PhD
Graduation Ceremony
Date: 01 April 2025
Time: 13:30
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 2025! Some of you light shine for those who come after you! For those of you who are continuing in your family’s tradition, thanks for not dropping the ball. Education is the best self-investment. The past year changed the world as we know it, with no less than 60 countries and more than 1.3 billion people globally going to vote, including our own country. The outcomes have changed geopolitics, with the Global North becoming more internally focused. The resurgence of economic protectionism has altered trade landscapes, further reshapes the balance of power, as nations compete for supremacy in these tension. The race for control over natural resources, especially in the Arctic and other of Africa, we have chosen Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability as our G20 theme. This speaks to our recognition of the interconnected of nations. Our shared future depends on mutual understanding, cooperation, equality and stability across nations. As our future leaders you need to adapt to an uncertain world, embrace diversity, and foster dialogue. That will help you to craft a healthier, more balanced world for future generations.
As you venture into the world, take time to expand the depth and breadth of your knowledge. Read outside your specialisation, engage with people outside your comfort zone. Understand the plight of people less fortunate than yourself. Be the 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 Humility and Integrity, Always. May you be those leaders! HALALA!
CONGRATULATIONS! HALALA! GO LEAD SOUTH AFRICA TO GREATNESS!
Chancellor
A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES FROM
D G
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 for the advancement of society. 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 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.
FRS
Wits University
GAUDEAMUS
Gaudeamus igitur
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
Venit mors velociter
Rapit nos atrociter
Nemini parcetur.
Vivat academia
Vivant professores
Vivat membrum quodlibet
Vivat membra quaelibet
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.
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
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!
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.
ORDER OF PROCEDURE
01 APRIL 2025 AT 13:30
The audience will rise as the academic procession enters the hall and will remain standing until the Acting Vice-Chancellor is in place
The Acting Vice-Chancellor will constitute the congregation
The Acting Vice-Chancellor will welcome the graduands and guests
Address to the congregation
Conferment of degrees
The Acting President of Convocation will address the graduates
The Acting Vice-Chancellor will dissolve the congregation
The audience will stand while Ihele is played
Members of the audience are requested to stand while the academic procession leaves the hall and not to leave the hall before the end of the ceremony.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
In the event of load-shedding or power cuts, the Great Hall may become totally dark until the generator comes into operation.
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
DEAN: PROFESSOR N CHETTY BSc Hons (Natal) MS PhD (U. Illinois Urbana -Champaign) MASSAf MSAIP
Bachelor of Science
ABDLA, Ashroga
ACHOLONU, Udoh Simphiwe
AHMED, Tayyabah
ALAM, Meem
ALLY, Atiyyah
ANSARI, Adeeba Pervez
ANTONIE, Angelia Colleen Siham
AZEVEDO, Nikita Duarte
BABOOLAL, Nikisha (with Distinction)
BAEPANE, Amantle Merlyn
BAGLEY, Sydney Logan Madison
BALOYI, Muhluri
BARTLEY, Chloe Celeste Joy
BASDEO, Neha
BEWANA, Welekazi
BLENNERHASSETT, Lauren Paige
BLOCK, Caelin (with Distinction)
BONGA, Chulumanco Ngaw'amanjuza Bubele
BOROTO, Balushi Kgotso
BOSMAN, Ofentse
BOYA, Mmabatho Margaret
BOZEKANA, Gift Kelton
BULBULIA, Faatima
BUTHELEZI, Ayanda
CASSIM, Rayhaan Hassen
CELE, Nzukiso
CELE, Sandile Maxwell
CELE, Thandolwethu Aneliswa
CHAKAPEDI, Nthabiseng
CHETTY, Ethan Liam
CHILOANE, Gracious
CHINYOKA, Valerie Mecktilda
CHIRAIRO, Fadzai Milliscent
CIELENOU OTIOPIKO, Krys Orlanda
CLARK, Catharina
CLEMINSON, Megan Melanie
COKER, Esther Adetoun Mihle
COOPER, Amy Jane
DAVEL, Inge
DAVIS, Gabriella Zia
DE DONCKER, Taahira
DELPORT, Brandon
DHLAMINI, Nontokozo Promise
DHLONGOLO, Nothando Boikanyo
DIALE, Pako Patience
DILDAR, Amir
DINGANI, Avuziwe
DITSEGO, Goodwill Rafaele
DLADLA, Kwanele Edward
DLAMINI, Perfect
DLAMINI, Thabo
DLAMINI, Tshepang William
DONALDSON, Hannah Elizabeth
DU PREEZ, Tyla Martins
EATWELL, Joanne Elizabeth
FALOPE, Molayojesu Excel
FAZEL-ELLAHI, Muhammad
FELITI, Bongiwe Pearl
GANYANE, Mutshidzi
GCABA, Andisa Nobuhle
GCINGCA, Kearatwa Nthabiseng
GODFREY, Faheem
GOVENDER, Raoul Daniel Rohid
GREENHILL, Judd Harry
GUMEDE, Amahle Nokuphila
HARRIS, Liam Michael
HASSAN, Aaminah
HERBST, Reenen Eugen
HLONGWANE, Ntswalane Christina
HLUNGWANI, Saseki Hope
HUMA, Onkabetse Faith
HUSSAIN, Taaliyah Zahra
JUDIN, Noah (with Distinction)
KADIRAMWANDO, Nicole Rumbidzai
KAISER, Malvanique Bronwyn
KANKU, Michael
KARSHAGEN, Teneal Jayde
KATANE, Tebatso
KESILOE, Katlego
KGOMO, Thato
KHOTLA, Rethabile
KHUMALO, Shallin Keitumetse Ntombi
KHUZWAYO, Khethokuhle Siphokazi
KUBHEKA, Nqobile
KUNENE, Minenhle Luyanda
LATCHRAM, Nikisha
LEBOHO, Thapelo Gerry
LEEUW, Molebatsi Letsoba
LESOMO, Kagiso Brandon
LISHIVHA, Thakhani
LIVINGSTONE, Kabeerah
LOUW, Onalenna
LUCAS, Skye Kayla
MABUZA, Sandiso Ndumiso
MACHABA, Mpho
MACHAILO, Karabo Kegomoditswe Venetia
MADONSELA, Mthokozisi Bright
MAGWANYANA, Andile Fezeka
MAHEMA, Karabo Pearl
MAHLANGU, Neo Nomakhosi Pearl
MAHOMED KHAN, Zeenat
MAKHUBELE, Maryjunior Angel
MALAPILE, Tshepo William
MALATSI, Lerato Julia
MALULEKE, Xalati Devine
MASEKO, Thandiswa Cylia
MASEKO, Zakithi
MASENG, Gomolemo Thebetsile
MASHAO, Martha Raesetja
MASHAU, Mulalo
MASIPA, Frans Matsobane
MATHABA, Langelihle Malusi
MATHE, Olwethu
MATHEBULA, Ntalo
MATHIBE, Khumo Oratile
MATHULWE, Letlhogonolo Anna
MATLOGA, Edmond Dolamo
MATSEKA, Qacha Irvin
MATSHIDZULA, Shandukani Emulson
MATSHWANE, Boemo Tasneem
MAVASA, Karabo
MAYET, Liyah Yasmin
MAYISA, Enjelina Sibongile
MAYISE, Baneliswa Snothisiwe
MAZIBUKO, Nonhlanhla
MBETHE, Njabulo Pamela
MBHOKANE, Lindokuhle Thulile Bongiwe
MCHUNU, Siyanda Ndumiso
MCNALLY, Thomas Marc
MEIRING, Jan George
MEMELA, Sthabile
MEYER, De Wet Nico
MFATHUZO, Onwaba
MFUNDA, Esihle Lisa
MHLANGA, Kudzai Nomsa
MISTRY, Sanam Jayant
MKAMO, Nkonzo
MKEME, Muhle (with Distinction)
MKHABELA, Pusheletso Sebotja
MKHIZE, Nelisa Felicity
MNGOMA, Londiwe Precious
MODIBANE, Oreneile Cynthia
MODISE, Lesedi
MOFOKENG, Kamohelo
MOGOFE, Segoshene Director
MOHAFA, Lebohang Lisbeth
MOKOENA, Musa
MOKOMELA, Katlego
MOLOISI, Ofentse
MOLOTO, Matshuene Precious
MONAMATHA, Precious Bontle Lydia
MONARENG, Shantell Keitumetsi
MOODLEY, Shaylin
MOODLIAR, Sonali
MOONSAMY, Tamika
MORAJANE, Mpho Innocentia
MORWATSHEHLA, Mmabatho
MOTHIBE, Ntebogeng Raisibe
MTHEMBU, Kgalalelo Boitumelo
MTHIYANE, Nokwazi Lindiwe
MTHIYANE, Zini Lindelwa
MTSHEMLA, Ncebakazi Zamahlubi
MUGWABANA, Mueletshedzi Phindulo
MUKUPA, Muuka Danielle
MULAUDZI, Unarine
MUNGOMA, Emmanuel Phathutshedzo
MURAVHA, Mulisa Maria
MUSHI, Lethabo Mia
MVULA, Shalom Sarah (with Distinction)
MWANDLA, Nothando Anele Amahle
MWENI, Silda Nothando
NAGEL, Inge Marion
NCETEZO, Lilitha
NCIKAZI, Nothando
NDADANE, Nqobile
NDLANGAMANDLA, S'bahle Fezile
NDLEBE, Dumisa
NDLELA, Akhona Unathi
NDLOVU, Pamela
NEWLAND-NELL, Ashley
NGEMA, Bacebile
NGOBE, Daniel
NGOBESE, Funeka Nokwanda
NGUBANE, Muziwakhe
NGWENYA, Londathina Noxolo
NHLENGETHWA, Bayabonga
NKANTINI, Aphelele
NKHUMELENI, Masindi
NKOJOANA, Kutloano Lephoto
NKOMO, Ayandise Nwabisa
NKOSI, Sthandiwe Thobile
NKOSI, Taweni Reabetsoe
NOGEMANE, Sange
NONKALA, Ompiwe
NOVELA, Vukona Dineeca
NOWELE, Khaka
NQEKETO, Nokhwezi Tandile
NSELE, Minenhle
NXUMALO, Siphesihle
O'CALLAGHAN, Declan Anthony
PADHIAR, Montel
PATEL, Rhea Joetendra (with Distinction)
PATHER, Nicholas
PAWSON, Matthew David
PEARSON, Brittany Alice (with Distinction)
PETER, Bulelani
PHAYANE, Palesa Vanessa
PHOLOGA, Mmamotse Sade
PHUKUBYE, Tshegofatso Precious
PILLAY, Denae Nicolene
PILLAY, Simryn Mckayla
PUTSOENYANE, Puleng Elizabeth
RAMELA, Masechaba Kamohelo
RAMONOANA, Evidance Tshifhiwa
RAMONTI, Reitumetse Caroline
RAMOTSONGWA, Onkarabile
RAMPHAL, Ashveer
RAWAT, Aneesa (with Distinction)
REDDY, Kirel
RELE, Mmabotle
RIMER, Roja Tamar
ROLFE, Maxine Kayla
ROWJI, Gaurang
SAMPSON, Jenna Pamela
SANTANGELO, Ashley
SCHARNECK, Laythan Alwin
SEBOYANA, Basetsana
SEKATI, Tumi Letta
SEKHU, Amogelang
SEKWATI, Oratile Lesego
SELEME, Nanatji Morongwa
SENGO, Siphesihle Henry
SETSHEDI, Kemishi Obed
SEWELA, Ayanda
SHAMASE, Nokulunga Portia
SHAVA, Ruveneko Kache
SHEZI, Lungelo
SHONGWE, Zethu Tematimandze
SIBAMBO, Anthony Olympio
SIBUYI, Langutani Xixima Xanhova
SIBUYI, Lecrucious Fikile
SIMELANE, Makabongwe Daluthando
SINGH, Varya
SIPIKA, Kwezi Gift
SITHOLE, Siphokazi Nkosingiphile
SMITH, Enize
SPENCER, Alison Jamie
SUBRAMANY, Lauryn
TAI, Muhammed Shaakir
TALESARA, Diya
TEBELE, Carseddy
TENGANI, Linomtha
THAVHAKHULU, Muofhe
THOMU, Ondwela Precious
TIGERE, Sharon
TLADI, Fredericah Phenyo
TSHABALALA, Busisiwe Weza Fortunate
TSHAVHUMBWE, Wavhudi Joseph
TSHIPALA, Muano
TUTANI, Athenkosi
TWALA, Lungile Gcina
VAN DER MERWE, Lee-Anne
VAN NIEKERK, Carla
WOTSHE, Nonhlanhla
XULU, Sinqobile Sonia
ZAIDI, Syed Hamayl
VASSANJEE, Sian Arayana (with Distinction) ZONDANI, Buhle
VELE, Ompha Vincent
VON MOLLENDORFF, Jodi Madison
JACKSON, Inga (Posthumously)
ZUKA, Mihlali
ZUMA, Okuhle
GRADUATION AWARDS
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
Prize to be presented at the Graduation Ceremony
William Cullen Medal:
This silver medal is awarded annually to the most distinguished Bachelor of Science graduate in the Faculty of Science. It was endowed in 1929 by William Cullen, Hon LLD (Witwatersrand). It is presented at the University Graduation Ceremony for Science students.
Nikisha Baboolal
Prizes to be presented at the Faculty’s prize giving ceremony
Anthony Scarrott Prize in Geology:
This prize is awarded annually to the most deserving third year student in Geology for the purchase of books or instruments as approved by the School of Geosciences. The Anthony Scarrott prize was established by Mr and Mrs H Scarrott in memory of their son who was a Wits BSc graduate in Geology.
Muano Tshipala
Biochemistry and Cell Biology Book Prize:
This prize has been established for the purchase of books and is awarded annually to the most outstanding student in Biochemistry and Cell Biology III.
Tyla Martins du Preez
Computational and Applied Mathematics III:
This prize is awarded to the top student in Computational and Applied Mathematics II.
Nikisha Baboolal
EnviroServ Laboratory Prize:
This prize is awarded for the best laboratory work performed by a student majoring in Chemistry III.
Brandon Delport
Genetics and Developmental Biology Book Prize:
This prize has been established for the purchase of books and is awarded annually to the most outstanding student in Genetics and Developmental Biology III.
Ashley Newland-Nell
Introduction to Bioinformatics III Prize:
The Sydney Brenner Institute for Molecular Biosciences prize is awarded to the best student in Applied Bioinformatics III.
Makabongwe Daluthando Simelane
Peter D Tyson:
This prize is awarded for outstanding work in the climatology course. It is in recognition of the commitment of Professor Tyson to the school and the recognition he enjoyed as an outstanding and internationally recognised scholar in the field of climatology.
Amy Jane Cooper
Peter Thompson Prize III:
This prize has been established in memory of Peter Thompson by the Tree Society of Southern Africa from donations made by Peter Thompson's friends, relatives and business associates. It is awarded annually to the student who performs best in Biogeography III or Biosystematics and Evolution III.
Brittany Alice Pearson
Rebecca Lurie Brown Award:
This award is presented annually to an academically deserving student in the second, third or Honours year of study, on the standard attained together with promise shown of ability in, and potential for, Botanical studies.
De Wet Nico Meyer
School of Physics Prize:
This prize is awarded to the student with the best performance in the third year of study for the programme BSc in the field of Astronomy and Astrophysics.
Nikisha Baboolal
School of Physics Prize:
This prize is awarded annually for outstanding performance in Physics III.
Nikisha Baboolal
Noah Judin
Separation Scientific SA (Pty) Ltd:
This prize is awarded annually to the most outstanding student in Microbiology and Biotechnology III.
Sian Arayana Vassanjee
Starfield Prize for the best student in Mathematical Modelling in Computational and Applied Mathematics: This medal is awarded annually to the top student in the Mathematical Modelling course in Computational and Applied Mathematics III.
Nikisha Baboolal
The Chembiz and Ohaus Award:
This prize is awarded to the most outstanding or deserving Chemistry III student proceeding into the Chemistry Honours course.
Minenhle Luyanda Kunene
The Frank Nabarro Memorial Prize:
This prize is awarded to the student with the best project in Physics III.
Angelia Colleen Siham Antonie
Nikisha Baboolal
The John and Coral Handley Prize:
This prize is awarded to two students obtaining the highest marks for the major geological mapping project in their third year. The prize is made possible through a be quest to the University by distinguished alumnus Dr John Handley.
Pusheletso Sebotja Mkhabela
Lebohang Lisbeth Mohafa
Thuso Magonya Leadership Award:
This floating trophy is presented in memory of Mr Thuso Magonya, former RocSoc President, who passed away suddenly in 2017. It is awarded to a Geosciences student for their personal leadership qualities and service to the School and/or University whilst maintaining consistent academic performance.
Ntebogeng Raisibe Mothibe
Top Student Award in Geography III:
This prize is awarded to the top student in Geography III in either the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Humanities.
Amy Jane Cooper
Top Undergraduate Student Award:
This prize is awarded to the third year students in the School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies who have shown the most significant improvement in marks throughout their undergraduate career. Nontokozo Promise Dhlamini
Van Riet Lowe Prize in Archaeology III:
This prize is awarded to the top student in Archaeology III in either the Faculty of Science or the Faculty of Humanities.
Amy Jane Cooper
Wyndham Prize for Physiology III:
This prize is awarded to the most distinguished student completing a Physiology III course in the Faculty of Science. The prize is in memory of Professor Cyril Wyndham, former Head of the Department of Physiology.
Chloe Celeste Joy Bartley
Zoological Society of South Africa Award:
This certificate of merit from the Zoological Society of Southern Africa and a monetary prize funded by the School of Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences are awarded annually to the best final year student in Zoology.
Brittany Alice Pearson
OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY
Chancellor
DR NJ DLAMINI MBChB (Natal) DOH (Free State) MBA (Witwatersrand) DBL (Unisa) PGCE (Witwatersrand) IEC (Stanford-USA)
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
PROFESSOR Z VILAKAZI BSc (Manchester) MSc PhD (Witwatersrand) FRS, FAAS, MASSAf
Chairman of Council
MR I SHONGWE BA (Wesleyan) MPhil (Oxford)
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
PROFESSOR R OSMAN BA (Witwatersrand) HDipEd BEd (Unisa) MEd PhD (Witwatersrand) MASSAf
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
PROFESSOR L MORRIS BSc (Hons) (Witwatersrand) DPhil (Oxford) FRSSA FAAS MASSAf
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Systems and Operations)
PROFESSOR IR JANDRELL BSc (Eng) GDE PhD (Witwatersrand) IntPE(SA) PrEng FSAAE FSAIEE SMIEEE
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (People Development and Culture)
PROFESSOR G STEVENS BA (Cape Town) BA Psych Hons MPsych (Western Cape) DLitt et Phil (Unisa), MASSAf
Registrar
MS CG CROSLEY BA HDipEd (Witwatersrand) BEd Hons (Unisa) MEd (Witwatersrand)
Chief Financial Officer
MS MM MANYAMA CA (SA) BCom Accounting (Cape Town) BCompt Hons (Unisa) BCom Hons Taxation (Pretoria) MBA (GIBS)
Dean of Student Affairs
MR JAP SEPTEMBER BA MPhil (Cape Town)
DEANS OF THE FACULTIES
Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management
PROFESSOR J COHEN BCom Hons PhD (Witwatersrand)
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
PROFESSOR T MAJOZI BScEng MScEng (Natal) PhD (UMIST) CEng PrEng FIChemE FAAS MASSAf FWISA FSAAE
Faculty of Health Sciences
PROFESSOR SA MADHI MBBCh MMed PhD (Witwatersrand) FCPaeds(SA) MASSAf, RSSAf, TWAS, CBE
Faculty of Humanities
PROFESSOR M MUSEMWA BA Hons (Zimbabwe) MA (Cape Town) PhD (Minnesota, USA) MASSAf
Faculty of Science
PROFESSOR N CHETTY BSc Hons (Natal) MS PhD (U. Illinois Urbana-Champaign) MASSAf, MSAIP
President of Convocation
MS K MUFAMADI BA LLB LLM (Witwatersrand)
Emergency and Fire Plans during Graduations
1. In the event of an emergency and/or fire:
The presiding official (Chancellor/Vice-Chancellor/Deputy Vice-Chancellor) will make an announcement requesting guests, graduands and staff to keep calm and remain seated; The Ushers will assist guests to proceed to the nearest Emergency exits in order to evacuate the Great Hall in an orderly fashion; Emergency exit signs are visible in red above all exit doors situated on your left and right hand sides as well as the back of the Hall; The Ushers will assist the elderly and disabled guests out of the building; The academic procession on stage must exit through the back stage door; Once outside the Great Hall all guests, graduands and staff must proceed to the main assembly point on the piazza.
2. In the event of 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
D G
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 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 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. 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 contact with the University to ensure the voice of the Convocation is represented at the highest levels of The University.
There are approximately 250 000 Wits alumni worldwide. The distinction of our university 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. 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/
M M
Wits University
C is a statutory body that includes all graduates of the University. Convocation is the largest constituency 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
IHELE S M
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
Ihele is known as the ‘Black’ Gaudeamus Igitur. In song, the writer, Mnomiya uses very poetic language to describe a graduation ceremony. The soloist sings of the ‘strange’ procession of people in long robes and head gear. The choir responds by saying that these people are academics who read profound books of knowledge. Mnomiya goes on to say that the graduates are an inspiration to all of us, and we will also graduate like them one
THE UNI ERSIT 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, institutions. It is silver-and gold-plated, is 1070 millimetres long and 180 millimetres broad 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
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
The academic dress of this University is patterned on that of the Universities of Oxford of degreesof bachelor and master.
D O
• 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.
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.
facing and sleeves of the gown and of the cord and tassels of the cap is silver-grey.
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 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.
broad facing of blue satin.
G G
• 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.
London pattern.
facing on each side of the gown and with the sleeve button and cord in gold.
T A H
The academic hood is the principal feature of the costume for holders of our degrees which the degree was obtained. It is scarlet silk, lined with white silk.
D C
DISTINCTLY WITS
As a 102-year-old public university in South Africa, Wits is proud of its record of
able to tackle problems using evidence-based solutions. We also engage with our communities to share knowledge that we create so as to make a positive impact on the quality of life. Wits for Good.
Wits is a world-class research-intensive university based on our intellectual excellence, international competitiveness, and commitment to social justice; all of which have a measurable impact.
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 countries other than South Africa.
• An intellectual hub of Africa, a founding member of the African Research in Africa, including 32 articles with Namibia, 61 with Botswana, 87 with
• 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
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• 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.
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• postgraduate studies and learning to make their own unique contributions to the global knowledge base.
• obtain permanent employment within 12 months of graduation.
• efforts, with contributions exceeding R 2 billion per annum.
