Editorial

Citizens hold the key to our future

On 29 May this year, South Africans head to the polls in the seventh democratic general election in a very different mood to the euphoria and optimism that characterised the country’s first democratic election.

Three decades later there is deep concern and disappointment at the state of our country.

An initial period of growth and development that followed the historic 1994 election has been overshadowed by a devastating decline in service delivery, largely attributed to the impact and consequences of state capture.

However, while the deterioration of state services understandably dominates conversations, there is another story— and it’s not only that we have the best rugby team in the world! Research-intensive institutions like Wits have experienced continuous growth and development since 1994 and have remained centres of excellence the country can be proud of.

The enduring value of a Wits education is evident in the consistently high ranking the University achieves for alumni success. Currently, Wits ranks 21st globally for employment outcomes in the QS World University Rankings 2024, 98th for employability according to the Center for World University Rankings 2023, and 4th worldwide (outside the USA) for producing self-made Ultra High Net Worth individuals according to Wealth-X. Additionally, Wits topped the Times Higher Education University Impact Rankings 2022 for its contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goal of decent work and economic growth. In a cutting edge field like AI, two Wits graduates,

Pelonomi Moiloa and Shakir Mohamed, made it onto TIME magazine’s 2023 Top 100 AI per sonalities in the world list.

On Page 6, an actuarial graduate reflects that he was fortunate to take a tour of campus and concludes that Wits today is in far better shape than when he was a student in the eighties. This observation has spurred us to encourage alumni to visit campus to experience the beauty and tranquillity of the University first hand. In a world often fraught with conflict and division, Wits is a haven that ensures all students feel safe and their views, rights and beliefs are respected. Anyone wanting a tour of campus is welcome to contact the alumni office.

Beyond academia, the private sector, communities, neighbourhoods, and individual citizens are increasingly taking action to fill gaps in service delivery. While these initiatives cannot absolve government from its responsibilities, they are empowering civil society to play a greater partnership role in the development of the country and showing there is opportunity in adversity.

Throughout its history, South Africans have shown they are resilient and after 30 years we are no longer a naïve democracy. The stark reality and consequences of corrupt leadership have been laid bare, fostering hope that a more engaged society will demand ethical leadership and hold the corrupt accountable. Countless selfless individuals fought for a democratic, just, prosperous, and more equitable society. It is their example that we should remember and be inspired by as we reflect on the journey we should take over the next 30 years.

Peter Maher, Director of Alumni Relations