bushbuckridge Mpumalanga_photo Sandra Maytham Bailey](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Gogo-Grace 600x300 (002).jpg)
Traditional healers in rural Mpumalanga help diagnose HIV
Research project in Bushbuckridge empowers traditional healers to conduct HIV testing, refer those positive for treatment, thereby curbing new infections.
![SAHATI School Visit 600x300 px SAHATI School Visit 600x300 px](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/SAHATI School Visit.png)
Learners fascinated by new developments in pharmaceutical research
The Wits Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology hosted learners of the SAHETI School for a day of knowledge sharing and exploration with experts.
![Dr Isaac Nape receives the Silver Jubilee Medal from the South African Institute of Physics. Dr Isaac Nape receives the Silver Jubilee Medal from the South African Institute of Physics.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/IsaacNape.jpg)
Wits lecturer wins the Silver Jubilee Medal from the South African Institute of Physics
The award is made for outstanding achievements by a young physicist that contributes to the research, education or technology development in physics.
![Professor Mitchell Gohnert with guest speakers at Shell Structures Book Launch_600x300 px Professor Mitchell Gohnert with guest speakers at Shell Structures Book Launch_600x300 px](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Untitled design-4.jpeg)
Shell Structures inspire a paradigm shift in design thinking
New book on shell structures is unique. Wits is one of five universities globally to focus on this engineering structure.
![Three 3D views of Bradysaurus baini specimen (FMNH UC 1533). Scale bar equals 50 cm. Published in Van den Brandt et al. 2023 Credit: Fabio Manucci and Marco Romano Three 3D views of Bradysaurus baini specimen (FMNH UC 1533). Scale bar equals 50 cm. Published in Van den Brandt et al. 2023 Credit: Fabio Manucci and Marco Romano](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Bradysaurus-baini-specimen_Credit-Fabio-Manucci-and-Marco-Romano_600x300px.jpg)
Gigantic extinct reptile weighed as much as a black rhino
Large pareiasaurs are among the earliest huge plant-eating tetrapods to appear in the history of the development of life on Earth.
![The Russian mercenary group, Wagner The Russian mercenary group, Wagner](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Russian-Wagner-Group-mercenaries_600x300px.jpg)
Africa needs to get Wagner out of Africa
Russia summit is an opportunity for Africa to unite on Ukraine and make its collective voice heard on Russian mercenaries in African conflicts.
![Renowned musicians Benjamin Jephta and Vuma Levin lecture inWits Music and launch their albums at the Narratives gig on 28 July 2023 at Wits Chris Seabrooke Music Hall Renowned musicians Benjamin Jephta and Vuma Levin lecture inWits Music and launch their albums at the Narratives gig on 28 July 2023 at Wits Chris Seabrooke Music Hall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Narratives poster 600x300.jpg)
Wits Music award-winning musicians launch albums at Narratives gig
Vuma Levin and Benjamin Jephta launch their albums with an all-star ensemble featuring some of South African jazz’s finest musicians.
![Kamogelo Molobye is a lecturer in Theatre and Performance in the Wits School of Arts and a PhD candidate Kamogelo Molobye is a lecturer in Theatre and Performance in the Wits School of Arts and a PhD candidate](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Head to shoulders pegs 600x300.jpg)
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...
![Heatwaves Heatwaves](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jul-dec/Heatwaves_600x300px.jpg)
Surviving heat waves in Africa
Around the world, temperature records are being broken in countries in Africa, Europe, America and Asia.
![The Performance Studies international conference in Africa for the first time in 2023 is hosted by Wits departments of Theatre and Performance and Drama for Life in Wits School of Arts from 2-5 August 2023 The Performance Studies international conference in Africa for the first time in 2023 is hosted by Wits departments of Theatre and Performance and Drama for Life in Wits School of Arts from 2-5 August 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/The Performance Studies international conference in Africa for the first time in 2023 is hosted by Wits departments of Theatre and Performance and Drama for Life (003).jpg)
Wits University hosts PSi Conference for the first time in Africa
The Wits School of Arts in the Faculty of Humanities co-hosts the Performance Studies International (PSi) conference in Johannesburg from 2-5 August 2023.
![Misleading food labels. © Curiosity | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Misleading food labels. © Curiosity | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-6/Food-labels_Â-Curiosity_600x300px.jpg)
Half of all South Africans are overweight or obese
The increased availability and consumption of unhealthy food have contributed to poor health outcomes, and warning labels on unhealthy foods help change that.
![generic_sign language generic_sign language](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Generic-Sign-Language_600x300-jpg.jpg)
Halala South Africa
The Deaf community celebrates South African Sign Language becoming the 12th official language.
![The Inala Forum marching against bread cartels. © Curiosity | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ The Inala Forum marching against bread cartels. © Curiosity | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-6/Inala-marching-against-bread-cartels_ÂCuriosity_600x300px.jpg)
Malnutrition: how one SA community wants resources to be spent
Failing to understand what communities consider important greatly diminishes the responsiveness of policies to the actual needs of individuals.
![Rock Art Research Institute's Digitisation Laboratory technicians Rock Art Research Institute's Digitisation Laboratory technicians](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/RARI Digitisation Lab techinicians.jpg)
Canon SA extends partnership with Wits rock art digitisation laboratory
Canon South Africa and the Wits Rock Art Research Institute (RARI) partnered in 2021 to keep the preservation of rock art heritage alive.
![TTP 2023 TTP 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/TTP 2023 600x300.jpg)
Wits Targeting Talent Programme thrives for nearly two decades
The programme has been empowering young minds and nurturing their potential for a brighter future for good.
![Brand Mandela - What is in a name. #Mandela100 Brand Mandela - What is in a name. #Mandela100](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-5/Brand-Mandela_600x300px.jpg)
Nelson Mandela’s legacy is taking a battering
How he is regarded will continue to change depending on the state of South Africa, and there is never going to be a final assessment of his legacy.
![Researchers from Wits and the University of Edinburgh met to discuss Space Research collaboration Researchers from Wits and the University of Edinburgh met to discuss Space Research collaboration](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Wits-and-UoE-meet-to-discuss-Space-research-collaboration_600x300px.jpg)
Wits-UoE research partnership ‘heads to Space’
Researchers from Wits and the University of Edinburgh held a symposium to explore collaborative opportunities for Space Research projects.
![Honour Mandela Honour Mandela](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Wits staff members prepare sandwiches for students in need on Mandela Day-5[91].jpeg)
You carry the legacy forward: Honour Mandela!
Witsies double and triple commitment on Mandela Day with 670 and 6700 initiatives.
![Climate inequality Climate inequality](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/climate.jpg)
UN body proposes new social contract
A new eco-social contract is necessary to create a sustainable and just future, responsive to multiple and intersecting crises.
![NSFT Winners 2023 NSFT Winners 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Wits Profs Roger Deane, Nosipho Moloto and Andrew Thatcher won NSTF-South32 Awards in their categories[61].jpeg)
‘Science Oscars’ for three Witsies for research excellence
Professors Roger Deane, Nosipho Moloto, and Andrew Thatcher each won in their category at the 2022/23 NSTF-South32 Awards.
![Wits Honours Prof Jim Gates Wits Honours Prof Jim Gates](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Prof James Sylvester Gates capped 2[73].jpeg)
Wits honours Gates
A brilliant intellectual with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Prof. Jim Gates shattered boundaries and unlocked secrets of the Universe.
![Architect's impression of refurbished Wits Sibanye Stillwater Innovation bridge over M1 JHB 600x300 Architect's impression of refurbished Wits Sibanye Stillwater Innovation bridge over M1 JHB 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Architects impression Innovation Bridge 3 600x300 copy.jpg)
Bridging the gap between mining and people
The unveiling of the Wits Sibanye-Stillwater Innovation bridge represents an enduring investment in human capital and future engineering skills.
![Panel at the book launch of Nkadimeng Panel at the book launch of Nkadimeng](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/The launch of Magomana 600x300.png)
Launch of 'Mokgomana – The life of John Kgoana Nkadimeng 1927 – 2020'
The book launch weaves another important thread into the story of the everyday activists who made the anti-apartheid movement what it was.
![Father Norman Father Norman](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Father norman 600x300png.png)
Wits University confers Honorary Doctorate on Father Huddleston
Anti-apartheid chaplain described by some South Africans as "father ke motho" or "one of us"
![Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, Wits University and Scott McDonald, CEO, British Council Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, Wits University and Scott McDonald, CEO, British Council](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Professor-Lynn-Morris-with-British-Council-CEO-Scott-McDonald_600x300px.jpg)
Supporting youth to become job creators
The next generation is essential to Africa's future and to global shared interests in creating a safer, healthier, and more prosperous world.
![Dr Twala Grad 600 x300 px Dr Twala Grad 600 x300 px](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/DR Twala, Grad 600x300 px.png)
Females mining new frontiers
Two black female visionaries are breaking barriers and reshaping mining engineering.
![Wits Grad Photo Archived Wits Grad Photo Archived](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Wits Grad Photo Archived.png)
Frontrunners ascend to the stage at the July 2023 grads
Second black female PHD Mining Engineer graduates this July, and Father Trevor Huddleston and Professor James Sylvester Gates to receive honorary doctorates.
![Students from the Wits Targeting Talent Programme. Students from the Wits Targeting Talent Programme.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/ttp_journey.jpg)
Ticket giveaway for Targeting Talent Programme show, The Journey
The production, titled The Journey, tells the story of these learners’ journey through life, as well as their journey into the Targeting Talent Programme.
![Leerin Michaela Perumal and Cade Ribeiro Peters Leerin Michaela Perumal and Cade Ribeiro Peters](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Leerin Michaela Perumal and Cade Ribeiro Peters600x300.jpg)
Two Wits students bag Optics and Photonics Education Scholarship by SPIE
Leerin Michaela Perumal and Cade Ribeiro Peters, receive a life-changing opportunity for their potential contributions to physics.
![Ethical research demands that participants are not harmed and that their rights and dignity are respected_Pic ARK study Agincourt Wits Rural Campus 2022.600x300 Ethical research demands that participants are not harmed and that their rights and dignity are respected_Pic ARK study Agincourt Wits Rural Campus 2022.600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Ethical research demands that participants are not harmed and that their rights and dignity are respected_Pic ARK study Agincourt Wits Rural Campus 2022.jpg)
Managing risk and harm in research ethically
Research findings must be limited and mitigated to protect participants’ well-being and dignity.
![The devastating aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, which hit the region Feb-Mar 2023. It was unprecedented in terms of its persistence and led to hundreds of deaths. Photo credit: Maynard Nyirenda: SDI and DODMA The devastating aftermath of Cyclone Freddy, which hit the region Feb-Mar 2023. It was unprecedented in terms of its persistence and led to hundreds of deaths. Photo credit: Maynard Nyirenda: SDI and DODMA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Represa.jpg)
Wits GCI co-leads pioneering initiative to fight the impact of tropical cyclones
The new R110 million project aims to improve early warnings and enhance resilience to changing tropical cyclones in southern Africa and Madagascar.
![Vaccinations, flu and illness Vaccinations, flu and illness](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jul-dec/Vaccinations_flu_600x300px.jpg)
Should I get the flu vaccine? South African experts say yes
Vaccines remain the most effective method available to prevent flu, especially severe flu illness.
![Drought and climate change in Africa Drought and climate change in Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jul-dec/Drought-and-climate-change_600x300px.jpg)
Climate change journalism in SA misses the mark
The kind of coverage favoured by South African media probably doesn’t do much to improve the public’s understanding of climate change.
![Healthcare in Africa and medical treatment Healthcare in Africa and medical treatment](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jul-dec/Healthcare-in-Africa_medical_600x300px.jpg)
Offer better HIV care to migrant women in South Africa
The vulnerability of migrants was highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic when restrictions affected people’s ability to travel to access treatment.
![Wits Integrated Experience 2023 Wits Integrated Experience 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Wits Integrated Experience 2023.jpg)
Grade 11 learners investigate asteroid impact at Wits experience
The Wits Integrated Experience kicked off its sixth short course this year designed to expose grade 11 to university life.
![Rural children walking too school Rural children walking too school](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jul-dec/School-children-walking_600x300px.jpg)
Research is lacking in Africa on benefits of children's movement
Current research largely excludes 16% of the world population as Africa contributes less than 1% of research worldwide on the movement behaviours of children.
![Some of the Witsies featured in Mail and Guardian Top 200 Some of the Witsies featured in Mail and Guardian Top 200](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/MG Top 200 - Witsies 600x300.jpg)
Witsies in Top 200. For Good
Almost a quarter of the 200 young South Africans nominated by the nation are from Wits.
![Dr Robin Drennan, Professor Lynn Wadley, Professor Lynn Morris, Professor Achille Mbembe and Professor Shabir Madhi. Dr Robin Drennan, Professor Lynn Wadley, Professor Lynn Morris, Professor Achille Mbembe and Professor Shabir Madhi.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/research-excellence.jpg)
Wits Researchers rewarded for excellence
Researchers from all over Wits have been rewarded for their excellence at a Wits ceremony.
![Shameen Naidu, Team Leader of Therapy Services at the Counselling and Careers Development Unit Shameen Naidu, Team Leader of Therapy Services at the Counselling and Careers Development Unit](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Shameen Naidu_600x300px.png)
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.
![Jo Vearey and Soorej Puthoopparambil co-lead the Cluster of Excellence in Migration and Health, one of 17 Chairs announced under the Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence. Jo Vearey and Soorej Puthoopparambil co-lead the Cluster of Excellence in Migration and Health, one of 17 Chairs announced under the Africa-Europe Clusters of Research Excellence.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Jo Vearey and Soorej Puthoopparambil_600x300px.png)
Wits to co-lead international research on Migration and Health
The research will focus on the health of migrants in the African Union and European Union corridor, one of the largest migration corridors globally.
![Jupiter Jupiter](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Jupiter.jpg)
Wits audience fascinated by first mission of its kind to Jupiter
South African-born space physicist Professor Michele Dougherty is a principal investigator on the Juice mission to Jupiter.
![One-horned rain-animal from a site near Indwe in the Eastern Cape province. Image courtesy David M. Witelson One-horned rain-animal from a site near Indwe in the Eastern Cape province. Image courtesy David M. Witelson](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/One-horned-rain-animal-from-a-site-near-Indwe-in-the-Eastern-Cape-province.-Image-courtesy-David-M.-Witelson_600x300px.jpg)
Unicorns - the story behind southern Africa's one-horned creatures
Some explorers believed they had found unicorns depicted on rocks. The truth behind the rock art is far more interesting.
![Sign language Sign language](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jan-june/Sign-language_600x300px.jpg)
Sign language is set to become official in South Africa
Here is how this will help Deaf people to finally have an opportunity to be properly educated in a language they understand.
![EMCAT candidates with their certificates of completion EMCAT candidates with their certificates of completion](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/EMCAT candidates 600x300.jpg)
Academic staff honoured for completing transitioning programme
Twenty Wits academics have completed the Enhancing Mid-Career Academic Transitions (EMCAT) pilot programme launched in 2022.
![New research indicates that mobile plate tectonics—thought to be necessary for the creation of a habitable planet — was not occurring on Earth 3.9 billion years ago. Credit: University of Rochester illustration/Michael Osadciw New research indicates that mobile plate tectonics—thought to be necessary for the creation of a habitable planet — was not occurring on Earth 3.9 billion years ago. Credit: University of Rochester illustration/Michael Osadciw](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Plate-Tectonics.jpg)
The surprising path to life: breaking free from Plate Tectonics
New research reveals that the emergence of life on Earth did not require Plate Tectonics
![](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Dr Nicholas Bacci on Facial Comparison-2 600x300[99].jpeg)
Smarter human oversight is crucial in facial recognition AI
Enhanced human verification techniques and practices will always be required to ensure accuracy and ward off inherent biases.
![World Food Safety Day 2023 World Food Safety Day 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/World-Food-Safety-Day_600x300px.jpg)
Food standards save lives
Fun and practical lessons help University community to learn more about food safety.
![Margo Steele Margo Steele](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/MargoSteele.jpg)
Wits School of Accountancy renamed after former Head, Margo Steele
Former student pledges US$10 million to rename the school after first woman head of school.
![Rural children walking too school Rural children walking too school](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jul-dec/School-children-walking_600x300px.jpg)
Revolutionary ideas are not so cut and dried
Corruption, cadre deployment and BEE has destroyed the notion of public service and replaced it with self-interest, party interests and greed.
![International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/International Consensus Conference on Concussion in Sport.jpg)
International expert panel revises management of concussion in sport for optimal care of athletes
Sport and Exercise Medicine physician Jon Patricios co-chaired the latest consensus statement that updates existing recommendations to optimising athlete care.
![President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa 600x300.jpg)
President of Portugal gives brief history lecture to Wits students
Wits University hosted the President of Portugal, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, during his state visit to South Africa on 07 June 2023.
![Professor Claudia Polese awarded Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy. Professor Claudia Polese awarded Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Professor-Claudia-Polese-receives-the-Order-of-the-Star-of-Italy_600x300px.jpg)
Order of the Star of Italy for Professor Polese
Associate Professor Claudia Polese has been awarded the prestigious Knight of the Order of the Star of Italy.
![Members of Es'kia Mphahlele's family with the unveiled gold plaque Members of Es'kia Mphahlele's family with the unveiled gold plaque](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Members of Eskia Mphahleles family with the unveiled gold plaque.jpg)
University Corner renamed after illustrious writer Es'kia Mphahlele
Wits University has officially renamed University Corner after renowned writer and activist Es'kia Mphahlele as part of its continuing transformation plan.
![Eusebius McKaiser Eusebius McKaiser](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Eusebius-McKaiser_600x300px.jpg)
SA philosophers mourn the passing of Eusebius McKaiser
On behalf of Wits Philosophy and the South African Philosophy community, Professor Lucy Allais honours Eusebius McKaiser.
![Structured light Structured light](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/structured-light.jpg)
Researchers demonstrate noise-free communication with structured light
A new approach to optical communication that can be deployed with conventional technology.
![Volcanic eruption Volcanic eruption](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/volcano.jpg)
India, South Africa and Australia shared similar volcanic activity 3.5 billion years ago
Ancient volcanism dating back to 3.5 billion years ago are common to Archaean cratons of South Africa, India, and Australia.
![](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/EDHE Internal rounds winners.jpg)
Start-ups prepare for intervarsity competition
Student entrepreneurs are set to conquer the regional rounds with groundbreaking ideas and unwavering ambition.
![Professor Barry Dwolatzky has inspired generations of young people in his more than 50 years at Wits. Professor Barry Dwolatzky has inspired generations of young people in his more than 50 years at Wits.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Professor-Barry-Dwolatzky_600c300px.jpg)
Remembering SA's “Grand Geek” and programming pioneer
Many speak fondly of how Professor Barry Dwolatzky took them into a derelict disco and enthusiastically explained the tech co-working space he envisioned there.
![Dean of Humanities Professor Mucha Musemwa with LabInter-UFSM Director Professor Andréia Machado Oliveira Dean of Humanities Professor Mucha Musemwa with LabInter-UFSM Director Professor Andréia Machado Oliveira](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Dean of Humanities Professor Mucha Musemwa with LabInter-UFSM Director Professor AndreÌia Machado Oliveira 600x300.jpg)
Wits School of Arts partners with leading art school in Brazil
The Wits School of Arts (WSOA) partnered with a leading media art school at the Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil (UFSM).
![Witsies and winner of the 2023 Falling Walls Lab Johannesburg, Alisha Badal (Wits) is flanked by Yolanda Mngcongo (Nelson Mandela University) and Kate Da Silva (Wits). Witsies and winner of the 2023 Falling Walls Lab Johannesburg, Alisha Badal (Wits) is flanked by Yolanda Mngcongo (Nelson Mandela University) and Kate Da Silva (Wits).](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Falling Walls Lab Winners_600px300px.png)
Witsies claim top spots in the battle for ideas
Two Wits students were ranked top in the Falling Walls Lab competition that also saw Nelson Mandela University feature in the top three.
![Professor Mary Scholes Professor Mary Scholes](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/MaryScholes.jpg)
Wits and Sappi launch new Sappi Chair in Climate Change and Plantation Sustainability
Through the Research Chair Professor Mary Scholes will identify critical research needs and develop research outputs related to climate change.
![The war in Ukraine The war in Ukraine](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/War-in-Ukraine_600x300px.jpg)
Africa’s Russia-Ukraine peace mission: what can it achieve?
If the African delegation could convince the belligerents to find a peaceful solution, they will make a critical contribution to the climate for mediation.
![Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Russia's Vladimir Putin Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa and Russia's Vladimir Putin](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Presidents-Cyril-Ramaphosa-and-Vladimir-Putin_600x300px.jpg)
It’s clear, SA is aligned with Russia
South Africa’s pact with the Russian Federation – and its actions – cast doubt on its claims of non-alignment.
![SEED Market Day 2023 SEED Market Day 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/SEED Market Day Photo.jpg)
Market Day showcases products by students
Campus bustling with customers and learning opportunities for student entrepreneurs.
![Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Curiosity-15_Energy_Cover_600x300px.jpg)
Curios.ty 15 (#Energy): Igniting innovation
Wits' research magazine focuses on how our researchers are powering up their creativity and expertise to find sustainable energy solutions.
![Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Professor-Lynn-Morris_600x300px.jpg)
Energising and futureproofing our world
Editorial: Energy cannot be created or destroyed, but for South Africans it feels like we are upending this fundamental law of physics.
![Border Cave © Lucinda Blackwell | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Border Cave © Lucinda Blackwell | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Border-Cave-excavation_Â-Lucinda-Blackwell.jpg)
The first to fuel the fire
The first fuel that enabled human beings to land on the moon was harnessed right here in Africa.
![Electricity and blackouts | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Electricity and blackouts | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Electricity-and-blackouts_600x300px.jpg)
Rolling blackouts: Light at the end of the tunnel?
SA’s could create a new model for many countries facing power shortages but it could also lead to more muddling in the dark.
![Dr Andrew Lawrence | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Dr Andrew Lawrence | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Dr-Andrew-Lawrence_600x300px.jpg)
How to spend $8.5bn correctly to energise and green SA
Dr Andrew Lawrence explores how funding received from the Just Energy Transition Partnership can most benefit South Africa.
![Koeberg Nuclear Power Station | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Koeberg Nuclear Power Station | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Koeberg-Nuclear-Power-Station_600x300px.jpg)
Clean, safe, controversial
Nuclear energy has had a bad rap, but in South Africa’s current energy conundrum, its importance in the mix is clear.
![Green Hydrogen | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Green Hydrogen | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Green-Hydrogen_600x300px.jpg)
The red flags in green hydrogen
Scientists can do better to take industry and government-driven hype out of green hydrogen so that its actual potential can be realised.
![Energy and electricity | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Energy and electricity | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Energy-questions-answered_600x300px.jpg)
Your 8 quirky energy questions answered
From Star Wars to hot curry to Einstein – we’ve got you covered.
![Sustainable cities | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Sustainable cities | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Sustainable-cities_600x300px.jpg)
Building sustainable cities
Long-term economic and social side-effects need to be considered when thinking about our cities’ energy solutions.
![Wits accountants paddling the Amazon River | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Wits accountants paddling the Amazon River | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Wits-accountants-paddling-the-Amazon_600x300px.jpg)
Woodlands and forests con-tree-versial
A tree is not just a tree. It is also fuel, paper, furniture, livelihood, and industry.
![Exercise and health | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Exercise and health | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/How-the-body-uses-energy_600x300px.jpg)
Energy in the body
How does the body convert food to fuel? How much do we need? And will running really help with weight loss?
![Dr Charles Sanyika | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Dr Charles Sanyika | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Cryoablation_600x300px.jpg)
Killing cancer with cryoablation
Freeze, fry, microwave, or obliterated – treating early cancer which can progress to advanced life-threatening cancer with cryoablation.
![The Wits Disability Rights Unit | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ The Wits Disability Rights Unit | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Disability-Rights-Unit_600x300px.jpg)
The energy it takes to navigate an abled-bodied world
The implementation of universal design and access could improve the lives of people living with disabilities.
![Mindfulness and mental health | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Mindfulness and mental health | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Mindfulness-and-mental-health_600x300px.jpg)
The psychology of energy
Wits researchers shed light on alternative energies and how to leverage them when we’re depleted and in the dark.
![The core structure of Earth | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ The core structure of Earth | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Earths-core-structure_600x300px.jpg)
A planet called 'Home'
Our home planet Earth is unique, not only in its position in space but in the way it manages energy to create a comfortable spot for us to inhabit.
![Lightning over Johannesburg | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Lightning over Johannesburg | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Lightning-over-Johannesburg_600x300px.jpg)
Finding facts in a lightning bolt
Lightning research will answer several questions about this lesser-known force of nature.
![Solar panels on Wits buildings | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Solar panels on Wits buildings | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Solar-panels-on-Wits-buildings_600x300px.jpg)
Can Wits go off the grid?
Cutting greenhouse gas emissions to almost zero is the next big thing on the global agenda, but academics agree it’s not feasible in the medium term on campus.
![Skills and labour | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Skills and labour | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Skills-and-labour_600x300px.jpg)
Skills for a green world
South Africa needs to reskill and upskill in the face of changing technology and shifting workplaces.
![Coal and clean coal | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Coal and clean coal | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Coal-and-clean-coal_600x300px.jpg)
‘Clean Coal’ could be a game-changer for SA
Q&A: Coal has a bad reputation, but ‘clean coal’ holds various potential opportunities, says Professor Samson Bada.
![Dr Wendy Panaino | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Dr Wendy Panaino | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Dr-Wendy-Panaino_600x300px.jpg)
On ant(eater) patrol
PROFILE: Living to find innovative ways to solve tough challenges, Dr Wendy Panaino digs deep into the lives of pangolins.
![Wits Optical Communications Lab | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Wits Optical Communications Lab | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Wits-Optical-Communications-Lab_600x300px.jpg)
Overcoming energy poverty
Researchers are developing innovative solutions to counter the energy poverty that impacts teaching and learning.
![Educating science-student teachers | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Educating science-student teachers | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Educating-science-student-teachers_600x300px.jpg)
Educating science student-teachers about energy
How good is a science curriculum that’s insulated from working scientists or that ignores climate change and sustainable development?
![Climate change | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Climate change | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Climate-change_600x300px.jpg)
Africa is getting hotter
Continued extreme heat exposure is affecting the health of vulnerable groups in communities.
![A Just Energy Transition | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ A Just Energy Transition | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/A-Just-Energy-Transition_600x300px.jpg)
Column: Ensuring a just energy transition is complex
Focusing on the dynamics in the electricity sector, Professor Imraan Valodia outlines the challenges South Africa is facing and what can be done.
![South Africa and Zimbabwe | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ South Africa and Zimbabwe | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/South-Africa-and-Zimbabwe_600x300px.jpg)
A country worth fighting for
Column: South Africa is a country on the ropes. Its critical infrastructure, including its energy supply, is crippled. Do we still have some fight left?
![Professor Friedel Sellschop | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Professor Friedel Sellschop | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/Professor-Friedel-Sellschop_600x300px.jpg)
Sellschop’s neutrinos and an elusive energy
These ghost particles have travelled light years to where we are and are proof that humans are essentially stardust and sunlight.
![AI and Energy | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ AI and Energy | Curiosity 15: #Energy © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-15/AI-and-energy_600x300px.jpg)
Bridging the energy gap with AI
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) can help catapult South Africa’s energy distribution into the future.
![Books celebrate reflect on African leadership and excellence while one title shine the spotlight on GBV. Books celebrate reflect on African leadership and excellence while one title shine the spotlight on GBV.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Book_Donations_Africa Day_600x300px.png)
Donated books reflect on African achievers and gender issues
Wits Libraries receive a total of 30 books focusing on African leadership, excellence, and gender-based violence to encourage deep conversations.
![Temperance is a play by Fabiano Di Giandomenico and other Wits Theatre and Performance undergraduates on at the National Arts Festival in June 2023 600x300 Temperance is a play by Fabiano Di Giandomenico and other Wits Theatre and Performance undergraduates on at the National Arts Festival in June 2023 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Temperance is a play by Fabiano Di Giandomenico and other Wits Theatre and Performance undergraduates on at the National Arts Festival in June 2023 600x300.jpg)
Converse with your subconscious at Makhanda Arts Festival
Wits Theatre and Performance undergraduate students present ‘Temperance’ in the Eastern Cape in June 2023.
![Dr Bhenkinkosi Moyo Director of the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment Dr Bhenkinkosi Moyo Director of the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Bhekinkosi-Moyo_600x300.jpg)
Celebrating Africa Day
African philanthropy champion, Dr Bhekinkosi Moyo, shares his views on Africa Day, youth and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
![Recruiters' breakfast Recruiters' breakfast](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Recruiters breakfast 600x300px.jpg)
Wits enables employable graduates
The Recruiters’ Breakfast attended by industry recruiters widens opportunities for Wits graduates.
![Constructed Wetlands Constructed Wetlands](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Constructed Wetlands 600x300 (002).jpg)
Cholera: What is it and how can you avoid getting sick?
Water expert shares guidelines on how to purify water at home in areas where there is uncertainty over water quality or poor sanitation.
![Sabre-toothed lion Sabre-toothed lion](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/sabre_tooth.jpg)
New fossil of a 252-million-year-old sabre-toothed lion shows it reigned just before mass extinction
Fossil is described in a paper exploring the rapid turnover of top predators in African terrestrial faunas around the Permian-Traissic mass extinction.
![Staff awards group picture Staff awards group picture](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Staff Awards_ group 600x300.jpg)
Professional and Administrative staff celebrate outstanding achievement
Wits staff achieve 90% success rate in Business Administration Learnership certification
![King Charles III And Queen Camilla King Charles III And Queen Camilla](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/King-Charles-and-Camilla_600x300px.jpg)
Why it's unlikely the Cullinan diamond would be returned
Activists view their moral case for the return of the diamonds as unanswerable, but it runs up against many complications.
![Engagement sessions at the Wits Education campus with staff from the Services Department. This followed a similar session at the Braamfontein Campus. Engagement sessions at the Wits Education campus with staff from the Services Department. This followed a similar session at the Braamfontein Campus.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/ClimateChange_InfoSession_600x300px.png)
Wits rolls out Save Our Resources campaign
Engagement with staff on climate change and its implications is crucial to creating a more sustainable campus collectively.
![Yebo Gogga Yebo amaBlomo exhibition Yebo Gogga Yebo amaBlomo exhibition](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Yebo gogga 600x300px.jpg)
Beat the Heat with YeboGogga
The annual Yebo Gogga Yebo amaBlomo exhibition takes place from 17 to 21 May 2023 and entry is free.
![Panel 1_ Welcome to Johannesburg_Designed by Awo Tsegah Panel 1_ Welcome to Johannesburg_Designed by Awo Tsegah](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Panel 1_ Welcome to Johannesburg_Designed by Awo Tsegah 600x300.jpg)
Chair in Mobility and the Politics of Difference supports Gender and Geography
The 18th international architectural exhibition in Venice showcases urban spaces in the Global South - with African cities front and centre.
![Professor Barry Dwolatzky has inspired generations of young people in his more than 50 years at Wits. Professor Barry Dwolatzky has inspired generations of young people in his more than 50 years at Wits.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Professor-Barry-Dwolatzky_600c300px.jpg)
Wits mourns the passing of Prof. Barry - SA's 'Grand Geek'
South Africa has lost an innovator, a strategist, a humanitarian, and a much-loved Professor who dedicated over 50 years of his life to Wits.
![Professor Ruksana Osman Professor Ruksana Osman](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/vco-team/Professor-Ruksana-Osman_600x300px.jpg)
Intelligent responses needed for artificial intelligence
Professor Ruksana Osman advocates that innovative technologies should be considered as tools that can be harnessed for the benefit of teaching and learning.
![When cold weather sets in there are several ways to keep yourself warm. NickyLloyd/Getty Images When cold weather sets in there are several ways to keep yourself warm. NickyLloyd/Getty Images](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/cold weather 600x300px.jpg)
South Africa’s cold weather has arrived – some tips on how to stay warm and safe
Researchers share advice on how to keep yourself as warm as possible during the winter months.
![FameLab 2023 winners FameLab 2023 winners](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/FameLab 2023 winners 600x300px.jpg)
Chemistry student wins Wits leg of the Famelab
Taskeen Hasrod wins over the audience in explaining how to use AI in water research
![The Performance Studies international conference in Africa for the first time in 2023 is hosted by Wits departments of Theatre and Performance and Drama for Lif The Performance Studies international conference in Africa for the first time in 2023 is hosted by Wits departments of Theatre and Performance and Drama for Lif](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/The Performance Studies international conference in Africa for the first time in 2023 is hosted by Wits departments of Theatre and Performance and Drama for Life 600x300.jpg)
An African first as Wits School of Arts hosts Performance Studies international conference
The Performance Studies international (PSi) Conference #28 takes place in Africa for the first time from 2-5 August 2023.
![Black and white image of depressed looking man covering his face with his hand Black and white image of depressed looking man covering his face with his hand](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Man with head in hand generic depression 600x300.jpg)
Mental health: almost half of JHB students in new study screened positive for probable depression
Probable depression was associated with socio-demographic factors such as economic status, and modifiable behavioural factors such as substance use.
![Wifi is available logo Wifi is available logo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Wifi available 600x300px.jpg)
Witsies can now access eduroam wi-fi networks in SA airports
Witsies can access eduroam WiFi at Airport Company of South Africa's airports.
![Vaccines exit a vial monitor-labelling machine at the Serum Institute of India's pharmaceutical plant in Pune, Maharashtra, India, on 4 May 2015. (Photo: Sanjit Das / Bloomberg via Getty Images) Vaccines exit a vial monitor-labelling machine at the Serum Institute of India's pharmaceutical plant in Pune, Maharashtra, India, on 4 May 2015. (Photo: Sanjit Das / Bloomberg via Getty Images)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Vaccine 600x300px.jpg)
Report on SA's vaccine manufacturing capabilities
VacTask is an independent advisory entity formed to support SA as a ‘front runner’ for the Africa CDC's Partnership for African Vaccine Manufacturing.
![Wits Brian and Dorothy Zylstra Sports Complex Wits Brian and Dorothy Zylstra Sports Complex](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Wits-Brian-and-Dorothy-Zylstra-Sports-Complex_600x300px.jpg)
Wits breaks ground on R250 million sports complex
The Wits Brian and Dorothy Zylstra Sports Complex is an integrated facility for training, research, and clinical practice.
![Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Doctoral Programme Wits-Edinburgh Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) Doctoral Programme](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-may-aug/Mastercard-Foundation-Scholarship_2__600x300px.jpg)
New Sustainable African Futures doctoral programme
Call for Applications for the WESAF Programme now open.
![There’s no expert consensus on whether screen time is good, bad or somewhere in between. Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock There’s no expert consensus on whether screen time is good, bad or somewhere in between. Monkey Business Images/Shutterstock](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Untitled-5.jpg)
Kids and screen time – an expert offers advice for parents and teachers
How much time did your child spend looking at a screen today?
![Vaccines exit a vial monitor-labelling machine at the Serum Institute of India's pharmaceutical plant in Pune, Maharashtra, India, on 4 May 2015. (Photo: Sanjit Das / Bloomberg via Getty Images) Vaccines exit a vial monitor-labelling machine at the Serum Institute of India's pharmaceutical plant in Pune, Maharashtra, India, on 4 May 2015. (Photo: Sanjit Das / Bloomberg via Getty Images)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Vaccine 600x300px.jpg)
SA’s short-sighted vaccine manufacture and procurement policy compromises Africa’s development
The continent is currently the only major world region that does not have any significant domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity.
![(l-r) Reconstructing the image and status of professional and administrative staff in higher education. Kemantha Govender, Cynthia Sibisi, Merium Ratau and Morema Tefu graduated in April. (l-r) Reconstructing the image and status of professional and administrative staff in higher education. Kemantha Govender, Cynthia Sibisi, Merium Ratau and Morema Tefu graduated in April.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/PAS_Staff_Graduate_600x300px.jpg)
Staff walk tall as they receive degrees
Wits employees run their own race to graduate and one earns a fifth qualification.
![Precious Khumalo Precious Khumalo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Precious Khumalo.jpg)
A precious moment for a Witsie
Wits staff member Precious Khumalo graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
![The anopheles gambiae mosquito transmits malaria to humans. James Gathany/Everett Collection/Shutterstock The anopheles gambiae mosquito transmits malaria to humans. James Gathany/Everett Collection/Shutterstock](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/mos 600x300px.jpg)
Curious Kids: What would happen if all the mosquitoes in the world disappeared?
![Wits Prof Isabel Hofmeyr's Dockside Reading: Hydrocolonialism and the Custom House, published by Wits Press, won Best Non-Fiction Monograph at the National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences Awards Wits Prof Isabel Hofmeyr's Dockside Reading: Hydrocolonialism and the Custom House, published by Wits Press, won Best Non-Fiction Monograph at the National Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences Awards](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/DocksideReading_cover_600x300.jpg)
Wits scholars and publisher win humanities and social sciences awards
Wits Professor Isabel Hofmeyr wins best non-fiction: monograph and her publisher, Wits Press, specially awarded.
![A factory producing insecticidal bed nets in Arusha, Tanzania. Photo by Charles Ommanney/Getty Images A factory producing insecticidal bed nets in Arusha, Tanzania. Photo by Charles Ommanney/Getty Images](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Malaria 600x300px.jpg)
Hope is on the horizon for a malaria-free Africa
Malaria is preventable and treatable.
![Wits alumnus and world renowned artist, William Kentridge Wits alumnus and world renowned artist, William Kentridge](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/William-Kentridge_600x300px.jpg)
The forgotten history of Africans in World War 1
William Kentridge’s epic theatre production, The Head & The Load, finally reaches Johannesburg after delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
![Solar power and energy Solar power and energy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jan-june/Solar-power_600x300px.jpg)
Green energy should not deepen inequality
Making the green energy transition a success requires governments to pay attention to environmental factors and socioeconomic imperatives.
![Johannesburg, city in South Africa Johannesburg, city in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Johannesburg-city_600x300px.jpg)
The social impact of CRM initiatives is often not sustainable
The result is that stakeholders are resentful, angry and say most of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CRM) is window-dressing.
![Wits alumnus Michael Boyd has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2023 Wits alumnus Michael Boyd has been shortlisted for the Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Michael Boyd_600x300px.png)
Commonwealth short story prize for Witsie?
Wits alumnus Michael Boyd has been shortlisted for this major literary prize.
![Dr Satgar, 53 (above), received a trophy and R40 000 for winning in the Mid-Career Researcher category. Dr Satgar, 53 (above), received a trophy and R40 000 for winning in the Mid-Career Researcher category.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Dr Vishwas Satgar 600x300px.jpg)
An academic, intellectual activist and social justice crusader wins an award for his research
The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) and Universities South Africa (USAf) acknowledged Dr Vishwas Satgar
![Dr Oliver Seale (far right) is the Director: Higher Education Leadership and Management (HELM) programme at USAf. He stood in for, and spoke on behalf of the USAf CEO at the Awards ceremony. Dr Oliver Seale (far right) is the Director: Higher Education Leadership and Management (HELM) programme at USAf. He stood in for, and spoke on behalf of the USAf CEO at the Awards ceremony.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Dr Hannah Dawson 600X300px.jpg)
Award-winning research means impactful change for young unemployed men
Dr Hannah Dawson, Researcher at the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS) at Wits, wins at the HSRC and USAf CEOs’ annual award
![2023 Taco Kuiper Awards for Investigative Journalism joint winners Ray Joseph from GroundUp and Jeff Wicks from News24 (both in centre) with Les Jamieson, trustee of The Valley Trust that funds the Taco Kuiper awards and Professor Anton Harber from the Wits Centre for Journalism. 2023 Taco Kuiper Awards for Investigative Journalism joint winners Ray Joseph from GroundUp and Jeff Wicks from News24 (both in centre) with Les Jamieson, trustee of The Valley Trust that funds the Taco Kuiper awards and Professor Anton Harber from the Wits Centre for Journalism.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/TC Kuiper 600x300px.jpg)
Ray Joseph and Jeff Wicks jointly win the 2022 Taco Kuiper Award for Investigative Journalism
The annual Taco Kuiper Award celebrates the best in investigative journalism and highlights the importance of investigative journalists in South Africa.
![Professor Darryl Glaser Professor Darryl Glaser](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Professor Darryl Glaser 600X300px.jpg)
Strike down the Electoral Amendment Act - it has been a mess from the beginning
Fifty percent of all the voters might cast their vote for just one wonderful independent. How many seats would that half of the electorate have in Parliament?
![Tiego Moseneke Tiego Moseneke](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Teigo 600x300px.jpg)
Wits mourns the passing of Wits alumnus Tiego Moseneke
Tiego Moseneke is a former president of the then Wits Black Students’ Society in 1985/6
![Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital 600x300 Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital 600x300.png)
Rahima Moosa: SA’s only mother & child hospital is falling apart - veteran doctor reflects on why
Prof. Laetitia Rispel has been researching health policy and systems for over 20 years. She asked Prof. Joe Veriava about the Health Ombudsman's report.
![Ambassador Abdul Minty champions the use of science for peace and development, not destruction. Ambassador Abdul Minty champions the use of science for peace and development, not destruction.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Ambassador Abdul Minty_600x300px.png)
How South Africa averted a nuclear catastrophe
The world took a long time to challenge apartheid SA’s nuclear programme that aimed to deter liberation throughout southern Africa.
![Johannesburg SA left and Reggio Emilia Italy skylines depict the MoU signed between GCRO and Reggio Emilia Johannesburg SA left and Reggio Emilia Italy skylines depict the MoU signed between GCRO and Reggio Emilia](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Johannesburg SA left and Reggio Emilia Italy skylines 600x300.jpg)
Gauteng City-Region Observatory signs MOU with Italian municipality, strengthens historical ties
Memorandum of understanding between Gauteng and Italian municipality Reggio Emilia the latest gesture in a long-standing friendship between Italy and SA.
![Launch of the Wits Innovation Centre: Letlotlo Phohole, Dr David Fine, Dr Adam Pantanowitz Launch of the Wits Innovation Centre: Letlotlo Phohole, Dr David Fine, Dr Adam Pantanowitz](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Letlotlo-Phohole,-Dr-David-Fine-and-Dr-Adam-Pantanowitz_600x300px.jpg)
Wits Innovation Centre signals a new era in #InnovationForGood
The WIC will harness the creativity and ingenuity of the University’s rich, diverse community of innovators to solve complex, real-world problems.
![Wits awards Chemistry alumnus Dr David Fine an honorary doctorate in Science Wits awards Chemistry alumnus Dr David Fine an honorary doctorate in Science](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Dr David Fine 600x300 2.jpg)
Fine advice on failing, luck and limiting expertise
Wits University awarded Dr David Fine an honorary degree at the Faculty of Science graduation ceremony on 17 April 2023.
![Science graduates celebrate friendship and success on 17 April Science graduates celebrate friendship and success on 17 April](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Grads_17April_600x300px.png)
Graduation season brings joy
Wits to award honorary doctorates to Ambassador Abdul Minty and Dr David Fine, and 5 341 Witsies to graduate in the first celebrations of the year.
![Wits Innovation Centre (WIC) Wits Innovation Centre (WIC)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/Wits-Innovation-Centre_logo_600x300px.jpg)
Be(IE) innovators of the future
The first Biomedical Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Course sparks a new era for #WitsInnovation.
![Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/CAPSI logo 600x300px.jpg)
CAPSI and Mastercard Foundation Partner on Project Geared Towards Youth Employment Research
The project will be carried out in cooperation with an African-led network of academic institutions and will include research and knowledge dissemination.
![Willem Cullen Library Willem Cullen Library](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Willem Cullen 600x300px.jpg)
Landmark agreement with Elsevier ensures open access publishing for African researchers
The South African National Library and Information Consortium (SANLiC) has signed a landmark transformational open access agreement with Elsevier.
![Swedish delegation Swedish delegation](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Swedish Delegation 600x300px.jpg)
Wits hosts leaders of Swedish universities
A delegation from the South Africa Sweden University Forum (SASUF) visited Wits as part of the Research and Innovation Week 2023
![Pecogrid power brick Pecogrid power brick](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Pecogrid.jpg)
Sun-powered microgrid study launched in Pretoria
The Pecogrid pilot study will examine the viability of the large-scale rollout of microgrid inverter systems in informal communities.
![The floods that impacted Durban in April 2022 were the most catastrophic yet, recorded in KwaZulu-Natal. Credit: Chante Shatz. The floods that impacted Durban in April 2022 were the most catastrophic yet, recorded in KwaZulu-Natal. Credit: Chante Shatz.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Durban flood 600x30px.jpg)
The 2022 Durban floods were the most catastrophic yet recorded in KwaZulu-Natal
Research shows flooding events in the province have doubled in the last century.
![Generic image of African woman holding pregnant belly Generic image of African woman holding pregnant belly](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/African woman holding pregnant belly 600x300.jpg)
Respiratory virus plagues SA but new vaccine for pregnant moms saves babies
Does immunising a woman during pregnancy protect her unborn baby against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the months after it is born?
![Post failure satellite image of the Jagersfontein Dam about which Wits civil engineers published a study 600x300 Post failure satellite image of the Jagersfontein Dam about which Wits civil engineers published a study 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Post failure satellite image of the Jagersfontein Dam about which Wits civil engineers published a study 600x300.jpg)
Civil engineers use public satellite images to study why the Jagersfontein dam failed
Study by civil engineers at Wits University finds that the history of the Jagersfontein dam deviates from best engineering practice.
![US Ambassador Reuben Brigety with Professor Zeblon Vilakazi and staff on the steps of the Great Hall US Ambassador Reuben Brigety with Professor Zeblon Vilakazi and staff on the steps of the Great Hall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/US Ambassador visits Wits-33.jpg)
US Ambassador visits Wits
The United States Ambassador to SA, Reuben Brigety II, visited Wits University and engaged with a select group of Wits students studying International Relations
![VC awards 2023 VC awards 2023](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/VC award 600x300px.jpg)
Wits University celebrates students
Outstanding matriculants, now Wits students receive Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Awards, which covers full tuition fees.
![Social media © Curiosity Social media © Curiosity](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-12/Social-media_Â-Curiosity_600x300px.jpg)
Industries can harm health in many ways: here are 3 that aren’t so obvious
A recent groundbreaking series of reports in The Lancet journal unpacks what commercial determinants of health are and how they affect public health.
![Coping strategies for food insecure households include begging which negatively affects mental health Coping strategies for food insecure households include begging which negatively affects mental health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Food security 600x300.jpg)
1 in 5 South African households begs for food – the link between food insecurity and mental health
At least ten million South Africans didn’t have enough food or money to buy food in 2019, according to the country’s statistics agency.
![Jeremy Gordin Jeremy Gordin](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Jeremy Gordin 600x300px.jpg)
Wits mourns the passing of veteran journalist Jeremy Gordin
Jeremy Gordin led the Wits Justice Project for several years.
![Flag of Tanzania Flag of Tanzania](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jul-dec/Flag-of-Tanzania_600x300px.jpg)
Deep ties evoke Africa’s sacrifices for freedom
Tanzania and South Africa: Ties between the two nations date back to Tanzania’s solidarity with the anti-apartheid struggle.
![Three fellows Three fellows](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/three fellows 300x600px.jpg)
Three Royal Fellows Reunite at Wits
It was the meeting of three great intellectuals, all Fellows of the Royal Society (UK), all scientists, and all fellow Witsies.
![Generic image of junk food hamburgers coke chips Generic image of junk food hamburgers coke chips](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jan-june/Junk food generic 600x300.jpg)
The world is hooked on junk food: how big companies pull it off
Over many decades, our food environments have been encouraging us to make choices that are harmful to our health, through pricing, marketing and availability.
![Tshidiso Ntshabele is the new Head of Campus Health and Wellness Centre Tshidiso Ntshabele is the new Head of Campus Health and Wellness Centre](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Tshidiso Ntshabele_CampusHealth_600x300px.png)
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.
![Alcohol consumption Alcohol consumption](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Alcohol-consumption_600x300px.jpg)
The Lancet Series on the commercial determinants of health
The 3-paper Series launching at Wits today is a ground-breaking exposé of the products and practices collectively called the commercial determinants of health.
![Standard Bank CEO Sim Shabalala, Professor Adam Tooze, Standard Bank East Africa CEO Patrick Mweheire Standard Bank CEO Sim Shabalala, Professor Adam Tooze, Standard Bank East Africa CEO Patrick Mweheire](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Tooze_StandardBank.jpg)
Africa’s moment to shine
Africa is entering a century of global dominance in growth.
![Professor Helen Rees, Executive Director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) Professor Helen Rees, Executive Director of the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Helen-Rees_600x300px.jpg)
Global health professor at Wits to receive honorary degree
Professor Helen Rees, Executive Director of Wits RHI, will on Friday, 31 March 2023 receive an honorary degree from Rhodes University.
![The Lancet Series on the commercial determinants of health include industries such as processed food, tobacco, alcohol and fossil fuels that put profits before public health The Lancet Series on the commercial determinants of health include industries such as processed food, tobacco, alcohol and fossil fuels that put profits before public health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Profit versus health_ 4 ways big global industries make people sick 600x300.png)
Profit versus health: 4 ways big global industries make people sick
It’s commonly known that alcohol and tobacco use make us ill. Less known is that just 4 industries account for at least one-third of global preventable deaths.
![2023 launch of Student Entrepreneurship Education and Development (SEED) 2023 launch of Student Entrepreneurship Education and Development (SEED)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/SEED 2023 launch_600x300px.png)
Students entrepreneurship on the rise
More and more students are exploring entrepreneurship and joining campus initiatives that support various stages to business success.
![SOAS Signing SOAS Signing](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/SOAS 600X300px.jpg)
Wits University and SOAS partner to offer ground-breaking doctoral degree
Wits University and the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London join forces to offer a first of its kind PhD.
![Professor Bavesh Kana Professor Bavesh Kana](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Professor_Bavesh_Kana_600x300.jpg)
A gold medal for tuberculosis molecular diagnosis
It's World TB Day and award-winning microbiologist Bavesh Kana knows molecular diagnostics can take on this lethal bacterial disease that still kills millions.
![Principal event Principal event](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Principal events 600x300px.jpg)
Principals honoured as top achievers from Gauteng schools
Many of Wits University’s top learners come from important feeder schools, which produce quality students that easily adjust to the academic demands at Wits.
![Professors Bavesh Kana and Lynn Morris Professors Bavesh Kana and Lynn Morris](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Professors-Bavesh-Kana-and-Lynn-Morris_600x300px.jpg)
Two leading Wits scientists appointed to National Advisory Council on Innovation
Professor Lynn Morris and Professor Bavesh Kana will advise government on how to harness and grow innovation.
![The South African Rand The South African Rand](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Money.jpg)
When banks go bust: the four factors at play
Confidence in banking is hard-earned and easily shocked. This makes individual banks and the sector susceptible to knock-on effects from other institutions.
![Professor Adam Tooze in conversation with Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago. Professor Adam Tooze in conversation with Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Tooze_Kganyago.jpg)
No time for business as usual
Central banks find themselves at a crossroads of holding to old mandates but having to face up to new world challenges.
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
The soul of South Africa: corrupt to the core?
South Africans are simply not angry enough, protesting enough and shaming the ANC government and leaders enough for their corruption, state failure and decay.
![Professor Athol Kemball Professor Athol Kemball](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Kemball.jpg)
Esteemed astronomer joins Wits as a Distinguished Professor
Professor Athol Kemball joins the Wits School of Physics as a Distinguished Professor through the Carnegie Africa Diaspora Programme.
![Lego Pride | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Lego Pride | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Lego-Pride_600x300px.jpg)
Major new study on LGBTIQ+ migrants and asylum seekers
The absence of reliable quantitative data makes it difficult – if not impossible – to hold Home Affairs, the police and other state entities to account.
![Pic credit: GCRO Pic credit: GCRO](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/GCRO_Papama_Tungeli_600x300-600x300.png)
Climate change a time for Africa to roar back
The battle for power and profits is on as the world moves towards the green agenda.
![A black woman with braids sleeping on her side A black woman with braids sleeping on her side](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Sleep-health_600x300px.jpg)
Get 40 winks and more this World Sleep Day
17 March is World Sleep Day and sleep is the third pillar of good health after a healthy diet and exercise.
![Chinese President Xi Jinping Chinese President Xi Jinping](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Chinese-President-Xi-Jinping_600x300px.jpg)
US-China tensions: how Africa can avoid being caught in a new Cold War
There are fears that escalating US-Chinese tensions could threaten the independence of African and other nonaligned nations.
![Mr Jonas Bogoshi, BCX CEO (on behalf of the Telkom Group), and Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University Mr Jonas Bogoshi, BCX CEO (on behalf of the Telkom Group), and Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Jonas Bogoshi and Professor Zeblon Vilakazi sign agreement-3 600x300pg.jpg)
Wits and Telkom launch new industry solutions lab
Telkom and Wits sign a partnership agreement to establish the new Telkom Industry Solutions Lab.
![](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Prof.-Lee-Berger_2023.jpg)
Professor Lee Berger appointed as National Geographic Explorer in Residence
Professor Lee Berger appointed as National Geographic Explorer in Residence, but will remain at Wits as an Honorary Professor.
![Wits Logo Wits Logo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.png)
Update from the Senior Executive Team - 14 March 2023
Management welcomes the proposal to enter a mediation process as soon as possible and has communicated as such with the SRC.
![Wits has invested some R9 million in Centennial Postdoctoral Fellowships Wits has invested some R9 million in Centennial Postdoctoral Fellowships](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Wits Centennial Postdoctoral Fellowships 600x300.jpg)
Wits awards 29 Centennial Postdoctoral Fellowships
The University has invested R9-million in postdoctoral fellowships to advance its innovation and internationalisation strategies and its research agenda.
![DNA DNA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/DNA-600x300px.jpg)
Human genome editing – progress, promise, and challenges
The 3rd International Summit on Human Genome Editing took place in the UK in March. Wits Professor of Genetics Michèle Ramsay was on the organising committee.
![U.S delegation at the Wits RHI during PEPFAR event U.S delegation at the Wits RHI during PEPFAR event](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/PEPFAR lunch at Wits RHI web thumb.jpg)
Wits and US Congress celebrate 20 years of PEPFAR
The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute hosted a US Congress Delegation to mark the programme’s two decades of HIV/Aids relief.
![Wits logo full colour 600x300 Wits logo full colour 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.jpg)
Wits' Response To SRC'S Demands - 10 March 2023
STATEMENT: Wits addresses some of the misinformation being shared by some protestors with students.
![Co-authors and editors on the Health Reforms book LtoR Yogan Pillay Clinton Health Access Foundation, Tracey Naledi UCT, Precious Matsoso Wits & WHO INB Co-Chair, Robyn Hayes Badenhorst Wits Health Consortium Co-authors and editors on the Health Reforms book LtoR Yogan Pillay Clinton Health Access Foundation, Tracey Naledi UCT, Precious Matsoso Wits & WHO INB Co-Chair, Robyn Hayes Badenhorst Wits Health Consortium](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Health Reforms book editors contributors 600x300 (002).jpg)
Seminal book strengthens research-evidence-policy links to improve science implementation
Several Witsies contributed to a book that provides a first-hand account of public health progress and challenges in SA between 2015 and 2020.
![Wits Logo Wits Logo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.png)
VC and management reps meet SRC
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal and members of management met with the current members of the Students’ Representative Council yesterday.
![Young man staring/student © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Young man staring/student © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-10/Young-man_600x300px.jpg)
Depression, anxiety and childhood trauma: who's most at risk
Adverse childhood experiences are associated with an increased risk of mental health problems in adulthood.
![Research at Agincourt Research at Agincourt](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Research-at-Agincourt_600x300px (002).jpg)
Excess mortality initiative underway to count every death, because every death counts
Wits Rural Knowledge Hub researchers’ analysis of mortality data during the worst of Covid-19 will give insights into the steps to take in the next pandemic.
![Coal mining and power station. ©Flickr GovernmentZA Coal mining and power station. ©Flickr GovernmentZA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Eskom-Medupi-Power-Station_600x300px.jpg)
Power cuts: South Africa’s state of disaster is being contested in court
South Africa’s courts are likely to set a high bar in cases brought against the government’s most recent state of disaster declaration.
![Wake Up, This is Joburg Wake Up, This is Joburg](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Wake-Up,-This-is-Joburg_600x300px.jpg)
The real Joburg in 6 powerful photos
From butchers to hawkers, and shelters to miners, this book reveals the informal economy and texture of the city.
![Wits Logo Wits Logo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.png)
Confirmation That Mr Aphiwe Mnyamana Has Been Suspended
We refer to Mr Aphiwe Mnyamana's tweet posted at 20:31 tonight and confirm that Mr Mnyamana was suspended on 6 March 2023.
![Wits Logo Wits Logo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.png)
Update On Protests 6 March 2023 20:30
We extend our deep appreciation to all staff and students for seamlessly pivoting to blended teaching and learning today.
![Townships and pollution © Daylin Paul | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Townships and pollution © Daylin Paul | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-9/Township and pollution  Daylin Paul_600x300px.jpg)
Facing the climate crisis in a world of inequality: Who should pay? Who will pay?
South Africa holds the dishonourable title of most unequal country in the world, and Africa’s largest carbon emitter.
![Wits logo full colour 600x300 Wits logo full colour 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.jpg)
Update on protests - 5 March 2023 (23:00)
We will continue with teaching and learning in a blended learning mode
![Wits Logo Wits Logo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.png)
Response from the Senior Executive Team on protests
The Senior Executive Team met on Sunday, 05 March 2023 to consider the demands put forward by the SRC.
![Wits Logo Wits Logo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.png)
Update from the Senior Executive Team, 3 March 14:30
Lectures at Wits proceeded well today in a multimodal format.
![Curios.ty HUNGER GAMES Curios.ty HUNGER GAMES](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Sauerkraut_ÃCuriosity_600x300px (002).jpg)
Tackling obesity with medication: New hope and real challenges
Pharmaceuticals could be manufactured and sold at reasonable profit, far below the current eye-watering prices, according to a paper in the journal Obesity.
![Wits logo full colour 600x300 Wits logo full colour 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.jpg)
Update on student protests (2 March 2022 - 18:00)
Wits issues multiple suspension orders to disruptors who transgressed the University’s rules. All university activities will continue as scheduled on Friday.
![Wits logo full colour 600x300 Wits logo full colour 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.jpg)
Update on student protests (2 March 2022 - 14:00)
The University remains open and the academic programme continues as scheduled.
![Wits logo full colour 600x300 Wits logo full colour 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.jpg)
Update on student protests (1 March 2022 - 18:00)
Entry key and exit points are being managed to ensure your safe entry, and officers will be stationed at key lecture theatres to ensure classes continue.
![Coping strategies for food insecure households include begging which negatively affects mental health Coping strategies for food insecure households include begging which negatively affects mental health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Food security 600x300.jpg)
Living in food insecure households associated with poor mental health – SA study
To ensure adequate food, one in five South African households revealed that they had to send someone to beg for food.
![Sex Work SA Sex Work SA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jan-june/Sex-Work-SA_600x300px.jpg)
Sex work in SA - Buy and sell should be legal
The repeal of outdated apartheid-era laws would have a far-reaching, positive impact on individual sex workers’ health and well-being.
![Wits Logo Wits Logo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.png)
Statement from the Senior Executive Team on protests
The University is committed to ensuring that staff and students are safe. The academic programme will continue as scheduled.
![Temperature change in Africa Temperature change in Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Temp change in Africa 600x300px.jpg)
Climate change solutions must incorporate development and equality
Energy, water and food security must be prioritised, as global warming puts millions of vulnerable people, particularly in developing countries, at grave risk.
The hurdles facing migrant protection in South Africa
Forms of protection for forced migrants in South Africa continue to shrink, leaving civil society and unreliable stakeholders as guardians.
![Dr Mitch Cox named 2023 Optica Ambassador Dr Mitch Cox named 2023 Optica Ambassador](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Dr-Mitch-Cox_600x300px.jpg)
Dr Mitch Cox named 2023 Optica Ambassador
He is one of 10 exceptional early-career members selected from around the world to serve as a 2023 Optical Foundation Ambassador.
![Floods and extreme weather in Africa Floods and extreme weather in Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jul-dec/Generic_Flooding-and-weather_600x300px.jpg)
Adapting to climate change in urban Nigeria
Poverty drives vulnerability to climate risks in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Here are 4 factors that affect how residents adapt.
![HIV particles pictured use a receptor called CCR5 to infect human cells. A particular mutation in this receptor makes cells resistant to the virus. Image credit James Cavallini Science Source SPL.600x300 HIV particles pictured use a receptor called CCR5 to infect human cells. A particular mutation in this receptor makes cells resistant to the virus. Image credit James Cavallini Science Source SPL.600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/HIV particles pictured use a receptor called CCR5 to infect human cells. A particular mutation in this receptor makes cells resistant to the virus.Credit_James Cav.jpg)
Successful cure of HIV infection after stem cell transplantation
An international group of researchers including Wits scientists have identified a third case of HIV infection cured by stem cell transplantation.
![Rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes Rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/AKA_600x300px.jpg)
AKA’s murder video went viral - it shouldn’t have
The explosive viral spread of the grainy but dramatic footage shows the limits of mainstream media ethics.
![2023 Budget Speech winners 600x300px 2023 Budget Speech winners 600x300px](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/2023 budget speech winners.jpg)
Witsies dominate the 51st budget speech competition
Wits scoops four out of the top six positions and prizes available at the national budget speech competition.
![Gateway to success Gateway to success](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Gateway to success 600x300px.jpg)
First-year students ready for life at Wits thanks to Gateway to Success
The Gateway to Success programme prepares new undergraduates for life on campus with a curriculum that combines both social and academic components.
![Dr Dinesh Balliah Dr Dinesh Balliah](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Dr Dinesh Balliah 600x300px.jpg)
New Head of the Wits Centre for Journalism
Dr Dinesh Balliah has been appointed as the Director of the Wits Centre for Journalism as from 1 March 2023.
![Optica 600x300px Optica 600x300px](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Optica_600x300 (003).jpg)
South African team makes giant leap towards a 3D quantum camera
By improving the principle of “Ghost imaging” researchers manage to create images of an object that stays completely in the dark.
![Food garden 600x300px Food garden 600x300px](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Food waste.jpg)
Creating a thriving and regenerative environmental ecosystem at Wits
Wits University is committed to imagine how waste, including food waste, can be better utilised in service of people and the planet.
![Wits Spirit Games 600x300 Wits Spirit Games 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Spirit game 600x300px.jpg)
First Years revel in the Wits Spirit
Excitement fills the air as Wits FC wins against Orlando Pirates at the 2023 Spirit Game.
![Poverty, inequality, rural, food insecurity Poverty, inequality, rural, food insecurity](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jan-june/Food_Poverty_rural_600x300px.jpg)
Hunger in SA: 1 in 5 at risk
Social grants are the largest source of support for many vulnerable groups, and the government’s primary response to poverty, food insecurity and inequality.
![Beaded necklace in shape of Africa to denote African genetic sequencing. Image first published in Wits Curiosty magazine WITS100 issue Beaded necklace in shape of Africa to denote African genetic sequencing. Image first published in Wits Curiosty magazine WITS100 issue](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/African-genetic-sequencing_600x300px.jpg)
International congress of Human Genetics 'comes home' to Africa
South Africa will host the 14th International Congress of Human Genetics (ICHG 2023) themed 'Coming Home' from 22 to 26 February 2023.
![SRC embarks on fundraising campaign and dismisses beliefs about entitled youth SRC embarks on fundraising campaign and dismisses beliefs about entitled youth](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/SRC_2023_Fundraising_CleanUp_600x300px.png)
SRC launches fundraising campaign and promotes active citizenship
Student leaders aim to raise money to help peers with debt register and return to class in 2023.
![The 2023 Friedel Sellschop fellows are pictured left to right Drs Mitch Cox, Eloise van der Merwe and Abhishek Pandey The 2023 Friedel Sellschop fellows are pictured left to right Drs Mitch Cox, Eloise van der Merwe and Abhishek Pandey](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/The 2023 Friedel Sellschop fellows are LtoR Drs Mitch Cox, Eloise van der Merwe and Abhishek Pandey.jpg)
Wits names three scholars as Friedel Sellschop Fellows
The University awarded the prestigious Friedel Sellschop fellowship award to Dr Mitchell Cox, Dr Eloise van der Merwe, and Dr Abhishek Pandey.
![The South African Rand The South African Rand](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Money(2).jpg)
The invisible trillions of global capitalism
Raymond W. Baker says the estimated hundreds of billions of dollars in hidden wealth a decade ago has skyrocketed to trillions today.
![Colleen Vogel Colleen Vogel](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Colleen Vogel 600x300px.jpg)
Experts call for climate change mindset shift that draws from various knowledge systems
Coleen Vogel, Professor at the Global Change Institute among experts who propose the adoption of practical wisdom in the fight against climate change.
![](/media/wits-university/faculties-and-schools/health-sciences/images/Pictures-2.png)
Why South African moms buy commercial milk formula when breast is best
Baby formula companies use nefarious and exploitative methods to create an artificial demand for their products, thereby undermining breastfeeding.
![Letlotlo Phohole and Dr Adam Pantanowitz will be leading the Wits Innovation Centre Letlotlo Phohole and Dr Adam Pantanowitz will be leading the Wits Innovation Centre](/media/wits-university/research/innovation/images/Letlotlo-Phohole-and-Dr-Adam-Pantanowitz_600x300px.jpg)
Wits Innovation Centre announces team
Dr Adam Pantanowitz has been appointed as Chair in Innovation and Director of the WIC, and Letlotlo Phohole as Senior Programme Manager.
![Lehlohonolo Kgopa (Hlalele) owner of Eggsclusive, was named the Most Outstanding Student Entrepreneur Lehlohonolo Kgopa (Hlalele) owner of Eggsclusive, was named the Most Outstanding Student Entrepreneur](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Lehlohonolo_Kgopa_Hlale_600x300px.png)
Budding entrepreneur cracks student market
Passion, strategy and excellence creates a flourishing business for law student.
![CARTA website CARTA website](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/CARTA 600X300px.jpg)
Increasing the visibility of African research and researchers
Consortium for Advanced Research Training in Africa (CARTA) launches Evidence website.
![Structured light Structured light](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/structured_light.jpg)
Researchers find distortion-free forms of structured light
Research offers a new approach to studying complex light in complex systems, such as transporting classical and quantum light through optical fiber.
![The Martins family (l-r) Evan, Dominic (BSc Actuarial Science), John and Isabellla The Martins family (l-r) Evan, Dominic (BSc Actuarial Science), John and Isabellla](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/The Martins Family_600x300px.png)
In it For Good
Energy, joy and commitment at an all-time-high as first-year students join the Wits family.
![Air pollution by power station © Daylin Paul | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Air pollution by power station © Daylin Paul | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-9/Air pollution by power station  Daylin Paul600x300px.jpg)
Use practical wisdom in climate change actions
Wits’ Global Change Institute among global scientists calling for a mindset shift about climate change which draws from various knowledge systems
![Solar power and energy Solar power and energy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jan-june/Solar-power_600x300px.jpg)
Informal settlements could drive solar revolution
Solar would provide their dwellings with power, but also a source of revenue if power is sold back to the grid.
![Medicine and vitamis Medicine and vitamis](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2023-jan-june/Medicine-and-vitamins_600x300px.jpg)
Vitamins and supplements: what you need to know
There’s a common perception that supplements are harmless. But they can be dangerous at incorrect dosages.
![Siddis performing_Credit_Sayan Dey, CC BY Siddis performing_Credit_Sayan Dey, CC BY](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Siddis-performing_Credit_Sayan-Dey,-CC-BY_600x300px.jpg)
How East Africans shaped the music in India
Dhamaal music and dance reveal a rich and complex mixing of cultures that is shaped by history.
![Graduations at Wits Graduations at Wits](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Graduations_600x300px.jpg)
New Wits-UoE doctoral training centre
Wits University is proud to collaborate with the University of Edinburgh (UoE) to establish a new collaborative doctoral training centre in Africa.
![Keneiloe Molopyane Keneiloe Molopyane](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Keneiloe_Molopyane.jpg)
Wits researcher invited into her second exclusive global explorers club
Dr Keneiloe Molopyane joins the EC50 class of 2023, after also being selected as an Emerging Explorer for the National Geographic Society in 2021.
![Township, town, inequality, economy, electricity, power Township, town, inequality, economy, electricity, power](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_township_inequality_600x300px.jpg)
Mass economic illiteracy equally poses terrifying risks
South Africa may have among the largest mass belief in Soviet-style state-centred economics - education is needed on the disastrous impact in post-war Africa.
![A new Data Sciences and Innovation Hub opened at Wits Rural Campus in Mpumalanga in November 2022 Nov22 A new Data Sciences and Innovation Hub opened at Wits Rural Campus in Mpumalanga in November 2022 Nov22](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Wits Agincourt Data Sciences and Innovation Hub Nov22 600x300px.jpg)
This is not just a building ...
The new Data Sciences and Innovation Hub at Wits Rural Campus marks 30 years of rural public health research and sets the scene for an innovative epoch in 2023.
![Sports Awards Sports Awards](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Sport Awards 600x300px.jpg)
Wits Sports honours top achievers
Student-athletes commended for balancing sports and academics
![Climate change Climate change](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Drought-600x300px.jpg)
Heat stress is rising in southern Africa
Southern Africans are experiencing heat stress more often than in 1979. Climate experts show where and when it’s the worst.
![Cattle in Africa Cattle in Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Cattle_600x300px.jpg)
Africa’s large mammals shaped human evolution
New book shows this amazing evolutionary transformation of humankind could only have happened in Africa.
![The Lost Prince of the ANC The Lost Prince of the ANC](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/The-Lost-Prince-of-the-ANC_600x300px.jpg)
Nation building debate is still relevant today
New book by scholar Mandla Radebe reminds us of the debates by an idealistic generation committed to building a non-racial SA.
![Prof. Varoshini Nadesan, Prof. Annamaria Campanini and Dr Busisiwe Nkala-Dlamini Prof. Varoshini Nadesan, Prof. Annamaria Campanini and Dr Busisiwe Nkala-Dlamini](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Social work 600x300px.jpg)
Global President of Schools of Social Work visits Wits
International President of Schools of Social Work visits Wits to discuss preparing the next generation to keep pace with the needs of society.
![Ensuring the right skills to navigate the energy transition Ensuring the right skills to navigate the energy transition](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/sustainable-energy-production_600x300px.jpg.png)
Ensuring the right skills to navigate the energy transition
The South African National Energy Association (SANEA) will launch its South African Energy Skills Roadmap on 27 January 2023.
![TTP students in front of Great Hall TTP students in front of Great Hall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/TTP students at Great Hall 600x300.jpg)
100% Matric pass for Wits University’s Targeting Talent Programme participants
Grade 12 learners who completed a pre-university enrichment programme at Wits have excelled in Matric.
![Medical student , Zahra Kader, is a seasoned karate-ga and member of the national team Medical student , Zahra Kader, is a seasoned karate-ga and member of the national team](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Zahra Kader_600x300px.jpg)
Medical student a karate star
Third-year medical student, Zahra Kader, is a seasoned karate-ga and a member of the national team.
![Breastfeeding advances society. © Curiosity | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Breastfeeding advances society. © Curiosity | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-6/Nursing-and-breastfeeding_ÂCuriosity_600x300px.jpg)
Pregnant learners need creches and compassion
Under South African law, girls have the right to continue their schooling through and after their pregnancies.
![Dr Frene Ginwala Dr Frene Ginwala](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Dr-Frene-Ginwala_600x300px.jpg)
Wits mourns the passing of Dr Frene Ginwala
We extend our condolences to her comrades, family and friends, and those who were close to her.
![Rock Art event Rock Art event](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/RARI event 600x300.jpg)
The ancient San painting featured in SA’s coat of arms
The exhibition titled ǃke e꞉ ǀxarra ǁke [‘People who are different’, ‘come together’], celebrates the rock art of the San people and is on display now at the Or
![Sarah Eram Sarah Eram](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2023-jan-april/Sarah.jpg)
Varsity an eye-opener for student leader
Moving from Bangladesh to start university in South Africa and using a fourth language stretched Sarah Eram, a student leader in the School of Business Science.
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Our universities must join the new global academia
My annual return to South Africa for the summer holidays has at one level been depressing.
![Riverlea 600x300 Riverlea 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Riverlea 600x300px.jpg)
Celebrating a 100 years of Wits for good
Remembering the outstanding working done by Wits’ student body in Riverlea in the 1960s to early 1980s.
![Prof Yahya Choonara 600x300px Prof Yahya Choonara 600x300px](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Prof Yahya Choonara 600x300.jpg)
African Academy of Sciences awards Wits pharmacist for scientific discovery and innovation
The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) named Wits Professor Choonara winner of its Olusegun Obasanjo Prize for Scientific Discovery and Technological Innovation.
![Prof Aimee Stewart Prof Aimee Stewart](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Prof Aimee Stewart 600x300.jpg)
The three life values that stuck with this Wits alumna
Enthusiasm, integrity and compassion. These are the three life values renowned physiotherapist Professor Stewart shared as she accepted a Gold Medal.
![CHPC 1st CHPC 1st](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/1st place 600x300px.jpg)
Wits Students take first and Second place at the National Conference
Witsies dominate at the Centre for High Performance Computing (CHPC) National Conference Student Cluster Competition.
![Air pollution by power station © Daylin Paul | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Air pollution by power station © Daylin Paul | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-9/Air pollution by power station  Daylin Paul600x300px.jpg)
Climate change can be beaten – why some scientists are hopeful
Can our planet recover from climate change? Commissioning Editor, Kofoworola Belo-Osagie, asked scientists to share the reasons they believe there is hope.
![South Africa-Europe partnership South Africa-Europe partnership](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Future leadership 600x300.jpg)
Wits takes lead in Global Innovative Seismic testing project for new generation exploration
The testing phase of a SA-Europe partnership project this December marks a significant step forward in developing new generation seismic sensing technology.
![Carnegie fellows share milestones as they work towards transforming the knowledge economy Carnegie fellows share milestones as they work towards transforming the knowledge economy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Carnegie fellows_600x300px.png)
Carnegie programme going strong
Carnegie funded programmes makes critical contributions to the knowledge project and talent-pipeline.
![Old College, University of Edinburgh Old College, University of Edinburgh](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Old-College_University-of-Edinburgh_600x300px.jpg)
Transformative Fellowships for humanities researchers
The African Fellowships programme advances South-North research collaboration to find solutions to global challenges.
![Celine Xu a Grade 5 learner topped her peers in the Middle Primary category Celine Xu a Grade 5 learner topped her peers in the Middle Primary category](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Celine Xu_WitsMathsCompetition_600x300px.png)
Wits Maths Competition sharpens school learners
Learners praise competition for providing a mixture of stimulating challenges that took them out of the comfort zone.
![Professor Hazel Sive awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering by Wits University Professor Hazel Sive awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering by Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Prof hazel Sive_600x300px.png)
How studying frog eggs enabled understanding of human facial deformities
A Wits alumna and renowned biologist shared how her international career started with unravelling 'ant songs' and scrutinising frog eggs.
![Adam Habib portrait Adam Habib portrait](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Adam Habib 600x300.jpg)
Memorialising a revolutionary leader
A new partnership is forged as a portrait of Professor Adam Habib is unveiled.
![Human trafficking and children Human trafficking and children](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jul-dec/Human-trafficking_600x300px.jpg)
Child nutrition programmes can feed inequality
Children who need help most tend to experience adversity throughout childhood. That continuing adversity muffles the benefit of improved early nutrition.
![Drought and climate change in Africa Drought and climate change in Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jul-dec/Drought-and-climate-change_600x300px.jpg)
Climate change is not what South Africans see as their main problem
![All smiles on graduation day All smiles on graduation day](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-sept-dec/Graduation_Students_600x300.jpg)
Wits celebrates thousands of graduates this week
Wits honours two healthcare professionals who are changing the world for good.
![Transport, trains, Johannesburg, rails, inequality, streets, economy Transport, trains, Johannesburg, rails, inequality, streets, economy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Johannesburg_transport_railways_600x300pxjpg.jpg)
With Mbalula in the driver’s seat, we’re on a rail to nowhere
Lack of effective public transport is now a major constraint on economic growth, job creation and business productivity.
![African National Congress (ANC) African National Congress (ANC)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_ANC-colours.jpg)
What is the Radical Economic Transformation faction in SA
Despite its vagueness, the RET has become central to the contemporary ANC. It is destined to remain a powerful bloc within the party.
![Business, work, technology Business, work, technology](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Business_work_tech_600x300px.jpg)
How to address the skills shortages plaguing SA’s economy
Education can’t make up for inadequacies in other policies that continue to cause mass unemployment.
![A martial eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) perched on a tree, Kruger National Park, South Africa. A martial eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus) perched on a tree, Kruger National Park, South Africa.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jul-dec/Eagle_birds_Africa_600x300px.jpg)
Toxic DDT isn't being monitored in birds of prey
DDT accumulates in wildlife and magnifies up the food chain. Birds of prey occupy the top of these food chains in various ecosystems.
![Covid_19 Covid_19](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/covid.jpg)
Study shows how Covid-19 affected access to HIV treatment
The individual stories of migrant women are essential in understanding if HIV healthcare strategies and programmes are working.
![Mountains in Africa Mountains in Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jul-dec/Mountains-in-Africa_600x300px.jpg)
African mountains are feeling the heat of climate change
Mountain systems are sensitive to climate change. Loss of snow and ice sets off effects which have wide ranging consequences.
![Wits and Makerere University virtually sign Memorandum of Understanding Wits and Makerere University virtually sign Memorandum of Understanding](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/MoU Wits x Makerere 600x300.jpg)
Wits-Makerere strengthen partnership through joint centennial celebration
Wits University and the University of Makerere in Uganda cemented their long-standing partnership with a virtual signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.
![WBS WBS](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/resize business school.png)
Wits Business School wins big at 2022 Emerald/AABS case writing competition
WBS Case Centre takes top three spots at the awards.
![Injectable HIV prevention Injectable HIV prevention](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Injectables HIV 600x300.jpg)
Injectable HIV prevention drug shows promise: we worked out how much South Africa should pay for it
The benefit of an injectable product is that it avoids the adherence issues related to taking a pill daily.
![Professor Andrew Forbes Professor Andrew Forbes](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Andrew-Forbes_600x300px-1.jpg)
Wits physicist is joint winner of The World Academy of Sciences award
Professor Andrew Forbes shares the award for physics with Professor Jueinai Kwo of Taiwan.
![Professor Bruce Mellado in the School of Physics won the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researcher Professor Bruce Mellado in the School of Physics won the TW Kambule-NSTF Award: Researcher](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-sept-dec/Bruce Mellado 600x300.jpg)
Wits physicist elected as a Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences
Professor Bruce Mellado joins other prominent Wits scientists in the ranks of the Fellowship.
![Butterfly migration Butterfly migration](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/butterfly migration 600x300px.jpg)
White butterflies are filling Johannesburg’s skies earlier than usual. Climate change is to blame
The brown-veined white butterfly (Benenois aurota) annual migrate between 80,000 and 155,000 butterflies per hour from SA’s Kalahari region to Mozambique.
![Wits Chief Financial Officer Maureen Manyama Wits Chief Financial Officer Maureen Manyama](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Maureen Manyama 600x300 (002).jpg)
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.
![Rock Art Rock Art](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/RARI event 600x300.jpg)
Rock art: how South Africa’s coat of arms got to feature an ancient San painting
A new exhibition titled ǃke e꞉ ǀxarra ǁke – People who are different come together – celebrates the rock art of the San people.
![The Wits DPHRU has produced the Healthy Adult Ageing SA report card 600x300 The Wits DPHRU has produced the Healthy Adult Ageing SA report card 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/The Wits DPHRU has produced the Healthy Adult Ageing SA report card 600x300.jpg.png)
Ground-breaking report card gives crucial health data to manage illnesses of middle-age
Adults aged 45-65, as caregivers and workers, are high risk for non-communicable diseases, but data on healthy ageing in SA are insufficient to inform policy.
![COP27 taking place in Cairo, Egypt COP27 taking place in Cairo, Egypt](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/COP27_600x300px.jpg)
COP27 key outcomes: progress on compensation for developing countries, but more needed on climate ju
Academics unpack wins, tensions at COP27 and the way forward.
![MACE 2022 MACE 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/MACE 600X300PX.jpg)
Wits University triumphant at the 2022 higher education awards
Wits takes home nine awards, including special awards for outstanding research and an award for consistent excellence.
![Concept Design - Wits Anglo American Digital Dome Concept Design - Wits Anglo American Digital Dome](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Wits Anglo American Digital Dome.png)
New high-tech Digital Dome catapults Johannesburg Planetarium into the future
Wits University and Anglo American to transform the Johannesburg Planetarium into a world-class digital research, training, and science engagement facility.
![Tamlyn Naidu winner of the 2022 World Finals of the Falling Walls Science Summit Tamlyn Naidu winner of the 2022 World Finals of the Falling Walls Science Summit](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Tamlyn Naidoo_600x300px.png)
Witsie wows global science community
Tamlyn Naidu claims a win for South Africa in Berlin for her research on acid mine drainage.
![SAFTU trade union members, workers and strike. ©SAFTU SAFTU trade union members, workers and strike. ©SAFTU](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/SAFTU-trade-union-members,-workers-and-strike_ÂSAFTU_600x300px.jpg)
Worker organisations can survive the digital age. Here’s how
In the face of a decline in traditional union membership, it’s critical to focus on where resistance is taking place, rather than where it is not.
![Professor Derick Raal Professor Derick Raal](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Prof. Frederick Raal 600 x 300.png)
Wits endocrinologist again named as one of the world’s most highly cited researchers
Professor Derick Raal has for the third time been named as a Highly Cited Researcher.
![Associate Professor Palesa Motshabi-Chakane and Head of the Wits Department of Anaesthesiology is committed to growing the field through research, teaching and advocacy Associate Professor Palesa Motshabi-Chakane and Head of the Wits Department of Anaesthesiology is committed to growing the field through research, teaching and advocacy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Prof Palesa Motshabi-Chakane_600x300px.png)
The queen of hearts
Cardiac anaesthesiologist and recipient of the FALF research excellence award wants to keep hearts pumping.
![Climate inequality Climate inequality](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/climate.jpg)
Just transition requires political, economic and behavioural change
Achieving access to minimum resources and services for all, while safeguarding our planet, requires redistribution and societal transformation.
![Mental health challenges are rife in SA but few people seek help Mental health challenges are rife in SA but few people seek help](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/mental health risk 600x300.jpg)
Mental health in SA is at shocking levels but people are not seeking help
A new study reveals that South Africans suffer higher rates of probable depression and anxiety than other countries.
![An African woman sorts fruit on a shelf in the street.Social vulnerability and food insecurity are linked in SA 600x300. An African woman sorts fruit on a shelf in the street.Social vulnerability and food insecurity are linked in SA 600x300.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Social vulnerability and food insecurity are linked in SA 600x300.jpg)
Social vulnerability and food insecurity persistently prevalent in South Africans
A new study reveals astounding levels of social vulnerability in South Africa, which is linked to food insecurity.
![Wits Rural Facility has scored three architecture awards since upgrade Wits Rural Facility has scored three architecture awards since upgrade](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Wits-Rural-600x300.jpg)
‘Jet lag’ discovered in body clocks of people living with HIV in rural South Africa
People living with HIV have a significantly delayed internal body clock consistent with jet lag symptoms, found a study by SA and UK universities.
![Climate Change Climate Change](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Climate-Change--Me.jpg)
Climate Change and Me marks Wits’ largest first-year course in its history
Climate Change and Me was launched in 2022 and became the largest course by student numbers ever offered at Wits University.
![Constructed Wetlands Constructed Wetlands](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Constructed Wetlands 600x300 (002).jpg)
Clean water solutions made possible for Alex informal settlement through water-based research
The Accessible Greywater Solutions for Urban Informal Townships (URBWAT) project is providing sustainable water solutions for the Alexandra township.
![Elephants, nature, climate change Elephants, nature, climate change](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jul-dec/Generic_Elephants_nature_climate_600x300px.jpg)
How we treat animals is key to human health, just look at Covid-19
‘Scientivist’ says planetary health must be foremost on all agendas because the ill-treatment of animals and delicate ecosystems plays havoc with human health.
![Covid_19 Covid_19](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/covid.jpg)
Wits researchers are part of a study on how to end Covid-19 as a public health threat
Study provides recommendations to end the public health threat without exacerbating socio-economic burdens or putting the most vulnerable at greater risk.
![Research Professor Matthew Chersich Research Professor Matthew Chersich](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Matthew-Chersich_600x300px.jpg)
We are in ‘an abusive relationship’ with nature
Earth became our servant, and we need it to be our family, says Research Professor Matthew Chersich in delivering his inaugural lecture.
![Vaccines | Curiosity 11: #Viral © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ | © Shivan Parusnath Vaccines | Curiosity 11: #Viral © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ | © Shivan Parusnath](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-11/Vaccinations_600x300px.jpg)
Do financial incentives boost vaccination rates?
Cash incentives only have a marginal effect on increasing vaccination uptake by adults, according to a Wits University and Columbia University study.
![Professor of Pharmacy Yahya Choonara recipient of Bureau of the International Pharmaceutical Federation Distinguished P Professor of Pharmacy Yahya Choonara recipient of Bureau of the International Pharmaceutical Federation Distinguished P](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Yahya Choonara recipient of Bureau of the International Pharmaceutical Federation Distinguished Pharmaceutical Science Award 600x300.jpg.png)
Global recognition for research and innovation in pharmaceutical sciences
Wits Professor of Pharmacy, Yahya Choonara, is the 2022 FIP Distinguished Pharmaceutical Science Award winner.
![Professor Achille Mbembe Professor Achille Mbembe](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Professor-Achille-Mbembe_600x300px.jpg)
How we can sustain all life forms
Repairing Earth as a whole, together, is a precondition for human durability.
![Research shows climate change will negatively impact mountain landscapes and human activity – including increasing risks such as avalanches, river floods, landslides, debris flows and lake outburst floods. Research shows climate change will negatively impact mountain landscapes and human activity – including increasing risks such as avalanches, river floods, landslides, debris flows and lake outburst floods.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/mountains.jpg)
Climate change to impact mountains on a global scale
Research shows climate change will negatively impact mountain landscapes, including increasing risks such as avalanches, river floods and landslides.
![The 18th African Investigative Journalism Conference hosted by Wits University and the Wits Centre for Journalism. The 18th African Investigative Journalism Conference hosted by Wits University and the Wits Centre for Journalism.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Investigative Journalism Conference_600x300px.jpg)
ICYMI: Here’s what went down at AIJC 2022
Africa's largest gathering of investigative journalists shows the varied ways this pursuit can be improved, made more impactful and innovative.
![COP27 taking place in Cairo, Egypt COP27 taking place in Cairo, Egypt](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/COP27_600x300px.jpg)
COP27 explained: why should we care
It's that time of the year again when the world gathers to negotiate international climate change agreements.
![Drought and climate change in Africa Drought and climate change in Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jul-dec/Drought-and-climate-change_600x300px.jpg)
Climate change: the effects of extreme heat on health in Africa
Marginalised or minority groups seem to suffer the most from heat-related deaths and disease, and Africa is heating up faster than anywhere else.
![Electrically enabled walking cane Electrically enabled walking cane](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Electric-walking-cane_600x300px.jpg)
‘Dad’s subwoofer’, an electric walking cane, and, is that lighting!?
4th year engineering students show off their bold and visionary solutions with amazing final-year projects.
![Best of Joburg Best of Joburg](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Best of Jhb 600x300.jpg)
Wits University named Best of Joburg
Wits voted as the best tertiary education institution by Johannesburg and Ekurhuleni residents.
![Wits Vice-Chancellor, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, with Professor Barry Dwolatzky Wits Vice-Chancellor, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, with Professor Barry Dwolatzky](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Professors-Zeblon-Vilakazi-and-Barry-Dwolatzky_600x300px.jpg)
Looking ahead from a life of new beginnings
Emeritus Professor Barry Dwolatzky launches inspirational memoir, smartly capturing his less-than-ordinary coded history.
![Zenaye Skosana delivered the perfect gift for the Wits Centenary, a song that captures it all Zenaye Skosana delivered the perfect gift for the Wits Centenary, a song that captures it all](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Zenaye Skosana_WitsForGood_Song_600x300px_.png)
Meet Zenaye, the talent behind the official Wits song
Zenaye Skosana wrote and performed Wits’ official song “For Good”, which was launched just before the Homecoming celebrations.
![Dr Solomon Lefakane has become the first Wits alumnus to be inducted into the Engineering Wall of Fame Dr Solomon Lefakane has become the first Wits alumnus to be inducted into the Engineering Wall of Fame](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Dr Solomon Lefakane plaque unveiled_600x300px.jpg)
First African civil engineer inducted into Wits Wall of Fame
Dr Solomon Lefakane, the first African to obtain a Civil Engineering degree in 1961, is the first Wits alumnus to be inducted into the Engineering Wall of Fame.
![The Engineering Council of South Africa has accredited several Wits mining courses for another five years The Engineering Council of South Africa has accredited several Wits mining courses for another five years](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Engineering Council SA_600x300px.jpg)
Mining school courses accredited for another five years
The Engineering Council of South Africa has accredited several Wits mining courses for another five years.
![Endovascular robotics removes the interventionist from theatre to operate remotely from a cockpit Endovascular robotics removes the interventionist from theatre to operate remotely from a cockpit](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Endovascular robotics removes the interventionist from theatre to operate remotely 600x300.png)
Africa’s first endovascular robotic unit will advance research and enable ‘outreach intelligence’
The new unit at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC) is both a robotics research opportunity and a global responsibility.
![SOA Awards SOA Awards](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Accountancy Awards 600x300.jpg)
School of Accountancy celebrates top achievers
After two years of Covid, the School of Accountancy holds its annual prize-giving ceremony.
![Period Poverty 600x300 Period Poverty 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Period poverty.jpg)
It’s about Bloody time… we end period poverty
Free sanitary pads available to Wits’ students as SRC launches pilot project.
![Grief and Covid-19 Grief and Covid-19](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Grief-and-Covid_600x300px.jpg)
Covid disrupts traditional rituals of mourning
We need to find ways to grieve as individuals, and collectively as a nation, or we risk grief becoming chronic, unleashing psychological and physical illnesses.
![African Investigative Journalism Conference 2022 African Investigative Journalism Conference 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/AIJC__1_600x300px.jpg)
Wits hosts largest gathering of journalists
Over 350 journalists from across the continent will spend three days at Wits University for the 18th African Investigative Journalism Conference.
![The Wits Choir celebrating 60 years The Wits Choir celebrating 60 years](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Wits-Choir_600x300px.jpg)
Wits Choir sings and dances at 60
The Choir officially celebrated its 60th birthday at Constitution Hill with its hefty production “A Choir on a Hill, 60 years – thinking back, looking forward".
![African National Congress (ANC) African National Congress (ANC)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_ANC-colours.jpg)
Citizens, not sitizens, please: more than ever, South Africans must take charge
We need active citizenship to show social solidarity to break out from the hopelessness, paralysis and apathy
![Drs Prudence Ditlopo and Busisiwe Maseko winners of the FALF Pod Spirit Award Drs Prudence Ditlopo and Busisiwe Maseko winners of the FALF Pod Spirit Award](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/FALF_600x300.jpg)
FALF's inaugural research symposium showcases work by women scientists
Clearing the path for talented female academics and researchers leads to more relevant research.
![Dr. Willem Kruger and Prof Rais Latypov Dr. Willem Kruger and Prof Rais Latypov](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Rais 3.jpg)
Wits researchers challenge common notions on the inner workings of Earth’s magma chambers
A recent study show that magmatic ore deposits that are generally referred to form by settling of crystals in magma chambers are instead shown to form in place
![Student Leadership Awards 2022 Student Leadership Awards 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Student-Leadership 2022_web_600x300.jpg)
Students uphold the spirit of volunteerism
Volunteerism and activism is alive among the youth as demonstrated at the annual Student Leadership Awards.
![Fiona Ramsay Fiona Ramsay](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Fiona-Ramsay_600x300px.jpg)
Artistic Research is blurring academic and research lines
Artistic research and its ‘tangible’ output – a creative academic degree – is an emerging yet robust field of study and enquiry in Africa.
![Wits Sport and Health (WiSH) Wits Sport and Health (WiSH)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/Logo_WiSH_Sport_600x300px.jpg)
Review of concussion in sport research underway
Consensus statement by the Scientific Committee for the International Conference on Concussion in Sport will be released in 2023.
![Covid-19 and running Covid-19 and running](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Covid-19-and-exercise_600x300px.jpg)
Regular physical activity may boost effectiveness of Covid-19 jab
A new study by a team of South African researchers shows the more you exercise, the more protective Covid vaccination seems to be.
![The Coca-Cola Company The Coca-Cola Company](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jul-dec/CocaCola-company_600x300px.jpg)
Coke and dagger — Coca-Cola named sponsor for COP27
The beverage company has a questionable record not only when it comes to planetary health — its record on human health is abysmal.
![The Diaz Cross in the Willem Cullen Library at Wits University The Diaz Cross in the Willem Cullen Library at Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Diaz Cross 600x300.jpg)
Portuguese consulate visits historic Diaz Cross at Wits
The cross serves as a historical reminder of Portugal's voyages around the southern African coast in the 15th century.
![Dr Busisiwe Nkala-Dlamini, Department of Social Work; Mrs Zanele Mbeki and Prof. Ian Jandrell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Dr Busisiwe Nkala-Dlamini, Department of Social Work; Mrs Zanele Mbeki and Prof. Ian Jandrell, Deputy Vice-Chancellor](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Nkala-Dlamini_Mrs-Zanele-Mbeki_Prof-Ian-Jandrell_600x300px.jpg)
Trailblazers in social work
From addressing white poverty to the injustices of apartheid, the Department of Social Work has held individuals, families and communities together.
![The trophy of the Fak’ugesi Awards for Digital Creativity unveiled The trophy of the Fak’ugesi Awards for Digital Creativity unveiled](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/2022-Fakugesi-Awards_600x300px.jpg)
Immersive, magical, hopeful - Africa leads #FromNowOn
Africa’s first Digital Creativity Awards brings a sense of wonder and applauds the meteoric rise of African creativity in the digital space.
![Prof Karen Hofman and Prof Achille Mbembe are 2022 ASSAf Science for Society Gold Medallists Prof Karen Hofman and Prof Achille Mbembe are 2022 ASSAf Science for Society Gold Medallists](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Prof Karen Hofman and Prof Achille Mbembe are 2022 ASSAf Science for Society Gold Medallists 600x300.jpg)
Two Wits professors awarded Science for Society Gold Medals
The Academy of Science of South Africa has awarded its highest honour, Science for Society Gold Medals, to Wits Professors Karen Hofman and Achille Mbembe.
![Isaac Nape, PhD student in quantum optics, setting up a quantum entanglement experiment in the Structured Light Laboratory at Wits University. CREDIT: WITS UNIVERSITY Isaac Nape, PhD student in quantum optics, setting up a quantum entanglement experiment in the Structured Light Laboratory at Wits University. CREDIT: WITS UNIVERSITY](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/Physics-PhD-student-Isaac-Nape_600x300px.jpg)
Wits to kick-start a national quantum technologies initiative with R54 million funding
The South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SA QuTI) aims develop a well-established critical mass in the national quantum community.
![Young man staring/student © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Young man staring/student © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-10/Young-man_600x300px.jpg)
Mass trauma is leaving everyone broken
We need to teach self-love, self-esteem, and agency assertation at all levels of South African society to rebuilt the state and foster democracy.
![Nurses deliver health and medical services in clinics Nurses deliver health and medical services in clinics](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jul-dec/Health-and-medical-services-in-clinics_600x300px.jpg)
Race, inequity and mental health impacts on healthcare workers during Covid-19
The Covid-19 pandemic revealed global health inequities prompting scholars to interrogate how these inequities manifested in racial and gender dynamics.
![Farm Killings in South Africa Farm Killings in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Book_Farm-Killings-in-SA_600x300px.jpg)
Review: Farm Killings in South Africa
Some of the best books about the media are not about the media. While dealing with very different topics, they probe the central institution of our world.
![Fak'ugesi Festival 2022 Fak'ugesi Festival 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Fakugesi-Festival-2022_600x300px.jpg)
#FromNowOn – getting here and going forward
This year’s Fak’ugesi African Digital Innovation Festival is the first full in-person Festival since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.
![Township, town, inequality, economy, electricity, power Township, town, inequality, economy, electricity, power](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_township_inequality_600x300px.jpg)
Social grants are not a magic bullet
Social protection on its own doesn’t shift the dial. Radical economic policies are needed to tackle poverty and inequality.
![Students, doctors, teaching, learning, medical, health Students, doctors, teaching, learning, medical, health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Medical-students_600x300px.jpg)
Don’t let firm friendships from your youth fade away
Living in the world’s most diverse country, and not having friendships that cut across all communities, is to miss out on so much
![Academy of Science of SA Secretary General Prof Himla Soodyall delivered the 2022 Botlhale Orenstein Lecture. Academy of Science of SA Secretary General Prof Himla Soodyall delivered the 2022 Botlhale Orenstein Lecture.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Professor Himla Soodyall delivered the 2022 Botlhale Orenstein Memorial Lecture 600x300-4.jpg)
Renowned geneticist reflects on her journey with Wits
Professor Himla Soodyall has paid homage to great scientists who helped carve her path.
![Top performing matriculants get a glimpse of student life at Wits Top performing matriculants get a glimpse of student life at Wits](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Top matriculants_600x300.jpg)
Top-performing matriculants get a glimpse of student life at Wits
Wits VC, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, hosts the best of the class of 2022 matriculants to become part of the future at Wits University
![Wits Vice Chancellor Prof Zeblon Vilakazi unveils the Wits rose Wits Vice Chancellor Prof Zeblon Vilakazi unveils the Wits rose](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Wits Vice Chancellor Prof Zeblon Vilakazi unveils the Wits rose 600x300.jpg)
Introducing the Wits rose
A magnificent rose commissioned to celebrate Wits University’s centenary and 100 years of excellence.
![Research at Agincourt | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Research at Agincourt | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Research-at-Agincourt_600x300px.jpg)
Do no harm - 5 steps a researcher should take
Researchers have a number of responsibilities when embarking on their work - not least of all to ensure participants are not harmed and are fully heard.
![Face to Face Exhibition at Maropeng Wolrd Heritage Site Face to Face Exhibition at Maropeng Wolrd Heritage Site](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Maropeng Face to Face exhibition_600X300.jpg)
Maropeng brings visitors Face to Face with early Hominins
The new Face To Face exhibit showcases hominins from The Cradle of Humankind that are brought to life by science and art.
![Technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code Technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2022/Technology_business_work_600x300px.jpg)
Major partnership to drive digital transformation in Africa
The Afretec network has made 20 million US dollars available to members, including Wits, to collaborate in engineering and technology.
![Winners of the VC's awards for professional and administrative staff Winners of the VC's awards for professional and administrative staff](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/PAS Award 600x300.jpg)
Vice-Chancellor’s awards celebrate the best of Wits
The prestigious annual awards recognise staff excellence in categories including research, teaching and learning, and professional and administrative services.
![Xabiso Vili Xabiso Vili](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Xabiso Vili 600x300.jpg)
Wits student shines on a global stage
Xabiso Vili, post-graduate student with Drama for Life wins top spot at the 2022 World Slam Poetry Competition.
![Abe Bailey Travel Abe Bailey Travel](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Abe Bailey 600x300px.jpg)
Wits student leader wins prestigious travel bursary
Karabo Asala is set to travel Europe as part of a travel bursary for leadership development.
![Adrian Schofield and Professor Barry Dwolatzky, authors of the 2022 JCSE – IITPSA Skills Survey Adrian Schofield and Professor Barry Dwolatzky, authors of the 2022 JCSE – IITPSA Skills Survey](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/for-deletion/Adrian-Schofield-and-Professor-Barry-Dwolatzky_2_600x300px.jpg)
SA ICT employers, practitioners look to global skills markets
The number of SA employers reporting they are recruiting ICT skills overseas has increased dramatically in the past year – up from 38% to over 50%.
![Economy, work, construction, steel, building Economy, work, construction, steel, building](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Work_construction_economy_600x300px.jpg)
Construction waste is costly: what’s causing it on SA building sites
The complexity of construction projects has driven an increase in building waste, which is difficult to recycle and reuse. How to minimise the problem.
![Wits 100th Birthday Wits 100th Birthday](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/0410 Birthday Pic 600x300px.jpg)
Wits celebrates its 100th birthday
Staff and students gather outside the Great Hall to wish Wits a happy 100th birthday.
![Wits University's Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct Wits University's Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Tshimologong-Digital-Innovation-Precinct_600x300px.jpg)
100 years of innovation and inventions
Various innovations after the past century have improved the world for many - but there’s still much more for universities to do.
![| Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Curiosity-Issue-14_Wits100_600x300px.jpg)
Curios.ty 14 (#Wits100): A century of doing good
Wits' research magazine celebrates 100 years of changing the world for good.
![Professor Zeblon Vilakazi | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Professor Zeblon Vilakazi | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Professor-Zeblon-Vilakazi_600x200px.jpg)
100 Years of changing the world. For Good
Guest Editorial: Wits remains a beacon of hope in society. We continue to strive for excellence in all that we do and use our knowledge for the good of society.
![Professor Lynn Morris | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Professor Lynn Morris | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Professor-Lynn-Morris_600x300px.jpg)
Stay curious – there’s a whole new world coming in 2122
Editorial: The stories in Curios.ty 14: #Wits100 showcase the University’s sustained participation, influence and impact in the lab, the classroom, and society.
![The University of the Witwatersrand The University of the Witwatersrand](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits100/Wits-University_600x300px.jpg)
How higher education can help heal us all
“We live in the most unequal country in the world. We can help bridge the divide and we don’t have any time to waste.” – Dr Judy Dlamini.
![Professor Laetitia Rispel | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Professor Laetitia Rispel | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Professor-Laetitia-Rispel_600x300px.jpg)
Academic and science activism saves lives
Meet the Wits’ science superheroes whose research has saved lives.
![African genetic sequencing | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ African genetic sequencing | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/African-genetic-sequencing_600x300px.jpg)
Mapping African genetic diversity for better health
The contribution of the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience to the field of human genomics is rewriting history on the African continent.
![Death and dying | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Death and dying | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Death-and-dying_600x300px.jpg)
Death makes us alive
Without death, there would be no life – this might sound like ancient mysticism, but Wits scientists are proving it.
![Research at Agincourt | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Research at Agincourt | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Research-at-Agincourt_600x300px.jpg)
Thirty years of the lab in the bush
Agincourt, one of the longest-running research centres of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, tracks health and wellbeing over the life course.
![History of protests at Wits | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ History of protests at Wits | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/History-of-protests-at-Wits_600x300px.jpg)
The politics of protest
Protests are a hallmark of Wits’ history and have contributed to the University’s legacy of social activism, democracy and constitutionality.
![Political activism at Wits in the 1950s | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Political activism at Wits in the 1950s | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Political-activism-at-Wits-in-the-1950s_600x300px.jpg)
Wits at a time of national crisis: Then and now
South African universities should revisit their multiple publics and explore what a public university in southern Africa today should be.
![Wits Art Museum | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Wits Art Museum | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Wits-Art-Museum_600x300px.jpg)
Telling African stories through art
The Wits Art Museum covers 3 000 m2, housing more than 12 000 artworks, of which 5 551 comprise the Standard Bank African Art Collection.
![Structured Light Lab | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Structured Light Lab | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Structured-Light-Lab_600x300px.jpg)
The evolution of science and research practice
How has science and research practice at Wits has evolved over a century?
![Wits Planetarium - ZeissMKII | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Wits Planetarium - ZeissMKII | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Wits-Planetarium_ZeissMKIII_600x300px.jpg)
The Wits Digital Dome to light up the sky
It’s the end of an era as Wits Planetarium is reimagined as a ‘out of this world’ digital dome.
![Durban floods 2022 | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Durban floods 2022 | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Durban-floods_600x300px.jpg)
Facing climate change head-on
Climate change took nearly a century to become mainstream science. Wits is taking the lead in facing up to the challenge.
![Fossil hunting | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Fossil hunting | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Fossil-hunters_600x300px.jpg)
Digging for the truth of humanity
Wits researchers have over the past century changed, and challenged, the way we think about the evolution of humanity and our ancestors.
![Professor Marcus Byrne | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Professor Marcus Byrne | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Professor-Marcus-Byrne_600x300px.jpg)
Navigating life through the eyes of a gogga
Curiosity about dung beetles could lead us into our future.
![WitsPress books | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ WitsPress books | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Wits-University-Press-books_600x300px.jpg)
Research by the books
Books based on research by Wits authors create a rare recording of history that tracks changes over time.
![Dr Nicholas Bacci | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Dr Nicholas Bacci | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Dr-Nicholas-Bacci_600x300px.jpg)
Identifying faces to recognise humanity
The development of the Wits Face Database: An African database of high-resolution facial photographs.
![XZbindza entrepreneurs | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ XZbindza entrepreneurs | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Xzbindza_600x300px.jpg)
Business for good
Wits is exploring the opportunities created by social enterprises that focus on addressing local, regional and global challenges.
![Inequality and water justice | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Inequality and water justice | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Inequality-and-water-justice_600x300px.jpg)
Beyond the Ivory Tower
Four Wits units demonstrate how translational research can respond to the needs of a world outside the academy.
![Research in the Cradle of Humankind | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Research in the Cradle of Humankind | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Research in the Cradle_600x300px.jpg)
The best job in the world
Column: Telling the stories of Wits’ research and academics might hopefully light a fire in the mind of the world’s next Einstein.
![Dr Dumisani Ephraim Khumalo | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Dr Dumisani Ephraim Khumalo | Curiosity 14: #Wits100 © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-14/Dr-Dumisani-Ephraim-Khumalo_600x300px.jpg)
A philosophy for good. A University for good
There is something significantly common in the way in which all good things are good.
![Civic Tech Innovation Forum (CTIF) and Jamfest conferences 2022 Civic Tech Innovation Forum (CTIF) and Jamfest conferences 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/CTIF-and-Jamfest-2022_600x300px.jpg)
CTIF & Jamfest 2022: Unplugged - but still connected
Joint hybrid conferences for African civic tech innovators and media makers, journalism innovators, and other creatives.
![Cebolenkosi Khumalo, 100th SRC President Cebolenkosi Khumalo, 100th SRC President](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Cebo Khumalo_SRC President_600x300px.jpg)
The contribution of SRCs to Wits
We must be reminded about the evolution of SRCs, about how past SRCs contributed to the struggle against apartheid, brought consciousness and transformation.
![Hosting #EDHE Hosting #EDHE](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Hosting EDHE Regionals 600x300px.jpg)
Wits’ entrepreneurs succeed at the EDHE Intervarsity Gauteng Regional Rounds
Two Witsies have emerged triumphantly, in the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Intervarsity Gauteng Regional Rounds.
![Dr Benedict Vilakazi, 'father' of the Nguni literature Dr Benedict Vilakazi, 'father' of the Nguni literature](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Benedict_Wallet_Vilakazi 600x300px.jpg)
The last word: Benedict Vilakazi
The late Zulu poet, novelist and linguist Benedict Wallet Vilakazi achieved many milestones and taught at Wits University.
Machines will not replace humans, yet!
Expert calls for development of a new kind of AI that is provably beneficial to humans
![Services staff revive study dreams Services staff revive study dreams](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Services Certtification_600x300px.png)
Small steps on the road to true empowerment
Big smiles as staff celebrate passing the first level of many, on the road to upskilling themselves.
![](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Prof Rais Latypov, Dr Catherine Annen and Dr Sofya Chistyakova 600X300PX.jpg)
Basaltic magma chambers may grow catastrophically fast
Basaltic magma chambers can grow extremely rapidly - in months to years.
![The 2022 International Conference on Lightning Protection (ICLP) The 2022 International Conference on Lightning Protection (ICLP)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/ICLP2022_600x300px.jpg)
Wits hosts international lightning conference - a first for Africa
Lightning protection research is paramount in order to safeguard people, animals, and infrastructure against one of the biggest weather-related killers.
![LtoR Chris Mathew, Ananyo Choudhury, Michele Ramsay, Scott Hazelhurst, Collen Masimirembwa from Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience won the 2022 NRF Science Team Award LtoR Chris Mathew, Ananyo Choudhury, Michele Ramsay, Scott Hazelhurst, Collen Masimirembwa from Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience won the 2022 NRF Science Team Award](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/LtoR Chris Mathew, Ananyo Choudhury, Michele Ramsay, Scott Hazelhurst, Collen Masimirembwa from Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience won the 2022 NRF Science Team Award 600x300.jpg)
National Research Foundation accolades for Wits scientists
The Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience won the National Research Foundation Science Team Award while seven Witsies received A-ratings.
![Acclaimed author Mandla Langa delivered the 2022 Nadine Gordimer lecture.Author Masande Ntshanga, gave an insightful response. Ntshanga is a 2022 Mellon Writer-in-Residence in the Department of Creative Writing at Wits Acclaimed author Mandla Langa delivered the 2022 Nadine Gordimer lecture.Author Masande Ntshanga, gave an insightful response. Ntshanga is a 2022 Mellon Writer-in-Residence in the Department of Creative Writing at Wits](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Langa_Masande_600x300px.png)
Reading can enhance race relations
Reading begets more reading and helps to counter the poison from dinnertime conversations, says acclaimed author Mandla Langa.
![](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Prof Rais Latypov and Dr Sofya Chistyakova 600x300.jpg)
Groundbreaking discovery from South Africa challenges the recent re-interpretation of magma chambers
Wits researchers have compelling evidence for the existence of a magma chamber deep within a South Africa’s ancient crust.
![Fak'ugesi Festival 2022 Fak'ugesi Festival 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Fakugesi-Festival-2022_600x300px.jpg)
Countdown to Fak'ugesi Festival 2022
Happening from 13 - 21 October, this year's digital innovation festival returns to its home at Wits' Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Braamfontein.
![Wits celebrates its centenary in Times Square, New York Wits celebrates its centenary in Times Square, New York](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/Times-Square.png)
Wits celebrates its centenary in Times Square, New York
Witsies gathered in Times Square this week to celebrate the University’s 100th anniversary.
![Professor Thomas Piketty, French economist Professor Thomas Piketty, French economist](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Professor-Thomas-Piketty_600x300px.jpg)
World’s leading thinkers debate inequality
"We can improve the quality of life if we focus on what works – education, strong institutions, robust legal, social and fiscal systems." - Piketty
![Emerging Leaders Programme 2022 Emerging Leaders Programme 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/DLU_Emerging Leaders 2022.png)
Student programme prepares the next generation of change-makers
The Emerging Leaders Programme empowers students with skills to be better leaders in an uncertain world.
![Coal mining and power station. ©Flickr GovernmentZA Coal mining and power station. ©Flickr GovernmentZA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Eskom-Medupi-Power-Station_600x300px.jpg)
Green hydrogen sounds like a win but cost and transport are problems
The key to reducing green hydrogen costs in the future lies mainly in technological improvements.
![One step closer to vaccine for HIV. One step closer to vaccine for HIV.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/HIV-Aids-600x300px.jpg)
How to help people stay on ARVs when life gets in the way
When antiretroviral therapy is working effectively, HIV cannot be transmitted. This allows people with HIV to live fuller lives.
![Flag of Kenya Flag of Kenya](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Kenya-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Kenya has breached its public debt ceiling
There’s a gap between Kenya’s public spending and its revenue. If the country owes more than it can repay, citizens will suffer.
![Lagos, Nigeria Lagos, Nigeria](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jul-dec/Lagos_Nigeria_600x300px.jpg)
Five steps Nigeria must take to stop buildings collapsing in Lagos
Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial capital city, is notorious for frequent building collapses.
![Study participants received a copy of the Birth to Thirty book that documents Africa's largest longitudinal study Study participants received a copy of the Birth to Thirty book that documents Africa's largest longitudinal study](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Study participants received a copy of the Birth to Thirty book that documents Africas largest longitudinal study 600x300.png)
‘Mandela's Children’ 32 years later
The stories, people and science behind Africa's largest longitudinal study have been captured in a book by Wits Distinguished Professor Linda Richter.
![ACTION launched ACTION launched](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Obesity.jpg)
Obesity costs South Africa billions. We did the sums
Lowering obesity and overweight rates will lift the burden on healthcare spending.
![US flag US flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_US-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Joe Biden and Cyril Ramaphosa: finding common ground
Both presidents are committed democrats operating in hostile environments. They are also committed to forging mutually beneficial ties.
![Economy, work, construction, steel, building Economy, work, construction, steel, building](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Work_construction_economy_600x300px.jpg)
Job creation in South Africa: the president’s advisors discuss what it will take
Three of the president’s advisors talk through what is needed to change the status quo.
![Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-sept-dec/Queen-Elizabeth-II_600x300px.jpg)
Queen Elizabeth - from Empire to Commonwealth
Queen Elizabeth adjusted with aplomb and good grace – personally and as monarch – as countries achieved their independence from Britain.
![Fossils Fossils](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Fossils-and-palaeosciences-at-Wits_600x300px.jpg)
Africa’s dinosaur discoveries: five essential reads
The African continent is a rich repository for dinosaur fossils, including teeth and track marks.
![The Future in the Humanities podcast series The Future in the Humanities podcast series](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/Future-in-the-Humanities-podcast_600x300px.jpg)
New podcast reimagines the Humanities from the Global South
The Faculty of Humanities recently launched a new podcast series, The Future in the Humanities - Reimagining the Humanities from the Global South.
![Dutch East India Company’s (VOC’s) day register Dutch East India Company’s (VOC’s) day register](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/VOC-Register_600x300.jpg)
Colonial diaries help scientists reconstruct weather patterns from past to protect future
A project to transcribe Dutch colonial records of the weather in Cape Town can benefit modelling of future climate scenarios.
![Wits Vice-Chancellor Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Chancellor Dr Judy Dlamini and former Chancellor Dikgang Moseneke a the 2022 Founders Tea. Wits Vice-Chancellor Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Chancellor Dr Judy Dlamini and former Chancellor Dikgang Moseneke a the 2022 Founders Tea.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/founderstea.jpg)
Universities should take a leading role in reforming South Africa’s socio-political landscape
Former Wits Chancellor and Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke says Wits has produced great leaders in the past and must continue doing so in future.
Young business minds took centre stage at the Student Entrepreneurship Week
The 2022 Student Entrepreneurship Week got off to a vibrant start as students gathered to learn, conceptualise and share their ideas on good business practice.
![Township, town, inequality, economy, electricity, power Township, town, inequality, economy, electricity, power](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_township_inequality_600x300px.jpg)
WTO head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala: how trade can help beat inequality
Creating employment and fighting corruption are two of the subjects discussed in the wide ranging discussion.
![Homecoming Event Homecoming Event](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/scholarship_board_unveiling.png)
How scholarships change lives for the better
Quality education, support, and passion transforms lives and changes the world.
![One step closer to vaccine for HIV. One step closer to vaccine for HIV.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/HIV-Aids-600x300px-1-600x300.jpg)
Street-based female sex workers of all ages in SA at sustained high risk of acquiring HIV
Street-based female sex workers in SA have very high HIV incidence, hence the need to sustain and strengthen efforts to mitigate risk and provide care.
![Rhisotope Project: Professor James Larkin, Director at the Radiation and Health Physics Unit at the University of Witwatersrand inject non-radioactive isotopes into the horn of non-radioactive isotopes in the horn of Denver, one of the two rhinos participating in the trial. Credit: Jessica Shuttleworth Rhisotope Project: Professor James Larkin, Director at the Radiation and Health Physics Unit at the University of Witwatersrand inject non-radioactive isotopes into the horn of non-radioactive isotopes in the horn of Denver, one of the two rhinos participating in the trial. Credit: Jessica Shuttleworth](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/Rhisotope-project_600x300px.jpg)
A new way to save rhinos
Technology used to stop a nuclear bomb from being sneaked across a border could one day be at the forefront in the fight to save the rhino.
![Approximately 700 Wits alumni and their partners attended the Alumni Welcome event at Homecoming Weekend on 2 September 2022 Approximately 700 Wits alumni and their partners attended the Alumni Welcome event at Homecoming Weekend on 2 September 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Alumni Welcome event 600x300.jpg)
Waltzing kudus, cheerleaders, and a choir at alumni centenary event
Wits alumni who returned to campus for Homecoming Weekend on 4 September were treated to canapés and cocktails at an Alumni Welcome in Solomon Mahlangu House.
![SRC event image SRC event image](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/SRC EVENT 600X300px.jpg)
Generations of Wits SRC celebrate formidable leadership
Generations of Wits SRC gather for a night of celebration
![Wits Homecoming Weekend 2 - 4 September 2022 Wits Homecoming Weekend 2 - 4 September 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/promo-boxes-and-feature-boxes/2022-jul-dec/Homecoming-logo_600x300px.jpg)
Welcome home, Witsies! Something for every generation at Homecoming Weekend
Wits University is as much a part of Johannesburg as is gold mining, and we are opening our gates to all to celebrate with us.
![Brass band Brass band](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Parade picture 600x300.jpg)
Wits invites public onto campus to join centenary celebrations
Wits marks its 100th birthday with jam-packed Homecoming Weekend.
![](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Visible Resonance light show image 1_ 600x300.png)
Arts and science collide to transform the Great Hall in light show extravaganza
The #Wits100 Visible Resonance Light Show on 2 September at 7pm on the Great Hall façade will reflect, create, improvise, and imagine Wits’ stories.
![Health, doctors, medical, medicine Health, doctors, medical, medicine](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Health_Medical_doctors_600x300px.jpg)
Migrants in South Africa have access to healthcare: why it’s kicking up a storm
South Africa’s healthcare services are overburdened. But this is not because of non-nationals.
![](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/LtoR guest speaker Prof of Creative Writing Ivan Vladislavic, Wits Press publisher Veronica Klipp and Wits VC Prof Zeblon Vilakazi at Wits Press centenary celebration 600x300.jpg-600x300.png)
1575 book titles in 100 years
Wits University Press is the oldest university press in South Africa and celebrates its centenary in 2022.
![ACTION launched ACTION launched](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Obesity.jpg)
Obesity and industry - it's not what it looks like
Voluntary actions from industry are not helping fight against obesity-related conditions.
![Professor Garth Stevens, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People Development and Culture Professor Garth Stevens, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People Development and Culture](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Garth-Stevens_600x300px.jpg)
New Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People Development and Culture appointed
Professor Garth Stevens will oversee Human Resources, Transformation and Employment Equity, the Disability Rights Unit and other related units.
![Students pack supplies at the Wits Food Bank Students pack supplies at the Wits Food Bank](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Wits Food Bank_thumpnail_600x300px.png)
Hand-up, not handout
Voices of affirmation encourage students as Wits celebrates partnership with Tiger Brands.
![Flag of Tanzania Flag of Tanzania](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jul-dec/Flag-of-Tanzania_600x300px.jpg)
Tanzanian TB patients have a lower quality of life
To understand the perceptions of TB patients about their quality of life, it’s useful to have a comparison with “apparently healthy” people.
![Health checks, face masks and SANDF security ©GovernmentZA/Flickr Health checks, face masks and SANDF security ©GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid_security_face-masks_GovernmentZA_Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
How the lockdown in SA affected mental health
Pasha Podcast: When SARS-CoV-2 emerged, the country took measures to restrict people’s movements and activities, to slow the spread of infections.
![The South African Rand The South African Rand](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Money.jpg)
After State Capture: how SARS is rebuilding itself
Professor Mills Soko spoke to Commissioner Edward Kieswetter about the turnaround at the state institution.
![Cycling lanes in Johannesburg Cycling lanes in Johannesburg](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Bicycle-lanes-in-Johannesburg_600x300px.jpg)
Auto manufacturing is changing: how to protect workers
South Africa should ensure that changes to energy-efficient vehicles are done in a way that creates jobs and protects workers.
![Flag of Kenya Flag of Kenya](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Kenya-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Uhuru Kenyatta’s 'mixed bag' economic legacy
Big promises, but weak no delivery. The most prominent economic legacy of Kenyatta’s government is runaway public debt.
![Johannesburg, CBD, Jozi, city, buildings, business Johannesburg, CBD, Jozi, city, buildings, business](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Johannesburg_CBD_city_600x300px.jpg)
SA doesn’t need new cities: it needs to fix what it has
New towns have had a better track record in places of rapid economic and population growth, such as east Asian countries.
![Coal mining and power station. ©Flickr GovernmentZA Coal mining and power station. ©Flickr GovernmentZA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Eskom-Medupi-Power-Station_600x300px.jpg)
Higher electricity fees are a good, and necessary, next step
The wealthy should not be allowed to opt-out of their share of the costs of electricity production and Eskom’s debt.
![Technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code Technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2022/Digital_robot_tech_600x300px.jpg)
What’s wrong with the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Pasha Podcast: Innovation in the digital space is not necessarily working for people in the global south.
![Birth to Thirty, a new book by Professor Linda Richter Birth to Thirty, a new book by Professor Linda Richter](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Birth-to-Thirty-Book_600x300x.jpg)
Wits scientists launch book about Africa’s largest and longest running birth cohort
The study tracks the lives of 3 000 people born in South Africa in the early 1990s and affectionately known as "Mandela's Children".
![Wits Business School Wits Business School](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/buildings/Wits-Business-School-logo-600x300px.jpg)
Wits Business School’s huge turnaround
All the new registered programmes offer active learning, says Director.
![Koeberg Nuclear Plant Koeberg Nuclear Plant](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Koeberg Nuclear Plant_600x300px.jpg)
New Partnership Academic Programme on Nuclear Law
Wits is one of five universities to partner with the International Atomic Energy Agency to promote the safe use of the peaceful application of nuclear science.
![Birth to Thirty, a new book by Professor Linda Richter Birth to Thirty, a new book by Professor Linda Richter](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Birth-to-Thirty-Book_600x300x.jpg)
Book launch on seminal study as ‘Mandela’s children’ come of age
The Birth to Thirty (Bt30) study in Soweto is Africa’s largest and longest-running birth cohort study.
![Dutch East India Company’s (VOC’s) day register Dutch East India Company’s (VOC’s) day register](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/VOC-Register_600x300.jpg)
Longest daily weather record for the South digitised
A project examining the Dutch East India Company’s day registers reveals unique information on the Cape’s past climate.
![Professor Shabir A. Madhi, Professor of Vaccinology at Wits University leads the South African Ox1Cov-19 Vaccine VIDA-Trial. ©WITS UNIVERSITY Professor Shabir A. Madhi, Professor of Vaccinology at Wits University leads the South African Ox1Cov-19 Vaccine VIDA-Trial. ©WITS UNIVERSITY](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Professor-Shabir-Madhi-leads-the-SA-Covid-19-trial_600x300px.jpg)
A lifetime dedicated to vaccines saving lives
Shabir Madhi, Professor of Vaccinology and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Wits won the 2020/21 NSTF-South32 Lifetime Award.
![Prof Tamiru Abiye won the NSTF South 32 Researcher award in July 2022 Prof Tamiru Abiye won the NSTF South 32 Researcher award in July 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Prof.-Tamiru-Abiye-NSTF award 2022_600x300.jpg)
Training scholars in groundwater to rock economies and make a splash in water security
Wits hydrogeologist Prof. Tamiru Abiye is a National Research Foundation-rated scholar and winner of the 2021/22 NSTF-South32 TW Kambule Researcher Award.
![Jacob Zuma resigns as president of South Africa Jacob Zuma resigns as president of South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/Jacob-Zuma-resigning-as-president-of-South-Africa_600x300px.jpg)
Jacob Zuma is taking a top reporter to court
Former South African president is trying to turn the contestation of a court hearing into an all-out war and chill those who pursue justice against him.
![Artistic illustration of the brain using grape stems 600x300 Artistic illustration of the brain using grape stems 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/Mental-gymnastics_600x300px.jpg)
Mind-blown by interactive brain experiences
A showcase of local neuroscience talent was on display by Wits NeuRL and collaborators at the recent #Wits100 event.
![Future Ecosystems for Africa programme Future Ecosystems for Africa programme](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/The-team-on-Melville-Koppies,-Johannesburg_600x300px.jpg)
In with the old: taking the long view when restoring grasslands
Restoration science and practice are critical in combatting the loss of old-growth grasslands and the loss of biodiversity.
![Illegal miners - Zama-Zamas Illegal miners - Zama-Zamas](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jul-dec/Illegal-miner_600x300px.jpg)
Artisanal gold mining in South Africa is out of control
Artisanal gold mining is highly organised and rule-bound. Men, women and even children participate a hierarchy sustained by buyers, sponsors and customers.
![Flag of Mozambique Flag of Mozambique](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Mozambique-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Mozambican unions hit snooze on a national strike
Mozambique’s trade unions have not been a strong force in society – which has left a space for others to fill.
![US flag US flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_US-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Is there really a paradigm shift in US/Africa relations?
The strategy outlined by the US Secretary of State marks a fresh beginning in US-Africa relations.
![Prof Selo Ndlovu Prof Selo Ndlovu](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/ProfSelloNdlovu_600x300.jpg)
Why metals matter in the modern world
Sehliselo Ndlovu, Professor of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering at Wits, won a 'Science Oscar' at the NSTF-South32 Research Awards on 22 July 2022.
![2021 winner of the Daad Scholarship Orevaoghene Eterigho-Ikelegbe 2021 winner of the Daad Scholarship Orevaoghene Eterigho-Ikelegbe](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Orevaoghene Eterigho-Ikelegbe_DAAD Scholarship.jpg)
Coal mining by-product may offer building solution
Recipient of the DAAD grant scholarship is currently in Germany testing engineering ideas behind his research.
![Wits VC Zeblon Vilakazi at Wits Linder Auditorium for SA premier of Oh to Believe in Another Word Wits VC Zeblon Vilakazi at Wits Linder Auditorium for SA premier of Oh to Believe in Another Word](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Wits VC Zeblon Vilakazi at Wits Linder Auditorium for SA premier of Oh to Believe in Another Word 600x300.jpg)
Drawing arts investment in a WAM world
There were splashes of colour, champagne and canapés, glitz and glam at the Wits Art Museum soirée ahead of the SA premier of Oh to Believe in Another World.
![Innovation @ Wits | https://www.wits.ac.za/innovation/ Innovation @ Wits | https://www.wits.ac.za/innovation/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Wits-Innovation_600x300px.jpg)
Wits innovation changing the world for good
Wits University is home to a wellspring of talent from multiple disciplines where life-changing innovation is incubated.
![Service delivery protests Service delivery protests](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_protest_600x300px.jpg)
Defending democracy the greatest cause of our times
Challenge for young people is to democratise every aspect of life in society.
![Witsies at Esiphethweni in Tembisa working with communities to clean the Kaalspruit, a feeder of the Hennops river Witsies at Esiphethweni in Tembisa working with communities to clean the Kaalspruit, a feeder of the Hennops river](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Hennops operation_600x300px.png)
Wits Centenary promotes community partnerships
The Wits community joined hands with NGOs in Tembisa township to clean the Kaalspruit tributary, a feeder to the Hennops river.
![Poet Don Mattera Poet Don Mattera](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Don-Mattera_600x300px.jpg)
Don Mattera knew the love SA deserved from the start
The poet practised love wholeheartedly and saw from a mile away leaders who pretend to love their ‘people’.
![Professor Zeblon Vilakazi with William Kentridge at the SA premier of his work: Oh to Believe in Another World Professor Zeblon Vilakazi with William Kentridge at the SA premier of his work: Oh to Believe in Another World](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Professor-Zeblon-Vilakazi-with-William-Kentridge_600x300px.jpg)
Wits University believes in another world
It was a night of suspended reality, imaginative film, and sophisticated symphony at the SA premier of William Kentridge’s Oh to Believe in Another World.
![Some of Wits NRF A rated researchers top LtoR Profs David Limebeer, Victor Houliston, Rachel Jewkes Bottom LtoR Sally Archibald, Jill Adler, Lenore Manderson, Linda Richter, Derick Raal Some of Wits NRF A rated researchers top LtoR Profs David Limebeer, Victor Houliston, Rachel Jewkes Bottom LtoR Sally Archibald, Jill Adler, Lenore Manderson, Linda Richter, Derick Raal](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jul-dec/Some of Wits NRF A rated researchers top LtoR Profs David Limebeer, Victor Houliston, Rachel Jewkes Bottom LtoR Sally Archibald, Jill Adler, Lenore Manderson, Linda Richter, Derick Raal_600x300.jpg)
Wits Research Office recognition for academics awarded by the National Research Foundation
The luncheon celebrated Wits NRF A-rated academics as well as scholars awarded previously but not formally acknowledged in person due to lockdown restrictions.
![Wits Integrated Experience Wits Integrated Experience](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Wits-Integrated-Experience_3_600x300px.jpg)
From chemistry to commerce: School learners get the ‘Wits experience’
Learners enjoy a fun-filled Wits Integrated Experience of academic and student life on the Braamfontein campuses.
![Suresh Kana awarded an honorary doctorate Suresh Kana awarded an honorary doctorate](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Suresh-Kana-receiving-an-honorary-doctorate_600x300px.jpg)
A lack of peace and stability affects us all
“We are never defined by the conditions we face, no matter how challenging they may seem.”
![Prof. Vilakazi and French Ambassador Prof. Vilakazi and French Ambassador](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Prof. Vilakazi and Ambassador Lechevallier 600x300px.jpg)
Foundation to rejuvenate democracy in Africa and France
“We must nurture tolerance, collective wisdom, and democracy.” – Nelson Mandela
![Sir Adrian Smith from the Royal Society and Professor Zeblon Vilakazi Sir Adrian Smith from the Royal Society and Professor Zeblon Vilakazi](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Sir-Adrian-Smith-and-Professor-Zeblon-Vilakazi_600x300px.jpg)
Wits VC inducted into prestigious Royal Society (UK)
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, internationally renowned nuclear physicist, joins the ranks of Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Albert Einstein, and Stephen Hawking.
![Coal mining and power station. ©Flickr GovernmentZA Coal mining and power station. ©Flickr GovernmentZA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Eskom-Medupi-Power-Station_600x300px.jpg)
Oil refinery closures, cleaner fuels and security of supply in South Africa
Refinery closures in South Africa are shots fired in the long running contestation between the oil refiners and the government.
![LtoR Wits Profs Tamiru Abiye Selo Ndlovu and Shabir Madhi won NSTF South32 research awards in July 2022 LtoR Wits Profs Tamiru Abiye Selo Ndlovu and Shabir Madhi won NSTF South32 research awards in July 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/LtoR Wits Profs Tamiru Abiye Selo Ndlovu and Shabir Madhi won NSTF South32 research awards in July 2022 600x300.jpg)
Witsies win lifetime achievement, research, and capacity development awards at Science Oscars
Professors Shabir Madhi, Sehliselo Ndlovu and Tamiru Abiye were winners at the 2021/2022 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South 32 Research Awards.
![The Wits Great Hall The Wits Great Hall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Wits-Great-Hall_600x300px.jpg)
Great Hall gets a facelift and this is why it's a big deal
The iconic Great Hall is back after Covid-19 lockdowns and extensive renovations – ready to celebrate Wits' centenary.
![Wits Food Bank replenished for the second semester Wits Food Bank replenished for the second semester](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Mandela Day_2022_600x300px.jpg)
Healthy boost for Wits Food Bank
Wits staff step up on Mandela Day for food-insecure students.
![TTP learner image TTP learner image](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/TTP Image 600x300px.jpg)
Wits hosts winter camps for high school learners
Wits University hosted grade 9 to 12 learners from across the country as part of its intervention programmes aimed at boosting their educational outcomes
![Acclaimed author Prof. Zakes Mda awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by Wits Univeristy Acclaimed author Prof. Zakes Mda awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Literature by Wits Univeristy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Zakes-Mda_Wits_600x300px.png)
Zakes Mda on Tarzanification, Wakandasation and African storification
Africans need to do more to counter the Africa imagined by America, says acclaimed novelist Zakes Mda.
![Professor Molefi Kete Asante at Wits University Professor Molefi Kete Asante at Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Molefi Kete Asante_600x300px.png)
Hunters and gatherers in Africa were the original scientists
The wilful lack of knowledge about ‘deep time’ African history must end, says Prof. Molefi Kete Asante, a giant in African studies.
![A warm-blooded mammal ancestor breathing out hot hair in a frigid night. © Luzia Soares A warm-blooded mammal ancestor breathing out hot hair in a frigid night. © Luzia Soares](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Warm-blooded-mammals_image-1.jpg)
Mammals were not the first to be warm-blooded
Karoo fossils provide “smoking gun” on clues to when warm-bloodedness evolved in pre-mammalian ancestors.
![Over exploitation of wild species may place stress on the communities that need them for survival. Over exploitation of wild species may place stress on the communities that need them for survival.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/wildlife_use.jpg)
IPBES report warn of over exploitation of wild species
Over consumption of wildlife species for energy and food will place stress on the communities that need them for survival.
![Giants in African literature and Africa Studies (l-r) Dr Zakes Mda and Prof Molefi Kete Asante awarded honorary doctorates at the July 2022 graduations at Wits University. Giants in African literature and Africa Studies (l-r) Dr Zakes Mda and Prof Molefi Kete Asante awarded honorary doctorates at the July 2022 graduations at Wits University.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Zakes Mda_Molefi Kete Asante_600x300px.png)
Wits to honour novelist Zakes Mda and African American scholar Prof. Molefi Kete Asante
The July graduations are a triple celebration – honorary doctorates for giants in African literature and African studies, 152 PhDs and the Great Hall reopens.
![Graduation students July Graduation students July](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Graduation-students 600x300px.jpg)
#GradnGive on Mandela Month entrenches ubuntu
Students graduating in July are urged to spread joy by bringing non-perishables to restock the Wits Food Bank.
![Wits Logo Wits Logo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/WITS-logo-full-colour-600x300.png)
Covid-19 Update 87: Masks are voluntary
Return to campus plans and the way forward.
![African Research on Kidney Disease Consortium study finds commonly used tests to measure kidney function under estimate kidney disease in Africans African Research on Kidney Disease Consortium study finds commonly used tests to measure kidney function under estimate kidney disease in Africans](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/African Research on Kidney Disease consortium study finds commonly used tests to measure kidney function under estimate kidney disease in Africans 600x300.jpg.png)
Widely-used kidney function tests underestimate scale of kidney disease in Africa
A commonly used blood test which measures how well a person’s kidneys are working may not pick up kidney disease for people in Africa.
![Economy, work, construction, steel, building Economy, work, construction, steel, building](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Work_construction_economy_600x300px.jpg)
SA’s entire infrastructure is on the verge of total collapse
South Africa now does not have a functioning integrated public logistics infrastructure anymore, with roads, rail, and ports all in disarray.
![Flag of Tanzania Flag of Tanzania](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jul-dec/Flag-of-Tanzania_600x300px.jpg)
Tanzania’s undemocratic constitution is a template for disaster
The country’s one-party cadre system will continue to stunt economic development and growth as long as it’s allowed.
![Structured Light Structured Light](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/structured-light.jpg)
Structured light just got more colourful
Researchers from the Wits Structured Light Laboratory showcase recent advances in replacing the traditional linear optical toolkit with nonlinear control.
![Wits alumnus and world renowned artist, William Kentridge Wits alumnus and world renowned artist, William Kentridge](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/William-Kentridge_600x300px.jpg)
Oh to Believe in Another World
South African premiere of the new topically relevant film by Wits alumnus and world-renowned artist, William Kentridge, will take place at Wits in July.
![New Head of F&E New Head of F&E](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Thembi Dlamini 600x300px.jpg)
New Head for Wits Functions and Events
Thembelihle Dlamini, a former Vice-President of the SRC, takes over the reins.
![Wits University Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/Wits-logo-colour-left-600x300.png)
Role of universities as public interlocutors of dialogue
STATEMENT: Universities have an important role to play in upholding democracy, in speaking truth to power, and in facilitating debate.
![Masters engineering candidate, Alice Drozdov, part of the inaugural class of the Optica Women Scholars Masters engineering candidate, Alice Drozdov, part of the inaugural class of the Optica Women Scholars](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Alice Drozdov_Optics_600x300px.png)
Light-bender recognised with scholarship
Engineering student exploring optics and photonics is among Optica Women Scholars to receive a generous award and international mentorship.
![Skulls 600x300px Skulls 600x300px](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/M4 Montage 600x300px.jpg)
Famous Sterkfontein Caves deposit 1 million years older than previously thought
New dates for Australopithecus-bearing Sterkfontein Cave deposit places South African hominin fossils at the centre of global palaeo research.
![Young physicists: Dr Edward Nkadimeng working on TileCal electronics. Ryan Mckenzie beneath the ATLAS detector. Young physicists: Dr Edward Nkadimeng working on TileCal electronics. Ryan Mckenzie beneath the ATLAS detector.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Edward Nkadimeng and Ryan Mckenzie_Cern_600x300px.png)
Young South African researchers take leading roles at the ATLAS experiment collaboration
Wits’ young scientist (physicists) take front positions in the world’s largest scientific endeavour to generate new science and expand current knowledge.
![Kurt Sartorius paddles down the Rio Madeira in 1972. Credit: Colin Amm Kurt Sartorius paddles down the Rio Madeira in 1972. Credit: Colin Amm](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Kurt_Sartorius.jpg)
73-year-old Wits Professor to take on the Amazon river to fight climate change
Professor Kurt Sartorius and his colleague from the School of Accountancy, Wayne van Zijl, will set out on an expedition that nearly broke him 50 years ago.
![Performing Nosipho Performing Nosipho](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Nosipho outside 600x300px.jpg)
Wits polyglot wins Chinese proficiency competition
A talent for languages and an interest in the cultures of the world is opening doors for a Wits music student.
![Poet Don Mattera Poet Don Mattera](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Don-Mattera_600x300px.jpg)
Epitaph for a baobab: remembering South African poet and activist Don Mattera
A true African poet, Don Mattera was at the centre of public life, an advocate for change and an enemy of elitism.
![The truth about mielies. © Vino Tinto | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ The truth about mielies. © Vino Tinto | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-6/The-truth-about-mielies_ÂVino-Tinto_600x300px.jpg)
Rising food prices: a close look at inflation in South Africa
Periods of high food inflation affect poor households the most. This is because they spend a higher percentage of their income on food.
![Research, technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code Research, technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2022/Research_technology_innovation_600x300px.jpg)
4IR - a seductive idea requiring critical engagement
The narrative of the Fourth Industrial Revolution is more aspiration than reality.
![Light travelling in a distorting medium can appear undistorted Light travelling in a distorting medium can appear undistorted](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Light travelling in a distorting medium can appear undistorted 600x300px.jpg)
Light travelling in a distorting medium can appear undistorted
That light gets distorted when passing through distorting media seems self-evident. Now Wits Researchers have discovered a hidden property in the light that rem
![](/media/wits-university/faculties-and-schools/Health Sciences.png)
Delivery of quality healthcare and clinical training prioritised in Wits, GDoH agreement
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) and Wits University sign MOA to deliver quality healthcare services and exemplary health sciences education.
![Researchers from Wits University and University College London on a field trip in Lesotho Researchers from Wits University and University College London on a field trip in Lesotho](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Lesotho_tracking moisture_600x300px.png)
Tracking rainfall moisture in Lesotho
Lesotho is considered to be the water tower of southern Africa and it is key to water security in the region.
![Prof Chetty Prof Chetty](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Prof Chetty 600x300px.jpg)
Universities must think more creatively about the employability of their graduates
Universities must think more creatively about the employability of graduates, especially those at the PhD level.
![Sharpeville massacre - 16 June 1976 Sharpeville massacre - 16 June 1976](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Sharpeville-massacre_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa’s epochal 1976 uprisings shouldn’t be reduced to a symbolic ritual
The students who marched on 16 June 1976 did more than simply register a political opinion.
![The Nile River The Nile River](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Nile-river_600x300px.jpg)
Fish in a major South African river are full of microplastics
The Vaal River, which serves more than 11 million people, is considerably polluted with microplastics.
![Technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code Technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2022/Office,-computers,-tech_600x300px.jpg)
Digital labour platforms subject global South workers to ‘algorithmic insecurity’
Digital platform work is often seen to suit workers’ skills, interests and schedules. But it comes at a cost to their economic security and control.
![Farmer David Rakgase in Northam. © Deon Raath | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Farmer David Rakgase in Northam. © Deon Raath | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-6/Farmer-David-Rakgase-in-Northam,-Â_Deon_Raath.jpg)
Amazing ting: South Africa must reinvigorate sorghum as a key food before it’s lost
Known as ting or amazimba, indigenous sorghum is resilient and rich in cultural and health benefits – yet crops are declining.
![Queuing to vote in South Africa's general elections. © IEC Queuing to vote in South Africa's general elections. © IEC](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Queuing-to-vote-in-South-Africas-elections_Â-IEC_600x300px.jpg)
A referendum on electoral reform in South Africa might stir up trouble
There are calls for a national referendum on the electoral system to define the way forward, and liberate it from the clutches of party barons.
![Covid-19, vaccination, virus Covid-19, vaccination, virus](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Covid19_vaccinated_600x300px.jpg)
Covid vaccines and pregnancy: a review of the evidence shows they are safe
In all the research reviewed, none found any safety concerns regarding COVID vaccines during pregnancy.
![Research, technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code Research, technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2022/Research_technology_innovation_600x300px.jpg)
Digital migration: court delay upholds information rights of poor South Africans
The decision further delays migration to digital broadcasting and places strain on the urgently needed bandwidth for mobile data.
![Scientists have pioneered a new technique to directly date rock art in southern Africa Scientists have pioneered a new technique to directly date rock art in southern Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/LAB1-(8)w.600x300.jpg)
How the music of an ancient rock painting was brought to life
Sometimes archaeologists can “hear” the ancient past using acoustic methods.
![Is technology killing African indigenous languages? Is technology killing African indigenous languages?](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-2/AfricanLanguages_600x300px.jpg)
Children’s mental health and the digital world
The benefits and risks of the digital environment on children’s mental health should be balanced. How to get it right.
![SIMISO winner SIMISO winner](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/SIMISO_Buhle Baloyi 600x300px.jpg)
Witsie shines at international competition
Engineering student trumps teams at an international simulation competition.
![Image of the Engineering Board Image of the Engineering Board](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Engineering Board (image2)600x300px.jpg)
Industrial Advisory Board appointed to guide Engineering Faculty
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment has established an advisory board with key industry representatives.
![Wits Service Department (World Food Safety Day) Wits Service Department (World Food Safety Day)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/food safety_pic2 600x300px.jpg)
World Food Safety Day empowers Witsies
Practical demonstration and tips on how to ensure food safety helps Witsies to take control of their own health.
![Wits Australia Board and Philanthropy Advisory Committee_BACK LtoR Back: Michael Segerman, Philip Zylstra, Lawrence Jackson Wits Aus Rep, Andy Schmulow, Rob Hamer.FRONT LtoR Myra Salkinder, Philip Mayers, Lenore Manderson, Graham Craig Wits Australia Board and Philanthropy Advisory Committee_BACK LtoR Back: Michael Segerman, Philip Zylstra, Lawrence Jackson Wits Aus Rep, Andy Schmulow, Rob Hamer.FRONT LtoR Myra Salkinder, Philip Mayers, Lenore Manderson, Graham Craig](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Wits Aust Board and Philanthropy Advisory Committee_back row Michael Segerman Philip Zylstra Lawrence Jackson Wits Aus rep Dr Andy Schmulow Rob Hamer. 600x300.jpg)
Australian Friends of Wits University advance Centenary Campaign
Alumni in Australia have formalised fundraising for Wits in its centenary year with R80 million already pledged by the Zylstra family’s Skye Foundation.
![Professor Benjamin Rosman Professor Benjamin Rosman](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Benjamin-Rosman_600x300px.jpg)
Boost to pursue his high-risk, high-reward ideas
Professor Benjamin Rosman is one of 18 early-career researchers in the world to be named CIFAR Azrieli Global Scholars for 2022-2024.
![Sealing the partnership: Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Prof. Thokozani Majozi and CEO of AfriTin, Anthony Viljoen Sealing the partnership: Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Prof. Thokozani Majozi and CEO of AfriTin, Anthony Viljoen](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Prof. Thokozani Majozi_FEBE Dean_Anthony Viljoen_AfriTin_600x300px.png)
Funding boost for postgrad research into new-age metals
Wits signs research agreement with AfriTin Mining to investigate and optimise tech metals processing.
![Tinashe Chikowore of the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience and the Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit Tinashe Chikowore of the Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Bioscience and the Developmental Pathways to Health Research Unit](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Tinashe Chikowore SBIMB DPHRU 600x300.jpg)
Genetic risk scores could predict disease in Africans
Using genetic risk scores to predict which individuals have a higher risk genetically of developing a particular disease is set to revolutionise medicine.
![Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University. Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Zeblon-Vilakazi_600x300px-1.jpg)
A career-long love affair with science
From being dazzled by the launch of space stations in the 1970s to pushing the boundaries of quantum physics.
![Technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code Technology, innovation, digital network, cyber security, computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, online, website, software, code](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2022/tudent_Tech_600x300px.jpg)
The 2022 ICT Skills Survey goes live
The impact of hybrid work models on IT skills in South Africa will be among the issues coming under the spotlight this year.
![Queen Elizabeth II Queen Elizabeth II](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Queen-Elizabeth-II_600x300px.jpg)
Queen Elizabeth II: the reign that ended the British empire in Africa
The decolonisation process was to take place rapidly during the reign of Elizabeth II.
![Prof. Maria Marchetti-Mercer Prof. Maria Marchetti-Mercer](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Maria Marchetti-Mercer_600x300px.jpg)
Home recognition for Italian Prof
Prof. Maria Marchetti-Mercer has been awarded the Order of the Star of Italy.
![Community theatres and art spaces require proper policies and management says Relebohile Mabonda Community theatres and art spaces require proper policies and management says Relebohile Mabonda](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Relebohile Mabonda_600x300px.jpg)
Rising talent to explore community theatre and policies in Germany
Masters student Relebohile Mabonda wraps up a performance and prepares to join the German Chancellor's Fellowship Programme for prospective leaders.
![New Director of Wits Libraries Dr Daisy Selematsela New Director of Wits Libraries Dr Daisy Selematsela](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Dr-Daisy-Selematsela_600x300.jpg)
Not your stereotypical librarian
Dr Daisy Selematsela, the new Director of Wits Libraries, has many names that people have given her over the years.
![Fundiswa Ngomani Fundiswa Ngomani](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Fundiswa Ngomani_600x300px.jpg)
Staff development made easy with flexible training platforms
Wits Staff and students have access to free online learning platforms to continue learning.
![Violence in South Africa Violence in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Violence-in-South-Africa_600x300px.jpg)
Death penalty returns to SA through mob murder
The number of people suspected of crimes who are being killed in an arbitrary and brutal fashion is growing.
![Professor Karl von Holdt Professor Karl von Holdt](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Karl-von-Holdt_600x300px.jpg)
Making and remaking of social orders
Renowned sociologist Karl von Holdt on violence, politics and power.
![Religion Religion](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Generic_Religion_600x300px.jpg)
No more holy smokescreens: churches must lead the anti-corruption crusade
They should also clean their houses, then call out corrupt ‘leaders’ to make churchgoers aware of the damage they cause.
![Women Women](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Women_600x300px.jpg)
How to prevent maternal deaths
For every maternal death, there are about an additional 20 women who suffer serious injuries, infections and disabilities related to pregnancy.
![This is the first image of Sagittarius A* (or Sgr A* for short), the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. This is the first image of Sagittarius A* (or Sgr A* for short), the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/EHT_PR_Main_Image_Wide.jpg)
African sci-tech could drive future black hole discoveries
Astronomers have revealed the first image of the black hole at the centre of our galaxy, the Milky Way.
![Africa Day 2022 examines the role of science and innovation in tackling unemployment Africa Day 2022 examines the role of science and innovation in tackling unemployment](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Africa-Day _2022Witslogo_600x300.jpg)
New age economy requires job-creating graduates
Entrepreneurship and innovation are at the centre of economic development in Africa, says speakers from various parts of the continent.
![The Star Projector has a unique history and has served in Germany and South Africa clocking up nearly 100 years of service. The Star Projector has a unique history and has served in Germany and South Africa clocking up nearly 100 years of service.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Planetarium_600x300px.jpg)
Wits Planetarium Centenary Shows
Last opportunity this June to view the nearly 100 year old Star Projector in operation, as it will be replaced with a fully digital dome projection system.
![Ribbon cutting Ribbon cutting](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/FabLab 600300px.jpg)
Turkish ambassador launches digital fabrication laboratory at Wits
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and Wits University launch FabLab.
![FALF fellows Professor Nicole de Wet-Billings and Dr Ida Risenga FALF fellows Professor Nicole de Wet-Billings and Dr Ida Risenga](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Nicole de Wet_Ida Risenga_600x300px.jpg)
Wits strives for transformation in academic leadership
The Female Academic Leaders Fellowship (FALF) admits second cohorts.
![Professor Helen Rees Professor Helen Rees](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/Professor-Helen-Rees-600x300px.jpg)
Leading global scientist at Wits advises World Health Organization on monkeypox
Monkeypox is a disease of global public health importance as it not only affects countries in West and Central Africa, but the rest of the world.
![Wits Entrepreneurship Clinic Wits Entrepreneurship Clinic](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Wits-Entrepreneurship-Clinic_600x300px.jpg)
Wits Entrepreneurship Clinic will enable youth to become the future job creators
“Young entrepreneurs are one of the country's best hopes in solving the jobs crisis” - Dr Robert Venter, Project Leader for the WEC.
![Celebrating a fruitful relations (l-r) Profs Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor (UoE), Ruksana Osman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Wits) James Smith, Vice-Principal International (UoE) and Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation (Wits) Celebrating a fruitful relations (l-r) Profs Peter Mathieson, Principal and Vice-Chancellor (UoE), Ruksana Osman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Wits) James Smith, Vice-Principal International (UoE) and Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation (Wits)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Edinburgh University and Wits University.jpg)
Wits hosts Edinburgh delegation
Strategic partner and top UK University visits to cement ties and toast to the next 100 years.
![Prof. Glen Nwaila appointed Director of the WIts Mining Institute Prof. Glen Nwaila appointed Director of the WIts Mining Institute](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Glen_Nwaila_photos_600x300.jpg)
Glen Nwaila to lead the Wits Mining Institute
Economic geologist and machine learning practitioner takes the reins.
![Lenore Manderson is a Distinguished Professor of Medical Anthropology and Public Health is the Wits School of Public Health Lenore Manderson is a Distinguished Professor of Medical Anthropology and Public Health is the Wits School of Public Health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Lenore Manderson, Distinguished Professor of Medical Anthropology and Public Health is the Wits School of Public Health-1.jpg)
Award for Wits anthropologist for efforts to understand and serve needs of the world’s societies
The Society for Applied Anthropology (SfAA) has selected Professor Lenore Manderson as the recipient of its 2023 Bronislaw Malinowski Award.
![US flag US flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_US-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Politically US-Africa relations can be bumpy, but on the right track economically
Relations between African countries and the US are bumpy on political issues but much better on the economic front.
![The South African Rand The South African Rand](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Money(2).jpg)
Inflation should be viewed as public enemy number 1
Inflation is bad for any country’s economy. It also hurts the wealth and financial well-being of individuals and households.
![Mycobacterium tuberculosis are the bacteria that cause TB Mycobacterium tuberculosis are the bacteria that cause TB](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Mycobacterium_tuberculosis_01.600x300.jpg)
SA research leads to new WHO guidelines for improved TB treatment
Ground-breaking research conducted in SA to find shorter, more effective treatment for drug-resistant TB has informed global policy changes.
![This is the first image of Sagittarius A* (or Sgr A* for short), the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy. This is the first image of Sagittarius A* (or Sgr A* for short), the supermassive black hole at the centre of our galaxy.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/EHT_PR_Main_Image_Wide.jpg)
Wits scientists in the team that made the first image of the black hole in the centre of our galaxy
This result provides overwhelming evidence that the object is indeed a black hole and yields valuable clues about the workings of such giants.
![Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University. Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Zeblon-Vilakazi,-VC_600x300px.jpg)
Royal Honour for Wits Vice-Chancellor
Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi welcomed as a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Society (UK)
![Water being poured into watering bucket Water being poured into watering bucket](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Water_600x300px.jpg)
Community dialogue can show the way to meeting water needs
Evidence suggests that involving marginalised communities in setting priorities and designing collective action can lead to improved health outcomes.
![Students, doctors, teaching, learning, medical, health Students, doctors, teaching, learning, medical, health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Medical-students_600x300px.jpg)
The problem of funding SA students can be solved
SA’s private financial sector should fund all students, no matter their means, with loans underwritten by the state.
![A Kite's Flight by William Gumede A Kite's Flight by William Gumede](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/A-Kites-Flight-by-William-Gumede_600x300px.jpg)
For the love of books - what reading to our children teaches them about the world
Reading expands the knowledge, fosters empathy for others and builds healthy, loving and trusting relationships between children and adults.
![Wits Library 600x300 Wits Library 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Wits Library 600x300.jpg)
Towards a secure digital legacy – Wits Library now a member of the Digital Preservation Coalition
Wits has joined the Digital Preservation Coalition, a charitable foundation that supports digital preservation with a view to a secure digital legacy.
![Professor Zeblon Vilakazi at the relaunch of the South African Heritage Archive at Wits University Professor Zeblon Vilakazi at the relaunch of the South African Heritage Archive at Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Professor-Zeblon-Vilakazi_600x300px.jpg)
Unleashing the potential of university-based archives
Towards the creation of a future Civil Society and Human Rights Archive and Research Hub at Wits.
![Covid-19 and vaccination Covid-19 and vaccination](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Covid19_vaccines_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 Update 86: Infections are increasing
Please take note of rising infections in the country and particularly in Gauteng. Please get vaccinated if you have not done so yet.
![Wits Great Hall Wits Great Hall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/buildings/Great-Hall-600-x-300.jpg)
National Research Foundation rates three Witsies for the first time as world leaders in their fields
The NRF has awarded new A-ratings to three Wits academics in the Faculty of Humanities and the Faculty of Health Sciences respectively.
![Wits Great Hall Wits Great Hall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/buildings/Great-Hall-600-x-300.jpg)
Intriguing insights from Wits Global Ethics Day colloquium
The annual ethics colloquium, which celebrates ethical practices, this year interrogated ideas and studies that challenged Research Ethics Committees recently.
![African National Congress (ANC) African National Congress (ANC)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_ANC-colours.jpg)
Former South African president predicts the end of the ruling party: history is on his side
Any ruling party in South Africa has found it hard to maintain internal coherence and unity over an extended time span amid wide national diversity.
![](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-may-aug/Dr Sofya Chistyakova and Prof Rais Latypov 600x300px.jpg)
Geologists explain why most basaltic magma chambers are roofless
Wits geologists come up with an original interpretation for a long-standing petrological paradox – the common absence of roof rocks in basaltic magma chambers.
![Johannesburg, CBD, city, South Africa, skyline, buildings Johannesburg, CBD, city, South Africa, skyline, buildings](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Johannesburg_city_600x300px.jpg)
New forms of urban planning are emerging in Africa
Master planning has served the entwining interests and ambitions of international as well as local actors in Africa.
![Africa Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Africa_600x300px.jpg)
How Africa can respond to the seismic changes in the world
Fundamental changes are taking place in the world: what are the implications for Africa?
![Wits Kudus at 2022 Welcome Day Wits Kudus at 2022 Welcome Day](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Kudus_Student_Welcome-Day-2022_600x300.jpg)
From pandemic learner to successful student
'Gateway to Success' programme: Creating a holistic, seamless transition from secondary school to university
![Dr Dale Lansford Dr Dale Lansford](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Dr-Dale-Langsford_600x300px.jpg)
A different dream for Wits teacher with cystic fibrosis
A journey that was almost thwarted just as the undergraduate degree was in the bag.
![Wits Chancellor Dr Judy Dlamini adds a teaching qualification to a string of qualifications Wits Chancellor Dr Judy Dlamini adds a teaching qualification to a string of qualifications](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Dr-Judy-Dlamini-graduation_1_600x300px.jpg)
Wits Chancellor Dr Judy Dlamini graduates again
Respect for the profession created the need to do this qualification, says Dlamini.
![Wits awarded Justice Navi Pillay an honorary degree of laws in April 2022 Wits awarded Justice Navi Pillay an honorary degree of laws in April 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Justice Navi Pillay with an honorary degree from Wits_April 2022 600x300.png)
Genocide, gender and the pursuit of justice
Navanethem ‘Navi’ Pillay already has 17 honorary degrees but “it’s always precious when you get it from home”, she says.
![Judge Bakone Moloto awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by Wits University in recognition of a career serving South Africa and the global community (pic credit: Patrick Fuller) Judge Bakone Moloto awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Laws by Wits University in recognition of a career serving South Africa and the global community (pic credit: Patrick Fuller)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Justice-Moloto_20April_Wits-University_600x300.jpg)
Restore accountability to the Legislature
Justice Moloto bemoans decade of ‘accountability inertia’ and asks graduates to contribute to people- driven democracy.
![Charles Nupen graduation Charles Nupen graduation](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Charles_Nupen 600x300px.jpg)
Wits honours conflict resolution luminary
Wits awards distinguished attorney and dispute resolution luminary Charles Nupen with honorary doctorate in law.
![Anopheles stephensi mosquito and malaria. © commons.wikimedia.org Anopheles stephensi mosquito and malaria. © commons.wikimedia.org](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Malaria_600x300px.jpg)
Fresh signs of mosquito insecticide resistance in South Africa
Insecticide resistance is a growing threat to malaria control efforts globally.
![This is the cover of the Wits University 2015 Research Report 'Research Matters' This is the cover of the Wits University 2015 Research Report 'Research Matters'](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Research Matters 2015_600x300px.jpg)
Twelve Witsies in the running for Science Oscars
Twelve Wits researchers are contenders for the prestigious NSTF-South32 Awards for 2021/2022, four of whom were nominated in two categories each.
![Winners of 2022 Wits leg of FameLab Winners of 2022 Wits leg of FameLab](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/FameLab_600x300px.gif)
Health Sciences student wins Wits FameLab
Mpho Mathole won the Wits leg of the international science communication competition and will go on to participate in the nationals later this year.
![Dr Frene Ginwala awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Wits University Dr Frene Ginwala awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws by Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Dr Frene Ginwala_600x300px.jpg)
Dr Frene Ginwala remembers Wits
Struggle icon Dr Frene Ginwala recalls how Wits accelerated the global fight against apartheid.
![Tribute to Ndoni Mcunu, PhD candidate, who passed away on April 16, 2022 Tribute to Ndoni Mcunu, PhD candidate, who passed away on April 16, 2022](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Ndoni-Mcunu_600x300px.jpg)
Humble, sincere, with an infectious laugh – tributes to Ndoni Mcunu
Ndoni Mcunu, Wits PhD candidate, climate scientist, and the driving force behind Black Women in Science passed away on April 16.
![KZN floods © GovernmentZA | Flickr KZN floods © GovernmentZA | Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/KZN-floods_Gov.ZA_600x300px.jpg)
KZN floods - the cost of “loss and damage”
COP27 — the next battleground for climate justice and damage compensation.
![#WitsGrads #WitsGrads](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Graduations_600x300px.jpg)
Five luminaries to be honoured at #WitsGrads
Wits University is proud to announce the start of the April graduation season where 5 593 students will be capped between 19 and 29 April 2022.
![Professor Zeblon Vilakazi with Principal Martin Sadiki. Professor Zeblon Vilakazi with Principal Martin Sadiki.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Schoolevent_600x300px.jpg)
Wits hosts the principals of top secondary schools
Wits University hosts principals from top achieving Gauteng schools
![Launch of the Future Ecosystems for Africa programme Launch of the Future Ecosystems for Africa programme](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Futures.jpg)
Future Ecosystems for Africa programme launched at Wits
Programme aims to identify African ecosystem vulnerabilities while leveraging African-informed transformative change opportunities.
![Food markets and sellers ©GovernmentZA/Flickr Food markets and sellers ©GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Fruit_market_food_Credit-GovernmentZA_Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Both big and small farms are important for food security
The farming sector is arguably the most important economic sector for SA’s development as it is directly linked to food security and poverty reduction.
![Shops and business; economy and inequality ©GovernmentZA/Flickr Shops and business; economy and inequality ©GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Shops_business_economy_inequality_GovernmentZA_Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Race and class fears amplified on Twitter when Covid-19 hit
Study of tweets in Kenya and South Africa shows online rage towards white communities and privileged classes can be read as fatigue with the postcolonial state.
![Taco Kuiper Awards 2021 Taco Kuiper Awards 2021](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Taco-Kuiper-Awards_600x300.jpg)
AmaBhungane and Daily Maverick win Taco Kuiper Award
Stories that unearthed corruption in the Health Ministry and exposed threats by a torched chemical company win the premier award for investigative journalists.
![Professor Andrew Forbes is researching how to pack information into light, transmit it over distance and then unpack the information on the other side. Professor Andrew Forbes is researching how to pack information into light, transmit it over distance and then unpack the information on the other side.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Andrew-Forbes-600x300px.jpg)
Self-healing arrays of twisted light from a laser
Wits physicist part of team that develops novel laser.
![The South African History Archive (SAHA) has been reintegrated into Wits University The South African History Archive (SAHA) has been reintegrated into Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/SAHA-Archive_600x300px.jpg)
South African History Archive returns home
SAHA was officially relaunched at Wits and will be part of the Archives and Research Hub.
![Simphiwe Ngwenya and Alexa Edelstein joint winners of the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Student Leader of the Year Award Simphiwe Ngwenya and Alexa Edelstein joint winners of the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Student Leader of the Year Award](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Simphiwe Ngwenya_Alexa Edelstein_Student Leadrship Awards_600x300px.jpg)
Student Leadership Awards celebrate movers and shakers
From spearheading entrepreneurship programmes to driving community projects, Wits student leaders are walking the path of servant leadership.
![Law, prosecution and courts. Law, prosecution and courts.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Law-and-Courts_600x300px.jpg)
SA legal profession threatens to become as corrupt as the state
Law firms need to come together to agree on an anti-corruption stance and shame those who are unethical.
![President Cyril Ramaphosa President Cyril Ramaphosa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-sept-dec/Ramaphosa_National Orders_600x300px.jpg)
President Ramaphosa welcomes groundbreaking book on SA economy
The book comes at a time of great upheaval in the global economy.
![Dr Warren Lowman Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre clinical microbiologist Dr Warren Lowman Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre clinical microbiologist](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Dr-Warren-Lowman_600x300px.jpg)
SA teaching hospital shows 23 percent decrease in superbug transmission after novel intervention
A study shows for the first time that Ultraviolet room decontamination paired with manual cleaning decreases transmission of CRE by 23% in a hospital setting.
![Dr David Fine, Wits Alumnus and innovator Dr David Fine, Wits Alumnus and innovator](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Dr-David-Fine_600x300px.jpg)
R50 million donation to advance innovation in South Africa
Alumnus Dr David Fine's generous donation will be used to establish the Angela and David Fine Chair in Innovation.
![African Centre for the Study of the United States African Centre for the Study of the United States](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/logos-and-icons/African-Centre-for-the-Study-of-the-United-States_600x300px_.jpg)
ACSUS celebrates four years of excellence
ACSUS at Wits commits to Global South scholarship on the superpower’s emerging futures.
![Enrico Pescivolo declared Corobrik Student Architecture Awards Regional Winner Enrico Pescivolo declared Corobrik Student Architecture Awards Regional Winner](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Enrico Pescivolo_Corobrick regional winner_600x300.jpg)
Architecture student a regional winner of Corobrik competition
Research addressing monumental buildings inherited from industrialisation wins regional round and advances to nationals.
![Covid-19, virus, hand washing, protect Covid-19, virus, hand washing, protect](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Generic_Handwashing_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 risks remain
At this point it’s pragmatic to integrate COVID-19 management into routine health practices.
![One step closer to vaccine for HIV. One step closer to vaccine for HIV.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/HIV-Aids-600x300px.jpg)
R54,000 a pop for anti-HIV injection
A new HIV prevention medicine could work even better than daily pills, but if nothing changes it costs more than R300,000 to treat one person for a year.
![Ukraine war Ukraine war](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Ukraine-war_600x300px.jpg)
SA scientists have a duty to speak out on Ukraine invasion
As an academic body, we should be appalled by South Africa’s less than stellar performance on Russia’s war against Ukraine.
![The war in Ukraine The war in Ukraine](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/War-in-Ukraine_600x300px.jpg)
African countries showed disunity in UN votes on Russia
The unwillingness of African governments to forge a unified position on the Russian invasion has damaged the credibility of their pan-African commitments.
![Magema Fuze, author of the first book-length history of black people written in isiZulu. Magema Fuze, author of the first book-length history of black people written in isiZulu.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Magema-Fuze_600x300px.jpg)
The 100-year-old story of South Africa’s first history book in the isiZulu language
Magema Fuze’s book was a radical act of publishing. It contained histories of chiefdoms and kingdoms - from the Zulu to the Ngcobo.
![No to xenophobia in SA No to xenophobia in SA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Xenophobia_600x300px.jpg)
Rising vigilantism - the fruits of misrule
Ending violence against foreigners can only happen by first recognising – and addressing – the hazards of South Africa’s crumbling system of indirect rule.
![The flag of Cameroon The flag of Cameroon](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Cameroon_flag_600x300px.jpg)
How language plunged Cameroon into deadly conflict
Anglophone grievances run deep and have remained unaddressed for a long time.
![The South African Rand The South African Rand](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Money(2).jpg)
SA should pay whistleblowers to combat tax evasion
South Africa should start offering whistleblowers monetary compensation in cases where they help identify tax evaders.
![Diets, health eating, fast food and obesity. © Curiosity | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Diets, health eating, fast food and obesity. © Curiosity | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-6/Sauerkraut_ÂCuriosity_600x300px.jpg)
Introduce mandatory labelling for fast foods
South Africa should introduce regulations that mandate the nutritional labelling of fast foods. This will help consumers make informed dietary choices.
![Covid-19 and vaccination Covid-19 and vaccination](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Covid19_vaccines_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 Update 85: Over 90% of those accessing Wits' campuses are vaccinated
It is with great appreciation that we thank you and members of our wider Wits community for vaccinating and in so doing, making Wits a safer place for all.
![Theresa Mazarire in the Wits Research Institute for Malaria is a LOREAL UNESCO Women for Science awardee Theresa Mazarire in the Wits Research Institute for Malaria is a LOREAL UNESCO Women for Science awardee](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/Theresa Mazarire WRIM LOREAL 600x300.jpg)
Mapping mosquitoes to combat malaria
Theresa Mazarire in the Wits Institute for Malaria (WRIM) combines environmental science and public health to control malaria mosquitoes.
![Professor Kurt Sartorius (right) and Paddling partner Andre Holtzhausen on the Rio Madeira in 1972. Professor Kurt Sartorius (right) and Paddling partner Andre Holtzhausen on the Rio Madeira in 1972.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/KS_Amazon.jpg)
Accountants should take the lead in fighting climate change
Incorporating climate change accountability into integrated reporting can trigger a global change in climate change thinking.
![Wits execs with recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship Wits execs with recipients of the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/VC Scholarship Recipients 2022__600x300.jpg)
Top Matriculants, now Witsies celebrated
Twelve outstanding first-year students have been awarded the Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, which covers tuition and accommodation fees.
![Young, Famous & African on Netflix Young, Famous & African on Netflix](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Netflix_Young,-Famous-and-Africa_600300px.jpg)
Netflix and the African dream
The new reality series Young, Famous and African, released in March 2022, has been the centre of conversation among South African viewers.
![Covid-19, virus, masks, child Covid-19, virus, masks, child](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Mask-wearing_Covid19_600x300px.jpg)
New Covid-19 regulations are the real state of disaster
The incoherent and illogical new government Covid-19 regulations are the real state of disaster
National Batho Pele Excellence Award for Rees
This accolade acknowledges and recognises her outstanding contributions to COVID-19 research in 2021/2022.
![Albert Sharra from the Department of Political Studies has been awarded the 2021-2022 Commonwealth Split-site scholarship at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. Albert Sharra from the Department of Political Studies has been awarded the 2021-2022 Commonwealth Split-site scholarship at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Albert-Sharra_600x300px.jpg)
‘Digital activism is the future’ – Commonwealth scholar
Albert Sharra, recipient of the Commonwealth Split-site scholarship, focuses on digital political activism and people power.
![State of the Newsroom report 2020 State of the Newsroom report 2020](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/State-of-the-Newsroom-Report_600x300px.jpg)
Job losses, pay cuts – State of the Newsroom during Covid-19
The 2020 State of the Newsroom report looked at a year of ‘shock, confusion and a need to radically adapt’.
![Wits launches two programmes to enhance leadership in early- and mid-career academics. Wits launches two programmes to enhance leadership in early- and mid-career academics.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/EMCAT_600x300.jpg)
New programmes to enhance leadership in early- and mid-career academics
The two programmes ‘are stepping stones to launch and develop the careers of academics’.
![Professor Kris Carlson works on a MicroCT scanner at Wits University. Professor Kris Carlson works on a MicroCT scanner at Wits University.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Microct.jpg)
R10 million for the palaeosciences
#Wits100 donation will be used to fund the Micro CT scanner upgrade to benefit palaeontologists.
![Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Curiosity-Gender_600x300px.jpg)
It’s complicated … but let’s talk about #Gender
Read the 13th issue of Curios.ty, themed: #Gender. We feature research across the gender spectrum that aims to ensure a more equitable and tolerant society.
![Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Professor-Lynn-Morris_600x300px.jpg)
To live and love across a spectrum
EDITORIAL: The way we choose to identify ourselves provokes questions and demands interrogation to ensure a more equitable and tolerant society.
![Illustration of the Wits Great Hall | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Illustration of the Wits Great Hall | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/The-Wits-Great-Hall_600x300px.jpg)
STEM - not all are equal
Structures need to be put in place at higher education institutions to give women their rightful opportunities.
![Hopes and Dreams that Sound Like Yours: Stories of Queer Activism in Sub-Saharan Africa. © Taboom Media & GALA Queer Archive, 2021 | Illustrations by Lame Dilotsotlhe and Neil Badenhorst Hopes and Dreams that Sound Like Yours: Stories of Queer Activism in Sub-Saharan Africa. © Taboom Media & GALA Queer Archive, 2021 | Illustrations by Lame Dilotsotlhe and Neil Badenhorst](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Hopes-and-Dreams_No-reproduction_1_600x300px.jpg)
Beyond the binary
The gender binary has reached its expiry date but it still hasn’t been consigned to society’s dustbin.
![Hopes and Dreams that Sound Like Yours: Stories of Queer Activism in Sub-Saharan Africa. © Taboom Media & GALA Queer Archive, 2021. Illustration by Lamb of Lamila Hopes and Dreams that Sound Like Yours: Stories of Queer Activism in Sub-Saharan Africa. © Taboom Media & GALA Queer Archive, 2021. Illustration by Lamb of Lamila](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Hopes and Dreams_No reproduction_2_600x300px.jpg)
The politics of a woman’s body
The backsliding of women’s rights happening right now should be the clarion call that gender rights are still everybody’s business.
![Female Genital Mutilation | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Female Genital Mutilation | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Female-genital-mutilation_600x300px.jpg)
The knife between her thighs
Female Genital Mutilation - South African researchers and medical practitioners are increasingly seeing it in its most extreme forms.
![Finding Nemo | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Finding Nemo | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Finding-Nemo_600x300px.jpg)
Finding Nemo’s sexual identity
As a species, we are only starting to scratch the surface of our understanding of gender, sex, and identity.
![Women in sport | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Women in sport | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Women-in-sport_600x300px.jpg)
Levelling the playing fields
The competitive sporting world is playing catch-up with the realities of gender in modern society.
![Women and work | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Women and work | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Women-and-work_600x300px.jpg)
A woman’s work is never done
The work that women do in households is largely overlooked, yet it is critical for a well-functioning society.
![Mapping Motherhood © GCRO | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Mapping Motherhood © GCRO | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Mapping-Motherhood_GCRO_600x300px.jpg)
Parenting in the city
Building cities for women will make them more inclusive for all groups.
![Lesbian couple and love | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Lesbian couple and love | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Lesbian-couple_600x300px.jpg)
Older people do bonk
The notion that people older than 50 neither desire nor engage in sexual intercourse is a misnomer that demands further research, particularly in Africa.
![Lego Pride | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Lego Pride | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Lego-Pride_600x300px.jpg)
Monetising Pride
Responsibility and representation: Where does the buck stop for brands and business sales targeting the LGBTQIA+ community?
![Krotoa | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Krotoa | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Krotoa_600x300px.jpg)
Fractured histories
Coloured women find their centre beyond the whisper and gossip.
![](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/JHB-Pride-1996_ÂBev-Ditise-Collection,-GALA-Queer-Archive_600x300px.jpg)
Being queer in Africa
Despite a history of openness to queerness in pre-colonial times, Africa is now largely unwelcoming to LGBTQIA+ people.
![Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum © Jon Bodsworth - The Egypt Archive Khnumhotep and Niankhkhnum © Jon Bodsworth - The Egypt Archive](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Khnumhotep-and-Niankhkhnum-Â-Jon-Bodsworth,-The-Egypt-Archive_600x300px.jpg)
Same-sexuality past and present
The notion that homosexuality is ‘unAfrican’ is totally false. People have engaged in same-sex relationships for centuries.
![Hopes and Dreams that Sound Like Yours: Stories of Queer Activism in Sub-Saharan Africa. © Taboom Media & GALA Queer Archive, 2021 | Illustration by Lamb of Lemila Hopes and Dreams that Sound Like Yours: Stories of Queer Activism in Sub-Saharan Africa. © Taboom Media & GALA Queer Archive, 2021 | Illustration by Lamb of Lemila](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Hopes-and-Dreams_No-Reproduction_4_600x300px.jpg)
An illegal failure of our criminal justice system
Hate crimes such as the so-called “corrective rape” of lesbians and trans women is a black mark against SA’s constitutional democracy.
![Dr Ahmed Badat | Photo by Shivan Parusnath | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Dr Ahmed Badat | Photo by Shivan Parusnath | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Dr-Ahmed-Badat_600x300px.jpg)
A heart for the queer and gay
Dr Ahmed Badat spends his life focusing on improving LGBTQIA+ mental health training for medical students.
![People | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ People | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/People_600x300px.jpg)
Let’s talk about sex (and health), please
Changes in sexual functioning are a side effect of many physical and mental illnesses, however, across genders, sexual health and behaviour are not addressed.
![GenderXSecure | Curiosity 13: #Gender - https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ GenderXSecure | Curiosity 13: #Gender - https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/GenderXSecure_600x300px.jpg)
Mobilising big data and AI to fight GBVF
Gender-based violence and femicide is a pandemic more insidious and endemic than a virus – how technology can help combat and prevent it.
![Corpse Bride | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Corpse Bride | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Corpse-Bride_600x300px.jpg)
Monstrous males/femme fatales
Gender portrayals in animated films have come a long way, which is important, as animation can be a tool for positive social change.
![Boys don't cry. Illustration by Boniswa Khumalo | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Boys don't cry. Illustration by Boniswa Khumalo | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Boys-dont-cry_Â-Boniswa-Khumalo_600x300px.jpg)
'Real' men lift others up and don't put them down
Men cannot be left on the periphery of conversations about gender-based violence and abuse.
![Men's Res at Wits University | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Men's Res at Wits University | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Mens-Res_600x300px.jpg)
Performing masculinity in Men’s Res
Q&A with Moeketsi Gordon Koahela on his research into masculinity and male university students.
![Volunteer and social work | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Volunteer and social work | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Volunteer-and-help_600x300px.jpg)
Philanthropy’s feminist future
Could a growing understanding of the role of women in African philanthropy spark the evolution of the charitable giving sector?
![FALF Fellows (top l-r) Ann George, Dineo Mapanya, Jillian Gardner, and (bottom l-r) Mohlalakoma Ngwako, Thama Duba and Veronica Ntsia | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ FALF Fellows (top l-r) Ann George, Dineo Mapanya, Jillian Gardner, and (bottom l-r) Mohlalakoma Ngwako, Thama Duba and Veronica Ntsia | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/FALF-fellows_600x300px.jpg)
Towards gender parity in academic leadership
Eight female fellows of the Female Academic Leadership (FALF) Programme at Wits share their experiences of breaking the glass ceiling.
![Not your victim | Illustration by Boniswa Khumalo | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Not your victim | Illustration by Boniswa Khumalo | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Not-your-victim_Â-Boniswa-Khumalo_600x300px.jpg)
We’re not your victims
COLUMN: Srila Roy says that feminists in the Global South are fighting the battle on two fronts, making a history of their own.
![Mary Susan Makobatjatji Malahlela © Adler Museum of Medicine | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Mary Susan Makobatjatji Malahlela © Adler Museum of Medicine | Curiosity 13: #Gender © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-13/Mary-Susan-Makobatjatji-Malahlela_ÂAdler-Museum-of-Medicine_600x300px.jpg)
SA’s first black female doctor was a Witsie
When apartheid became law in 1948, a black woman from Limpopo had already achieved a series of firsts …
![Dr Janan Dietrich is director of Biobehavioural Research at the Wits Perinatal HIV Research Institute Dr Janan Dietrich is director of Biobehavioural Research at the Wits Perinatal HIV Research Institute](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Dr Janan Dietrich Director Biobehaviorual Research PHRU 600x300.jpg)
New project will examine Covid-19 vaccine acceptance in southern Africa
A new project will examine Covid-19 vaccine acceptance in SA and Zimbabwe and recommend strategies to promote vaccination.
![Professor Craig Sheridan Professor Craig Sheridan](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Craig-Sheridan_600x300px.jpg)
Sustainability in higher education: clean water
In this series, QS has been exploring the innovative and inspiring work being done by higher education institutions to address UN Sustainable Development Goals.
![The Wits Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct The Wits Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Wits-Tshimologong-Digital-Innovation-Precinct_600x300px.jpg)
Creating job opportunities for SA’s youth
The Wits Entrepreneurship Clinic gets going with programme to drive innovation and entrepreneurship.
![Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, addressing the signing ceremony where Wits became a strategic partner of the CIVIS Alliance. Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, addressing the signing ceremony where Wits became a strategic partner of the CIVIS Alliance.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/CIVIS-Alliance-signing_600x300px.jpg)
Developing equal partnerships in unequal societies
Wits strengthens EU partnerships through becoming a CIVIS Alliance strategic partner.
![Professor Nithaya Chetty, the Dean of the Faculty of Science at Wits University. Professor Nithaya Chetty, the Dean of the Faculty of Science at Wits University.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/vco-team/Professor-Nithaya-Chetty_600x300px.jpg)
Scientific diplomacy and cooperation in this time of war
Scientific diplomacy must be given a chance to help enhance mutual understandings across political divides.
![Doctor Sofya Chistyakova and Professor Rais Latypov. Doctor Sofya Chistyakova and Professor Rais Latypov.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Latypov.jpg)
Bushveld Complex functioned as a big magma tank
Scientists find that large, long-lived, and entirely molten magma chambers did exist in Earth’s crust.
![Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at Wits University Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation at Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/vco-team/Professor-Lynn-Morris_600x300px.jpg)
Academics condemn silencing of scientists over Russian invasion
Professor Lynn Morris says universities 'value independent inquiry, intellectual excellence, integrity, and academic freedom and institutional autonomy'.
![2021 recipients of the Carnegie Diversifying the Academy (CDTA) grants networking at the welcome event. 2021 recipients of the Carnegie Diversifying the Academy (CDTA) grants networking at the welcome event.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Diversifying_Academy_welcome_event2022_600x300px.jpg)
Diversifying the Academy
The rewards of supporting the research and career aspirations of Wits academics.
![Professor Shabir Madhi is Director of the Wits Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics research unit and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Professor Shabir Madhi is Director of the Wits Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics research unit and Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Shabir 6 600x300.jpg)
New promising interventions to protect term and premature babies from deadly respiratory virus
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and hospitalisation in infants.
![Professor Andrew Forbes from the Wits School of Physics Professor Andrew Forbes from the Wits School of Physics](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Andrew-Forbes_600x300px-2.jpg)
Wits physicist awarded 2022 Sang Soo Lee Award
Professor Andrew Forbes recognised for his outstanding leadership in founding and growing an optics and photonics community in Africa.
![Prof. Helen Rees Wits RHI_CROWN study 2020 600x300 Prof. Helen Rees Wits RHI_CROWN study 2020 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-sept-dec/Prof. Helen Rees Wits RHI_CROWN study 2020.jpg)
French National Order of Merit awarded to Professor Helen Rees
This accolade recognises her outstanding medical career and commitment to improving global health with a focus on public health in Africa.
![Dr Mbili Tshiningayamwe on the deck of the Joides Resolution in Cape Town harbour. Dr Mbili Tshiningayamwe on the deck of the Joides Resolution in Cape Town harbour.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/JoidesResolution.jpg)
Wits audience get a virtual tour of the JOIDES Resolution research ship
Virtual linkup was done live from the ship while the ship was on an expedition to conduct science operations on the Walvis Ridge, off the coast of Namibia.
![The Wits Great Hall The Wits Great Hall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits100/The-Wits-Great-Hall_600x300px.jpg)
Wits celebrates 100 years of excellence
The University aims to raise R3 billion through the Centenary Campaign
![The new Chris Seabrooke Music Hall The new Chris Seabrooke Music Hall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits100/The-Wits-Chris-Seabrooke-Music-Hall_600x300px.jpg)
#Wits100: New music hall for the good of the arts
Wits University launches its centenary campaign with the opening of the new state-of-the-art Wits Chris Seabrooke Music Hall.
![Three former VCs talk about #Wits100 Three former VCs talk about #Wits100](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits100/Three-VCs-talk-about-Wits100_600x300px.jpg)
A mathematician, historian and political scientist walk into a bar ...
Three former VCs, Chancellor Judy Dlamini, Stanley Bergman and Professor Zeblon Vilakazi toast #Wits100.
![Rethabile Mphahlele, winner of the annual Nedbank/Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition. Rethabile Mphahlele, winner of the annual Nedbank/Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Rethabile-Mphahlele_600x300px.jpg)
Top spots for Witsies
Wits student wins the country’s premier budget speech competition.
![Covid-19 and vaccination Covid-19 and vaccination](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Covid19_vaccines_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 Update 84: Over 30 000 vaccination certificates uploaded
The academic programme began in earnest today and it was fantastic to see students in class again and staff back on campus.
![US flag US flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_US-flag_600x300px.jpg)
The relevance of American studies in African universities
Africa needs to study America for a balanced engagement across public policy, civil society, corporate sector and at personal levels.
![Covid-19, vaccination, virus, research, laboratory Covid-19, vaccination, virus, research, laboratory](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Vaccinations_Covid19_600x300px.jpg)
Omicron doesn’t need its own custom vaccine
The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus was discovered in South Africa and emerged in November 2021.
![Health and medicine © Curiosity Health and medicine © Curiosity](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-12/Health-and-medicine_Â-Curiosity_600x300px.jpg)
Tracking symptoms of respiratory diseases online can give a picture of community health
This is not an alternative to traditional disease surveillance, but a complementary tool.
![Covid-19, vaccination, virus Covid-19, vaccination, virus](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Vaccinate_Covid19_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa has arrived at the recovery stage of the pandemic
South Africa is in a new phase of the COVID pandemic. But vaccination remains crucial.
![Woman and child © Curiosity Woman and child © Curiosity](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-12/Woman-and-child__Â Curiosity_600x300px.jpg)
Child care centres in South Africa need more support
The sector was ill-equipped to withstand further shocks and impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
![Religion Religion](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Generic_Religion_600x300px.jpg)
God and illness: in SA there’s more to healing than medicine
It is not uncommon for people to believe that the cause of their illnesses is a result of curses or punishment from a deity or witchcraft.
![Media monopolies Media monopolies](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-3/Media-monopolies_600x300px.jpg)
Reimagining journalism training
Journalism has become ‘post-industrial’, entrepreneurial and atypical.
![Learners exploring at the launch of the Next Engineers Programme Learners exploring at the launch of the Next Engineers Programme](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Next Engineers_Demo_600x300px.png)
Next Engineers Programme targets high schools
The five-year programme seeks to increase the diversity of the next generation of engineers through early exposure to engineering concepts and careers.
![Professor Shabir Madhi is Executive Director of Wits VIDA which leads the Oxford Covid vaccine trial_ 600x300 Professor Shabir Madhi is Executive Director of Wits VIDA which leads the Oxford Covid vaccine trial_ 600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Professor Shabir Madhi of Wits VIDA leads the Oxford Covid vaccine trial_ 600x300.jpg)
Population based survey reveals why SA is at a turning point in the pandemic
South Africans had extensive immunity against severe Covid-19 disease and death prior to Omicron, due to high infections in the first 3 waves and vaccination.
![Wits University Wits University](/media/wits-university/home-page/Students-at-Great-Hall-600x300.jpg)
Wits celebrates research excellence
It was an upbeat post-pandemic return to campus when Wits academics gathered to celebrate research excellence.
![Pic: Unsplash_Luke Chesser Pic: Unsplash_Luke Chesser](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Health App_Luke Chesser_600x300px.png)
Tackling how data from your Health App is used
New research project will explore ways to protect the personal health data of African app users.
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City-slicker or rural farmer? What the bugs in your gut can tell you about your health
Scientists have for the first time described the microbiome in SA individuals in ‘city’ and ‘rural’ populations and discovered new bacteria in SA microbiomes.
![Woman and child © Curiosity Woman and child © Curiosity](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-12/Woman-and-child__Â Curiosity_600x300px.jpg)
What it means to live a good life, a flourishing life
Words about mental health need to align with people’s understanding of well being.
![Rick Turner - assassinated Wits philosopher Rick Turner - assassinated Wits philosopher](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Rick-Turner_600x300px.jpg)
Rick Turner and the enduring necessity of utopian thinking
Utopian thinking, revisiting the ideas of Rick Turner in the current political context.
![Transport, trains, Johannesburg, rails, inequality, streets, economy Transport, trains, Johannesburg, rails, inequality, streets, economy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Johannesburg_transport_railways_600x300pxjpg.jpg)
SA'a fiscal squeeze: warning signs ignored for too long
The sums aren’t adding for South Africa on either the spending or revenue side. It’s a problem that’s developed over time with no action being taken.
![Covid-19 and vaccination Covid-19 and vaccination](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Covid19_vaccines_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 Update 83: Changes to screening tools
LogBox App is being streamlined to make it easier for you to complete the questions.
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative statement on type 1 wild poliovirus in Malawi
The GPEI is supporting Malawian health authorities to assess the situation and to begin urgent immunization in the subregion to mitigate any risk of spread.
![USA_America_Black History Month_Civil Rights USA_America_Black History Month_Civil Rights](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/America_USA_racism.jpg)
Why America's Black History month is important for Africans
Since its 1926 inception, Black History Month every February has been a celebration of "Africanness" beyond the confines of US borders.