Graduation 26 March - 17:00

Graduation Ceremony

Date: 26 March 2024

Time: 17:00

Venue: The Great Hall

A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES FROM THE CHANCELLOR

CONGRATULATIONS! HALALA!

GO LEAD SOUTH AFRICA TO GREATNESS!

A hearty congratulations to the class of 2024! Some of you entered university as the world sank into a global pandemic, COVID-19; some were already pursuing their studies at this world class university, the University of the Witwatersrand. We applaud you for strength of character, grit, and commitment to success.

Our country continues to experience a plethora of challenges that threaten our economic stability and social cohesion, further deepening inequality and hopelessness. It is in this century that, as one of the member states of the UN that approved the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we intend to eradicate inequality, achieve peace, prosperity, and dignity for all, through partnerships while preserving the planet for future generations. We cannot achieve these lofty ambitions without your wisdom and servant leadership as you embark on your careers.

Your hard work and dedication to achieve your dreams is a true reflection of your resilience and commitment. It is this resilience that makes us confident that you have what it takes to build a better future that is equal and just. History has proven time and again that it is the weakest amongst us that determine our strength as a nation. The highly educated have the responsibility to enlighten and fight for social justice for the marginalised, for the good of humankind.

As you venture into the world, take time to expand the depth and breath of your knowledge. Read outside your specialisation, engage with people outside your comfort zone. Be lifelong learners. Understand the plight of people less fortunate than yourself. Leaders who leave footprints worth emulating, are not only the brightest but also those who take time to learn from others, who are accountable for their actions and omissions, who use what they know and what they have, to make the world a better place. Leaders who care! Those leaders do this consistently with Integrity. May you be those leaders!

CONGRATULATIONS! HALALA! GO LEAD SOUTH AFRICA TO GREATNESS!

A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL

Dear Wits Graduate,

Congratulations on successfully completing your academic programme at the University of the Witwatersrand, the premier University on the continent.

You are now a member of an elite group of graduates of this august institution. More than 200 000 alumni at the cutting edge of excellence, both locally and internationally in business, the public sector, the academy, and in civil society have trodden this path.

Today, you become a member of this illustrious community.

Over the past 100 years, Wits has grown into one of the leading universities on the continent and a globally respected institution for its teaching and learning, knowledge creation and generation, and social impact. It has shaped the lives of many and changed society for good. You are now an integral part of this proud and enduring legacy. Here at Wits, we actively pursue excellence and societal relevance in everything we do. From the abstract to the practical, our focus is on creating a space for the best thought, knowledge, and expertise to be unearthed and nurtured. Wits is renowned for its intellectual leadership and for nurturing critical thinkers, creative innovators, problem-posers, and problem solvers. We have strived to match your ambition and drive to overcome the challenges thrown our way by the pandemic. Together we have reached the crest of the hill and proven, once again that excellence is achievable, even in times of uncertainty and adversity.

Your success has furthered our commitment to equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills and determination that you will need to find innovative and sustainable solutions to the pressing problems of the 21st Century.

As a Wits graduate, you had access to an exceptional educational experience. You have been exposed to a world-class academic and research programme and a vibrant community that makes you a true global citizen. You have been part of an institution that generates cutting-edge knowledge and innovation for South Africa and the world. It is now time for you to step into the world and use that experience, for good. We know that you will enter the next stage of your journey with the determination to build a better society tomorrow. I want to encourage you to remain a part of the Wits family by participating in our alumni programme and by further advancing the reputation of your alma mater.

Best wishes for the next steps of your journey and congratulations on being such a big part of the history of this illustrious institution.

Gaudeamus igitur

Juvenes dum sumus

GAUDEAMUS

Post jucundum juventutem

Post molestam senectutem Nos habebit humus.

Ubi sunt qui ante nos

In mundo fuere?

Vadite ad superos

Transite in inferos

Hos si vis videre.

Vita nostra brevis est Brevi finietur.

Venit mors velociter

Rapit nos atrociter

Nemini parcetur.

Vivat academia

Vivant professores

Vivat membrum quodlibet

Vivat membra quaelibet

Semper sint in flore.

Vivant omnes virgines

Faciles, formosae.

Vivant et mulieres

Tenerae amabiles

Bonae laboriosae.

Vivant et republica et qui illam regit.

Vivat nostra civitas, Maecenatum caritas

Quae nos hic protegit.

Pereat tristitia, Pereant osores.

Pereat diabolus, Quivis antiburschius

Atque irrisores.

Let us rejoice therefore

While we are young.

After a pleasant youth

After a troublesome old age

The earth will have us.

Where are they

Who were in the world before us?

You may cross over to heaven

You may go to hell

If you wish to see them.

Our life is brief

It will be finished shortly.

Death comes quickly

Atrociously, it snatches us away.

No one is spared.

Long live the academy!

Long live the teachers!

Long live each male student!

Long live each female student!

May they always flourish!

Long live all maidens

Easy and beautiful!

Long live mature women also, Tender and loveable

And full of good labor.

Long live the State

And the One who rules it!

Long live our City

And the charity of benefactors

Which protects us here!

Let sadness perish!

Let haters perish!

Let the devil perish!

Let whoever is against our school

Who laughs at it, perish!

NATIONAL ANTHEM

Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika

Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo, Yizwa imithandazo yethu, Nkosi sikelela

Thina lusapho lwayo.

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso, O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho, O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, Setjhaba sa, South Afrika — South Afrika.

Uit die blou van onse hemel, Uit die diepte van ons see, Oor ons ewige gebergtes, Waar die kranse antwoord gee,

Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom In South Africa our land.

The Wits Choir has been around since 1995. Their repertoire is colourful and vibrant. They perform regularly at graduations and important ceremonies. The Wits Choir has toured internationally as well as playing host to other choirs here. They are also active in the community, undertaking choral outreach programmes.

ORDEROF PROCEDURE

26MARCH 2024AT17:00

TheaudiencewillriseastheacademicprocessionentersthehallandwillremainstandinguntiltheVice-Chancellor isin place

TheVice-Chancellorwillconstitutethecongregation

TheVice-Chancellorwillwelcomethegraduandsand guests

Addressto the congregation

Conferment of degrees

TheActing Presidentof Convocationwilladdressthe graduates

TheVice-Chancellorwilldissolvethecongregation

Theaudiencewillstandwhile Ihele is played

Membersoftheaudiencearerequestedtostandwhiletheacademicprocessionleavesthehallandnottoleavethe hallbeforethe end oftheceremony.

IMPORTANTNOTICE

Intheeventofload-sheddingorpowercuts,theGreatHallmaybecometotallydarkuntilthegeneratorcomesinto operation.

FACULTYOFSCIENCE

DEAN:PROFESSORN CHETTY BScHons(Natal) MSPhD(Urbana-Champaign)MSAIP MASSAf

BachelorofScienceHonours

ADANK, Sarah

ARSALIDES,ConstandinosChristou Actuarial Science Actuarial Science

ATIE, BenjaminLevi Actuarial Science

ATLAS,RonHaim (with Distinction) Actuarial Science

BAJWA,Muhammad Arqum Actuarial Science

BLOCH,HannahBianca (with Distinction) Actuarial Science

CASSIM, Muhammed Actuarial Science

CHETTY,Kaleb Kayden Actuarial Science

CHETTY,Prashalan Actuarial Science

DIEDRICK,Tessa Actuarial Science

DIKOBE, Kealeboga Actuarial Science

GADDIE, Alon David Actuarial Science

GORDHAN,Shravan Actuarial Science

GOVENDER,Danielle Raquel Actuarial Science

HOUSTON,ConnorAidan (with Distinction) Actuarial Science

JACKSON,RadleyJarred Actuarial Science

KAUFMAN, JennaAshleigh (with Distinction) Actuarial Science

KLAPSINOS, Markos Actuarial Science

KLINGBIEL, EduardGustav (with Distinction) Actuarial Science

KRIEL, Ruan Actuarial Science

LETSELA, Kopano Lazarus Mathematical Statistics

LI,Andy Actuarial Science

LORGAT,Naasir Actuarial Science

MACKEAND, LukeJames Actuarial Science

MAKDA, Usaamah Siraaj-Amin Actuarial Science

MAKHONZA, Bhekamandaba (with Distinction) Actuarial Science

MALEPE, Kgahliso Solly Actuarial Science

MANAKA,Makoena Actuarial Science

MARAIS, Erich (with Distinction) Actuarial Science

MELNICK, Adam Actuarial Science

MHAZO,Timukudze Arnold Actuarial Science

MILLARD,Chad Glynn Actuarial Science

MODISE,Motlodiwa Didintle Actuarial Science

MOGODI,Nape Setepu (with Distinction) Actuarial Science

MOODLEY, Akhilan Actuarial Science

MOODLEY, Shivaan Mathematical Statistics

MOODLEY, Shrian Actuarial Science

MPETE,TokeloPhillip Actuarial Science

MTHIMKHULU, Amanda Tinyiko Mathematical Statistics

MUSUPHI, Mpho Mathematical Statistics

NADAN, Lavashri Actuarial Science

NAICKER,Tyrique Actuarial Science

NAIDOO,Mathew CraigLaven Actuarial Science

NDABA, Siyabonga Patrick Actuarial Science

NDLOVU, AndileRopafadzo Actuarial Science

NGUBENI, Knowledge Lindokuhle Mathematical Statistics

NOSSEL, Avraham Aryeh Actuarial Science

NTULI,SphileGovernor Mathematical Statistics

OLIPHANT,UrielHill Actuarial Science

OSATO,Stefano Actuarial Science

PANI, Lonwabiso (with Distinction) Mathematical Statistics

PATEL, Devanshi Actuarial Science

PATEL, DevarshiRatilal Actuarial Science

PAULO, Stefano Antonio (with Distinction) Actuarial Science

PERUMAL, Keeran Actuarial Science

PILLAY, Cameron Actuarial Science

RANZIDA, MukonaMartin Actuarial Science

RAVELE, Ankonisaho Mathematical Statistics

SAMPATH, Shival Actuarial Science

STRICKETT,Mark Stephen Actuarial Science

TORRES, MiguelMandilas (with Distinction) Mathematical Statistics

YOUNG, BradonDavid (with Distinction) Actuarial Science

ZIPFEL, DieterRichard Actuarial Science

BachelorofScience

AMOD,Zayyana

APHANE, AliKutullo

BALOYI,Hlangano Success

BALWANTH,YadiaRajendra

BIXA, Ayanda Misikhaya (with Distinction)

BULL,Jessica (with Distinction)

BUTHELEZI, Sibonelo

BUX,Zakariyah

CARVALHO, Claudio de Sousa

DALAIS, RobertPhilip

DIAMOND,GabrielIan

FALKOV,JoshuaHayden (with Distinction)

GOOSEN,JordanRalph

GWEDE, Vongai

HABIB, MohamedMuaz

HAFFEJEE, Riyaadh

HAGIOS,Costantinos

HENNING, Hardus

CASEY, Devon ISRAELSOHN,Judd NicholasRichman

CHEN, Nan KAHN, Akiva Yonatan

COELHO,RicardoEmmanuelCosta (with Distinction) KASSIMATIS,Christiana Gabriella

KEKANA,Tshegofatso Tati

KHADAROO,Mihir

KOLIA,Aaliyah

KORZIA,YaelAdi

LEBELO, BokamosoTlotlo

LEBITSA,Tlotliso

LEEUW,Neo Khumalo

LEVY,MichaelEliezer

MABULA, Mooketsi

MACKECHNIE, AndrewPatrick

MADUTLELA,KgadiBoledi

MADZIYIRE,Tinayeishe

MAFOLOGELA,Njabulo

MAFULEKA,Asanda

MAHARAJ, Sonia

MAIFADI, Kabelo Mmakgora

MAKGATO,MarvinMoshe

MALAMULE, ShadwinMatimba

MALEBYE,Kgalalelo

MALEBYE,Tshepang

MALEFANE,TshepangTholang Kefuoe

MALEPENG, Phuti

MALULEKA,SaulKatlego

MANFERDINI,OliviaMelina (with Distinction)

MANSINGH, Adiya

MATHER,Safiya

MATHIBA, Awelani

MATLOU,KemediChaba

MCCALLUM,Hudson Stuart

MKHWANAZI, Luyanda

MODUNGOANA,TshegofatjoMaselebalo

MOHANLALL,Rahul

MOKOU,Violet Ayanda

MOODLEY, Andréa Noeleen

MOOPANAR,Mishalin (with Distinction)

MOSEBO,Appiah Kusi

MOTALA,Mohammed

MOTTIAR,Razaan

MOYANA,Simbarashe

MPOSULA,Zakhona Nhlosenhle (with Distinction)

MTUSE,MotlatsiSkhumbuzo

MUGAURI, Avril

NAIDOO,MatthewPreston

NAIDOO,Theshlyn

NAIR,Gareth Edwin

NAKA, Kayla

NCUBE, SabrinaLerato

NKUMANE, Azwile Kusifanele

NTANJANA,Lazola

OWEN, James Lee

PALM, Keanu Joshua

PAMBAYI, Clinton

PILLAI,Reiana

PILLAY, ShaylinGanesan

PILLAY, Thuyan

PROCOMMENOS,Julia Rose

RADEBE,Thando

RAMATSOMA, Karabo

RAMDHANEY,Riov

RAMULONGO,Vhuhwavho

RAPHOLO,Lethabo Bryan

RAYD, ChadLee

REYNDERS, Christopher Mark

SEEDAT, Muhammed

SEEPE, Keitumetse Majatladi

SEETHAL,Cameron Antonio Enver

SHAHZAD,Ayman

SHIVAMBU,Ndzalo Cherish

SHULMAN,LiadTzvi

SIBANYONI, Mpendulo Vanessa

SIKHONDE,NkosinathiLehlogonolo Kabelo (with Distinction)

SOOKARIA,Taahir (with Distinction)

SOOKLALL,Akshay (with Distinction)

SULIMAN,NaailFaisal

SWARTZ,DoronJosef

TALENI, Konke (with Distinction)

TSHIBUBUDZE, Tshilidzi

VANDERCOLFF,Carina

VINNICOMBE,ChloeJoy

WAJA,MuhammadAaliyaan

WASSERMAN,Jenna Sarah

ZHANG,Jing

GRADUATIONAWARDS

FACULTYOFSCIENCE

Prizetobe presentedattheGraduationCeremony

TheSouthAfricanAssociationof WomenGraduates(SAAWG):

TwoSAAWGPrizeswillbeawardedforthe2020academicyear,oneforNaturalSciencesandtheotherforHuman Sciences.Thecombinationsoffacultiesforeach ofthe twocategoriesarethesameasabove. Inbothcategories thenomineesfrom eachfacultywereselectedfromall therecipientsof bachelordegreesawardedwith respectto the2020 academicyear.

Jenna Ashleigh Kaufman

Prizestobepresented at theFaculty’s prizegiving ceremony

Discovery Actuarial Economics Prize:

Thisprize ofR3500.00is awarded tothe bestActuarialScienceThird YearStudentinActuarialEconomics.

Olivia Melina Manferdini

Discovery ActuarialGeneralInsurance Prize:

ThisprizeofR5000.00isawardedtothebestActuarialScienceHonours Student in:ActuarialPracticeinGeneral Insurance.

Nape Setepu Mogodi

Discovery Actuarial HealthCare Prize:

Thisprize ofR5000.00isawarded tothe bestActuarialScience HonoursStudent in ActuarialPractice in Health Care.

Jenna Ashleigh Kaufman

Discovery ActuarialLife Assurance Prize:

Thisprize ofR5000.00isawarded tothe bestActuarialScience HonoursStudent in: ActuarialPracticeinLife Assurance.

Jenna Ashleigh Kaufman

Liberty SandtonCity Voucherfor Actuarial ScienceHonours:

Thisvoucher ofR1 500.00 isawardedtothe beststudent in ActuarialScienceHonours.

Jenna Ashleigh Kaufman

Liberty SandtonCity Voucherfor Actuarial ScienceIII:

Thisvoucher ofR1 000.00 isawardedtothe beststudent in ActuarialScienceIII.

Mishalin Moopanar

Liberty SandtonCity Voucherfor Mathematical StatisticsHonours:

Thisvoucher ofR1 500.00 isawardedtothe beststudent inMathematicalStatisticsHonours.

Miguel Mandilas Torres

Liberty SandtonCity Voucherfor Mathematical StatisticsIII:

Thisvoucher ofR1 000.00 isawardedtothe beststudent inMathematicalStatisticsIII.

Konke Taleni

Sanlam PrizeforActuarialScience III:

Thisprize ofR5000is awardedannuallytothe beststudentinActuarialScience IIIwiththepossibility ofvacation workatSanlam RetailMassinHoughton.

Mishalin Moopanar

ThePeterFridjhonMedal forthebestHonoursresearchprojectin Mathematical Statistics:

This prizeofR4000.00andagoldmedalisawardedinmemoryofProfessorPeterFridjhon,apastHeadofSchool forStatisticsand Actuarial Science.The prize isawardedtotheMathematicalStatisticsHonours student who producedthe bestHonoursresearchproject

Lonwabiso Pani

Miguel Mandilas Torres

OFFICERSOFTHEUNIVERSITY

Chancellor

DRNJ DLAMINIMBChB(Natal)DOH(Free State)MBA(Witwatersrand)DBL(Unisa)PGCE(Witwatersrand)IEC (Stanford-USA)

Vice-Chancellorand Principal

PROFESSORZ VILAKAZI BSc(Manchester)MScPhD(Witwatersrand)FRS, FAAS, MASSAf

Chairman of Council

MRI SHONGWE BA(Wesleyan)MPhil(Oxford)

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)

PROFESSOR ROSMAN BA(Witwatersrand)HDipEd BEd(Unisa)MEd PhD(Witwatersrand) MASSAf

DeputyVice-Chancellor (Research andInnovation)

PROFESSOR LMORRIS BSc(Hons)(Witwatersrand)DPhil(Oxford)FRSSAFAAS MASSAf

DeputyVice-Chancellor (SystemsandOperations)

PROFESSOR IRJANDRELLBSc(Eng)GDE PhD(Witwatersrand)IntPE(SA)PrEngFSAAEFSAIEE SMIEEE

DeputyVice-Chancellor (People Developmentand Culture)

PROFESSORGSTEVENSBA(CapeTown)BAPsychHonsMPsych(WesternCape)DLittetPhil(Unisa),MASSAf

Registrar

MSCG CROSLEYBAHDipEd(Witwatersrand)BEd Hons(Unisa)MEd(Witwatersrand)

ChiefFinancialOfficer

MSMMMANYAMACA(SA)BComAccounting(CapeTown)BComptHons(Unisa)BComHonsTaxation(Pretoria) MBA(GIBS)

DeanofStudentAffairs

MRJAPSEPTEMBER BA MPhil (CapeTown)

DEANSOFTHE FACULTIES

FacultyofCommerce,LawandManagement

PROFESSORJCOHEN BComHonsPhD(Witwatersrand)

FacultyofEngineering andtheBuiltEnvironment

PROFESSORT MAJOZIBScEngMScEng(Natal) PhD(UMIST)CEngPrEngFIChemEFAASMASSAfFWISA FSAAE

FacultyofHealthSciences

PROFESSOR SAMADHI MBBCh MMed PhD(Witwatersrand)FCPaeds(SA)MASSAf,RSSAf, TWAS,CBE

FacultyofHumanities

PROFESSOR MMUSEMWA BAHons(Zimbabwe) MA(CapeTown) PhD(Minnesota, USA)MASSAf

FacultyofScience

PROFESSOR NCHETTY BScHons(Natal)MS PhD (U.IllinoisUrbana-Champaign) MASSAf, MSAIP

President of Convocation

MSKMUFAMADI BALLBLLM(Witwatersrand).

FACULTYOFSCIENCE…AMESSAGETOOURGRADUATES

The mission of the Faculty of Science is to produce excellent graduate students who are equipped to make a meaningfulcontributionbroadlytosocietyandarereadytoundertakepostgraduatestudiesatanyuniversityinthe world. A hallmark of our graduates is their independent, critical, creative and entrepreneurial thinking in the sciences,andacommitmentto makethisworld abetterplace forall.

We strongly encourage you to continue your studies as a postgraduate student in the Faculty. We offer excellent coursework and research programmes in a range of diverse areas extending from Astronomy through to Zoology.

TheFacultyofScienceishometothreeoutofthesevenDSI/NRFfundedCentresofExcellenceatWits,knownfor their cutting-edge research in their respective focus areas. In addition, the Faculty has been chosen as the lead institution bythe Departmentof Scienceand Innovationto hosttheNationaleSciencePostgraduateTeaching and Training Platform in the datasciences.

Academic staff in the Faculty collaborate with leading universities and laboratories around the world. Many of our postgraduate students spend time in overseas institutions as part of their postgraduate degrees and participate in nationalandinternationalconferences.Ourresearchersareactiveparticipantsinsomeofthelarge globalscience experimentsand publish theirwork insomeof the best internationaljournals.

Witsiscommittedtomaintainingitsrankingasaleadinginternationallyrenowned universityproducingworkthatis visibleto the entireworld, andpositivelyimpactfulonthewaysinwhichweliveourlives inthe 21st century.I hope youwilljoin usin thisexcitingendeavour!

EmergencyandFirePlansduringGraduations

1.Intheeventof anemergencyand/orfire:

• The presiding official (Chancellor/Vice-Chancellor/Deputy Vice-Chancellor) will make an announcement requesting guests, graduandsandstaff tokeepcalm andremainseated;

• TheUsherswillassistgueststoproceedtothenearestEmergencyexitsinordertoevacuatetheGreatHall inanorderlyfashion;

• Emergencyexitsignsarevisibleinredaboveallexitdoorssituatedonyourleftandrighthandsidesaswell asthe backoftheHall;

• TheUsherswillassisttheelderly and disabledguests outofthebuilding;

• Theacademicprocessiononstage must exitthroughthebackstagedoor;

• OnceoutsidetheGreatHallallguests,graduandsandstaffmustproceedtothemainassemblypointonthe piazza.

2.Intheeventof a Bomb threat

All bomb threats will be treated as real in order to protect lives and property and the premises will be evacuated immediately.

A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES FROM THE PRESIDENT OF CONVOCATION

Dear Wits Graduate,

There are a few defining moments in life – and it is without doubt that graduation is one of them!

Today, you enter the world as a graduate from one of the top universities on the African continent. You enter into a world filled with many challenges, but a world that is also filled with limitless possibilities. May you meet all the challenges and opportunities that await you with pride, drive, passion, innovation, social-conscience and positive-purpose.

In addition to earning the degree conferred upon you today, you have also earned the right to be associated with a special group of individuals – the Convocation of Wits University. Convocation represents all the degreed graduates of Wits and forms a vital link between the University and the global community in which it operates. Membership to Convocation is free and serves as an official channel, allowing you, the members, to convey to the University management your views about the University. This membership comes with several unique privileges, which include nominating the Chancellor of the University. The Convocation Executive has two members on the Wits Council (the governing body of the University) and maintains other regular contact with the University to ensure the voice of the Convocation is represented at the highest levels of The University.

There are approximately 200 000 Wits alumni worldwide. The distinction of our university is important to the prestige of our collective qualifications. We call upon you to nurture and enhance the value of your degree by promoting Wits’ image, preserving our values, and contributing towards our ongoing development, ensuring that we grow in stature as a globally competitive, proudly South African institution of higher learning. Please engage with us via our numerous social media channels and keep connected with us so you can access career support, receive invitations to events and reunions and have sight of all the latest news about Wits and prominent Witsies: www.wits.ac.za/alumni/updateyourdetails/

I would like to extend a warm welcome to you – you are now a #Witsie4Life!

Convocation is a statutory body that includes all graduates of the University. Convocation is the largest constituency of the University (since the founding of the University in 1922, graduates number over 200 000). Its statutory mandate is to “… discuss and state its opinion upon any matters relating to the University including matters referred to it by the Council” and allows for the views of graduates to be represented at the highest levels of governance of the University.

IHELE THE PROCESSION

IHELE

Words and music by S.B.P. Mnomiya

Anhom

Falalala

Obani labo?

Baphi Ahhom?

Ngibona beza

Beyikazela

Bathwel ‘ongiyane

Bavela kuphi na?

Obani labo?

Ongqondongqondo

Osibakhulu

Yibo labo hhom!

Yini na leyo?

Ihele

Ihele lezingwazi zakithi

Ahhom udwendwe

Ahhom

Udwendwe lwezingqwele zakithi

Nant’ ihele

Longqondongqondo

Nant’ ihele

Losibakhulu

Udwendwe

Udwendwe Iwezingqwele zakithi

THE PROCESSION

Who are those?

Which, Falalala?

I see them coming

Walking with swinging garments

They are wearing head rings

Where do they come from?

Who are those?

They are people with knowledge

They are people in authority

These are the ones

What is that?

It is a procession

A procession of our heroes

It is a procession

A procession of our champions

Here is a procession

Of people of knowledge

Here is a procession

Of people of knowledge

A procession

A procession of our heroes

THE UNIVERSITY MACE

Maces were originally weapons of defence, designed to break through armour. In medieval times, bishops carried a mace instead of a sword into battle to enable them to defend themselves in accordance with the canonical rule that forbade a priest to shed blood. In time, the mace has come to be regarded as a symbol of delegated authority vested in a person or an institution. At this University, it is a symbol of the authority vested in the Chancellor and a reminder of the mandate given by the legislature of this country to the University to grant degrees.

The University mace is the work of the Edinburgh designer, silversmith and engraver, William Kirk, who designed and made the mace of the University of Stirling and of other institutions. It is silver-and gold-plated, is 1070 millimetres long and 180 millimetres broad and weighs seven kilograms. The heraldic devices used in the decoration reflect the character of this University as an institution of learning, set in a mining centre within the Republic of South Africa.

The head of the mace with its spreading vertical blades is symbolic of the horns of a springbok. The central vertical spike is representative of a rock drill on the mine, and the amber stone set in the head is intended as a tribute to a past Chancellor through its association with his name, Bernstein, which in German means amber stone. The heavy quality of the head is consistent with the traditional concept of the mace as a weapon of defence. The collar repeats the shape of the head. It consists of eight cogs which symbolise the cog-wheel in the University coat of arms and represents mining and industry. The shaft is octagonal and divided into three sections. The coat of arms of the University is placed on the shaft under the collar. Below this the words Universitas Witwatersrandensis Johannesburgi: are inscribed, followed by the date in Roman numerals – MCMLXXVI (1977) – which signifies the year of the dedication of the mace.

The mace is a symbolic portrayal of this University, this city, the Witwatersrand and the Republic of South Africa. It is a constant reminder to members of Council and Senate to uphold at all times the rights, powers and privileges of the University and its governing bodies.

ACADEMIC DRESS

The academic dress of this University is patterned on that of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, with modifications based on the model of the University of London and certain individual features, particularly in the costumes of office bearers and the hoods of degreesof bachelor and master.

Dress for Office Bearers

• The Chancellor wears a scarlet silk gown with a broad facing of black velvet down each side, embroidered in gold and a black velvet cap with gold cord and tassels.

• The Vice-Chancellor and Principal wears a blue silk gown with a broad facing of gold silk down each side, embroidered in blue, the sleeves being lined with gold silk. The cap is of the same design as that of the Chancellor.

• The Chairman of Council wears a black silk gown with a broad facing of red velvet down each side and around the neck, the sleeves being lined with gold silk. The cap is of the same design as that of the Chancellor.

• The academic dress of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and the Executive Directors is the same as that of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, except that the colour of the facing and sleeves of the gown and of the cord and tassels of the cap is silver-grey.

• The gown of the President of Convocation is of blue silk, with a broad facing of gold silk down each side, the sleeves being lined with white silk. The cap is the same as that of the Chancellor, but with a blue cord and tassels.

• The Registrar wears a black silk gown with a broad facing of blue silk down each side, bordered with gold braid. The cap is the same as that of the President of Convocation.

• A member of Council wears a black silk gown with a broad facing of gold silk. The cap is the same as that of the Chancellor.

• The gown of the President of the Students’ Representative Council is black with a broad facing of blue satin.

Graduands’ Gowns

• The gowns for all degrees of bachelor and master of the University are black, of the same pattern as the gown for a Master of Arts at the University of Oxford.

• The gown for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is scarlet, after the University of London pattern.

• The gown for a senior doctorate is the same as that for the PhD, but with a gold satin facing on each side of the gown and with the sleeve button and cord in gold.

The Academic Hood

The academic hood is the principal feature of the costume for holders of our degrees of bachelor and master. The hood for the PhD is standard, regardless of the Faculty in which the degree was obtained. It is scarlet silk, lined with white silk.

Degree Colours

The hoods reflect the colour or colours of a particular degree or associated degrees.

DISTINCTLY WITS

As a 100-year-old public university in South Africa, Wits is proud of its record of achievement as a significant contributor to our society. We contribute people to society that are training in their chosen field that are engaged and able to tackle problems using evidence-based solutions. We also contribute knowledge that has a positive impact on the quality of life. Wits for Good.

Wits is a world-class research university based on our intellectual excellence, international competitiveness, and commitment to social justice; all of which have a measurable impact.

What makes Wits distinct? Here are a few of many differentiators:

• An international perspective that helps us maintain high standards in teaching and learning and research while not distracting us from our place in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Africa. 60% out our 2021 publications included international collaborators.

• An intellectual hub of Africa, a founding member of the African Research University Alliance. In 2021 Wits published 167 articles with Namibia, 220 with Botswana, 326 with Zimbabwe and 137 with Mozambique.

• An active and engaged community leader that takes a stand on social issues and is fully committed to the advancement of the public good.

• A growing contribution to the body of knowledge through peer reviewed academic publications: 4 400 in 2021 and an average growth rate of 500 per year over the last five years.

• Knowledge contribution that is above global quality averages in several fields including: clinical and pre-clinical health studies (76% above global norms); arts and humanities (58% above global norms); life sciences (36% above global norms); physical sciences (12% above global norms).

• Wits is particularly associated with the study of the fields of virology, particle physics and the Higgs Boson, malaria, archaeology, paleontology, paleoanthropology, violence, local and regional politics, geochemistry, rock mechanics, deep mining, forensic anthropology, climate change, migration, social justice, and many more.

• Proud of the four Nobel laureates and the 98 Rhodes Scholars.

• Proud of our current 40 000 students of whom 16 000 (40%) are undertaking postgraduate studies and learning to make their own unique contributions to the global knowledge base.

• Proud of our 200 000 graduates. More than 90% of Wits graduates obtain permanent employment within 12 months of graduation.

• Proud of its ability to raise external funding to support and drive its research efforts, with contributions exceeding R 2 billion per annum.