About Wits

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits), is a leading research and postgraduate university in the commercial heart of Africa.

WITS IS:

• internationally recognised for its academic and research excellence • an active social leader that takes a stand on social issues affecting communities, the country and globe • an engaged university committed to local transformation and the advancement of the public good • the intellectual hub of the continent, with over 40 major projects running throughout

Africa • a leader in the Palaeosciences Evolutionary Sciences and is a curator of priceless faunal,

Mrs Ples, Little Foot, Austalopithecus Sediba and the Sediba fossilsrecently discovered

Homo Naledi fossils • proud of the four Nobel Laureates and the 91 Rhodes Scholars that have emanated from the university

GET AROUND

drive yourself around. There is ample parking at Constitution Hill, and you can use the Yale Road parking at Wits University to visit the planetarium, Origins Centre, and all the university museums, galleries and theatre.

SAFETY IN JOHANNESBURG

Personal vigilance is key to remaining safe in Johannesburg. Like any other big city throughout the world, Johannesburg has its share of crime. South Africa is experiencing rapid political, social and economic change. The impact of such changes in any urban city is the same as everywhere in the world; so there is an undesirable incidence of crime, particularly petty and opportunistic crime. While statistics show a reduction in crime, it is also a place where guns and other weapons are as prevalent as in other parts of the world. We urge you to take appropriate precautions for your safety.

SAFETY ON CAMPUS

The Campus Control Division is responsible for the prevention of crime, the detection and apprehension of offenders, the preservation of peace and the protection of students, staff

a day.

What to do:

• Keep valuables in a locked place and do not carry large sums of money. • Refrain from displaying expensive jewellery and valuable items such as cameras when you walk in the street or on the seats of your vehicle. • Ensure that you carry your medical aid card at all times. • Keep your money and other valuables locked up or out of sight • When moving around campus, especially at night, keep to well-lit walkways or use the

Security escort service • Be aware of your surroundings and be on the lookout for opportunistic thieves who may snatch your belongings • Report any suspicious activity to security. It is advised that you know where you can reach someone in case of an emergency. Important and emergency numbers are provided at the back of this booklet

What not to do:

the page containing your personal details and study visa should be adequate. • DO NOT walk alone at night; walk in groups with other students. • DO NOT explore unfamiliar areas of town on your own. Report any harassment or threatening situation which you may have experienced to the appropriate authorities, including the

• Do not leave personal belongings unattended • Do not leave valuables in motor vehicles where they are visible

IMMIGRATION INFORMATION

LOST/STOLEN PASSPORTS

If a passport is stolen or lost, the incident must be reported to the police in order to get an

personal details and passport number) and a copy of the Study Visa. The student should then proceed to their embassy to apply for a new passport. As soon as the passport is available, the student should go to http://www.vfsglobal.com/dha/southafrica/ to apply for a replacement visa.

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