![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.
![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.
![](/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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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 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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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 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
![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.
![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.
![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
![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.
![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 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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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’.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![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
![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.
![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.
![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'.
![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.
![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.
![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.
![Johannesburg, Sandton, wealth, inequality, poverty, rich, economy Johannesburg, Sandton, wealth, inequality, poverty, rich, economy](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Generic_Sandton_wealth_economics_600x300px.jpg)
Basic income support in SA: what it will take
Basic income support is not a question of government “being generous”. The money will be taken from employed citizens and the affluent.
![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)
The inside story of discovering the Omicron variant
The Conversation Weekly podcast: What South African scientists' experience offers the world about future variants.
![Census 2022 © http://census.statssa.gov.za/ Census 2022 © http://census.statssa.gov.za/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Census-2022_Â-STATSSA.jpg)
Census 2022 - the most important yet
The census will focus everyone on the core challenges the country faces, where they are, and who is most affected.
![SA President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa_© GCIS SA President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa_© GCIS](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jul-sept/SA-President-Cyril-Ramaphosa-and-Zimbabwean-President-Emmerson-Mnangagwa_ÂGCIS_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa is in a state of drift
The danger is that the ANC turns the way of Zimbabwe’s ZANU-PF.
![Snowfall in the Sahara desert Snowfall in the Sahara desert](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/Snow-in-the-Sahara_600x300px.jpg)
Snowfall in the Sahara desert
In order for snow to form, two distinctive weather properties are needed: cold temperatures and moist air. The Sahara can tick these boxes.
![Covid-19, vaccination, virus, research, laboratory, health Covid-19, vaccination, virus, research, laboratory, health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/2022/Vaccination_Laboratory_600x300px.jpg)
The cornerstone of good science
Covid-19: Scientists without quality data are like unarmed soldiers in a war zone.
![President Cyril Ramaphosa's temperature being tested during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr President Cyril Ramaphosa's temperature being tested during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/President-Cyril-Ramaphosa-being-tested_ÂGovernmentZA_flickr_600x300px.jpg)
The limits of “lawfare” as a political tool
Covid-19 in South Africa shows the limits of using courts to fight political battles.
![Women Women](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Women_600x300px.jpg)
The Gender Commission has failed women
Scientists say the Commission’s statement against mandatory vaccinations is offensive, irresponsible and misleading.
![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)
Africa's strategy to draw investment needs work
Foreign investment is Africa's best shot at growth, but its share is still pitiful.
![Social media © Curiosity Social media © Curiosity](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-12/Social-media_Â-Curiosity_600x300px.jpg)
The Zuck stops here
It’s time to take on the tech giants to sustain media and journalism - you can use competition laws against the likes of Facebook.
![SANDF members on duty during COVID-19 SANDF members on duty during COVID-19](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/SANDF-and-COVID19_600x300px.jpg)
End SA’s national state of disaster
Covid-19: On 15 March 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster in terms of the Disaster Management Act.
![Namaqualand daisies Namaqualand daisies](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2022-jan-june/Namaqualand-daisy_600x300px.jpg)
Namaqualand daisies are flowering earlier
The progressively earlier flowering places the daisies at greater risk of failed flowering seasons. This would be a blow to biodiversity and tourism.
![President Cyril Ramaphosa's temperature being tested during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr President Cyril Ramaphosa's temperature being tested during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/President-Cyril-Ramaphosa-being-tested_ÂGovernmentZA_flickr_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa has changed tack on tackling Covid: why it makes sense
The South African government has chosen a pragmatic approach that balances the potential direct and detrimental indirect effects of Covid.
![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)
How Nigerian cities can cope better with flood risk
Institutional failures, infrastructure, socio-economic challenges and disaster education influence Nigerian cities’ vulnerability to flood disaster.
![Study, students and research Study, students and research](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2020/Study,-students-and-research_600x300px.jpg)
2021: Best science or technology-related books
With the year drawing to a close, many people will be wondering what books they may have missed out on in 2021.
![Laboratory testing and vaccines © WITS UNIVERSITY Laboratory testing and vaccines © WITS UNIVERSITY](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Laboratory-testing-and-vaccine_600x300px.jpg)
Omicron data: more transmissible but less severe
Early data show that Omicron is dominating new COVID-19 cases in Gauteng province.
![Tropical Cyclone Idai just before making landfall over Beira on 14 March 2018. There is evidence that the number of intense tropical cyclones will increase globally under low mitigation climate change futures. Credit: Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) infra-red satellite image. Tropical Cyclone Idai just before making landfall over Beira on 14 March 2018. There is evidence that the number of intense tropical cyclones will increase globally under low mitigation climate change futures. Credit: Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) infra-red satellite image.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/climatechange.jpg)
It's time for green investment in Africa
As climate change alters business and governance forever, there is no time to lament, only to use the power of investment to change the world for the better.
![Wits Great Hall column Wits Great Hall column](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/buildings/Great-hall-columns-600x300.jpg)
It's for the common good
There should no longer be a debate between the goals of corporate profit and higher education’s knowledge for its own sake.
If steam contains water, what does smoke from fire contain?
Professor Sally Archibald answers this question in Curious Kids, is a series for children published in The Conversation-Africa.
![](/media/wits-university/research/witsq/images/Structured-light_600x300px.jpg)
Quantum entanglement: Why physicists want to harness it
“Quantum entanglement” is one of several plot devices that crops up in modern sci-fi movies.
![US flag US flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_US-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Biden’s summit for democracy
Africa can make important contributions to the issues on the agenda: defending against authoritarianism; fighting corruption; and respect for human rights.
![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)
Biometeorology - the possibilities are endless
Are you interested in the weather and its impact on nature? Here’s a career for you.
![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 and screens – making it through the holidays
Every small change to promote healthy levels of screen time is a step in the right direction for the health, wellbeing and development of children.
![Covid-19 pandemic Covid-19 pandemic](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-and-coronavirus_600x300px.jpg)
Omicron: five steps to avoid, ten to take immediately
The world needs to learn to live with the virus. And governments must follow the science and don’t distort it for political expediency.
![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)
Finding a balance between rural versus metro support
Metros may be a graveyard for political ambition. But if parties or individuals succeed, the rewards are considerable.
![COVID-19, the coronavirus. COVID-19, the coronavirus.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_coronavirus_600x300px.jpg)
The hunt for coronavirus variants
Covid 19: How the new one was found and what we know so far.
![AI and robots © Photo by Xu Haiwei on Unsplash AI and robots © Photo by Xu Haiwei on Unsplash](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2021/AI-and-robots_600x300px.jpg)
Should we trust machines?
Inclusivity and diversity need to be at the level of identifying values and defining frameworks of what counts as ethical AI in the first place.
![The South African Rand The South African Rand](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Money.jpg)
A slowly worsening chronic fiscal crisis
National Treasury’s strategy to overcome South Africa’s chronic fiscal crisis rests on highly uncertain political and economic foundations.
![Barringer Crater aerial photo by USGS Barringer Crater aerial photo by USGS](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Barringer-Crater-aerial-photo-by-USGS_600x300px.jpg)
Why are there so few impact craters on Earth?
Impact craters are relatively shallow, so these bowl-shaped “dents” in Earth’s rocky crust can be easily buried or erased by erosion.
![Covid-19 vaccine Covid-19 vaccine](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_600x300px.jpg)
Anti-vax parents
Unpacking parents’ reasons for not vaccinating their children: why it matters
![Learning and books Learning and books](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Learning-and-books_600x300px.jpg)
Independent Tanzanian publisher: Walter Bgoya
Books should influence public opinion, contribute to nationwide debates, and stimulate an appreciation of reading and writing.
![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)
Let’s just do more with less
South Africa’s health system is on its knees: the 2021 medium-term budget policy statement offers no relief.
![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)
Africa heats up more, and faster
Report: By 2030, up to 118 million extremely poor people will be subject to the devastating impacts of drought and intense heat.
![Dr Jennifer Fitchett, Associate Professor in the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies Dr Jennifer Fitchett, Associate Professor in the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-may-aug/Dr-Jennifer-Fitchett-_600x300.jpg)
Why does cold air go down and hot air go up?
Associate Professor Jennifer Fitchett answers this question in Curious Kids, is a series for children published in The Conversation-Africa.
![The eZone is a high-tech teaching and learning space on Wits Education Campus The eZone is a high-tech teaching and learning space on Wits Education Campus](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/2017/eZone2_600x300px.jpg)
Contact or online? Moving away from binary approaches
We need to move away from this binary approach, consider our contextual realities, and start with the end goal in mind.
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The 10 babies hoax
South African newspaper proprietor Dr Iqbal Survé has long pushed the boundaries of credibility, but recently he crossed the line into full fantasy.
![Damon Galgut's The Promise wins Booker Prize Damon Galgut's The Promise wins Booker Prize](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-sept-dec/Damon-Galgut_The-Promise_600x300px.jpg)
The promise of Damon Galgut
Will white South Africa ever give up part of its privilege? Booker-winning novel probes white South Africa and the land issue
![Covid-19 vaccine Covid-19 vaccine](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19: Should South Africa be vaccinating 12-17 year olds
The focus of the government seems to be about how many people can get vaccinated rather than ensuring the greatest protection against severe disease and deaths.
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The smoking gun
This tool can identify cause of death by fatal lightning strike in skeletonised remains.
![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)
Switching allegiance will bring loyalty to SA
It is important to impress upon those who boycott elections that their votes do count and they can force change.
![LGBTQIA+ Pride Flag LGBTQIA+ Pride Flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Pride-Flag_LGBTQIA _600x300px.jpg)
Religion can be a blessing, and a curse
How religion has shaped the experiences of displaced LGBT people in South Africa.
![Women walking in the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape. ©Christiaan Kotze Women walking in the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape. ©Christiaan Kotze](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-5/Mandela-and-land_600x300px.jpg)
In 25 years, what has changed for women?
The provision of better health services and social grants has aided rural women’s progress but there are still tremendous needs to be met.
![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)
Untreated mental illnesses impact SA's economy, social and family stability
The shame which many South Africans, particularly black communities, place on people who live with mental illnesses are preventing sufferers from seeking help.
![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)
No-go zones have no place in a democratic society
IEC must come down hard on parties that refuse to allow others to campaign in what they see as their areas.
![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)
Climate change has already hit southern Africa
With mitigation and adaptation strategies and policies driven through COP26, southern Africa can reduce the impacts on local livelihoods.
![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)
'Punish or deter outrageously false campaign promises'
Poll chancers: politicians who make false promises must be punished.
![Generic coding Generic coding](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jul-dec/CODE_600x300px.jpg)
Online teaching and learning: Towards a realistic view of the future
The shift to emergency remote teaching and learning enabled academics to start questioning some long-held assumptions about in-person teaching and learning.
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Aggrey Klaaste and nation-building
How the South African editor put himself on the line with his contrarian idea.
![South African prisons and inmates South African prisons and inmates](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Prisons_600x300px.jpg)
‘Foreplay’ judgment: problematic judicial views around consent in rape cases persists
In SA it is alarming and legally dangerous to have a judgment that consensual foreplay implies consent for penetration and sex, and thus rape did not occur.
![Honey bees are vital to ecology Honey bees are vital to ecology](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Honey-bee-600x300px.jpg)
Red tape is choking biodiversity research in South Africa
There are calls for measures to reduce the burden of red tape and promote and facilitate biodiversity research in South Africa.
![ADHD © Jurien Huggins_unsplash © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ ADHD © Jurien Huggins_unsplash © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-10/ADHD_ÂJurien-Huggins_Unsplash_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa urgently needs to update its mental health policy
Mental Health: How are we doing? What do we need to do?
![Women Women](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Women_600x300px.jpg)
A look at new abortion guidelines
International Safe Abortion Day – celebrated every year on 28 September – marks a woman’s fundamental reproductive right to access safe, legal abortion.
![Drugs, medicine and health © Curiosity Drugs, medicine and health © Curiosity](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-12/Drugs,-medicine,-health_Â-Curiosity_600x300px.jpg)
Palliative care and Covid-19: A patient’s quality of life and dignified death are paramount
Calls to permit nurses in South Africa, Kenya and Tanzania to prescribe morphine to help ease patient's suffering and give them a dignified death.
![Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS Winnie Byanyima, the Executive Director of UNAIDS](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-sept-dec/Winnie-Byanyima_600x300px.jpg)
Head of UNAIDS unpacks the knock-on effects of Covid-19
Greater urgency is needed in the response to pandemics, to end AIDS and to end COVID-19.
![Covid-19 lockdown, economy and inequality | Curiosity 11: #Viral © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Covid-19 lockdown, economy and inequality | Curiosity 11: #Viral © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-11/Poverty_600x300px.jpg)
Developing countries should inform global debates on inequality
Greater urgency is needed in the response to pandemics, to end AIDS and to end COVID-19.
![Digital, IT, computers Digital, IT, computers](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2021/Digital_600x300px.jpg)
Skills survey finds SA ICT not moving to gig economy - yet
Survey shows a shift to the gig economy has not occurred in SA, but it's plausible that this might change in future.
![Covid-19 vaccine Covid-19 vaccine](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_600x300px.jpg)
Covid vaccine mandates don’t have to undermine your rights
While South Africa has steered clear of compulsory vaccination for now, the country’s laws do allow such a policy.
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Robben Island Museum: The making and breaking
Robben Island Museum aspired to be part of the reconstruction and development of the national soul.
![Institute of Race Relations Institute of Race Relations](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-sept-dec/South-African-Institute-of-Race-Relations_600x300px.jpg)
IRR’s current approach does a disservice to the people of South Africa
The Institute prioritises its own ideological predilections rather than devoting itself to the betterment of race relations.
![Covid-19 vaccine Covid-19 vaccine](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_600x300px.jpg)
Millions of children miss routine vaccinations amid the chaos of Covid-19
Urgent catch-up plans are needed.
![Law, prosecution and courts. Law, prosecution and courts.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Law-and-Courts_600x300px.jpg)
The Expropriation Bill and the 18th Constitutional Amendment process
The cart is still behind the horse
![Flag of Angola Flag of Angola](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Angola_flag_600x300px.jpg)
Angola: old authoritarian practices remain
The optimism Angolan president João Lourenço’s election generated four years ago has dwindled as electoral promise after another have failed to materialise.
![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)
Work as we knew it has changed. Time to think beyond the wage
Recent developments in the organisation of production have led to the decline of wage employment across much of the world.
![Johannesburg, city in South Africa Johannesburg, city in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Johannesburg-city_600x300px.jpg)
Covid fallout: Vulnerability and signs of recovery in Gauteng
There is no doubt about the enormous scale of the shocks South Africa has experienced over 2020-21.
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
The democratic transition in 1994 did little to undermine the foundations of white economic power
Race and capitalism: no easy answers, but posturing will get South Africa nowhere
![Covid-19 vaccine Covid-19 vaccine](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_600x300px.jpg)
How Messenger RNA works in nature and in making vaccines
Thanks to the collaborative efforts, the large-scale manufacturing of mRNA drug products is becoming a reality.
![Dung beetle Dung beetle](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-sept-dec/Broodball2_600x300px.png)
Dung beetle experiment suggests carbon dioxide is bad for insects too
Beetles exposed to elevated carbon dioxide emerged later and smaller and had a reduced chance of making it to adulthood.
![Zimbabwean artist Kudzanai Chiurai © https://www.goodman-gallery.com/artists/kudzanai-chiurai#bio Zimbabwean artist Kudzanai Chiurai © https://www.goodman-gallery.com/artists/kudzanai-chiurai#bio](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-sept-dec/_Zimbabwean-artist-Kudzanai-Chiurai_600x300px.jpg)
How Zimbabwean artist Kudzanai Chiurai has reinvented the library
With vinyl records, zines and political posters instead of just books, The Library of Things We Forgot to Remember offers a way to reimagine African history.
![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)
Finding solutions to complex challenges. For Good.
This article has been published in the print and online edition of the Daily Maverick.
![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)
How to build credibility in the agricultural sector
To rebuild lost credibility, the South African government can start by listening to social partners and the business sector.
![COVID-19, the coronavirus. COVID-19, the coronavirus.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_coronavirus_600x300px.jpg)
New lineage of SARS-CoV-2: what’s known so far
We are being cautious about the implications for vaccine efficacy and transmissibility while we gather more data to understand this lineage.
![Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Rural-area_Â-Flickr-Isabel-Sommerfeld_600x300px.jpg)
South African shack dwellers show how grassroots democracy is done
Trevor Ngwane shows how structures that emerged in the struggle against apartheid continue in democratic South Africa, now in conflict with the ruling ANC.
![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)
Postponing SA's local elections: what the Constitutional Court must decide
The right to free and fair elections may be undermined if political parties cannot campaign due to COVID-19 restrictions by the state.
![Gavel Gavel](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jan-june/Gavel_Law_600x300.jpg)
African Human Rights Court undermined by resistance from states
The court has lived up to its promise in most cases, issuing some progressive and ground-breaking decisions and remedies.
![The South African Reserve Bank The South African Reserve Bank](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/The-South-African-Reserve-Bank_600x300px.jpg)
In conversation with Reserve Bank Governor, Lesetja Kganyago
Central bankers must act independently, without fear or favour.
![Lagos, the capital of Nigeria Lagos, the capital of Nigeria](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/Lagos,-capital-of-Nigeria_600x300px.jpg)
Why building collapses are all too common in Lagos
Private developers, building professionals and the government all share responsibility for building collapses.
![Colonial borderlands_© Sam Challis and Brent Sinclair-Thomson Colonial borderlands_© Sam Challis and Brent Sinclair-Thomson](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/Colonial-borderlands_Â-Sam-Challis-and-Brent-Sinclair-Thomson_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa’s bandit slaves and the rock art of resistance
![Climate change Climate change](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Drought-600x300px.jpg)
Climate change: South Africa and the latest IPCC assessment
The report makes it clear that climate change is widespread, rapid, intensifying and unprecedented in thousands of years.
![Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Rural-area_Â-Flickr-Isabel-Sommerfeld_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa’s basic income versus jobs debate: a false dilemma
Basic income must be embedded within a broader strategy of economic reform, aimed at increasing the social wage and improving working conditions.
![Flag of Angola Flag of Angola](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Angola_flag_600x300px.jpg)
Angola’s constitution is under review but a great deal has been left undone
The Angolan political elite lost an extraordinary opportunity to improve significantly the country’s constitution.
![Face masks are crucial preventing infections during COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/Flickr Face masks are crucial preventing infections during COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Women-wearing-face-masks_Credit-GovernmentZA_flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 herd immunity is not going to happen, so what next?
When politicians and others speak about herd immunity, unfortunately, they are under the misconception that the current tools that we’ve got are adequate.
![Agricultur. ©Christian-Heitz | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Agricultur. ©Christian-Heitz | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-6/Agriculture_ÂChristian-Heitz.jpg)
How a land reform agency could break SA's land redistribution deadlock
An agency could accelerate land reform by removing the process from political and bureaucratic control.
![Small business and entrepreneurs Small business and entrepreneurs](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_small-business_entrepreneur_600x300px.jpg)
SA's skills problem cannot be fixed outside of the economy
It must be part of the messy process of structural change.
![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-masks_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19: Herd immunity is not achievable
Pasha 118: We need to learn to live with COVID-19.
![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)
Six myths about vaccination for Covid-19 put to rest
The circulation of misinformation about the Covid-19 vaccine poses the danger of hampering the government’s efforts to control the pandemic.
![A human eye A human eye](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Eye_600x300px.jpg)
Human trafficking victims and survivors: Hear their voices
Their lived experiences offer the most authentic understanding and familiarity of this life-changing criminal practice.
![The Wits Inala Forum, a student society. © Lauren Mulligan | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ The Wits Inala Forum, a student society. © Lauren Mulligan | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-6/Wits-Food-Garden_ÂLauren-Mulligan_600x300px.jpg)
R&D are key to resilient food systems in Africa
Stronger agricultural research and development systems will enable agriculture to power Africa’s transformation.
![Covid-19 vaccine Covid-19 vaccine](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_600x300px.jpg)
Excluding migrants undermines the success of Covid-19 vaccine rollouts
Failure to ensure access for all to prevention and treatment, including vaccines, undermines national responses to Covid-19.
![Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_Credit-BBC-Wikipedia_600x300px.jpg)
Leave no one behind: We must urgently address vaccination of undocumented migrants and asylum seeker
We call on Acting Health Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi to do the right thing to ensure the Covid-19 vaccination programme is inclusive.
![Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_Credit-BBC-Wikipedia_600x300px.jpg)
Everything you need to know about vaccines — our only viable strategy for living with Covid-19
We are likely to keep being hit by further waves of this virus until at least all adults have immunity.
![Wearing masks during Covid-19 Wearing masks during Covid-19](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Wearing-masks_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 in children: the South African experience and way forward
Schools are not driving the COVID-19 pandemic and can safely remain open provided people stick to the non-pharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19 prevention.
![Derek Huggins and Helen Lieros. © Gallery Delta Derek Huggins and Helen Lieros. © Gallery Delta](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/Derek-Huggins-and-Helen-Lieros_Gallery-Delta_600x300px.jpg)
Building an art gallery in the midst of war in Zimbabwe
Gallerist and writer Robert Huggins and his wife, the artist Helen Lieros, have passed away.
![The Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU) Centre entrance wall that was vandalised to gain entry to the clinic. (Photo: Anusha Nana) The Perinatal HIV Research Unit (PHRU) Centre entrance wall that was vandalised to gain entry to the clinic. (Photo: Anusha Nana)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/PHRU-Centre-entrance-wall-vandalised.-Photo_Anusha-Nana_600x300px.jpg)
What last week’s vandalising of our research clinic in Kliptown, Soweto, means to science
Despite the critical role of the PHRU as part of the national and international Covid-19 response team, it was not spared during the recent unrest.
![The GeneXpert testing platform for TB has been repurposed to test for Covid19 The GeneXpert testing platform for TB has been repurposed to test for Covid19](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-may-aug/GenXper_600x300.jpg)
TB prevention has relied on the same vaccine for 100 years. It’s time for innovation
BCG remains the only widely available vaccine for TB but the COVID-19 vaccine shows that there is capacity to rapidly create new vaccines.
![Riots and looting in South Africa in 2021 Riots and looting in South Africa in 2021](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/South-Africa-looting-2021_600x300px.jpg)
What drove South Africa’s recent violence and looting and what to do about it
Pasha 117: South Africa's recent violence is a cause for concern but there are opportunities to build a stronger nation.
![Service delivery protests Service delivery protests](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_protest_600x300px.jpg)
The vulnerable points in South Africa’s fuel supply chain
The glaring failure by authorities to secure an area notorious for attacks on trucks prompts questions about, at best, utter ineptitude, or at worst, complicity
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
From the flames of looting to democratic regeneration
Over the past week, democratic constitutionalism and the rule of law have undergone a massive stress test.
![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)
South African riots and food security: why there’s an urgent need to restore stability
South Africans should not panic about the food system. But authorities will need to act swiftly and assertively to restore stability.
![Riots and looting in South Africa in 2021 Riots and looting in South Africa in 2021](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/South-Africa-looting-2021_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa in flames: spontaneous outbreak or insurrection?
Corruption thrives in a destabilised state with weak institutions. South Africa cannot be allowed back to that space because there will be no turning back.
![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-masks2_600x300px.jpg)
Spike in COVID-19 cases points to gaps in South Africa’s response
Preventing new infections and containing the pandemic protects health systems from getting close to collapse.
![Gender-based Harm (GHB) and violence against children | Curiosity 11: #Viral © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ | © Nechirwan Kavian Gender-based Harm (GHB) and violence against children | Curiosity 11: #Viral © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ | © Nechirwan Kavian](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-11/Gender-based-harm_600x300px.jpg)
The Covid gender gap
Women suffered a large and disproportionate effect in the labour market as a result of the hard lockdown, but they’ve also been slower to recover.
![Legendary musician Steve Kekana Legendary musician Steve Kekana](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/Steve-Kekana_600x300px.jpg)
Steve Kekana: an 80s South African pop star, and much more
We should remember him as just another ordinary human being who did extraordinary things.
![Charlotte Maxeke Hospital Charlotte Maxeke Hospital](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/Charlotte-Maxeke-Hospital_600x300px.jpg)
Water, power cuts and neglect are taking their toll on South Africa’s top hospitals
South Africa is quite capable of delivering world-class healthcare to all its citizens. But this is constantly being hampered.
![Hospital, medicine, vaccine, Covid-19 Hospital, medicine, vaccine, Covid-19](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Hospital,-medicine,-vaccine_CREDIT-WITS-UNIVERSITY_600x300px.jpg)
Healthcare in South Africa: how inequity is contributing to inefficiency
Patients shouldn't be treated better simply because they can afford to pay more.
![Dr June Fabian, nephrologist and Research Director at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, is vaccinated in SAs first Covid19 vaccine trial 600x300.jpg Dr June Fabian, nephrologist and Research Director at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, is vaccinated in SAs first Covid19 vaccine trial 600x300.jpg](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Dr Jean Fabian nephrologist and Research Director at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre is vaccinated in SAs first Covid19 vaccine trial 600x300.jpg)
South Africa’s vaccine quagmire, and what needs to be done now
South Africa has clearly suffered the consequences of poor strategic decisions to this point. It doesn't need to continue along these lines.
![COVID-19, the coronavirus. COVID-19, the coronavirus.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_coronavirus_600x300px.jpg)
The Delta variant and South Africa’s vaccination problems
Pasha 113: The Covid-19 resurgence in South Africa is likely to take a heavy toll. It is important for vaccination efforts to be ramped up.
![Flag of Angola Flag of Angola](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Angola_flag_600x300px.jpg)
Angola’s peculiar electoral system needs reforms
Angola needs a mixed electoral system. This would promote accountability through the direct election of representatives from constituencies.
![Jacaranda trees Jacaranda trees](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Jacarandas_600x300px.jpg)
Jacarandas in parts of South Africa are flowering earlier: why it’s a warning sign
Climate change is causing jacarandas to flower earlier.
![Media and Journalism Media and Journalism](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Media-and-Journalism_600x300px.jpg)
False story about decuplets was a low point for journalism: how to fix the damage
Tighter controls are not the answer; the opportunity should be used to think differently about trust and journalism.
![Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_Credit-BBC-Wikipedia_600x300px.jpg)
Level 4 COVID-19 lockdown puts spotlight back on vaccination failures
South Africa didn't engage early enough with pharmaceutical companies in bilateral discussions to ensure it could get vaccines early.
![Palaeosciences and fossils: Therapsids Palaeosciences and fossils: Therapsids](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/Therapsids_fossils_600x300px.jpg)
Fresh insights into social habits of our non-mammalian ancestors
Finding a fossil tooth embedded in bone is the gateway to some otherwise out-of-reach understanding of the behaviour of extinct animals.
![Professor Bhekizizwe Peterson Professor Bhekizizwe Peterson](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Bhekizizwe-Peterson_600x300px-1.jpg)
An intellectual love letter to a South African literary giant
For Professor Bhekizizwe Peterson theoretical reflection went hand-in-hand with practice; knowledge had to be made in and outside the academy.
![Infodemic, fake news, misinformation | Curiosity 11: #Viral © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Infodemic, fake news, misinformation | Curiosity 11: #Viral © https://www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-11/Covid-19-and-fake-news_600x300px.jpg)
Punitive laws are failing to curb misinformation in Africa
The majority of those punished under the laws to combat false information are opposition politicians or journalists.
![Covid-19 pandemic Covid-19 pandemic](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Coronavirus-disease_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 resurgence in Gauteng: A crisis that is likely to worsen rapidly
Despite the predictability of the resurgence, unfortunately, Gauteng health facilities are seemingly underprepared to deal with the spike of Covid-19 cases.
![](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jan-june/Generic_Deaf_600x300.jpg)
Children with hearing problems: why acting early can make all the difference
Unidentified or late identified hearing impairment has significant implications for the speech-language, cognitive and scholastic development of the child.
![Research being undertaken in laboratory Research being undertaken in laboratory](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Lab-research_600x300px.jpg)
Why it’s important to improve Africa’s research output
Pasha 111: It is crucial to improve research training in Africa. This can help solve complex issues on the continent.
![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)
Small towns are collapsing and affecting farming
The collapse of local government in small towns is beginning to affect investment in farming, and the ability of agribusinesses to operate.
![The gravestone of Jane Elliott who looked after homeless children in Calcutta. Credit: Sayan Dey The gravestone of Jane Elliott who looked after homeless children in Calcutta. Credit: Sayan Dey](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/Scottish-women-grave_600x300px.jpg)
Scottish graveyard in Kolkata reveals untold stories of colonial women in India
The disregarded lives and achievements of Scotswomen in colonial India are brought to light in new research from a 19th century graveyard in Kolkata.
![Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Rural-area_Â-Flickr-Isabel-Sommerfeld_600x300px.jpg)
Stereotypes about young jobless South Africans are wrong
Many unemployed young people are engaged in a variety of economic activities. These may not necessarily be recognised as a form of self employment.
![Small business and entrepreneurs Small business and entrepreneurs](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_small-business_entrepreneur_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 has worsened SA's system of developing the skills of young people
The pandemic has heightened existing weaknesses in South Africa's skills training regime.
![Researchers crack the conundrum about why African Baobab trees in southern Africa differ in terms of fruit production. © Sarah Venter Researchers crack the conundrum about why African Baobab trees in southern Africa differ in terms of fruit production. © Sarah Venter](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/African-Baobab-trees_-Credit_Sarah-Venter_600x300px.jpg)
The sex organs of baobab flowers may solve the puzzle of trees that bear more fruit
Baobab flowers have male and female parts but individual trees appear to be favouring one rather than the other.
![Listening to music Listening to music](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_earphones_music_600x300px.jpg)
Remembering Zim Ngqawana 10 years on, a singular force in South African music
Zimasile ‘Zim’ Ngqawana, died unexpectedly and too soon on 10 May 2011 at the age of 51, leaving bereft a family and a musical community that spanned the globe.
![Human trafficking Human trafficking](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Human-trafficking_600x300px.jpg)
Children are easy targets for exploitation and traffickers during Covid-19
The theme for this year’s Child Protection Week, which began on 31 May, is “Let us all protect children during Covid-19 and beyond”.
![Gauteng Covid-19 Dashboard Gauteng Covid-19 Dashboard](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Gauteng-Covid-19-Dashboard_600x300px.jpg)
We must seize the moment for a global pandemic surveillance and response scheme
No more pandemics—this is the ambitious goal set by the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
![Studying in the library Studying in the library](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Studying-in-the-library_600x300px.jpg)
Colonial ports, customs and censorship: tracking books from ship to shore
How colonial Customs protocols shaped copyright and censorship.
![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)
Current priorities for South Africa’s electricity policy
This summary of a presentation made to a colloquium organised by Capacity Building Programme for Employment Promotion outlines priorities for SA’s power policy.
![Professor Vishnu Padayachee Professor Vishnu Padayachee](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor-Vishnu-Padayachee-profile-600x300px.jpg)
A tribute to Vishnu Padayachee: South African economist and radical thinker
Vishnu Padayachee’s contribution to economics in South Africa is unmatched.
![Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Rural-area_Â-Flickr-Isabel-Sommerfeld_600x300px.jpg)
Book calls for a rethink of capitalism amid the ravages of Covid-19
Rethinking capitalism requires that the primary focus should be on the distribution of economic power as the potential leading causal factor driving inequality.
![Detail of the poster And the People Vote for Nelson Mandela. © Judy Seidman/Medu Art Ensemble Detail of the poster And the People Vote for Nelson Mandela. © Judy Seidman/Medu Art Ensemble](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/And-the-People-Vote-for-Nelson-Mandela.-Judy-Seidman_Medu-Art-Ensemble_600x300px.jpg)
Remembering Medu, the South African art collective that fought apartheid
Four decades later, post-apartheid South Africa barely recalls the Medu Art Ensemble's contributions to the liberation struggle. But that could be changing.
![Dr Zweli Mkhize, Minister of Health Dr Zweli Mkhize, Minister of Health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/Dr-Zweli-Mkhize_600x300px.jpg)
How South Africa dropped the ball on health communication
Community leaders and outreach community workers are calling on education to enhance their understanding of Covid-19.
![Flag of Mozambique Flag of Mozambique](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Mozambique-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Why regional military intervention in Mozambique is a bad idea
The Southern African Development Community does not have a remarkable record of military interventions in civil conflicts in the region.
![An aerial view of the Bokoni homesteads in modern-day Mpumalanga, South Africa. © Alex Schoeman An aerial view of the Bokoni homesteads in modern-day Mpumalanga, South Africa. © Alex Schoeman](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/Bakoni-settlement_600x300px.jpg)
How pots, sand and stone walls helped us date an ancient SA settlement
We now know that Bokoni Phase I was built as early as the 15th century – before the arrival of European colonisation or trade.
![The South African Rand The South African Rand](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Money.jpg)
Why forcing disclosure of wages and executive pay in SA is a good idea
Companies being required to go public with information about executive and workers pay packets is increasingly becoming the norm.
![Sun coming up over lake Sun coming up over lake](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Water-600x300px.jpg)
Why full dams don’t mean water security: a look at South Africa
Gauteng citizens need to know the uncomfortable truth: for the next six years, their water supplies will increasingly have to be restricted.
![Service delivery protests Service delivery protests](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_protest_600x300px.jpg)
The fine legal line between legitimate protest and criminality
A protest which results in a shutdown and interference with the rights of others may delegitimise the cause and allow the government to escape accountability.
![Face masks are crucial preventing infections during COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/Flickr Face masks are crucial preventing infections during COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Women-wearing-face-masks_Credit-GovernmentZA_flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Five ways to measure the effects of COVID-19 on women
Women have been affected by the pandemic more than men in many ways. Policies should reflect this.
![Living in poverty. Living in poverty.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Poverty_600x300px-1.jpg)
The link between inequality and power
How power is distributed in SA and how those with power think about wealth and income.
![#MeToo movement on sexual harassment, sexual abuse, gender-based harm #MeToo movement on sexual harassment, sexual abuse, gender-based harm](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/MeToo-Movement_600x300px.jpg)
SA sets out to protect cast and crew involved in nudity and sex scenes
Spurred by the #MeToo movement, South Africa's is the latest film and TV industry to introduce intimacy protocols to guide how intimate scenes.
![Soft drinks will increase obesity in SA Soft drinks will increase obesity in SA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Suger-tax-generic-600x300px.jpg)
SA must ban sugary drinks sales in schools. Self regulation is failing
A ban on sugary drinks sale and advertisements in schools is likely to hold more promise in improving the diets of children and help prevent obesity.
![Rob Davies, former South African trade and industry minister. Credit: GCIS Rob Davies, former South African trade and industry minister. Credit: GCIS](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/Former-minister-Rob-Davies_600x300px.jpg)
Former minister’s memoir is a candid critique of South Africa’s political economy
Rob Davies is critical of economic policy. He reserves particular criticism for its macroeconomic policy framework introduced in 1996.
![Media gathering around Homo Naledi display. Credit: Wits University Media gathering around Homo Naledi display. Credit: Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Banner_Contact us_442x200.jpg)
The biggest issue in world press freedom is attacks on women journalists
The online attacks on women journalists are bound to populist politics, disinformation and intersectional discrimination, says Unesco.
![Molds of the inner ear canal from a barn owl (left) and S. deserti (right) are almost identical, suggesting that the small dinosaur had incredible hearing. Jonah Choiniere/Wits University, CC BY-ND Molds of the inner ear canal from a barn owl (left) and S. deserti (right) are almost identical, suggesting that the small dinosaur had incredible hearing. Jonah Choiniere/Wits University, CC BY-ND](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-may-aug/Inner-ear-canal_600x300px.jpg)
Nocturnal dinosaurs: Night vision and superb hearing suggest moonlight predator
By looking at the eye bones and ear canals of extinct dinosaurs, researchers show that a small ancient predator likely had senses good as a modern barn owl.
![Mining and miners Mining and miners](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Mining_600x300px.jpg)
Hearing loss is a neglected hazard for miners in South Africa
Noise-induced hearing loss is an occupational health hazard. It remains a prevalent condition in the South African mining industry.
![Students/young people © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Students/young people © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-10/Young-people_600x300px.jpg)
How the pandemic is hurting university students’ mental health
Ultimately, these studies will help us to make sense of how the pandemic is reshaping higher education.
![Waste pickers in Johannesburg © Daniel Born Waste pickers in Johannesburg © Daniel Born](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-9/Waste pickers  Daniel Born_600x300px.jpg)
Johannesburg is threatening to sideline informal waste pickers. Why it’s a bad idea
Waste reclaimers save South African municipalities up to R748 million a year in landfill space. Without them, the country's recycling economy would not exist.
![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)
Sub-Saharan Africa’s food security has turned out better than feared
Government support for farmers, higher rainfall and grain imports have helped sub-Saharan Africa stave off food insecurity - region isn't out of the woods yet.
![African National Congress (ANC) African National Congress (ANC)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_ANC_flag_600x300px.jpg)
Precarious power tilts towards Ramaphosa in battle inside South Africa’s governing party
The National Executive Committee brought a crucial tilt in the factional balance of power towards Ramaphosa.
![Meerkat Radio Telescope. Picture Credit: APS/Alan Stonebraker Meerkat Radio Telescope. Picture Credit: APS/Alan Stonebraker](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Telescope_Alan-Stonebraker_600x300.jpg)
Aim for the sky, but keep your feet on the ground
To fight poverty and promote equality, developing countries should pursue the highest levels of unfettered, open-ended scientific inquiry.
![New research shows South Africa’s levy on sugar-sweetened drinks is having an impact_image © Pexels New research shows South Africa’s levy on sugar-sweetened drinks is having an impact_image © Pexels](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-jan-april/Sugar tax.png)
New research shows South Africa’s levy on sugar-sweetened drinks is having an impact
Three years ago South Africa introduced Africa’s first major tax on sugar-sweetened beverages based on grams of sugar.
![Professor Michèle Ramsay Professor Michèle Ramsay](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Professor Michèle Ramsay.png)
More health research based on data from Africa will benefit the continent and the world
The global outbreak of the deadly Covid-19 pandemic and the race to bring an end to this scourge has thrust the role of genomics into the spotlight.
![Humpback whale near the Antarctic ice Humpback whale near the Antarctic ice](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-jan-april/Humpback whale near the Antarctic ice.png)
We discovered that whale and dolphin brains produce lots of heat. Why it matters
We have all heard the mantra that dolphins and whales are highly intelligent animals, on par with great apes and humans – But where does this concept come from?
![South Africa bottom of the class for road safety? Here’s why this isn’t true by Lee Randall South Africa bottom of the class for road safety? Here’s why this isn’t true by Lee Randall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-jan-april/Public Transport Accident.png)
South Africa bottom of the class for road safety? Here’s why this isn’t true
In South Africa 26 out of every 100,000 people die on the roads – far higher than the global average of 18 per 100,000.
![Zuptagate Zuptagate](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/Zuma-and-Gupta_600x300px.jpg)
Go to jail, Zuma — and do not pass go
Being a country’s president, or former one, does not translate into immunity from prosecution.
![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)
Why South Africa’s HIV prevention programmes should include sex worker clients
Narrow, unimaginative public health responses inhibit reducing HIV, exploitation and marginalisation within sex work.
![The Anopheles vaneedeni mosquito is a malaria vector The Anopheles vaneedeni mosquito is a malaria vector](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-jan-april/Anopheles vaneedeni right size 1.3.21_600x300-1.jpg)
Malaria risk zones and climate change in South Africa
Malaria kills over 400,000 people a year across the world. Africa carries the highest burden, with 90% of these deaths occurring on the continent.
![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)
South Africa is ripe for electoral reform
The existing electoral system has attracted extensive criticism for rendering elected representatives unaccountable to those who elected them.
![The Nile River The Nile River](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2021-jan-june/Nile-river_600x300px.jpg)
Nile innovations offers lessons in engineering sustainable futures
Nile communities carefully monitored and recorded the river’s flow. Centuries later these records are still being used by water resource managers.
![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)
Extreme temperatures in South Africa
Pasha 101: Two researchers unpack these events.
![The impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the future of work The impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on the future of work](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-2/FUTURE-OF-WORK_600x300px.jpg)
Removing the technology fear factor from digital transformation
Digital transformation: Technology shouldn’t be a source of fear, but rather an ally and key business tool.
![Library, books and study Library, books and study](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Library-and-study_600x300px.jpg)
A library changed my life, and books can still change our world
Why libraries still matter and how township gangs teased me about reading.
![A live reconstruction of Anteosaurus attacking a herbivorous Moschognathus. A live reconstruction of Anteosaurus attacking a herbivorous Moschognathus.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-jan-april/Anteosaurus.jpg)
New study reveals the secrets of an ancient, extinct super predator
Some 260 million to 265 million years ago, a huge creature called Anteosaurus roamed what is today the African continent.
![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)
Child malnutrition - women's health must be prioritised
Malnutrition during the first 1000 days of life can cast a long shadow over a person's life.
![Professor Shabir Madhi, Professor of Vaccinology at Wits University and Director of the South Africa Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit (VIDA), leads the South African Ox1Cov-19 Vaccine VIDA-Trial. ©WITS UNIVERSITY Professor Shabir Madhi, Professor of Vaccinology at Wits University and Director of the South Africa Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Vaccines and Infectious Diseases Analytics Research Unit (VIDA), leads the South African Ox1Cov-19 Vaccine VIDA-Trial. ©WITS UNIVERSITY](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Professor-Shabir-Madhi_2_600x300px.jpg)
Not using AstraZeneca vaccine goes against the spirit of what the Health Department espoused
Every additional day of procrastination lends itself to much of the R75m used to procure the vaccine going to waste.
![Water tower Water tower](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Water-Tower600x300px.jpg)
Why South Africa needs a new water agency
The agency will ensure that large water users continue to fund the construction and operation of the large water systems they depend on.
![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/Masks-and-temperature-measures_600x300px.jpg)
Traditional healers in SA are exposed to infection, but few can get protective gear
An average healer in the rural South African town where the study was done experiences about 1,500 occupational blood exposures in their lifetime.
![Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Rural-area_Â-Flickr-Isabel-Sommerfeld_600x300px.jpg)
Local government is broken: but giving the job to residents carries risks
South Africa needs a way to incorporate active citizens within the prevailing constitutional and legal structures, so as to strengthen all levels of government.
![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)
South Africans are revolting against inept local government. Why it matters
There has been growing discontent with many local authorities and calls by concerned citizens for the municipalities to be dissolved.
![Wits Great Hall and Central Block Wits Great Hall and Central Block](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/buildings/Great-hall-central-block-view-pic-Poulos-600-x-300.jpg)
Reasons to be optimistic about sub-Saharan higher education after Covid-19
Tertiary education often carries societal benefits that far outweigh the initial investments necessary to establish a strong and productive system.
![African Digital Diplomacy and The African Centre for the Study of the United States African Digital Diplomacy and The African Centre for the Study of the United States](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/African-Digital-Diplomacy_600x300px.jpg)
Comparing American and African elections
Perspectives from the 2020 polls in the US, Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania and Guinea.
![Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Rural-area_Â-Flickr-Isabel-Sommerfeld_600x300px.jpg)
Why the special Covid-19 grant extension is not enough
The Covid-19 pandemic has worsened unemployment and poverty, showing the need for the government to permanently expand income support to working-age adults.
![US President Joe Biden US President Joe Biden](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2021-jan-april/President-Joe-Biden_600x300px.jpg)
What African countries can expect from Biden
President Joe Biden delivered his first public statement on US foreign policy last week. Africa was not mentioned.
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
The South African government should buy locally made vehicles for state use
Policy changes that forced government departments to buy locally produced vehicles would be good for the economy.
![Plastic pollution and waste © Bas Emmen Unsplash | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Plastic pollution and waste © Bas Emmen Unsplash | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-9/Plastic pollution and waste  Bas Emmen Unsplash_600x300px.jpg)
Why dissecting stories about garbage in popular culture matter
From oil disasters in Mauritius to street artists in South Africa, the story of rubbish in the media helps shape popular culture and environmental change.
![Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_Credit-BBC-Wikipedia_600x300px.jpg)
Results from Novavax vaccine trials in the UK and South Africa differ: why, and does it matter?
The Novavax vaccine is the first that provides objective scientific evidence that it can protect people against the variant virus circulating in South Africa.
![SA President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa_© GCIS SA President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa_© GCIS](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jul-sept/SA-President-Cyril-Ramaphosa-and-Zimbabwean-President-Emmerson-Mnangagwa_ÂGCIS_600x300px.jpg)
Is Zimbabwe open for business?
The more President Mnangagwa's government fails to engage democratically with its citizens, the more it will negate any prospect of re-engagement with the West.
![Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_Credit-BBC-Wikipedia_600x300px.jpg)
SA can take on vaccine nationalism of rich countries
South Africa has the legal tools to challenge the vaccine nationalism of rich countries.
![Entrepreneur. Business. Market. Sugar. Selling. Entrepreneur. Business. Market. Sugar. Selling.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Entrepreneur_Business_Market_Sugar_60x300px.jpg)
Entrepreneurs can help bring about change by putting people ahead of profits
With the rise of non-humancentric business models, empathy-induced altruism can boost wellbeing of employees.
![Dr June Fabian, nephrologist and Research Director at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, is vaccinated in SAs first Covid19 vaccine trial 600x300.jpg Dr June Fabian, nephrologist and Research Director at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, is vaccinated in SAs first Covid19 vaccine trial 600x300.jpg](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Dr Jean Fabian nephrologist and Research Director at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre is vaccinated in SAs first Covid19 vaccine trial 600x300.jpg)
Calling the (behavioural) shots over vaccines
It will take 67% of the population to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity; here is how those still reluctant can be persuaded to join in.
![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)
Vaccine nationalism and migration
Implications for the (mis)management of Covid-19 in South Africa.
![Washing and sanitising hands ©GovernmentZA/Flicr Washing and sanitising hands ©GovernmentZA/Flicr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Wash-hands_sanitiser_Credit-GovernmentZA_Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 policy briefs must be realistic: a review by young southern African scientists
African leaders can make strategies to fight COVID-19 more accessible to the people.
![Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_Credit-BBC-Wikipedia_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa failed to get its act together on vaccines
Critics of the South African government argue that it has done too little too late to secure vaccines, and that it doesn't have a proper roll-out plan in place.
![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)
SA's vaccine strategy mistakes
Pasha 91: Blunders that left South Africa trailing in the vaccine stakes
![Robotics, study, students, technology Robotics, study, students, technology](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2020/Robotics,-study,-students_600x300px.jpg)
Huge gap between SA's 4IR strategy and what commission recommends
Huge gap between SA's 4IR strategy and what commission recommends
![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-testing-and-masks_600x300px.jpg)
Why the state’s new toys won’t help South Africa’s response to Covid-19
Drones, dinghies and an army helicopter - the new toys are diverting resources, and diverting attention.
![Dr June Fabian, nephrologist and Research Director at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, is vaccinated in SAs first Covid19 vaccine trial 600x300.jpg Dr June Fabian, nephrologist and Research Director at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, is vaccinated in SAs first Covid19 vaccine trial 600x300.jpg](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Dr Jean Fabian nephrologist and Research Director at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre is vaccinated in SAs first Covid19 vaccine trial 600x300.jpg)
Towards herd immunity from Covid-19: Costing a vaccine strategy for South Africa
This article examines and estimates the financial implications of a vaccine strategy with a goal of achieving herd immunity.
![Mining activities Mining activities](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Mining_600x300px.jpg)
Mining's year ahead will demand deep innovation
Mining's immediate future is to be impacted not just by economic cycles or established trends, but by structural issues demanding urgent and deep innovation.
![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)
How sub-Saharan Africa can rethink its approach to agriculture
Governments should explore technologies like global positioning systems and blockchain for use in the registration of land rights.
![Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_Credit-BBC-Wikipedia_600x300px.jpg)
Vaccines for South Africa. Now
It is distressing to hear senior officials increasingly talking down the prospects for the availability and usefulness of Covid-19 vaccines in South Africa.
![Universities and education | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Universities and education | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-9/Universities and education_600x300px.jpg)
Higher education reconsidered
Beyond the pandemic and possibilities for new knowledge architectures.
![Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia Covid-19 vaccines ©BBC/Wikipedia](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-vaccine_Credit-BBC-Wikipedia_600x300px.jpg)
All you should know about where we are with Covid-19 vaccines
What are the urgent steps that South Africans need to take to prepare for a timeous life-saving roll out of vaccines?
![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)
South Africa’s electricity supply: what’s tripping the switch
The longer government dithers over how Eskom's debt will be paid, the bigger the problem becomes.
![Covid-19 pandemic Covid-19 pandemic](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid-19-and-coronavirus_600x300px.jpg)
Fake news and misinformation kill
How can you trust what you are told about Covid-19?
![Tulbagh - 1969-earthquake. © Fagan-Architects Tulbagh - 1969-earthquake. © Fagan-Architects](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/Tulbagh-1969-earthquake-Â-Fagan-Architects_600x300px.jpg)
Earthquakes in South Africa
Pasha 78: Listen to Professor Ray Durrheim talk about the risk of earthquakes.
![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)
Why it’s important to keep diagnosing and treating HIV during the COVID-19 pandemic
To focus purely on combating one pandemic, the effects of other morbidity and mortality on healthcare systems will be seen for a long time to come.
![World Aids Day World Aids Day](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-sept-dec/World-Aids-Day_600x300px.jpg)
Managing HIV and diabetes together: South African patients tell their stories
Care for patients with more than one disease is fragmented and uncoordinated. This is can cost patients time, effort and lost wages.
![Library, books and study Library, books and study](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Library-and-study_600x300px.jpg)
Why reading is crucial for economic growth
Reading is a stepladder out of poverty, not only for individuals, but also for entire countries.
![Sightings of aardvarks foraging in the daytime are becoming more common, but can be a sign of food shortages brought on by drought. Credit: Nora Weyer Sightings of aardvarks foraging in the daytime are becoming more common, but can be a sign of food shortages brought on by drought. Credit: Nora Weyer](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-may-aug/aardvark.jpg)
Daytime sightings of aardvarks show troubled times in the Kalahari
Aardvarks are nocturnal animals but climate change is altering that and it's a problem.
![Prof. Zané Lombard in the Wits Division of Human Genetics co-led the study on the African genome on migration published as the Nature cover story on 28 October 2020 Prof. Zané Lombard in the Wits Division of Human Genetics co-led the study on the African genome on migration published as the Nature cover story on 28 October 2020](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-sept-dec/Prof. Zanà Lombard Wits Division of Human Genetics 600x300.jpg.png)
Study unveils complexity and vast diversity of Africa’s genetic variation
It is essential to add genomic data from all global populations - including Africa. This will ensure that everyone can benefit from the advances in health.
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
SA’s main opposition party caught in an unenviable political bind
The problem for the DA is not one of policy. There is real substance in its commitment to substituting racial criteria for overcoming historical disadvantage.
![Man reading a newspaper Man reading a newspaper](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Media_600x300px.jpg)
How real BEE can help ordinary folk
BEE has only benefited a handful of politically connected black political capitalists, a select group of white-owned big business, financiers and law firms.
![Reedbuck skull X-rayed at Donald Gordon Hospital in Johannesburg. © Julien Benoit Reedbuck skull X-rayed at Donald Gordon Hospital in Johannesburg. © Julien Benoit](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-sept-dec/Reedbuck-skull-X-rayed-in-hospital_600x300px.jpg)
Century-old theory disproved
Scientists disprove the theory about animals’ ear canals and posture.
![South Africa’s auditor-general, the late Kimi Makwetu South Africa’s auditor-general, the late Kimi Makwetu](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-sept-dec/Kimi-Makwetu_600x300px.jpg)
Auditor-general Kimi Makwetu: an exceptional and true civil servant
Makwetu embodied the values of integrity, selflessness, humility and hard work. He steadfastly believed in the South African constitution.
![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)
Important breakthrough in HIV prevention
Our findings suggest that cabotegravir is much more effective than Truvada in preventing HIV infection in women.
![This webinar explores access to cancer medicines in SA This webinar explores access to cancer medicines in SA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Access-Afya-600x300-1.jpg)
Diabetes: we need more and better trained nurses
Healthcare providers and governments must recognise the need to invest in diabetes nurse education and training.
![Health and fitness Health and fitness](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Health-and-fitness_600x300px.jpg)
Eight ways to get people to be more active
Being physically active is largely not an individual choice, but a result of what funds, spaces, places and opportunities that are available.
![Service delivery protests Service delivery protests](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_protest_600x300px.jpg)
Understanding violent protest in SA
There are individual activists and political groupings who believe violent action is legitimate and use the circumstances to actively drive such behaviour.
![African Digital Diplomacy and The African Centre for the Study of the United States African Digital Diplomacy and The African Centre for the Study of the United States](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/African-Digital-Diplomacy_600x300px.jpg)
Can this happen in America?
Why 'messy' elections could be considered a source of soft power for the US.
![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/Masks-and-temperature-measures_600x300px.jpg)
Real-time data is critical for detecting outbreaks
South Africa is testing digital technology to detect outbreaks of respiratory diseases.
![Teaching mathematics Teaching mathematics](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Maths-600x300px.jpg)
School maths: where do we go wrong
What maths researchers learnt from the mistakes made by pupils in ‘top’ South African schools.
![Wits-e, our online learning management platform for lecturers and students. Wits-e, our online learning management platform for lecturers and students.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Wits-e_600x300px.jpg)
Moribund Council on Higher Education is immobilising academic agility
Quality assurance entities are immobilising the system and hindering the ability of more students to access online education.
![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)
South Africa’s waning economic fortunes demand harsh policy adjustments: who will bear the brunt?
Resolution of the fiscal crisis depends on faster economic growth which must be led by private investment.
![Human trafficking and children Human trafficking and children](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jul-dec/Human-trafficking_600x300px.jpg)
Human trafficking and the danger of sensationalising belief over fact
We must resist the convenience of labelling every social ill as “trafficking” and radically reducing the militarisation and securitisation of national borders.
![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)
What South Africans must do to avoid a resurgence of COVID-19 infections
It is key to continue high-impact non-pharmaceutical interventions that will not impede economic activity, but limit the spread of COVID-19.
![Man reading a newspaper Man reading a newspaper](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Media_600x300px.jpg)
New threats to media freedom come from unexpected directions
Journalists need to hold firmly to the ethical standards that assure audiences their work is reliable and credible.
![Young Nigerians protest and rise up to demand a different kind of freedom Young Nigerians protest and rise up to demand a different kind of freedom](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-sept-dec/Nigeria_ENDSARS_600x300px.jpg)
Young Nigerians rise up to demand a different kind of freedom
For young Nigerian protesters, ENDSARS is as much an expression of a will to modernity as it is a yearning to be treated with dignity.
![Honey bees are vital to ecology Honey bees are vital to ecology](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Honey-bee-600x300px.jpg)
Climate research is critical in Africa: how to make it more visible
The threats of climate change to plants, animals and people in Africa mean that the continent is an excellent place for biometeorological research.
![Women walking in the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape. ©Christiaan Kotze Women walking in the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape. ©Christiaan Kotze](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-5/Mandela-and-land_600x300px.jpg)
South African community wins right to access mining application. But who will win the war?
Clashes between mining companies and communities are often about the age-old question of whether mining can benefit the many or only a selected few.
![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)
Changes in South Africa’s rainfall seasons could affect farming and water resources
Trends across the different rainfall zones can be linked to changes recorded for large-scale climate systems.
![South African Airways South African Airways](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/SAA_600x300px.jpg)
Capping executive pay is the key to stop money-guzzling SOEs from ruining SA
Excessive remuneration at failing state-owned entities provides no incentive to become accountable.
![Stormy weather over Johannesburg in South Africa. © Wits University Stormy weather over Johannesburg in South Africa. © Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Rain-and-storms-over-Johannesburg_600x300px.jpg)
Anxiety in Johannesburg: new views on a global south city
Johannesburg is not the most anxious or dangerous city in the world but a valuable site for thinking about how anxiety structures our lives.
![Locust Locust](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jul-dec/Locust_600x300px.jpg)
Explainer: what’s behind the locust swarms damaging crops in southern Africa
Locust outbreaks are driven by unusual climatic conditions.
![Wits researchers published a paper comparing methods of estimating chronological age in African population to establish which was more accurate. Wits researchers published a paper comparing methods of estimating chronological age in African population to establish which was more accurate.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Telling teeth_600x300px.jpg)
Playtime in Soweto: what mothers said about activity for toddlers
The women in our study knew that play was important, although they didn't see it as an independent behaviour to be encouraged or promoted.
![African Digital Diplomacy and The African Centre for the Study of the United States African Digital Diplomacy and The African Centre for the Study of the United States](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/African-Digital-Diplomacy_600x300px.jpg)
The US elections
November 3 will be a test of the US' democratic processes while Africa, and the rest of the world, watches on and weighs in.
![ADHD © Jurien Huggins_unsplash © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ ADHD © Jurien Huggins_unsplash © www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-10/ADHD_ÂJurien-Huggins_Unsplash_600x300px.jpg)
Depression and mental health issues skyrocket
Our results show that the prevalence of depressive symptoms seems to have doubled between 2017 and June 2020 (Covid-19 era).
![Face masks has become essential to prevent being infected by the coronavirus ©GovernmentZA/Flickr Face masks has become essential to prevent being infected by the coronavirus ©GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Woman-wearing-mask_ÂGovernmentZA_Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
The she-cession
Wave 2 of the Nids-Cram survey shows how women have fared with the gradual reopening of SA’s economy as the lockdown levels are eased.
![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-testing-and-masks_600x300px.jpg)
How social security could make life better in SA after COVID-19
Emergency relief measures were operational for six months and are due to end soon. But the impacts of COVID-19 will be felt long after.
![The windmill, iconic symbol of South Africa's Karoo. ©WitsUniversity The windmill, iconic symbol of South Africa's Karoo. ©WitsUniversity](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/The-windmill_iconic-symbol-of-the-Karoo-symbol_600x300px.jpg)
Land reform is central to SA's quest for social justice
South Africa’s land reform policies need to embrace social, economic and ecological sustainability.
![Media and Journalism Media and Journalism](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Media-and-Journalism_600x300px.jpg)
Journalism makes blunders but still feeds democracy: an insider’s view
Media self-criticism is not just important to improve journalism, it is a political, professional and moral imperative.
![Service delivery protests Service delivery protests](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_protest_600x300px.jpg)
Municipalities have to clean up their acts. If they don’t, post-Covid SA will explode
Local governments must gather the political will to fight corruption, inefficiency as finances dwindle, but they’ll need help.
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Southern Africa is anxious about post-Brexit trade talks
Here’s why South Africa and its neighbours are anxious about EU and UK post-Brexit trade talks.
![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)
White elephant schools reveal lack of progress
School that cannot be occupied by learners and teachers, and stand out as white elephants in the communities in which they have been built.
![Startups and technology Startups and technology](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jul-dec/Generic_Startups-and-tech_600x300px.jpg)
We can prevent procurement fraud by deploying 4IR technologies
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought to the fore just how endemic corruption has become.
![Plants in the office © Lauren Mulligan | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Plants in the office © Lauren Mulligan | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-9/Plants in the office  Lauren Mulligan_600x300px.jpg)
Work from home reserved for the privileged few in SA
Digital divides ensure that only 11% of households have access to the internet.
![Water drop Water drop](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Water-drop-600x300px.jpg)
A keen eye on facts saved this biodiverse wetland for now: threats to be aware of
Court victory by an NGO against municipality has laid bare the red tape and misgovernance that often burdens the process of issuing water licenses.
![Donald Trump Donald Trump](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/Donald-Trump_2_600x300px.jpg)
America’s inflection point: four key things Africa must watch for
Many political issues in the 2020 US election are domestic. But black resistance to white supremacy has long had global repercussions.
![Wearing masks during Covid-19 Wearing masks during Covid-19](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Wearing-masks_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 policy: Public engagement is crucial
A balancing act between scientific data and health and broader socioeconomic implications is needed when policymakers prioritise interventions and measures.
![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)
Why halting the COVID-19 vaccine trial is part of the process
The experience of the Oxford vaccine and the measures put into place are not unusual. Many phase one and phase two clinical trials have holding rules.
![COVID-19 Health care workers with SANDF soldiers during pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr COVID-19 Health care workers with SANDF soldiers during pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_health-care-workers_ÂGovernmentZA_flickr_600x300px.jpg)
A new app helps COVID-19 frontline workers with mental health
Pasha 80: Fighting the coronavirus can put severe strain on a person’s mental health.
![Economic impact of Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa. Economic impact of Covid-19 lockdown in South Africa.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Covid19-and-economy_600x300px.jpg)
The claim that SA’s economy has declined by 51% is a misrepresentation of the facts
South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product has not halved as reported by several publications and commentators over the past 24 hours.
![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/Masks-and-temperature-measures_600x300px.jpg)
Solid, altruistic global leadership is the only way to face future crises and win
Covid-19 has taught us that investing in health security research, preparedness and responsiveness, nationally, regionally and globally, is critical.
![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)
Why Africa needs to be involved in the development of Covid-19 vaccines
Understanding the epidemiology of Covid-19 and moving forward would be critical to determining policy on the need to adopt interventions.
![Close-up of pink and yellow flower Close-up of pink and yellow flower](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Flower600x300px.jpg)
Where have all the flowers gone? A final climate crisis warning
South Africa’s climate science is not an allegory, but an echo of the final warning to all of us about a worsening climate-driven future.
![African National Congress (ANC) African National Congress (ANC)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_ANC_flag_600x300px.jpg)
The truth has been captured by corrupt, opportunistic SA leaders
Many public figures increasingly, not only outrightly lie on public platforms, but dress up lies as if these are truths.
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Malfunctioning SOEs urgently need citizen shareholder activists
Ordinary citizens, consumers and civil society must play more active roles as shareholders of state-owned enterprises.
![A: Border Cave’s 200,000 year old fossilised grass fragments. B: The profile section of desiccated grass bedding dating to around 43,000 years ago. Both images copyright Lyn Wadley A: Border Cave’s 200,000 year old fossilised grass fragments. B: The profile section of desiccated grass bedding dating to around 43,000 years ago. Both images copyright Lyn Wadley](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-sept-dec/Border-Cave_Credit-Lynn-Wadley.jpg)
Grass on ash: uncovering 200,000 year old beds from South Africa
Before 200,000 years ago, close to the origin of our species, people used ash as layers for broad-leaved grasses to build their beds.
![HIV/Aids has claimed too much lives in South Africa HIV/Aids has claimed too much lives in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Grave_Aids_600x300px.jpg)
Lessons on cemetery design from Johannesburg
Municipalities are forced to identify new cemetery planning models that are environmentally sensitive and consistent with diverse cultural practises.
![African Digital Diplomacy and The African Centre for the Study of the United States African Digital Diplomacy and The African Centre for the Study of the United States](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/African-Digital-Diplomacy_600x300px.jpg)
African digital diplomacy
Digital diplomacy is increasingly taking centre stage as a game-changing concept and practice of global affairs.
![New research and training centre at the Rahima Mother and Child Hospital. Image credit: Dave Southwood New research and training centre at the Rahima Mother and Child Hospital. Image credit: Dave Southwood](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/New-Research--Training-Centre-at-Rahima-Mother-and-Child-Hospital_Cc Dave Southwood_600x300px-1.jpg)
African research support: here’s one programme that’s working
Less than 1% of the world’s research is produced in Africa, and we urgently need to build stronger health research capacity.
![COVID-19, the coronavirus. COVID-19, the coronavirus.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_coronavirus_600x300px.jpg)
Post-Covid Africa will have to save itself. It is a terrifying task
African countries, with their lack of quality leaders, weak states and little fiscal reserves face economic, political and social disorder.
![Global warming and climate change Global warming and climate change](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Global-warming_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 and climate emergency: A painful irony
The coronavirus is a moment to be humble and realise our finitude in a wondrous and infinite natural order.
![Child Child](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_child_600x300px.jpg)
Child trafficking and child migration
A new discussion is needed to separate myths from reality.
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
How inequality is produced and reproduced generationally
The story of a working man who lived through apartheid – and his struggles after it ended.
![Covid-19 pandemic Covid-19 pandemic](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Coronavirus-disease_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa’s second COVID-19 vaccine trial explained
Pasha 78: Listen to Professor Shabir Madhi, explaining how the new vaccine trial will work
![Joshua Kumbani and Professor Sarah Wurz digging at Klasies River Joshua Kumbani and Professor Sarah Wurz digging at Klasies River](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-may-aug/Joshua-Kumbani-and-Professor-Sarah-Wurz_600x300.jpg)
What archaeology tells us about the music and sounds made by Africa’s ancestors
Music has been part and parcel of humanity for a long time. There is scant evidence of music or sound producing artefacts from southern Africa.
![Poverty and inequality ©GovernmentZA_flickr Poverty and inequality ©GovernmentZA_flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Poverty-and-inequality_ÂGovernmentZA_flickr_600x300px.jpg)
How lockdown has affected the health of South Africa's poor
Poor populations bore a disproportionately higher burden of poor health.
![COVID-19 ©Unsplash COVID-19 ©Unsplash](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_600x300px.jpg)
Appoint a war Cabinet now to tackle Covid-19 crises
SA should fire the current Cabinet and set up a national “emergency” one with the best talents in the country prevent it from plunging down the cliff.
![Prof. Martin Veller, Dean of Wits Faculty of Health Sciences, is vaccinated in SAs first Covid19 vaccine trial 600x300. Prof. Martin Veller, Dean of Wits Faculty of Health Sciences, is vaccinated in SAs first Covid19 vaccine trial 600x300.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Prof Martin Veller Dean of Wits Faculty of Health Sciences is vaccinated in SAs first Covid19 vaccine trial 600x300.jpg)
Covid 19: Scientific excellence will help explore new frontiers
When university resources are scarce, building and sustaining equitable research excellence should be paramount.
![South West Engineering building South West Engineering building](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/buildings/SWE-column-600-x-300.jpg)
Post Covid-19: What would universities look like?
Three South African vice-chancellors paint a post-COVID picture for universities.
![Wits researchers published a paper comparing methods of estimating chronological age in African population to establish which was more accurate. Wits researchers published a paper comparing methods of estimating chronological age in African population to establish which was more accurate.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Telling teeth_600x300px.jpg)
Now is the time to lay a firmer school maths foundation
Covid-19's lockdown leads maths scores particularly being badly affected but a return to core concepts could be the answer to a pre-pandemic problem.
![President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and President Cyril Ramaphiosa of South Africa President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe and President Cyril Ramaphiosa of South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-may-aug/Presidents-Emmerson-Mnangagwa-and-Cyril-Ramaphosa_600x300px.jpg)
Repression in Zimbabwe exposes South Africa’s weakness
The time is long past that Pretoria's admonitions of bad behaviour by Zimbabwe's leaders are backed by a credible threat of sanction and punishment.
![Hospital, medicine, vaccine, Covid-19 Hospital, medicine, vaccine, Covid-19](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Hospital,-medicine,-vaccine_CREDIT-WITS-UNIVERSITY_600x300px.jpg)
Pandemic underscores burden women carry doing paid and unpaid reproductive labour
Women’s extended working days have become normalised, despite the adverse effects on their progression within the labour market and general well-being.
![Child Child](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_child_600x300px.jpg)
South African policy isn’t connecting child nutrition and sanitation
There is no clear delineation of roles and responsibilities relating to the integration of clean water, sanitation, safe hygiene and nutritional status.
![The IBM Research Lab in Braamfontein The IBM Research Lab in Braamfontein](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Technology_600x300px.jpg)
Fast tracking the critical task of building South Africa’s digital economy
South Africa lags behind the rest of the world when it comes to embracing the digital economy.
![Water being poured into watering bucket Water being poured into watering bucket](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_water_glove600x300px.jpg)
Plans for a dam across the Nile triggered a war in 1956: will it happen again?
Egypt has long defended its right, under colonial era agreements, to stop nine of the upstream countries from using Nile water.
![Investing in South Africa Investing in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_money_credit_paying_business.jpg)
What drove Asia’s economic success stories, and what should Africa emulate?
The remarkable economic transformation of Asia in recent decades has attracted global attention.
![Wearing masks during Covid-19 Wearing masks during Covid-19](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Wearing-masks_600x300px.jpg)
South Africans aren’t wearing masks or keeping their distance. This needs to change
Changing social norms in a short amount of time is difficult, and a one-size-fits all policy is unlikely to have the desired effect.
![Women in science. Women in a lab. ©Shivan Parusnath Women in science. Women in a lab. ©Shivan Parusnath](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Women-in-science_600x300px.jpg)
Africa’s research capacity is growing. That’s good news for pandemic response efforts
Investments are starting to help grow the African continent's science preparedness.
![Durban in South Africa Durban in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jul-dec/Durban-in-South-Africa_600x300px.jpg)
Why one of three African candidates fits the bill as the new head of the WTO
Africa accounts for nearly 27% of the World Trade Organisation's membership and 35% of members from developing countries, but an African has never run it.
![Women Women](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Women_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19: Women are bearing more costs and receiving fewer benefits
Even though women have suffered two thirds of the job losses since February, men have received two thirds of Covid-19 grants (65%).
![Technology, screens and art. © Wits University Technology, screens and art. © Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Generic_Technology_600x300px.jpg)
Kenya’s internet balloons could help to bridge the digital divide
Kenya's new internet balloons could help to get more Kenyans online and drive new industry.
![#FeesMustFall #FeesMustFall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/FEESMUSTFALL_600X300PX.jpg)
On decolonising teaching practices, not just the syllabus
An African literature lecturer shares how embodied teaching can help students feel that their lives and stories matter.
![Media and Journalism Media and Journalism](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Media-and-Journalism_600x300px.jpg)
Journalism of Drum’s heyday remains cause for celebration – 70 years later
The magazine grew to be the largest circulation publication for black readers in South Africa, and expanded to include East and West African editions.
![Investing in South Africa Investing in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_money_credit_paying_business.jpg)
Independence is at the heart of the African Development Bank’s ability to be effective
There is concern over the growing influence of non-regional players in decision making at the regional bank.
![South African Police Service ©GovernmentZA/Flickr South African Police Service ©GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/South-African-Police-Service_CREDIT-GovZA.Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Opposition parties struggle with how to play a Covid-19 role
South Africa’s opposition parties appear to be confused, chasing shadows or paralysed by the enormity of the Covid-19 crisis.
![African Digital Diplomacy and The African Centre for the Study of the United States African Digital Diplomacy and The African Centre for the Study of the United States](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/African-Digital-Diplomacy_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19: An opportunity for African knowledge production
Lockdown has become a metaphor for all forms of state-sanctioned and self-imposed restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
![Laboratory testing and vaccines © WITS UNIVERSITY Laboratory testing and vaccines © WITS UNIVERSITY](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Laboratory-testing-and-vaccine_600x300px.jpg)
COVID-19 vaccine trial in South Africa: everything you need to know
Not enough clinical research is being done in Africa. This has repercussions for when interventions become available and effective in high income countries.
![Miners, mines and mining ©GovernmentZA/Flickr Miners, mines and mining ©GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jan-june/Generic_miners-and-mining_Credit-GovernmentZA_Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Technology brings change but labour can shape its direction
Increased capital investment and productivity need not result in job losses. Industrial policy can link investment incentives to job preservation and creation.
![Service delivery protests Service delivery protests](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_protest_600x300px.jpg)
SA faces devastating multiple social impact
Government urgently needs an integrated Covid-19 response to deal with mental illness, violence and crime.
![African Digital Diplomacy and The African Centre for the Study of the United States African Digital Diplomacy and The African Centre for the Study of the United States](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2022-jan-april/African-Digital-Diplomacy_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 and the youth
Opportunities in information and communications.
![Soldiers of the SANDF deployed as part of the security services during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/Flicr Soldiers of the SANDF deployed as part of the security services during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/Flicr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/SANDF_security_Credit-GovernmentZA_Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Lockdowns and freedoms
SA had to have a hard lockdown because we don’t trust our government. Little since has made us change our minds.
![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)
More money for COVID-19 but SA lacks a spending strategy
South Africa's public health system has been allocated R21.5 billion more to fight the Covid-19 pandemic but there's no strategy to guide how it should be used.
![South Africa can expect zero growth South Africa can expect zero growth](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Economic-growth_600x300px.jpg)
Ideological responses, traditional economic theory won't lift SA out out of Covid-19 slump
South Africa will have to prioritise new business, employment and growth based on the current and new domestic and global needs unleashed by Covid-19.
![Hospital, medicine, vaccine, Covid-19 Hospital, medicine, vaccine, Covid-19](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Hospital,-medicine,-vaccine_CREDIT-WITS-UNIVERSITY_600x300px.jpg)
Distance, Dose, Dispersion: Experts’ guide on Covid-19 risks in South Africa and how to manage them
Understand the three things that can make the most difference to easing the lockdown and reopening South Africa with the least risk.
![Extinction accounting | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Extinction accounting | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-9/Accounting_600x300px.jpg)
SA's budget for COVID-19 fails to pave way for more equal society
The budget is one of the key tools that government has to effect meaningful change.
![Policing during Covid-19. ©GovernmentZA/flickr Policing during Covid-19. ©GovernmentZA/flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Policing-durig-Covid_600x300px.jpg)
SA needs to block transmission routes to get Covid-19 under control
Testing and tracing has not been at a level needed to suppress the spread and must now focus on containing opportunities for super-spreading and transmissions.
![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)
Covid-19: The full economic impact will only be known later
South Africa needs to focus urgently on how COVID-19 will reshape its labour market.
![Johannesburg at night Johannesburg at night](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Johannesburg-at-night_600x300px-1.jpg)
African countries need to seize opportunities created by US-China tensions
African policymakers should safeguard their right to choose from the widest possible range of technologies that suit their countries’ development needs.
![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)
Decade-long study shows why South Africa needs to stop stereotyping young black men
Young black men are often viewed through a criminal lens. An 11-year-long study of adolescent men in a South African township upends the stereotypes.
![Children and coding, education and learning | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Children and coding, education and learning | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-8/Children-and-learning_600x300px.jpg)
Society is not ready to safely reopen schools and education centres
Government is steaming ahead with the reopening of schools. This is an overly hasty, ill-considered step for a number of reasons.
![President Cyril Ramaphosa's temperature being tested during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr President Cyril Ramaphosa's temperature being tested during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/President-Cyril-Ramaphosa-being-tested_ÂGovernmentZA_flickr_600x300px.jpg)
So you think investing in fever screening can curb the spread of COVID-19? Think again
Detecting fever requires measuring core body temperature. Screening measures the body's surface temperature.
![Alcohol consumption Alcohol consumption](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Alcohol-consumption_600x300px.jpg)
Does alcohol have an undisclosed African heritage?
Until now the search for early evidence of alcohol has fixated on residue analysis.
![Stormy weather over Johannesburg in South Africa. © Wits University Stormy weather over Johannesburg in South Africa. © Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Rain-and-storms-over-Johannesburg_600x300px.jpg)
Learning from South Africa: reconstructing rainfall seasonality in Australia
Examining old vegetation sediments to learn about shifting weather patterns and climate change.
![Cyril Ramaphosa is sworn in as President of South Africa. Cyril Ramaphosa is sworn in as President of South Africa.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/President-Cyril-Ramamphosa-being-sworn-in_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa needs a new governance model post-Covid-19
South Africa’s governance model, the way the country is run, is broken.
![Jetty in the sea Jetty in the sea](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-4/Jetty-in-the-sea_600x300px.jpg)
Exploring the Indian Ocean as a rich archive of history
The Indian Ocean provides a new way of looking at world history that has been dominated by European accounts.
![President Cyril Ramaphosa and German chancellor Angela Merkel President Cyril Ramaphosa and German chancellor Angela Merkel](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-may-aug/Cyril-Ramaphosa-and-Angela-Merkel_600x300px.jpg)
What sets good and bad leaders apart in the coronavirus era
It is no accident that those leaders who have responded worst to this crisis have been the main sources of countless conspiracy theories and misinformation.
![COVID-19 ©Unsplash COVID-19 ©Unsplash](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_600x300px.jpg)
It’s time to talk about coronavirus symptoms
Pasha 66 - The Conversation Africa's podcast series focus on questions arising from the symptoms of people who have contracted the coronavirus.
![Donald Trump Donald Trump](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/Donald-Trump_2_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa must get ready for an inevitable loosening of trade ties with the US
South Africa should use its remaining AGOA window to find other export markets and retool its economy - as US economic attitude towards Africa hardens.
![COVID-19 Health care workers with SANDF soldiers during pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr COVID-19 Health care workers with SANDF soldiers during pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_health-care-workers_ÂGovernmentZA_flickr_600x300px.jpg)
The false ideas surrounding the coronavirus
Pasha 66 - The Conversation Africa's podcast series focus on "Coronavirus conspiracy theories and myths".
![Face masks are crucial preventing infections during COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/Flickr Face masks are crucial preventing infections during COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Women-wearing-face-masks_Credit-GovernmentZA_flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Sub-Saharan Africa needs to plug local knowledge gap to up its anti-COVID-19 game
Africa needs to be better prepared to deal with future pandemics; starting with a re-assessment of how countries invest in – and support – local research.
![Lesotho Lesotho](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-4/Lesotho_600x300px.jpg)
Lesotho’s new leader faces enormous hurdles ensuring peace and political stability
Moeketsi Majoro’s installation as Prime Minister is welcome. But it does not guarantee much needed political stability in an era of complex coalition politics.
![Sign indicating a nursing area for babies Sign indicating a nursing area for babies](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Nursing-area-sign_600x300px.jpg)
We tracked Soweto mothers-to-be to find out more about diet and obesity patterns
Two thirds of South African women are overweight or obese and their babies are three times more likely to become obese themselves.
![Man reading a newspaper Man reading a newspaper](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Media_600x300px.jpg)
Almost 16-million people allowed back to work
New level 3 regulations mark an important strategic shift in the government’s approach to the coronavirus pandemic.
![Coronavirus Coronavirus](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jan-june/Coronavirus_Generic_600x300.jpg)
Stop random Covid-19 testing and sort out the backlog
The testing backlog and proposed testing strategies outside hospital settings are threatening patient management and compromising health care workers’ safety.
![In a world controlled and dominated by robots, is there still space for humans? In a world controlled and dominated by robots, is there still space for humans?](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-2/Robot_600x300px.jpg)
The world is flat: Covid-19 becomes the driving force for 4IR
The most profound change is the accelerated of way in which digital transformation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution have moved at warp speed.
![Child Protection Week Child Protection Week](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/Child Protection Week_600x300px.jpg)
Dubious remedies will not decolonise Africa
So-called African solutions that are often uncritically accepted as ‘good’ do nothing for the continent
![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)
Economic policy remains hotly contested in South Africa: this detailed history shows why
Book sheds new light on the evolution of the economic policy of the African National Congress, South Africa's governing party.
![Small business and entrepreneurs Small business and entrepreneurs](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_small-business_entrepreneur_600x300px.jpg)
A new, fairer economy is possible, but that would mean sacrifice
That Covid-19, the lockdown and whatever will come after will have had a lasting and devastating impact on our economy seems indisputable.
![The South African Reserve Bank The South African Reserve Bank](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/The-South-African-Reserve-Bank_600x300px.jpg)
Why arguments against quantitative easing hold no water
The Reserve Bank should be allowed to buy more government bonds and securities to support the liquidity of the banking system.
![The Klasies River cave in the southern Cape of South Africa. The Klasies River cave in the southern Cape of South Africa.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Klasiesriver.jpg)
What a bone arrowhead from South Africa reveals about ancient human cognition
The artefact closely resembles thousands of bone arrowheads used by the indigenous San hunter-gatherers from the 18th to the 20th centuries.
![Coronavirus Coronavirus](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jan-june/Coronavirus_Generic_600x300.jpg)
Why more must be done to fight bogus COVID-19 cure claims
Authorities around the world can do more to ensure that correct information and messages on the pandemic reach everybody.
![Women walking in the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape. ©Christiaan Kotze Women walking in the rolling hills of the Eastern Cape. ©Christiaan Kotze](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-5/Mandela-and-land_600x300px.jpg)
The arrival of British settlers 200 years ago continues to cast a shadow over South Africa
It is not hard to see the roots of 20th century apartheid policies in the legacy of the British settlers.
![Washing Hands Washing Hands](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jan-june/Washing-Hands_600x300.jpg)
South Africa’s COVID-19 strategy needs updating: here’s why and how
South Africa should base its COVID-19 mitigation strategy on the premise that the pandemic will last for two years unless a vaccine is developed before then.
![Miners, mines and mining ©GovernmentZA/Flickr Miners, mines and mining ©GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jan-june/Generic_miners-and-mining_Credit-GovernmentZA_Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
What South Africa needs to forge a resilient social compact for Covid-19
Ramaphosa's call for a new social compact will fall on deaf ears unless there are some fundamental changes to the way in which the pandemic is being managed.
![Plastic pollution and waste © Bas Emmen Unsplash | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Plastic pollution and waste © Bas Emmen Unsplash | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-9/Plastic pollution and waste  Bas Emmen Unsplash_600x300px.jpg)
Choices in a fog of uncertainty: lessons for coronavirus from climate change
The science to policy process that was developed to guide climate mitigation decisions can be applied to the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
![Face masks has become essential to prevent being infected by the coronavirus ©GovernmentZA/Flickr Face masks has become essential to prevent being infected by the coronavirus ©GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Woman-wearing-mask_ÂGovernmentZA_Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
What should South Africa’s coronavirus endgame look like? Here are some options
SA's response to the COVID-19 pandemic was one of 'intervene first and ask questions later'. Now is the time for government say what its strategic endgame is.
![Soldiers of the SANDF deployed as part of the security services during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/Flicr Soldiers of the SANDF deployed as part of the security services during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/Flicr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/SANDF_security_Credit-GovernmentZA_Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Lockdown is riling black and white South Africans: could this be a reset moment?
It is rare for a post-authoritarian society to get two chances to reconcile. This may be just that, for white South Africans in particular.
![President Cyril Ramaphosa's temperature being tested during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr President Cyril Ramaphosa's temperature being tested during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/President-Cyril-Ramaphosa-being-tested_ÂGovernmentZA_flickr_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa’s COVID-19 testing strategy needs urgent fixing: here’s how to do it
Early reports by the National Health Laboratory Service indicated that it had the capacity to do 30,000 tests a day. But capability to do so has not materialise
![Miners, mines and mining ©GovernmentZA/Flickr Miners, mines and mining ©GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jan-june/Generic_miners-and-mining_Credit-GovernmentZA_Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Health and safety in the spotlight as South Africa’s miners go back to work
Miners face cramped working conditions, transportation in packed cages, and a high incidence of other respiratory diseases, posing considerable risks.
![SANDF members on duty during COVID-19 SANDF members on duty during COVID-19](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/SANDF-and-COVID19_600x300px.jpg)
African countries are moving to make masks mandatory: key questions answered
Wearing masks is being introduced in conjunction with maintaining a physical distance of at least 1.5 metres; following hygiene measures such as hand washing.
![Xenophobia and migration Xenophobia and migration](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Xenophobia-and-migration_600x300px.jpg)
The impact of coronavirus could compare to the Great Depression
And a corresponding rise in nationalism and xenophobia may follow, just as it did in the 1930s.
![Economy and infrastructure Economy and infrastructure](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jul-dec/Generic_Economy-and-infrastructure_600x300px.jpg)
Why South Africa needs to ensure income security beyond the pandemic
Economic distress was the norm for many before the coronavirus outbreak. The pandemic is an opportunity to provide an economically secure future for all.
![President Cyril Ramaphosa's temperature being tested during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr President Cyril Ramaphosa's temperature being tested during the COVID-19 pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/President-Cyril-Ramaphosa-being-tested_ÂGovernmentZA_flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Let’s talk about ethics and treatment for COVID-19
In this episode of The Conversation - Africa's podcast, Pasha, Wits bioethics researchers discuss the difficult decisions facing health professionals.
![Heroes - Heroes -](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/Heroes_generic silhouette_600x300.jpg)
Can the philosophy of ubuntu help provide a way to face health crises?
There are lessons for the health sector - the need for more coherent integration is undeniable.
![COVID-19 Health care workers with SANDF soldiers during pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr COVID-19 Health care workers with SANDF soldiers during pandemic ©GovernmentZA/flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_health-care-workers_ÂGovernmentZA_flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Where there is political will there is a way to work across sectors
COVID-19: There are lessons for the health sector - the need for more coherent integration is undeniable.
![President Cyril Ramaphosa President Cyril Ramaphosa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/President-Cyril-Ramaphosa_600x300px.jpg)
Unpacking Ramaphosa’s COVID-19 rescue package
A major step forward, but some warning lights are flashing. President Cyril Ramaphosa’s social and economic rescue package leaves some questions unanswered.
![Research being undertaken in laboratory Research being undertaken in laboratory](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Lab-research_600x300px.jpg)
Africa must make sure it’s part of the search for a coronavirus vaccine
To refuse inclusion would prevent Africa’s researchers from being significant players in the universal fight against the virus.
![COVID-19 South Africa Dashboard https://www.covid19sa.org/ COVID-19 South Africa Dashboard https://www.covid19sa.org/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19SA-Dashboard_600x300px.jpg)
Numbers can kill: politicians should handle South Africa's coronavirus data with care
We’d all love to know more about our neighbours – from COVID-19 data, census data and other official data sources – but we shouldn't.
![Stormy weather over Johannesburg in South Africa. © Wits University Stormy weather over Johannesburg in South Africa. © Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Rain-and-storms-over-Johannesburg_600x300px.jpg)
Toward a risk-based strategy for managing the COVID-19 epidemic: A modelling analysis
Given the protracted nature of the risk posed by the COVID-19, this paper seeks to address the need to match health prevention and a viable economy.
![COVID-19 ©Unsplash COVID-19 ©Unsplash](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa needs a post-lockdown strategy that emulates South Korea
South Africa cannot afford to embark on a strategy of extended periodic lockdowns. It needs to shift to mass testing and contact tracing.
![Wits scientists and peers have sequenced the genetic makeup of 24 South African individuals of different ethnolinguistic origins. Wits scientists and peers have sequenced the genetic makeup of 24 South African individuals of different ethnolinguistic origins.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Genome_600x300px_jpg-1.jpg)
Coronavirus myths: Lessons from an AIDS study
Attempting to defeat these folk theories with science achieved little; the myth busters of the AIDS epidemic talked past those they were trying to convince.
![Child Child](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_child_600x300px.jpg)
COVID-19 risks forcing SA to make health trade-offs it can ill afford
South Africa could lose many children due to a measles outbreak which is completely preventable.
![Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Rural-area_Â-Flickr-Isabel-Sommerfeld_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa is bent on austerity and should change track
The South African government should be spending more, not less, to boost economic growth and create jobs.
![A human eye A human eye](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Eye_600x300px.jpg)
African genetic studies offer hope for preventing a common cause of blindness
Knowing genetic associations in specific populations will make it possible to focus prevention and treatment.
![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)
Covid-19: Treatments, but at what cost?
Accessible & affordable medicine: We cannot wait for treatments to be available in high-income countries in order to negotiate prices for the rest of the world.
![Human Rights Human Rights](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Human-Rights_600x300px.jpg)
If you think lockdown is bad, spare a thought for SA’s prisoners
How more restless are those living in prison and confined to a small cell, who are now completely cut off from the outside world and their families?
![COVID-19, the coronavirus. COVID-19, the coronavirus.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_coronavirus_600x300px.jpg)
Debunking 9 popular myths doing the rounds in Africa about the coronavirus
Some of the false claims about coronavirus may be harmless. But others can be potentially dangerous.
![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 case for a citizens’ basic income grant in South Africa
With Covid-19 and the lockdown there is no room for denial of how large parts of South African society suffer.
![COVID-19 ©Unsplash COVID-19 ©Unsplash](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa needs to end the lockdown: here’s a blueprint for its replacement
Academics call on government to develop a comprehensive health and economic strategy if it is to prevent long term socio-economic damage caused by pandemic.
![Entrepreneur. Business. Market. Sugar. Selling. Entrepreneur. Business. Market. Sugar. Selling.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Entrepreneur_Business_Market_Sugar_60x300px.jpg)
There is a dire need to boost SA’s stimulus package
Countries such as the US, Germany, India and Brazil have launched help for all sectors of their economies — South Africa needs to follow.
![Women Women](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Women_600x300px.jpg)
Tackling gender-based violence during lockdown
Women and children face even more alarming levels of abuse due to COVID-19 lockdown.
![Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld Generic_Rural area_© Flickr/Isabel Sommerfeld](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Rural-area_Â-Flickr-Isabel-Sommerfeld_600x300px.jpg)
SA needs to mitigate the worst of its inequalities in tackling COVID1-19
South Africa won't flatten the COVID-19 pandemic curve unless all citizens have the means to stay at home.
![COVID-19 ©Unsplash COVID-19 ©Unsplash](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_600x300px.jpg)
Personal versus public freedoms South Africa during COVID-19
In restricting individuals' movements and interactions during any national disaster, the conflict between public interest and personal autonomy will get messy.
![Women in science. Women in a lab. ©Shivan Parusnath Women in science. Women in a lab. ©Shivan Parusnath](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Women-in-science_600x300px.jpg)
Crowdsourcing: Scale of COVID-19 calls for new approaches to research
Crowdsourcing is a promising approach to biomedical research and development (R&D) and could produce solutions to pandemics like this one.
![Cities, urban, streets. ©Mark Lewis | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Cities, urban, streets. ©Mark Lewis | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-7/Cities,-urban,-streets_1_ÂMark-Lewis_600x300px.jpg)
Covid-19 lockdown needs to protect inner-city communities
In South Africa, the collision of HIV, TB and Covid-19 could be devastating, and radical measures are needed to address the spread of Covid-19.
![Waste pickers in Johannesburg © Daniel Born Waste pickers in Johannesburg © Daniel Born](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-9/Waste pickers  Daniel Born_600x300px.jpg)
SAs response to COVID-19 worsens the plight of waste reclaimers
The clock is ticking: in the absence of government support, not being able to work means waste reclaimers don't have money to buy food.
![Johannesburg, city in South Africa Johannesburg, city in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Johannesburg-city_600x300px.jpg)
What will happen to Africa after the coronavirus?
It would help if everybody comprehend that the world will not be the same after the dust settles on the pandemic.
![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)
Would a Longitude Prize speed production of a Covid-19 vaccine?
To stop economic destruction, we need to refocus vast resources from other productive activity – a truly grand prize might do the trick.
![JSE Logo JSE Logo](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/2017/JSE-Logo600x300px.jpg)
How do we save SA?
The virus has wiped billions from stock exchanges globally. Now is the time to re-evaluate and promote domestic private investment.
![COVID-19 ©Unsplash COVID-19 ©Unsplash](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/covid-19/COVID19_600x300px.jpg)
Bold programmes are needed to mitigate the economic crisis
The Covid-19 crisis is first and foremost a health and humanitarian crisis is likely to have lasting impacts on how we live.
![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)
Covid-19, #ClimateEmergency and Lockdown
The coronavirus is an opportunity to end the war with nature.It’s a moment to be humble and realise our finitude in a wondrous and infinite natural order.
![Freedom of speech Freedom of speech](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-jan-april/freedom_speech.jpg)
Gag the spreaders of disinformation, not the scientists
In times of a health crisis, such as the corona virus pandemic, health scientists should be encouraged to speak out.
![Xenophobia and migration Xenophobia and migration](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Xenophobia-and-migration_600x300px.jpg)
Foreign migrants must be included in Covid-19 response
Why South Africa needs to actively engage all foreign migrants in its response to Covid-19.
![Sign indicating a nursing area for babies Sign indicating a nursing area for babies](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Nursing-area-sign_600x300px.jpg)
Newborns in developing countries need better protection from common bacteria
Streptococcus agalactiae, also known as Group B streptococcus, is the most common bacterial cause of illness in newborn babies around the world.
![Pictures of the “Little Foot” skull. The inferior view (left) shows the original position of the first cervical vertebra still embedded in the matrix. Credit: R.J. Clarke. Pictures of the “Little Foot” skull. The inferior view (left) shows the original position of the first cervical vertebra still embedded in the matrix. Credit: R.J. Clarke.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-jan-april/Littlefoot.jpg)
A tiny bone from Little Foot’s skeleton adds fresh insights into what our ancestors could do
Studying Australopithecus, an extinct hominin genus that represents a branch of our family tree, is a great way to make more sense of our bushy family tree.
![Puff Adder_Credit @Wits University Puff Adder_Credit @Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-jan-april/Puff-Adder_Wits-University_600x300.jpg)
Snakes make good food. Banning farms won’t help the fight against coronavirus
The wildlife trade has long been closely linked to disease outbreaks.
![The UCL Lancet Commission of Migration and Health has published research about the harmful and unfounded myths about migration and health The UCL Lancet Commission of Migration and Health has published research about the harmful and unfounded myths about migration and health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-oct-dec/Migration sign-600x300.jpg)
Hypocrisy in the time of Covid-19
The sanctimony of moving from blaming foreign migrants to rendering them invisible in a critical public health moment will have implications for our response.
![Coronavirus Coronavirus](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jan-june/Coronavirus_Generic_600x300.jpg)
Coronavirus: how big, how bad, and what to look out for
Cases of illness from the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) disease, known as COVID-19, have been confirmed in more than 100 countries.
![US flag US flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_US-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Africa’s wish list of what might change under a Biden presidency
Africa’s stake in the outcome of the 3 November 2020 US presidential election spiked with the unexpected revival of former Vice-President Joe Biden’s campaign.
![Being gay in academia Being gay in academia](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Gay-flag-600x300px.jpg)
Africa’s policies hold key to LGBT rights on the continent: here’s how
Questions of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression have continued to divide opinion across the globe.
![Washing Hands Washing Hands](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jan-june/Washing-Hands_600x300.jpg)
Yes, washing our hands really can help curb the spread of coronavirus
Hand washing is a tried and true, scientifically proven preventive strategy that reduces the likelihood of transmitting both viral and bacterial borne diseases.
![Bhekizizwe Joseph Shabalala (mambazo.com/home) Bhekizizwe Joseph Shabalala (mambazo.com/home)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-jan-april/Bhekizizwe-Joseph-Shabalala_mambazo.com_600x300.jpg)
Dance softly and carry a big voice: understanding Joseph Shabalala
What is our response to the great artistic and spiritual hole his loss has left in South Africa?
![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)
Behind Kenya's strange weather
It can be attributed to the Indian Ocean Dipole, the difference in sea surface temperatures between the eastern and western tropical Indian Ocean.
![Voice of Wits DJs broadcasting on campus Voice of Wits DJs broadcasting on campus](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Radio_DJ_Voice-of-Wits_600x300px.jpg)
SA's rich bag of big, small and eclectic community radio stations
Most of the community radio stations operate on a survivalist level, and should be seen as struggling small, medium and micro enterprises.
![ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa. Credit: GCIS/GovernmentZA/Flickr ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa. Credit: GCIS/GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/ANC-President-Cyril-Ramaphosa_GCIS-GovernmentZA-Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Ramaphosa has shown he understands how to put the energy crisis behind us
President Cyril Ramaphosa has used this year’s SONA to signal that he understands what needs to be done in order to overcome South Africa’s electricity crisis.
![President Cyril Ramaphosa President Cyril Ramaphosa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/President-Cyril-Ramaphosa_600x300px.jpg)
Cynical South Africans are unlikely to be moved by Ramaphosa’s next big speech
The challenge to deliver a persuasive speech comes firstly in the context of intense doubts as to whether President Ramaphosa is truly in charge of the ANC.
![Vaping, e-sigarettes and smoking. Vaping, e-sigarettes and smoking.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2020-jan-june/Vaping-and-smoking_600x300px.jpg)
Many countries regulate e-cigarettes. South Africa should too
The number of users is likely to grow and there are health risks, so now is the time to act.
![The School of Anatomical Sciences celebrates its centenary by hosting a public exhibition at the Maropeng Visitor Centre Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Siteat Maropeng The School of Anatomical Sciences celebrates its centenary by hosting a public exhibition at the Maropeng Visitor Centre Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Siteat Maropeng](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/Anatomy-Brain-600x300-1.jpg)
Donating your body to research
Why you should consider donating your body to research once you die. Listen to Pasha 20, The Conversation Africa's podcast on research.
![Operating equipment in a medical theatre Operating equipment in a medical theatre](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-oct-dec/Operating-equipment-in-a-medical-theatre_600x300px.jpg)
Messages about male circumcision aren’t clear: why this is dangerous
Difficult to understand communication and the somewhat overstated benefits of male circumcision may lead to increased risky sexual behaviour.
![Lesotho Lesotho](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-4/Lesotho_600x300px.jpg)
Events in Lesotho point to poor prospects for political stability
Since the demand for resources far outmatches the patronage available, Lesotho’s political arena has become brutally competitive.
![Professor Brian Armstrong, Secretary of the #4IRSA Partnership. Professor Brian Armstrong, Secretary of the #4IRSA Partnership.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2019/Professor-Brian-Armstrong_Secretary-of-the-4IRSA-Partnership_600x300px.jpg)
The digital economy is becoming ordinary. Best we understand it
The digital economy will, soon, become the ordinary economy as the uptake - and application - of digital technologies in every sector in the world grows.
![Sun rising over a lake Sun rising over a lake](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Sunrise-600x300px.jpg)
South Africa risks losing rich insights into an ancient farming society
As early as 1500 the Bokoni people created stone-walled settlements that demonstrate their mastery of farming. But today these sites are under threat.
![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)
South Africa’s energy crisis has triggered lots of ideas: why most are wrong
The deluge of opinions and proposed solutions to South Africa's energy crisis reflects corporate and political interests.
![Kamal Ramburuth-Hurt is a masters student at the University of the Witwatersrand. Kamal Ramburuth-Hurt is a masters student at the University of the Witwatersrand.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Kamal-Ramburuth-Hurt_600x300px.jpg)
Build a capable state, don’t just talk about it
This is an adaptation of a speech given at the BUSA Business Economic Indaba in Sandton on Tuesday 14 January 2020.
![The rhizomes of this flowering plant, Hypoxis angustifolia, were cooked by early humans. © Lyn Wadley The rhizomes of this flowering plant, Hypoxis angustifolia, were cooked by early humans. © Lyn Wadley](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-jan-april/Hypoxis-angustifolia-plant_Â-LynnWadley_600x300px.jpg)
How we deduced that our ancestors liked roast vegetables too
The charred remains of root vegetables found at Border Cave help us understand how early humans survived and thrived.
![Diagnosing the dead | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Diagnosing the dead | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-8/Diagnosing-the-dead_600x300px.jpg)
Why this academic got a radio ad banned
Gender stereotyping might be funny, but it's no joke. A public health professor explains why she took action against everyday sexism heard in a radio advert.
![Johannesburg at night Johannesburg at night](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Johannesburg-at-night_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa has huge ‘green fuels’ potential but it needs to act now
Opportunity for South Africa to transition from being a key contributor to global warming to becoming a key contributor to global emissions reductions.
![Details from a poster for the Codesa talks © Judy Seidman Details from a poster for the Codesa talks © Judy Seidman](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2020-jan-april/Detail from a poster for the Codesa talks  Judy Seidman_600x300px.jpg)
Art as a weapon in South Africa’s liberation struggle
A retrospective exhibition displays the key works from the life and times of activist and artist Judy Seidman.
![Guests enjoy a part of the exhibition at the opening of the rock art archive in the new wing of the Origins Centre at Wits University. Credit: Wits University Guests enjoy a part of the exhibition at the opening of the rock art archive in the new wing of the Origins Centre at Wits University. Credit: Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/rockart.jpg)
Ancient southern African rock engravings finally find a fitting home
The Origin Centre has added a new wing that's perfect for a visit, the Rock Engraving Archive.
![Xenophobia and migration Xenophobia and migration](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Xenophobia-and-migration_600x300px.jpg)
Being darker makes being a migrant much harder
Research in India and South Africa shows life is considerably harder if migrants have a darker skin and come from a poorer country.
![Johannesburg, city in South Africa Johannesburg, city in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Johannesburg-city_600x300px.jpg)
What’s needed to fix collapsing coalitions in South Africa’s cities
Successful coalition governance ultimately depends on political maturity and the ability to govern across divisions.
![The streets of Johannesburg The streets of Johannesburg](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Johannesburg_CBD-street_600x300px.jpg)
What’s needed to fix collapsing coalitions in South Africa’s cities
Three South African cities run by opposition party coalitions for the past three years have been facing tough times.
![ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa. Credit: GCIS/GovernmentZA/Flickr ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa. Credit: GCIS/GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/ANC-President-Cyril-Ramaphosa_GCIS-GovernmentZA-Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Frank review of South African foreign policy over 25 years
The country's national interest and human rights remain the two topics bedevilling South Africa's foreign policy.
![Xenophobia and migration Xenophobia and migration](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Xenophobia-and-migration_600x300px.jpg)
The complex story of ‘medical xenophobia’ in South Africa
The experiences of non-nationals in the public health care system are more complex and varied than implied by the dominant discourse on "medical xenophobia".
![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 management of HIV: African migrants in South Africa
HIV is a condition that must be managed, not just medically, but also socially, tackling stigma, social anxieties and the risks of disclosure.
![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)
South Africa needs to get more young people with HIV on treatment
There's an urgent need for interventions to increase uptake of antiretroviral therapy and improve services for adolescents.
![Health and fitness Health and fitness](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Health-and-fitness_600x300px.jpg)
Marx, Buddha and the pursuit of happiness
Maverick Citizen: Transitional Compass 7 focuses on new concepts of value; on 'well-being' and 'happiness' rather than narrow economic ‘values’ such as GDP.
![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)
Women’s participation in South Africa and Kerala, India
Maverick Citizen: Transitional Compass 5 focuses on women’s participation in local spaces to examine the state’s engagement with democratic participation.
![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)
The different types of drought
Not all droughts are the same and South Africa needs to have a targeted approach to each type.
![This webinar explores access to cancer medicines in SA This webinar explores access to cancer medicines in SA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Access-Afya-600x300-1.jpg)
How WhatsApp groups support Nigeria’s nurse graduates
How Whatsapp supports nurse students in Nigeria and helps them transition into the workplace.
![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)
The food sovereignty alternative
Maverick Citizen: Transitional Compass 4 focuses on the South African Food Sovereignty Campaign's response to climate and food inequality.
![Economy and infrastructure Economy and infrastructure](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jul-dec/Generic_Economy-and-infrastructure_600x300px.jpg)
‘The end of labour’? Revisiting the past to understand the future
Maverick Citizen: Transitional Compass 2 looks at how precarious workers are challenging the practices of the established unions.
![Sleep, sleep disorders, dreaming Sleep, sleep disorders, dreaming](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jul-dec/Sleep_600x300px.jpg)
Good or bad sleeper? Debunking the myths
PODCASTS: Wits Alumni and UK specialist in sleep medicine, Dr Hugh Selsick, shares insights in what good, and bad, sleep looks like.
![Johannesburg, city in South Africa Johannesburg, city in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Johannesburg-city_600x300px.jpg)
How to get to the post-capitalist world
Maverick Citizen: Transitional Compass 1 is shortened essay from a special issue of the journal Globalizations that focus on possible pathways out of inequality
![Helen Zille, Premier of the Western Cape Helen Zille, Premier of the Western Cape](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/2017/Helen-Zille_2_600x300px.jpg)
DA's woes signify historical dilemma of SA’s liberals
Liberalism has always been reluctant to grant black people equality unless they achieve certain designated standards.
![Mining activities Mining activities](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Mining_600x300px.jpg)
Mining activities continue to dispossess black families
Mining companies and some heritage consultants don't understand the sacredness attached to ancestral remains, and the meaning of land in African communities.
![Berlin Wall Berlin Wall](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/Berlin-Wall_600x300px.jpg)
How the fall of the Berlin Wall 30 years ago resonated across Africa
Marking the end of the Cold War offers the chance to reflect on the changes and continuities in African politics and international relations since 1989.
![US flag US flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_US-flag_600x300px.jpg)
America’s right is lobbying against South Africa’s sex education syllabus
Lobby group FOR SA is backed by the US Christian right. Its latest target is South Africa's increasingly inclusive sex education lesson plans.
![Restaurante Popular in Brazil. © Lianne Milton | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Restaurante Popular in Brazil. © Lianne Milton | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-6/Restaurante-Popular-in-Brazil_ÂLianne-Milton_600x300px.jpg)
How South Africa can deliver on the right to food
PODCAST: To break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition, the government needs to ensure that children have access to sufficient healthy food.
![Sun coming up over lake Sun coming up over lake](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Water-600x300px.jpg)
South Africa’s real water crisis: not understanding what’s needed
The real crisis with water supply is that South Africa doesn't know what it doesn't know.
![Prosthetics and cyborgs Prosthetics and cyborgs](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/future/2019/Prosthetics-and-cyborg_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa is one step closer to processed titanium alloys
Low-cost titanium alloys in South Africa could be used in non-aerospace sectors, such as car parts, medical devices, implants, jewellery and kitchen appliances.
![Tropical cyclone Idai killed more than a 1000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Tropical cyclone Idai killed more than a 1000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Destruction-by-cyclone-Idai_600x300px.jpg)
Tropical cyclones in the South West Indian Ocean: new insights
As storm directions change, countries that are outside the usual tropical storm zones need to ready themselves.
![Library, books and study Library, books and study](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Library-and-study_600x300px.jpg)
Why South Africa’s copyright bill is good for digital archives
Libraries, archives, museums and galleries have finally been included in South Africa's contested new proposed copyright bill.
![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)
How Creative Commons works, and why it enables access to knowledge
Open access study material can help reduce the costs of education, improve skills and improve lives for millions of people.
![The School of Anatomical Sciences celebrates its centenary by hosting a public exhibition at the Maropeng Visitor Centre Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Siteat Maropeng The School of Anatomical Sciences celebrates its centenary by hosting a public exhibition at the Maropeng Visitor Centre Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Siteat Maropeng](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/Anatomy-Brain-600x300-1.jpg)
Health professionals and cadavers: the quest for an ethical approach
Dissection is important for developing a range of skills, as well as moral and ethical training and a humanistic approach to patient care.
![School of Chemistry laboratory. CREDIT: WITS UNIVERSITY School of Chemistry laboratory. CREDIT: WITS UNIVERSITY](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/School-of-Chemistry-Lab_2_600x300px.jpg)
Science and science teaching are at a global crossroads
We need to think more deeply about how we can develop science more extensively on a global scale for the common good of all of humanity.
![Lesotho Lesotho](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-4/Lesotho_600x300px.jpg)
Panic over water in South Africa’s economic hub is misplaced
South Africa's Department of Water and Sanitation has plans in place to ensure adequate water supply until 2040 and beyond.
![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)
South Africa still has a long way to go on the right to food
Hunger affects people's health. It also affects their dignity and their ability to live full and productive lives.
![Media and Journalism Media and Journalism](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Media-and-Journalism_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa’s TV actors have every reason to demand a better deal
South African actors are lobbying government to demand better working conditions and labour protection.
![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)
Who takes care of the elderly?
Care facilities are often considered a last resort in South Africa. Personal care is assumed to be provided by family and household members.
![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)
What affects people’s brain function as they grow older?
Researchers find the key factors behind poor cognitive function were related to levels of education, being a woman, marital status and being poor.
![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)
Tracking the impact of ageing in rural South Africa
Rapid population ageing has prompted researchers to study disease trends in older South Africans.
![DA leader Mmusi Maimane. © EPA/Mark Wessels (Pool) DA leader Mmusi Maimane. © EPA/Mark Wessels (Pool)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/DA-leader-Mmusi-Maimane.-Â-EPA-Mark-Wessels-(Pool)_600x300px.jpg)
A centrist political alliance in South Africa? Yes, but hard to get
South Africa's parliamentary system would make it difficult to achieve a fusion of parties.
![The School of Anatomical Sciences celebrates its centenary by hosting a public exhibition at the Maropeng Visitor Centre Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Siteat Maropeng The School of Anatomical Sciences celebrates its centenary by hosting a public exhibition at the Maropeng Visitor Centre Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Siteat Maropeng](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/Anatomy-Brain-600x300-1.jpg)
Want to donate your body to research? What you need to know
Dissection plays an important role in introducing students to death by providing moral and ethical training as well as a humanistic approach to patient care.
![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)
Quarter century study on ageing in South Africa offers new perspectives
Research done over the past 26 years provides insights into changes across people's lives, helps evaluate interventions, and provides information for planning.
![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)
Study: Unhealthy ageing takes its toll on health and income
It's evident from research that while health influences economic well-being, the inverse is also true, economic well-being influences health.
![The Blue Notes in full swing in Pietermaritzburg on the eve of them leaving the country. Credit: Norman Owen-Smith The Blue Notes in full swing in Pietermaritzburg on the eve of them leaving the country. Credit: Norman Owen-Smith](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/The-Blue-Notes_Credit_Norman-Owen-Smith_600x300px.jpg)
What lost photos of Blue Notes say about South Africa’s jazz history
A rare set of photographs of South Africa's most famous jazz ensemble, the Blue Notes, has added valuable insights to the music archive.
![The Whale Caller by Zakes Mda The Whale Caller by Zakes Mda](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/The-Whale-Caller-by-Zakes-Mda_600x300px.jpg)
Literature sheds light on the history and mystery of the Southern Ocean
The Southern Ocean, as artists have uncovered, is also a treasure trove of cultural narratives.
![Donald Trump Donald Trump](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/Donald-Trump_2_600x300px.jpg)
Why Africa can’t afford to be distracted by Trump
Trump’s bad example in the world’s oldest democracy can only comfort autocrats.
![A map of the world showing where platinum spikes dated 12 800 years ago have been found. The latest discovery is at Wonderkrater in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. A map of the world showing where platinum spikes dated 12 800 years ago have been found. The latest discovery is at Wonderkrater in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/Wonderkrater-600x300.jpg)
Did a large meteorite hit the earth 12,800 years ago? Here’s new evidence
Could platinum-rich dust associated with the impact of a very large meteorite have contributed to major climatic change and extinctions 12,800 years ago?
![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)
South Africa is planning more regulators: this is a bad idea
South Africa's independent regulators have failed. Instead of introducing new ones, alternatives need to be found.
![Climate change and global warming Climate change and global warming](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/Climate-change-and-ice_600x300px.jpg)
Explainer: Why phenology is key in tracking climate change
Monitoring the timing of recurring biological events is key to understanding the effects of climate change.
![Tulbagh - 1969-earthquake. © Fagan-Architects Tulbagh - 1969-earthquake. © Fagan-Architects](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/Tulbagh-1969-earthquake-Â-Fagan-Architects_600x300px.jpg)
50 years on: What we learned from South Africa’s biggest quake
There are three important issues to consider when thinking about quakes: what causes them; how to prepare and plan for them; and, how to move on afterwards.
![President Jacob Zuma. © GovernmentZA_flickr.com President Jacob Zuma. © GovernmentZA_flickr.com](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/2017/President-Jacob-Zuma-Â-GovernmentZA_flickr.com_600x300px.jpg)
Why corruption killed dreams of a better South Africa
25 years ago, citizens hoped a post-apartheid SA would be a fresh start. Today, political and business leaders stand accused of money laundering and bribery.
![Studying in the library Studying in the library](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Studying-in-the-library_600x300px.jpg)
New copyright law will benefit South Africans with disabilities
South Africa's new Copyright Amendment Bill could help the country take an important step in tackling its own “book famine”.
![Wits Business School Wits Business School](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/buildings/Buildings_Wits-Business-School_600x300px.jpg)
How buildings in Johannesburg could benefit from green roofs
South Africa needs to develop low-cost housing solutions that are inherently comfortable and environmentally sustainable.
![Xenophobia and migration Xenophobia and migration](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Xenophobia-and-migration_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa: a new narrative could tackle anti-migrant crisis
Faced with the same problem, South Africa is turning to the familiar toolkit to explain a recurrent problem.
![Xenophobia and looting in Soweto, South Africa, in 2018 ©Twitter Xenophobia and looting in Soweto, South Africa, in 2018 ©Twitter](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jul-sept/Xenophobia-and-looting-in-Soweto_600x300px.jpg)
Xenophobia: time for cool heads to prevail in Nigeria and South Africa
South Africa and Nigeria need to lead policy debates on long term measures to address migration in Africa.
![Robert Mugabe Robert Mugabe](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-sept-dec/Robert-Mugabe_600x300.jpg)
Robert Mugabe: as divisive in death as he was in life
Robert Mugabe, the former president of Zimbabwe, has died.
![Doctors and medicine Doctors and medicine](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Doctors-and-medicine_600x300px.jpg)
Why South Africa’s plans for universal healthcare are pie in the sky
South Africa's planned NHI has no equivalent in any setting in the world. It's deeply flawed on a number of fronts.
![The South African Rand The South African Rand](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Money(2).jpg)
The process of anti-patronage reform (Part Two)
Part Two of this series offer a process for dismantling South Africa’s patronage system.
![The South African Parliament The South African Parliament](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_The-South-African-Parliament_600x300px.jpg)
The politics of South Africa’s patronage system (Part One)
Part One of this series describes the mechanics and architecture of South Africa’s patronage system.
![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)
Flights of healthcare fancy are for another time
The state is too broken to blunder on with universal healthcare.
![Generic coding Generic coding](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jul-dec/CODE_600x300px.jpg)
The blind spots of ideology and journalism today
If you are confused about what is real, what is true, fact, propaganda or fiction, you are not alone; join the rest of the world.
![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)
South Africa’s 2019 poll showed dangerous signs of ‘insiders’ and ‘outsiders’
The election's result endorses other evidence that trust in South Africa’s constitutional settlement and its political institutions is steadily declining.
![Ebola outbreak in DRC ©UNICEF DRC Tremeau Ebola outbreak in DRC ©UNICEF DRC Tremeau](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Ebola-outbreak-in-DRC-ÂUNICEF-DRC-Tremeau_600x300px.jpg)
Ebola: how to manage in a crisis
Lessons from the West Africa: Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently grappling with the world’s second largest Ebola outbreak.
![Ngwevu skull in collection © Kimberley Chapelle Ngwevu skull in collection © Kimberley Chapelle](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Ngwevu-intloko.jpg)
Hidden in plain sight
A fossil hidden in plain sight in South Africa turns out to be a new dinosaur.
![Xenophobia and migration Xenophobia and migration](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Xenophobia-and-migration_600x300px.jpg)
How population data can help countries plan and tweak policy
South Africa’s data collection is constantly improving and Stats SA does a good job of making data available for analysis and research. Why is this important?
![One of the Klasies River spinning discs and the replica built for the recording studio. Kumbani et al (2019), Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports One of the Klasies River spinning discs and the replica built for the recording studio. Kumbani et al (2019), Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Klasies-River-spinning-discs-and-the-replica-Â-Journal-of-Archaeological-Science_600x300px.jpg)
How our African ancestors made sound in the Stone Age
Researchers show how some bone artefacts from archaeological sites in South Africa's southern Cape region might have been used in sound production.
![Brumadinho dam disaster in Brazil Brumadinho dam disaster in Brazil](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Brumadinho-dam-disaster_600x300px.jpg)
Investors push for positive global change in tailings management
An interesting development emerged from Brazil dam disaster: investors work with mining companies and regulators to improve tailings management systems.
![Generic_Fruit-and-vegetables-in-a-market Generic_Fruit-and-vegetables-in-a-market](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Fruit-and-vegetables-in-a-market_600x300px.jpg)
Land reform that unleashes a rural economic miracle should be the goal
Migration from rural areas to cities can be slowed down with integrated agriculture value chains.
![Small business and entrepreneurs Small business and entrepreneurs](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_small-business_entrepreneur_600x300px.jpg)
There’s a nugget of good news in the latest unemployment figures
The number of workers employed has actually gone up and the numbers of workers trying to find a job has gone up too.
![Johnny Clegg on tour Johnny Clegg on tour](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Clegg_Web.jpg)
South Africa’s universal man of uncommon passion
Johnny Clegg was a prophet, even if the ideal future he prophesied has not yet come to pass.
![Women in science. Women in a lab. ©Shivan Parusnath Women in science. Women in a lab. ©Shivan Parusnath](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Women-in-science_600x300px.jpg)
ARV breakthrough
Trial in South Africa confirms a new drug, dolutegravir, is an effective and well-tolerated ARV.
![Wits hosts a Migration and Health symposium and the southern African launch of the UCL-Lancet Commission on Migration and Health in August 2019 Wits hosts a Migration and Health symposium and the southern African launch of the UCL-Lancet Commission on Migration and Health in August 2019](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Migration_600x300px.jpg)
Migration and health: what southern Africa needs to do to plug the gaps
Health systems are generally structured around nation-states. Migration, especially across national borders, therefore leads to challenges.
![Migration study by GCRO. ©Paul Weinburg | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Migration study by GCRO. ©Paul Weinburg | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-7/Migration-study-by-GCROÂPaul-Weinburg_600x300px.jpg)
Unique picture of migration patterns helps urban planning
Keeping track of migration and urbanisation is challenging. It's vital for population health that migration and urbanisation is well understood and planned for.
![Jo Vearey and Rebecca Walker of the African Centre of Migration and Society at Wits Jo Vearey and Rebecca Walker of the African Centre of Migration and Society at Wits](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Jo Vearey and Rebecca Walker of the African Centre of Migration and Society at Wits 600x300-600x300.jpg)
Southern Africa needs better health care for women and girls on the move
Health responses need to take on board the fact that the number of women and girls migrating across borders as well as within countries is growing.
![Hawkers selling shoes in Johannesburg CBD. Hawkers selling shoes in Johannesburg CBD.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Johannesburg_taxis_hawkers_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa’s healthcare system can’t afford to ignore migration
It's difficult to keep track of the medical records of patients on the move and some may be lost to follow-up, presenting further public health challenges.
![Annual Sardine Run Annual Sardine Run](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Sardine-run_600x300px.jpg)
We tracked South Africa’s sardine run over 66 years: here’s what we found
South Africa's annual sardine run is occurring increasingly late, and there have been instances where it doesn't happen at all. Here's why.
![The UCL Lancet Commission of Migration and Health has published research about the harmful and unfounded myths about migration and health The UCL Lancet Commission of Migration and Health has published research about the harmful and unfounded myths about migration and health](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-oct-dec/Migration sign-600x300.jpg)
Why migrants must be part of South Africa’s universal health plan
Seven years ago the United Nations (UN) endorsed universal health coverage as key to sustainable development and global security.
![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)
There are lots of myths about flu: we debunk six of them
Despite the availability of vaccines for influenza – or flu – the virus continues to kill people across the world.
![Human rights in a digital world Human rights in a digital world](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-2/Data_600x300px.jpg)
Neglected challenge of the 4IR debate
The roles and practices of companies like Google and Facebook must be investigated.
![Mining activities Mining activities](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Mining_600x300px.jpg)
Mining-affected communities are in a crisis which present law cannot address
At the centre of the demands is the communities’ struggle for the industry and government to recognise the right to free prior and informed consent.
![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)
Zuma and Trump: half a world apart, yet similarly paranoid and dangerous
Within the space of a few days, we have been subjected to bizarre but carefully staged performances by both presidents.
![Xenophobia and migration Xenophobia and migration](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Xenophobia-and-migration_600x300px.jpg)
Marxist scholar Harold Wolpe’s ideas still speak to South Africa’s problems
Reflections on the recent launch of a collection of essays, “Race, Class and the Post-Apartheid Democratic State”, on Wolpe’s scholarly contribution.
![Women in science. Women in a lab. ©Shivan Parusnath Women in science. Women in a lab. ©Shivan Parusnath](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Women-in-science_600x300px.jpg)
Technology can make collecting and analysing evidence for policy easier
There is more and more research being produced around the world every day. In total, about 3 million articles are published every year.
![Media monopolies Media monopolies](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-3/Media-monopolies_600x300px.jpg)
The historian reminding us we are close to the cliff's edge
The book, 'The Road to Unfreedom: Russia, Europe, America', helps make sense of the mess the world’s in
![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)
We need a social pact to secure the farming industry
Social pacts in agriculture, energy and mining, between business, labour and communities, will be crucial to lift market confidence and growth levels.
![The South African Rand The South African Rand](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Money.jpg)
Evolution of ANC economic policy sheds light on squabble over the central bank
The recent squabble over the mandate of the South African Reserve Bank has very little to do with real economic policies.
![Detector elephants: Gentle giants sniff out explosives Detector elephants: Gentle giants sniff out explosives](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/Elephants 400x400px.jpg)
How did elephants evolve such a large brain? Climate change is part of the answer
Elephants have long captivated our attention, partly because of their sheer size and majesty. But we’re also struck by their complex behaviour.
![An IBM scientist work in the IBM Q computation center_©Connie ZhoU_IBM An IBM scientist work in the IBM Q computation center_©Connie ZhoU_IBM](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/IBM-scientist-work-in-the-IBM-Q-computation-center_ÂConnie-ZhoU_IBM_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa takes a quantum leap and joins the race
Quantum technologies are exploding and no longer the purview of laboratory experiments only.
![Thrifty basket of food. © Nadette Voogd | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Thrifty basket of food. © Nadette Voogd | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-6/Thrifty-basket-of-food_ÂNadette-Voogd.jpg)
People have skewed views on inflation. Why this matters
Countries that use an inflation target to anchor monetary policy pay considerable attention to expectations of future inflation.
![Wits Business School Wits Business School](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/buildings/Buildings_Wits-Business-School_600x300px.jpg)
The century of the African philanthropists is here, but wise choices must be made
African philanthropists have the capital, influence, local knowledge and moral authority to address pressing challenges that face the continent.
![ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa. Credit: GCIS/GovernmentZA/Flickr ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa. Credit: GCIS/GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/ANC-President-Cyril-Ramaphosa_GCIS-GovernmentZA-Flickr_600x300px.jpg)
Ramaphosa’s vision needs to be wider than just attracting foreign investment
Unless the government regulates the economy effectively, it will generate growth that accrues disproportionately to those with wealth and power.
![Health and fitness Health and fitness](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Health-and-fitness_600x300px.jpg)
Young women in Soweto say healthy living is hard. Here’s why
Data from South Africa has shown that over two thirds of young women are overweight and obese.
![Restaurante Popular in Brazil. © Lianne Milton | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/ Restaurante Popular in Brazil. © Lianne Milton | www.wits.ac.za/curiosity/](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-6/Restaurante-Popular-in-Brazil_ÂLianne-Milton_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa should learn from Brazil about how to tackle ‘hidden hunger’
South Africa faces a double burden of hunger and malnutrition, on the one hand, and obesity with associated non-communicable diseases (NCDs), on the other.
![Tropical Cyclone Idai caused widespread flooding, killing more than 700 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Tropical Cyclone Idai caused widespread flooding, killing more than 700 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Cyclone-Idai-flooding_600x300px.jpg)
Tropical cyclones are on the rise in southern Africa
Southern Africa has seen a rise in tropical cyclones recently. Why? Listen to Pasha 20, The Conversation Africa’s podcast on research.
![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)
Twelve steps to successful land reform
Developing and protecting agriculture-related industries will be crucial to creating jobs and achieving a just new order.
![Wits-associated scientists are part of an international team that today published research suggesting a cure for HIV. Wits-associated scientists are part of an international team that today published research suggesting a cure for HIV.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/HIV_WITS_CROI illustration.600x300px_Lauren Mulligan-1.jpg)
Adherence is delaying HIV elimination targets. What’s needed to break the cycle
As 2020 draws closer, the deadline to end AIDS by 2030 looms large. The aim is to achieve the ambitious targets of “90-90-90”.
![Raymond Louw, right, with then deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, middle, and veteran journalist Mathatha Tsedu in 2015. © GovernmentZA/Flickr Raymond Louw, right, with then deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa, middle, and veteran journalist Mathatha Tsedu in 2015. © GovernmentZA/Flickr](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Raymond-Louw_600x300px.jpg)
Tribute to Raymond Louw: a great SA editor and determined activist
Veteran journalist Raymond Louw (93) passed away recently - a former editor of the Rand Daily Mail and tireless press freedom campaigner and mentor.
![Senagal Senagal](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Generic_Senegal_600x300px.jpg)
Past trends could explain why Senegal scrapped the Prime Minister’s office
Soon after Macky Sall was re-elected for a second, and final, presidential term he signed a decree that scrapped the office of the Prime Minister.
![Baby food and sugar levels Baby food and sugar levels](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Baby-food_600x300px.jpg)
We tested baby food sugar levels in South Africa. This is what we found
South Africa has the highest rates of childhood obesity in the world, with an alarming figure of 13%.
![Dance of the 'Dung Beetles - Their role in our changing world', published by Wits University Press. Dance of the 'Dung Beetles - Their role in our changing world', published by Wits University Press.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Dance-of-the-Dung-Beetles_600x300px.jpg)
There’s still so much we don’t know about the star-gazing beetle with a tiny brain
Edited extract from 'The Dance of the Dung Beetles', a new book authored Dr Helen Lunn and Professor Marcus Byrne published by Wits University Press.
![Climate change Climate change](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Drought-600x300px.jpg)
A change of climate in the media?
Vishwas Satgar, Associate Professor at Wits contributes to a discussion about climate change and the media on Al Jazeera.
![Human rights in a digital world Human rights in a digital world](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/curiosity/issue-2/Data_600x300px.jpg)
Structuring SA’s digital government: the road not traveled?
The potential capabilities afforded by digital technologies should not be ignored in the current stage of design of the future government administration.
![Soft drinks will increase obesity in SA Soft drinks will increase obesity in SA](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Suger-tax-generic-600x300px.jpg)
In South Africa, unhealthy food choices are everywhere
Diseases linked to obesity are rising rapidly in South Africa. Listen to Pasha 20, The Conversation Africa’s podcast on research.
![President Cyril Ramaphosa President Cyril Ramaphosa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/President-Cyril-Ramaphosa_600x300px.jpg)
Ramaphosa’s cabinet: who and what’s needed to end South Africa’s malaise
South Africans recently went to the polls in a national election which the African National Congress (ANC) won by a wide margin.
![Cyril Ramaphosa is sworn in as President of South Africa. Cyril Ramaphosa is sworn in as President of South Africa.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/President-Cyril-Ramamphosa-being-sworn-in_600x300px.jpg)
How the ANC survived Jacob Zuma — and eked out a win in South Africa’s election
Under Zuma, democratic institutions bent but did not break. Just 15 months ago, South Africa’s democracy faced the gravest crisis in its 25-year history.
![Women in science. Women in a lab. ©Shivan Parusnath Women in science. Women in a lab. ©Shivan Parusnath](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Women-in-science_600x300px.jpg)
The struggles of black women in science
Ndoni Mcunu shares her journey of being a black woman in science on Pasha 18, The Conversation Africa’s podcast on research.
![Stellenbosch University Stellenbosch University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-may-aug/Stellenbosch-University_600x300px.jpg)
Study signals enduring racism in science
Each university and journal must reflect on its assumptions in biology, medicine, natural sciences, anthropology and the social sciences.
![Tropical cyclone Idai killed more than a 1000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Tropical cyclone Idai killed more than a 1000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Destruction-by-cyclone-Idai_600x300px.jpg)
Why the Indian Ocean is spawning strong and deadly tropical cyclones
The Indian Ocean has made its mark on the global news cycle this year.
![Typewriter Typewriter](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Media-releases400x200px.jpg)
Why restoring accuracy will help journalism win back credibility
How removing senior sub-editors from newsrooms and creating "sub-hubs" have contributed to the rise of misinformation, propaganda and disinformation.
![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)
South Africa’s black middle class is battling to find a political home
South Africa’s black middle class is growing numerically – and growing politically restive.
![Farming in China Farming in China](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/Agricultural-research-in-China_600x300px.jpg)
Reporting on China in Africa is too binary. What needs to be done to fix it
So it’s not surprising that this has become an ever-expanding topic for both the media and researchers.
![Media and Journalism Media and Journalism](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Media-and-Journalism_600x300px.jpg)
How South Africa ranks in the press freedom stakes
It’s pleasing that the latest World Press Freedom Index released by Reporters without Borders rates the state of press freedom in SA as “satisfactory”.
![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)
Heading to a region with malaria? Some simple steps to keep you safe
Every death from malaria is a tragedy. But many infections can be prevented.
![Cyril Ramaphosa is sworn in as President of South Africa. Cyril Ramaphosa is sworn in as President of South Africa.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jan-june/President-Cyril-Ramamphosa-being-sworn-in_600x300px.jpg)
2019 Elections: ‘Ramacynicism’ and leaps of faith
Voting for the ANC come the 2019 election will be a calculated but inescapably blindfolded leap of faith for many South African voters.
![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)
Electoral systems need urgent reform. South Africa is no exception
Is South Africa’s particular proportional representation system fit for purpose as popular support for the political system is steadily eroding?
![South African flag South African flag](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/South-African-flag_600x300px.jpg)
Foreign policy priorities South Africa should pursue
South Africa continues to enjoy an unusual degree of international prominence normally accorded to states that are more powerful, or strategically located.
![Tropical Cyclone Idai caused widespread flooding, killing more than 700 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Tropical Cyclone Idai caused widespread flooding, killing more than 700 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Cyclone-Idai-flooding_600x300px.jpg)
Cyclone Idai is over – but its health effects will be felt for a long time
People in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe have started trying to rebuild their lives after the devastation wrought by Cyclone Idai.
![Johannesburg at night Johannesburg at night](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Johannesburg-at-night_600x300px.jpg)
Light pollution: the dark side of keeping the lights on
New research show mounting evidence that increased lighting has a range of negative effects on all life on earth.
![Two gorgonopsian rivals fighting and displaying their large sabre like canines. © Viktor Radermacher Two gorgonopsian rivals fighting and displaying their large sabre like canines. © Viktor Radermacher](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Two-gorgonopsian-rivals-fighting.-Â-Viktor-Radermacher.jpg)
New fossil find may shed light on how sabre toothed predators evolved
Prehistoric bestiary is full of remarkable creatures and fearsome predators.
![Xenophobia and migration Xenophobia and migration](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Xenophobia-and-migration_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa's plan to fight prejudice is full of holes
The South African government has launched a plan aimed at addressing pervasive prejudice in the country.
![Okwui Enwezor, curator and art historian, died on 15 March 2019. Okwui Enwezor, curator and art historian, died on 15 March 2019.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Okwui-Enwezor_Â Haus der Kunst_600x300px.jpg)
The legacy of Okwui Enwezor – the curator who exhibited Africa to the world
Over two decades Okwui Enwezor emerged as a dominant and highly influential voice in curatorial practice and contemporary art history.
![Tropical Cyclone Idai caused widespread flooding, killing more than 700 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Tropical Cyclone Idai caused widespread flooding, killing more than 700 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Cyclone-Idai-flooding_600x300px.jpg)
Poor coverage of floods in southern Africa? Blame the media bosses
Local media coverage of the havoc and destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Idai has been very poor and shows that traditional media is dying.
![Dr Benjamin, Senior Lecturer researcher in robotics, artificial intelligence, decision theory and machine learning in the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics. Dr Benjamin, Senior Lecturer researcher in robotics, artificial intelligence, decision theory and machine learning in the School of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/Dr-Benjamin-Rosman_600x300px.jpg)
Africa cannot afford to take the back seat in one of the most important pursuits of modern science
The continent needs its own experts to harness Artificial Intelligence towards our local challenges and priorities in Africa.
![Tropical cyclone Idai killed more than a 1000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. Tropical cyclone Idai killed more than a 1000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of people in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Destruction-by-cyclone-Idai_600x300px.jpg)
Tropical cyclone Idai: The storm that knew no boundaries
This storm provides a grim prospect of the future of tropical cyclones in southern Africa, a region under continued threat from climate change.
![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)
Major battles have been won against TB. But the war isn’t over
We all need to advocate for more resources and better patient support. TB is everyone’s problem – not just the poor and forgotten.
![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)
How South Africa can improve community-based HIV services
South Africa introduced a community-based primary health care programme in 2012.
![Johannesburg, city in South Africa Johannesburg, city in South Africa](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Johannesburg-city_600x300px.jpg)
Managing diseases in African cities
Listen to Lenore Manderson, Distinguished Professor in Public Health and Medical Anthropology, in this episode of Pasha 10, The Conversation Africa's podcast.
![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)
Local solutions can boost healthier food choices
The crisis in health triggered by cheap food that’s high in fat and sugar is now well documented.
![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)
Why corruption in South Africa isn’t simply about Zuma and the Guptas
Corruption in South Africa isn’t simply a matter of bad morals or weak law enforcement.
![Teaching and learning Teaching and learning](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Teaching-and-learning_600x300px.jpg)
It’s time to rethink how foreign languages are taught at universities
Many people underestimate the difficulty involved in learning a language. This is because language acquisition goes beyond comprehension.
![Mining activities Mining activities](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Mining_600x300px.jpg)
South Africa must end its coal habit. But it’s at odds about when and how
SA is highly dependent on coal – almost 90% of its energy comes from coal-fired power stations. The urgency of change is clear on both global and local levels.
![Water being poured into watering bucket Water being poured into watering bucket](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Water_600x300px.jpg)
Cape Town has a plan to manage its water. But there are big gaps
The City of Cape Town – and southwest Africa more generally – experienced its worst drought on record between 2015 and 2018.
![The South African Rand The South African Rand](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Money(2).jpg)
Why a guaranteed jobs scheme in South Africa would pay for itself
Among the biggest injustices of the past in South Africa is unemployment.
![Alcohol consumption Alcohol consumption](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/Generic_Alcohol-consumption_600x300px.jpg)
Religiosity, risky behaviour and young people: a South African case study
Alcohol and other drug use and risky sexual behaviour remain high among adolescents across the globe.
![Nigerian Elections Nigerian Elections](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Nigerian-Elections_600x300.jpg)
Postponement fuels lack of trust in Nigeria’s ability to hold fair elections
Nigeria has postponed its 2019 presidential elections. The Independent National Electoral Commission made the announcement hours before voting was scheduled to
![Natural gas plant Natural gas plant](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Natural-gas-plant_600x300px.jpg)
What a major offshore gas find means for South Africa’s energy future
Many are celebrating that a promising show of natural gas has been discovered in deep water south of Mossel Bay. What is the significance?
![A University of Cape Town medical student doing yoga for a project that draws on ideas from medical and health humanities. Third Year Yoga SSM Group A University of Cape Town medical student doing yoga for a project that draws on ideas from medical and health humanities. Third Year Yoga SSM Group](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Third-Year-Yoga-SSM-Group_600x300px.jpg)
New ways of thinking on health, arts and humanities are emerging in Africa
Medical and Health Humanities bring together academics, researchers, practitioners, creative artists, health care seekers and providers.
![Lightning in Johannesburg, South Africa. © Lauren Mulligan Lightning in Johannesburg, South Africa. © Lauren Mulligan](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Lightning-in-Johannesburg.-ÂLauren-Mulligan_600x300px.jpg)
Curious Kids: how does thunder work? And why is it so loud?
The Conversation Africa's Curious Kids is a series for children in which we ask experts to answer questions from kids.
![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)
Eskom: our biggest threat
Explainer: Why South Africa’s energy generator is in so much trouble.
![Amélie Beaudet, postdoctoral fellow in Evolutionary Studies Institute Amélie Beaudet, postdoctoral fellow in Evolutionary Studies Institute](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/wits-people-profile-images/AmÃlie-Beaudet_600x300px.jpg)
Want to be a woman in science? Here’s advice from those who’ve gone before
Each year on February 11, the United Nations marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.
![The World Bank The World Bank](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/The-World-Bank_600x300px.jpg)
The World Bank needs deep reforms to reflect a changing world order
The sudden resignation of World Bank President Jim Yong Kim has rekindled debate about leadership succession and the mission of the institution.
![State capture and corruption; Zuma and the Zondo Commission. State capture and corruption; Zuma and the Zondo Commission.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/State-capture-Zondo-Commission_600x300px.jpg)
A democracy or a kleptocracy? How South Africa stacks up
Revelations emanating from the two commissions of inquiry indicate that South Africa stands in great peril of falling prey to kleptocracy.
![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)
Weighing up the costs of treating ‘lifestyle’ diseases in South Africa
Increasing need to treat people who have diabetes, hypertension, and hypercholesterolaemia to try to prevent their consequences.
![Stormy weather over Johannesburg in South Africa. © Wits University Stormy weather over Johannesburg in South Africa. © Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Rain-and-storms-over-Johannesburg_600x300px.jpg)
Scientists split on South Africa’s winter and summer rainfall zones
South Africa is among a handful of countries that experience winter rainfall in some areas and summer rainfall in others.
![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)
Why delays to fixing health care are bad news for South Africans
The release of a final report about the state of competition in South Africa’s private health sector has been delayed again.
![Technology, screens and art. © Wits University Technology, screens and art. © Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Generic_Technology_600x300px.jpg)
Why screen time needs to be limited
High levels of screen time, among babies, children and adolescents, are associated with potential harm.
![A cross section of a fractal pattern, created by a laser in the Wits Structured Light Laboratory. © Wits University A cross section of a fractal pattern, created by a laser in the Wits Structured Light Laboratory. © Wits University](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/A-cross-section-of-a-fractal-pattern_600x300px.jpg)
New research shows lasers can create fractals
Wits researchers prove the long-held theory by making the first direct observation of fractal light from lasers.
![Lightning in Johannesburg, South Africa. © Lauren Mulligan Lightning in Johannesburg, South Africa. © Lauren Mulligan](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2019-jan-june/Lightning-in-Johannesburg.-ÂLauren-Mulligan_600x300px.jpg)
Should I be scared of lightning?
Curious Kids is a series for children in which we ask experts to answer questions from kids.
![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)
How global warming is adding to the health risks of poor people
There is mounting evidence of the impact of climate change on human habitat and health, on plant and animal life, on water resources and shorelines.
![Global warming and climate change Global warming and climate change](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Global-warming_600x300px.jpg)
“Weather” and “climate” shouldn't be used interchangeably
To understand climate projections and climate forecasts you need to know the difference between “weather” and “climate”.
![SA President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa_© GCIS SA President Cyril Ramaphosa and his Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa_© GCIS](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-jul-sept/SA-President-Cyril-Ramaphosa-and-Zimbabwean-President-Emmerson-Mnangagwa_ÂGCIS_600x300px.jpg)
Crackdown in Zimbabwe
South African diplomacy on Zimbabwe can remain quiet – but it must get tough.
![Reserserve Bank Governer, Lesetja Kganyago Reserserve Bank Governer, Lesetja Kganyago](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/all-news/Lesetja-Kganyago_Reserve-Bank-Governer_600x300px.jpg)
The Reserve Bank needs stability
Explainer: South Africa’s central bank – ownership, mandate and independence.
![Human Rights Human Rights](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_Human-Rights_600x300px.jpg)
The need for real justice
The Central African Republic (CAR) provides hard lessons on what it means to deliver real justice.
![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)
The silly season ahead of the 2019 elections
The festive season is well and truly over but another silly season is upon us - election season.
![African National Congress (ANC) African National Congress (ANC)](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2017/Generic_ANC-colours.jpg)
Elections, the ANC and the Suspension of Disbelief
South African voters are cynical beings, but not immune to bouts of political magical realism.
![Hugh Lewin_©Institute for the Advancement of Journalist Hugh Lewin_©Institute for the Advancement of Journalist](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2019-jan-april/Hugh-Lewin_ÂInstitute-for-the-Advancement-of-Journalist_600x300px.jpg)
South African journalist, author, militant and prisoner
Hugh Lewin has died in Johannesburg at the age of 79.
![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)
Why does malaria recur? Filling in the pieces of the puzzle
Some people suffer from repeated attacks of malaria. These can occur weeks to months or longer after contracting the disease.
![Entrepreneur. Business. Market. Sugar. Selling. Entrepreneur. Business. Market. Sugar. Selling.](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/generic/2018-jan-june/Generic_Entrepreneur_Business_Market_Sugar_60x300px.jpg)
Are universities teaching the right kind of economics?
South Africa joins global charge to overhaul undergraduate economics.
![An organ transplant team in theatre_600x300 An organ transplant team in theatre_600x300](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-oct-dec/An organ transplant team in theatre_600x300px.jpg)
The complex reasons for South Africa’s organ donor shortage
At any given time, there are around 4300 people waiting for organ donations in South Africa.
![Virtual rendering of the brain endocast of Virtual rendering of the brain endocast of](/media/wits-university/news-and-events/images/news/2018-oct-dec/LittleFoot_brain_600x300.jpg)
Secrets of an ancient fossil’s brain and inner ear
Virtual images help researchers to present and explore new scenarios about how our ancestors lived and evolved.