A showcase of excellence in research
- Wits University
Postgraduate students and PhD fellows showcase quality research at the 16th Cross-Faculty Postgraduate Symposium.
This year’s Cross-Faculty Postgraduate Symposium was a resounding success showcasing the outstanding talent and research excellence of students pursuing advanced degrees at Wits.
The annual event took place from 10 to12 September 2025 at The Wartenweiler Library on the Braamfontein Campus. The symposium is hosted by the Postgraduate Research and Development Office and emphasises interdisciplinary collaboration, research excellence, and postgraduate engagement.
The event brought together postgraduate students, academic staff, and a panel of judges panel from across the University’s five faculties.
Professor Lynn Morris, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, opened the programme. “The purpose of this cross-faculty symposium is to allow you to think outside your discipline and to meet and engage others from outside your faculty and to broaden your scope,” she said.
The first two days of the symposium were a thrilling showcase of students’ presentations as they outlined their research to a distinguished panel of judges comprising the moderator, Dr Memory Zimuwandeyi from the School of Chemistry, Dr Christopher Ealand from the Centre of Excellence for Biomedical TB Research in the Faculty of Health Sciences, Dr Dannielle Cerbone from the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management, Professor Ivan Hofsajer from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Dr Pierre Mubiayi from the Faculty of Science, Professor Thobeka Nkomo from the Faculty of Humanities, and Dr Solam Mkhabela and Brigitta Stone-Johnson from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
An awards ceremony wrapped up the symposium on the third day. Winners across categories included:
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Masters - Oral |
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Winner |
faculty |
Winning topic or research focus |
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1st |
Joshua Jandrell |
Engineering and Built Environment |
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2nd |
Tsematse Tsematse |
Engineering and Built Environment |
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3rd |
Eric Motsoahae |
Science |
The impact of cholesterol in immune response in relation to cancer treatment. |
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Masters - Gradflash |
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1st |
Tlakuso Makhuva |
Humanities |
The Paradox of Influence: Exploring the Tension Between Mimesis and Poiesis in Contemporary African Theatre. |
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2nd |
Lerato Sauhatsi |
Humanities |
Exploring the Experiences and Perspectives of Unemployed Humanities Graduates Pursuing Postgraduate Studies in Various South African Higher Education Institutions. |
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3rd |
Ofentse Matlhakola |
Science |
The Heavy Quark and its right to remain silent. |
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PhD -Oral |
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1st |
Naeema Hussein El Kout |
Health Science |
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2nd |
Su-ane Greyling |
Science |
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3rd |
Cleopatra Ndhlovu |
Health Science |
The efficacy of glycerol processing method in the preparation and preservation of human amniotic membrane. |
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PhD - Gradflash |
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1st |
Prumohdya Reddy |
Science |
Understanding How Vitamin D Shapes Our Immune Responses. |
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2nd |
Gerhard Petrick |
Humanities |
Competing spectrum demands for broadcast and mobile services in the ultra-high-frequency band in the Southern African Development Community. |
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3rd |
Khanyisile Masemola |
Engineering and Built Environment |
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Posters |
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1st |
Chinedu Nnaji |
Science |
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2nd |
Zamangwane Hlatshwayo |
Science |
Ex-situ formed PANI/WS2 composite for the detection of ammonia vapour at room temperature. |
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3rd |
Murunwa Nemaguvhuni |
Health Science |
The developing 3D-printed polymeric scaffolds embedded with silver and calcium oxide nanoparticles for infection control and enhanced wound healing. |