Wits Sport launches a state-of-the-art gym and prepares to host major varsity tournaments.
2017 is set to be an incredible year for Wits Sport as it continues with service delivery to the Wits community and supporting Wits athletes.
The year kicks-off with Wits Sport launching the Wits Fitness and Wellness Centre, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, billed to be the largest of its kind on any campus in South Africa.
Wits Sport is also set to open a satellite office next to The Matrix student centre on the Braamfontein Campus East in order to improve access. The new office comes with a clothing store, courtesy of a partnership with sports clothing company Canterbury. Look out for a unique clothing range developed specifically for Wits.
Students who want to make a mark on the field of play will be spoilt for choice as they can chose from a possible 35 Sport Clubs at Wits. Students can sign up at the annual Welcome Day on 29 January, during O-Week (from 30 January to 03 February) and throughout the year at the satellite office.
Varsity Tournaments
Wits will play host to high profile sporting fest in 2017, with four Varsity Cup rugby matches playing out on home turf during the annual inter-varsity rugby tournament. Wits will take on FNB Shimlas on 30 January; FNB CUT Ixias on 13 February; FNB NMMU on 13 March and finally FNB UCT on 27 March.
In other hosting duties, Wits Sport will stage a number of University Sport South Africa (USSA) tournament matches in 2017. This will see football, basketball, netball and rugby games served, with the possibility of the hosting of several other codes on display. All eyes will, however, be on the men’s basketball side, dubbed the Wits Bucks, as they will be out to defend their USSA title won in 2016.
The stakes will continue to beam high in July and August as Wits will once again participate in Varsity Football, with at least four matches expected to take place on Wits University turf.
Looking further into 2017, students can relish flexing their muscles at one of the new outdoor gymnasiums, without having to dig into their pockets. And for those who want a night thrill, taking part in the annual Discovery Wits 5km Night Run on 2 February should be on the cards. It will also be the perfect opportunity to meet new people and mingle with fellow Witsies.
The year ahead is sure to be an exciting one – even more so as one lucky student will walk away with a brand new set of wheels. To stand a chance at sporting a new car at the first-ever Car Give-away, students can join WitsVibe – the university’s very own Supporters Club.
But, if being the perennial couch coach appeals to you, be sure to watch the MTN Top 8 Knockout Champions when Bidvest Wits takes on major teams in the PSL. There’s also a seat for you as a coach at the Bidvest stadium stands when the ‘Clever Boys’ play on campus.
Keep in touch with Wits Sport via their website and Twitter.
Engineer-cum-Facilities Manager occupies Chief Operations post
- Wits University
Fana Sibanyoni holds a position rarely found in South African universities but the time for which has come, given the winds of change in the sector.
Sibanyoni is Wits’ first Chief Operations Officer (COO) and will oversee departments that are instrumental to the University’s upward trajectory.
As part of the Senior Executive Team and reporting directly to the Vice-Chancellor, the COO will provide strategic leadership to portfolios that are the backbone of the University and enable it to achieve academic and research excellence. These portfolios include: Computer and Networking Services (CNS); Business Intelligence Services (BIS); Property and Infrastructure Management Development (PIMD); Campus Planning and Development; and Campus Control.
Sibanyoni has more than the necessary skills for this enormous portfolio – he is a mechanical engineer-cum-facilities manager.
“Many CEOs and business owners are engineers,” he says. “Engineering prepares you in logical thinking. You are able to solve complex scenarios, and it equips you with analytical skills.”
Sibanyoni was Born on a farm in Mpumalanga. He holds a BSc in Mechanical Engineering from the former University of Natal, an MBA from the University of Cape Town, and he completed the highly challenging International Executive Development Programme at the Wits Business School.
Prior to joining Wits, he was National Head of Facilities Management at Growthpoint Properties responsible for capital budgets over R1 billion per annum. This was preceded by executive roles at ABSA and Telkom. As an engineer he has worked for Sasol, Sentrachem, Hulett Sugar Limited and the Airports Company South Africa.
Sibanyoni believes that Wits is his destiny – despite fate twice delaying his joining the Wits community. The first time, his bursary placed him at the University of Natal and the second time, he was involved in a horrific car accident just days before his panel presentation at Wits for the COO position.
His presence at Wits today, despite the accident and the tumultuous timing of his arrival is testament to his commitment. He is undeterred by student protests for structural change and demands for free education.
“The protests are viewed as negative but they have created a framework for people to engage. It has brought a number of players in the University together. I am hoping to use that platform to engage and collaborate,” he says.
The priority for the COO and the University is stability and to capacitate Computer and Network Services (CNS) as it embarks on the R500 million upgrade of the University’s ICT infrastructure. This project was postponed in 2015 due to funds being diverted to support the shortfall created by a zero percent increase in fees this year.
“For Wits to achieve its 2022 vision of providing blended e-learning, it needs to upgrade its ICT infrastructure. Wi-fi facilities are key to today’s learning and we need to have state-of-the-art facilities throughout our campuses so that people are able to do their learning easily,” explains Sibanyoni.
Apart from installing the right infrastructure, Sibanyoni needs to make sure that he has the right people in CNS to fulfil the needs of a changing and tech-savvy university.
The University is currently recruiting a Chief Information Officer to head CNS. This is the first step in stabilising CNS.
Sibanyoni's next priority is supporting PIMD in undertaking critical maintenance backlogs to ensure that the University’s property, one of its most valuable assets, does not collapse.
The third and most talked about is the insourcing of contract workers who perform continuous services for the Wits community.
Sibanyoni’s vision for his office is to “achieve service excellence, and support and enable the University’s academic project to achieve the desired academic objectives.”
He is a firm believer in the importance of affiliating to professional associations and contributing to industry.
He is a member of numerous industry bodies including the Institute of Directors Southern Africa, the South African Facilities Management Association, the South African Property Owners Association, the Black Management Forum, the National Society for Black Engineers, and the Institute of Certificated Mechanical and Electrical Engineers, amongst others.
Wits team flying high
- Wits University
Engineering students reach the top 50 in Airbus global aviation competition.
Four Wits Aeronautical Engineering students have progressed to round two in the Airbus Fly Your Ideas competition that challenges students from all disciplines to develop new ideas and innovate with Airbus for the future of aviation.
South Africa is represented by Team Aero Squad consisting of the four Witsies: Makhosazana Moyo, Seshni Govender, Thabiso Leballo and Buhle Dlodlo.
Traveller24 caught up with the team who are working on a passenger experience innovation set to reduce aisle congestion and boarding delays. Their idea is for an overhead luggage elevation system that allows the passenger to load hand luggage onto it whilst seated.
"We were always looking to balance the practical with the innovative. And for the team the problem was not what they should focus on but instead being able to choose one key idea out of many."
Details on NSFAS, gap funding for the missing middle, historical debt and registration.
The registration process is currently underway and while many have registered, the University is aware that others have been unable to register due to a lack of financial resources.
The University has been engaging the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and other stakeholders on these issues since last year, as well as in recent days, and the following has been agreed:
DHET contribution to fee increase
The DHET will cover the fee increase of 8% (gap funding) for 2017 for South African students whose combined family income is below R600 000 per annum. This includes both students on NSFAS (National Students’ Financial Aid Scheme) and ‘missing middle’ students. The DHET has established a process for the identification and verification of the ‘missing middle’ cohort common to all universities. Only South African citizens and permanent residents studying towards a 2017 qualification will be considered. Students are required to apply for this gap funding via the Wits Student Self Service portal.
Students on NSFAS or awaiting NSFAS feedback
The DHET will pay for all students who have qualified for support from NSFAS, including those with historical debt. Students on NSFAS may also register without making the first fee payment in January 2017. Please note that all students in this category must sign a loan agreement form with NSFAS in order to obtain this funding.
Students who are still awaiting the outcome of their application from NSFAS may register and delay the first fee payment to the end of March 2017. Please note that proof of application from NSFAS is required by the Fees Office before students can register.
Students in the ‘missing middle’ with historical debt
The vice-chancellors of all universities met this week with the DHET for clarity on the support to students in the ‘missing middle’ with historic debt. Wits recommended that students in this category be fully supported. The DHET, however, indicated that there were no funds available and that students in the ‘missing middle’ are responsible for their own respective historical debt. The Department recommended that universities assist as far as possible to register academically successful students with historical debt if such students (a) settle their debt or (b) commit to payment plans. These financial concessions are to be undertaken without breaching the fiduciary responsibilities and without compromising the financial sustainability of universities.
Wits is mindful of the current economic climate and the financial pressure experienced by students and their families. The University is trying to assist as many students as possible, while remaining financially sustainable.
Recognising the financial hardships faced by some students and after consultation with the Students’ Representative Council (SRC), the Senior Executive Team has approved the following policy for registration in 2017 for students in the ‘missing middle’ with historical debt:
All students who owe R10 000 or less will have their debt automatically rolled into their 2017 fees and will be allowed to register.
Students who have debt higher than R10 000 will be requested to pay half the outstanding balance and enter into a payment plan for the remainder of the funds, before being allowed to register.
Interest will not be charged if students abide by the payment plan.
This is the extent to which the University can assist students without compromising its financial sustainability. We believe that these financial concessions will enable the majority of students at Wits to register for the 2017 academic year.
It must be noted that the University, in granting assistance, must do so in accordance with the legislative framework governing the granting of credit by educational institutions.
Fundraising
The University and the SRC are continuing to work to attract funding for bursaries, scholarships and financial aid. In 2016, Wits administered about R1 billion in financial aid, scholarships and bursaries that assisted more than 22 000 students.
Students who require funding for 2017 can apply via The Donation Discretionary Fund on the Student Self-Service portal. The application will be added to a database which will be used to pair students with suitable donors, when the University receives such funding. A form with supporting documentation needs to be uploaded onto the portal.
This application is separate to the Gap Funding application described above and does not guarantee funding.
Lasting solutions
A new model for the financing of the higher education system is a national priority and we are hopeful that long-term solutions for the financing of the higher education system will be announced during the course of the year.
The stability of the higher education system is essential if it is to continue to produce the graduates, professionals and research required to enable the inclusive economic development of our country and the addressing of the triple challenges of inequality, poverty, and unemployment.
We appeal to all students and other stakeholders to work with the University to constructively find lasting solutions that are beneficial for all.
Thank you
SENIOR EXECUTIVE TEAM
22 JANUARY 2017
Wits welcomes insourced workers
- Wits University
There was a lot to celebrate when the first cohort of insourced workers reported to work as official Wits employees in January 2017.
Fana Sibanyoni, Wits’ Chief Operations Officer, says: “The commencement of the insourcing programme is both the end of a long engagement process and the beginning of a new era at Wits. It is recognition that workers should have access to the dignity, security and conditions of service befitting our institution.”
Insourcing at the University commenced at the beginning of 2017. This followed protests which highlighted a range of transformation issues including the end of outsourcing. Wits initiated outsourcing in 2002 when it appointed external companies to provide cleaning, catering, transport, gardening services etc.
In response to the calls to end outsourcing, the Wits Council approved the establishment of an Insourcing Task Team comprising workers, students, academic staff, management, and council members. After months of robust debate, a policy was finalised, proposed to Council and agreed in June 2016. A management implementation task team was appointed to renegotiate existing contracts, set up the HR systems and induction and training programmes for the new Wits employees.
Other previously outsourced groups of workers will join Wits as employees during the course of 2017. Services to be insourced are cleaning, catering, security, transport, waste, grounds and landscaping. This amounts to approximately 1530 workers.
The insourcing and improvement of worker wages has been life-changing for Wits workers. The first changes were implemented in January 2016 following discussions by the Insourcing Task Team. The University absorbed the costs of the difference in the salaries paid by the outsourced service providers by paying a ‘top-up allowance’ to meet the agreed minimum wage. The salary of outsourced workers who earned below the minimum wage was increased to R4500 in January 2016 and to R6000 for the period June to December 2016.
The commencement of insourcing brings a further increase set at R7 860 (cost to company) in 2017. The more than 100% increase in salaries for some workers represents a move in the right direction to address the inequality so obvious in South Africa today.
Life has changed for the better for landscaper Florence Mashaba, who is part of the first group to be insourced.
Mashaba is relieved that she can now provide the basics for her family, such as food, and provide stationery and replace ill-fitting school uniforms.
Salary improvements are not the only benefits that bring hope to the ‘new staff’.
Mashaba, who used to pick up pens and pencils on Wits’ grounds for her children, is now certain that her children will get a post-matric qualification. The children of previously outsourced workers will now be able to access quality higher education. Those who qualify to study at Wits will receive financial aid from the University, setting them on a new trajectory.
Caiphus Luvhengo is dreaming of a decent future. He is a popular figure at the Wits Parktown Management Campus where he is a general worker. He derives joy knowing that his efficiency contributes to the positive image of the School. Darting around the campus, he ensures that there are no delays to lectures due to poorly prepared teaching venues.
“Being insourced has placed me in a position where I can plan for my future,” he says.
Although he only recently began enjoying an improved income, the soon-to-graduate worker would like to build a home for his wife and four-year-old daughter.
“We have a 23-member stokvel on this campus started years ago by workers to pool money and buy things that we couldn’t afford on our own. I am going to use my pay out to purchase a stand for my home. My increased salary will go towards building our home,” he says.
Luvhengo’s spirit has been renewed and his dreams are within reach. He recently completed the New Managers Programme at the Wits Business School. It was his dedication and brilliance that caught the attention of Karl Wegner at the School, who motivated for Luvhengo’s admission into the programme.
Completing the qualification was a milestone for Luvhengo who did not get the chance to study after matric despite excellent results. As his graduation day draws closer, Luvhengo is grateful for the kindness of Wegner who realised his potential.
He aspires to be a facilities manager and use his experience to improve Wits. His advice to previously outsourced workers is to educate themselves so that they can progress.
“I plan to study further and better my position now that I am a Wits employee,” says Luvhengo.
The Human Resources Development Unit is rolling out basic training programmes that could serve as a gateway to further opportunities for staff.
Wits pair in US Boeing internship
- Wits University
Two Witsies have joined an elite group of international interns at the world’s largest aerospace company.
Witsies Mbalenhle Sekautu and Keegan Moore are serving their internship at Boeing, the world’s largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defence, space and security systems.
Sekautu, holds a Masters in strategic marketing while Moore recently completed his Honours degree in industrial engineering.
The pair began their six month internship in January and joined an elite group of international students getting comprehensive experience at the company’s facilities in the US.
The International Business Internship Program (IBIP) provides students with valuable exposure to the latest technological and business advances and thinking in a variety of disciplines relating to business operations, finance, marketing, strategy and the aviation industry.
Sekautu says she learnt of the IBIP through her Programme Manager at the Wits Business School and seized the opportunity.
With a keen interest to understand consumer behavior, she is excited to be learning from product marketers, analysts and strategists who will give her invaluable experience for her chosen careen path.
“I am confident that this experience will add to my continued personal growth through acquainting myself with a diverse group of potential lifelong friends and mentors, people I can continue to draw advice and inspiration from as I navigate my way through life beyond this internship.“
For Moore working at Boeing was his childhood dream.
“I have wanted to work for Boeing since I was about 11 years old, when I was utterly inspired by the Boeing 777-300 ER.”
An aspiring entrepreneur, Moore also wants to use the internship as an opportunity to learn about other cultures and business styles around the globe.
“One of my goals is to start my own company someday, I cannot think of a better place to gain experience about the vast complexities and challenges I may someday face,” he says.
Boeing Managing Director for Sub-Sahara Africa and Director of Commercial Airplane Sales for Africa, Joao Miguel Santos, wished them well on their internship.
“The students will be provided with US-based work experience that will prove extremely valuable when they return and invest their new skills to the benefit of South Africa.”
University and enable it to achieve academic and research excellence. These portfolios include: Computer and Networking Services (CNS); Business Intelligence Services (BIS); Property and Infrastructure Management Development (PIMD); Campus Planning and Development; and Campus Control.
Four Wits Aeronautical Engineering students have progressed to round two in the 
