Miscellaneous

Local Culture and Customs

Clothing

• Familiarise yourself with appropriate dress codes, particularly when visiting professional environments, government buildings and religious or sacred sites. Modest attire is often expected in these settings.
• Refrain from wearing flashy or expensive-looking jewellery, as it may attract unwanted attention.

Exercise

• Before exercising outdoors or in public spaces, check whether it is considered culturally appropriate or safe.

Tactful Communication

• Use discretion when discussing sensitive topics such as religion, politics or social issues, especially with strangers. Respect for differing views and cultural norms is essential.
• Practice cultural sensitivity in conversations. Avoid making assumptions, and be mindful of local customs regarding personal space, gestures and body language.

Photography

• Always confirm whether photography is permitted, especially when it involves people, religious or sacred sites, monuments, or government and military buildings or personnel.

Research Conduct

• All Wits research rules and regulations remain in effect while conducting research internationally. This includes standards of Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR), covering the following areas:
• Academic and research integrity,
• Conflict of interest,
• Research involving human or animal subjects or the environment,
• Collection, acquisition, processing and management of data.
• In addition to the above, be aware that your host country may have its own laws and regulations governing research activities. It is your responsibility to:
• Understand and comply with all applicable local regulations of the host country.
• Secure any required permits and/or licenses for fieldwork, sample and/or data collection, work with antiquities or other regulated activities.
• You are also expected to uphold global standards such as those outlined in the Montreal Statement on Research Integrity in Cross-Boundary Research Collaborations, which includes mutual respect, transparency and ethical responsibility in collaborative research efforts.
• In addition, you are to uphold the principles and responsibilities as outlined in the Singapore Statement on Research Integrity.
• Failure to comply with either Wits or local research standards, policies and procedures may lead to disciplinary action and legal consequences. When in doubt, seek guidance from your supervisor or the University’s Research Office.

Data Safety

• Data safety involves protecting digital information from unauthorised access, corruption, or theft.
• To ensure that your data remains secure, consider the following:
• Identify the types of data you possess and determine the appropriate level of protection required.
• Familiarise yourself with Wits’ data safety policies and protocols.
• Where necessary, take additional measures to safeguard your data.
• Be aware of the data safety laws and regulations in your destination country or countries, as they may differ from those in South Africa.

Import and Export Regulations

• When travelling to and from your destination, be aware of the import and export regulations of both South Africa and your destination country. These regulations govern what items can be legally brought into or taken out of a country, including the following:
  • Currency limits,
  • Restricted goods such as certain foods, plants or animal products, and
  • Prohibited items such as illegal drugs or weapons.
• If you are conducting research, ensure that you understand the specific regulations related to research materials, artifacts, 
  • specimens or data. Special permissions or documentation may be required.
  • In general, international travellers should declare relevant items at customs and ensure compliance with all relevant requirements to avoid fines, confiscation or legal consequences.
  • For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult official government or embassy websites before you travel.
  • The following items are subject to strict regulation by multiple federal agencies and require special permits or documentation when imported (including carrying in personal luggage): 
  • Biological materials and strains,
  • Chemicals,
  • Geological samples,
  • Human specimens, and
  • Hazardous materials.