DSA Newsletter September 2025

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STUDENT AFFAIRS STUDENT AFFAIRS

AS PARTNERS IN STUDENT SUCCESS: #FORSTUDENTS #FORGOOD

Student Affairs Fair Connects

Students to Campus Life

The first-ever Student Affairs Fair, held on 31

July 2025, brought campus to life with a vibrant

showcase of the Division of Student Affairs. The

fair gave students the chance to explore the wide range of services and opportunities

available to support their academic, social, and personal journeys Each unit set up engaging

stalls where students could learn more about wellness support, leadership and governance

roles, and other resources designed to make

student life easier and more rewarding.

The lunch-hour Varsity Football showcase was a major highlight.

With team presentations, the mascot entertaining

the crowd, and exciting giveaways, the activation

created a lively and festive atmosphere. With

team presentations, the mascot entertaining the

crowd, and exciting giveaways, the activation

created a lively and festive atmosphere

WITS DAY 2025: A CELEBRATION TO REMEMBER

From Yale Road to Braamfontein, a wave of yellow and blue lit up the streets as Witsies came together to mark another year of the university’s remarkable existence on 5 September 2025 The day began with a vibrant colour parade, filling the city with music, energy, and a shared spirit of pride As the festivities moved to campus, the celebration ended with a lively sundowners on the Library Lawns, where students gathered to socialise, dance, and enjoy the atmosphere. The stage came alive with a mix of student talent from energetic MCs to DJs and dancers, showing off the creativity that thrives at Wits

South African acts including Young Stunna, Babalwa M, Scotts Maphuma, and K Mat brought even more excitement, rounding off a day that blended tradition, talent, and togetherness. Till we meet again, Witsies, for an unforgettable 105 #WitsForGood #Wits4Life

ity & Divis

Building Resilient, Connected and

Future-Ready Students

Wits Launches Food Sovereignty Hub

The new Wits Food Sovereignty Hub, established this year, marks a decade of dedicated work What began in 2015 with student-led gardens grew to six gardens and a monthly farmers market by the time Covid struck

After three years of development, the hub now stands behind Wits Club, featuring a seed bank, nursery, agroecology gardens, composting, and vermiculture

Designed as both a learning and eco-demonstration

site, the hub strengthens sustainable food practices and student engagement

Emerging Leaders Programme

Launches for 2025

The 2025 Emerging Leaders Programme (ELP) launched on 1 July with a visit to the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, grounding delegates in Mandela’s leadership legacy. A four-day Winter Leadership Camp followed, combining workshops and experiential learning on emotional and cultural intelligence, communication, and teamwork Delegates explored project management, design thinking, and authentic leadership while preparing Legacy Projects linked to South Africa’s G20 priorities These projects will showcase their capacity for innovation, collaboration, and social impact.

Wellness Day Brings Students Together

The Wellness Day event created space for FYE mentors and mentees to connect outside the classroom through sport and fun activities. Responding to student requests for opportunities to destress, the event was open to all first-year students and drew 176 participants. Rock climbing, e-sports, and table tennis were among the most popular activities Students praised the event for building community and promoting both physical and mental well-being, with many recommending it to fellow mentees.

FOOTBALL

WITSIES SHINE IN NATIONAL AND

COMPETITIONS

Four Wits Tang Soo Do members represented South Africa at the 7th Worldwide Championships in Scotland, bringing home 4 golds and 7 silvers in total, marking an impressive international performance.

Witsies proudly represented the Gauteng Golden Fireballs, clinching the 2025 Telkom Netball League title. Head Coach Dr Elsje Jordaan led the team, with standout performances from players Luané Smith, Shanni Mokken, and Zanele Soviya.

Karabelo Moleko of the Wits E-Sport Club represented the university at USSA ESport and claimed the EAFC Women’s Championship, impressing with focus and composure throughout the tournament.

erformances.

RESIDENCES IN ACTION: DEBATE, DIALOGUE AND HARMONY

Residences Hit the Right Note at Annual Choir Competition

The Annual Choir Competition took place over two

dates this year, starting with eliminations and ending with prize gi

The

the residence communi

and celebration G

,

Rise Choir and Focus 1 Choir. Trophies and certificates were

Jubilee Hall, Men’s Halls of Residence, and West

Harmony, marking a sp

ited showcas

of student talent and residence pride

Residences Face Off at ARSC

Legacy Debate

The ARSC hosted its 2025 annual Legacy Debate,

encouraging residence students to sharpen

vocabulary and public speaking skills. Several

residences competed, with Knockando and

Braamfontein reaching the finals Braamfontein

Residence claimed first place, Knockando Hall was runner-up, and Jubilee Hall took third Bokang

Molefe from Braamfontein Centre was recognised

as the best speaker The debate highlighted student confidence, critical thinking, and the

vibrant spirit of residence life, making it an engaging and memorable campus event

Residences Engage in Sabelani Nonke Dialogue

Wits residence students gathered at EOH and the Main Dining Hall for the first Sabelani Nonke session, part of the

Madoda Sabelani discussion series Facilitated by Dr Tlale and Dr Ezekiel, the session provided an open space for reflections on socialisation, family dynamics, and masculinity Students discussed challenges in sharing personal experiences at home and school, while case studies encouraged critical engagement and diverse perspectives, creating meaningful conversations and fostering understanding across the residence community

Wits Graduate Recruitment Programme

Connects Students and Employers

The 4th annual Wits Graduate Recruitment Programme’s Professional Speed Dating on 29 August 2025 brought 180 shortlisted students face-to-face with nearly 90 company representatives from 38 industries. Ahead of the event, students attended a preparation workshop to sharpen their professional edge. The speed-dating format allowed companies to quickly meet top talent and for students to make lasting impressions Feedback from participating companies was overwhelmingly positive, with many following up with students. The event continues to grow, offering a dynamic platform that directly supports career development and showcases the exceptional calibre of Wits graduates Counselling and Career Develop

Mid-Year Workshop Advances Wits Mental Wellness Strategy

The Wits Mental Wellness Strategy Mid-Year Review and Update Workshop brought together over 50 participants, including the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: People, Development and Culture, the Dean of Students, professional and academic staff, student leaders and advocates, and a representative from Lyra Southern Africa The interactive workshop focused on prevention as part of the strategic pillar promoting psychological and emotional wellbeing while reducing stigma. Participants engaged in multistakeholder presentations and discussions, exploring key focus areas such as advocacy, psychoeducation, capacity building, and current research trends The session provided a platform to share insights, reflect on progress, and align on strategies to support students’ mental health and resilience. By fostering collaboration across staff and student representatives, the workshop reinforced Wits’ commitment to creating a caring, informed, and proactive campus environment where mental wellness is prioritised and openly discussed.

Wits General Careers Fair Sparks Excitement

The Wits General Careers Fair on 25 July 2025 was a

spectacular success! Hosted by the Counselling and Careers

Development Unit’s Graduate Recruitment Programme, the

event brought together students from all faculties and over

40 top companies. The fair connected students with

potential employers, explored opportunities, and voted in the

Most Prospective Employer poll. Pepsico was crowned

overall winner, followed by Hitachi in second and Multichoice

in third Students and employers alike praised the event for its energy, engagement, and productivity, making it a highlight on the Wits CCDU calendar

t

MOREAWAITSYOU Congratulaions

t wellness on campus

Mr Jerome September elected SASSAP President | Dean of Student Affairs at Wits University (Middle Left)

In August 2025, Mr Jerome September was elected President of the South African

Association of Senior Student Affairs Professionals (SASSAP) His focus will be on navigating the changing and complex landscape of student affairs in South Africa.

Dr Simangele Sitoe earns PhD | Mental Health Nurse at Campus Health, Wits University (Middle)

Dr Simangele Sitoe graduated with a PhD in Nursing Science (Psychiatric Nursing) from the University of Johannesburg Her resea

in higher education. Mr Mandla Gagayi achiev

ttee of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee

Ms Nombulelo Chiya joins SAUS NEC | SRC Presiden

OPPORTUNITIES ALERT

Da

UPCOMING EVENTS

Da

OPPORTUNIITIES

Date - 22 & 23 September 2025

Ven

Da

Da

Ven

Date - Bi-weekly starting from 17 September 2025

Venue - Wits Ampitheatre (13h00 to 14h00)

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