Image: Shivan Parusnath
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S NOTE
A spirit worthy of celebration
T
his year has been extraordinary in every sense. We came back to a campus that was abuzz with the energy of thousands of students and staff members who had endured two years of pandemic-enforced seclusion. The timing of the pandemic’s downward trajectory was fortuitous as it coincided with our centenary year. This allowed us to hold in-person celebration events and embark on a global outreach programme. It also allowed us to normalise teaching and learning, and students were elated to finally be able to graduate in the Great Hall again. A university is not just an institution that awards qualifications and conducts research. We are a global community of Witsies with many maintaining lifelong connections to former lecturers, classmates and to the University. This year was an ideal opportunity to strengthen our relationship with all constituencies of the University as we celebrated 100 years of remarkable growth and success. A highlight for me has been the opportunity to celebrate our centenary with the global alumni community. I travelled to the East and West coasts of America, the UK, and Canada, meeting a range of Witsies, in their homes, boardrooms and at reunion events. As I write this I am about to leave for Australia. What has struck me on all these visits is the warmth with which I have been welcomed and the gratitude alumni express for the quality of education they received at Wits.
These trips reinforce the University’s reputation as a global institution and are an opportunity for us to learn about the successes and achievements of Wits graduates in the diaspora. Another highlight was the Homecoming Weekend we held from 2 – 4 September 2022. It was a jam-packed three days, from a spectacular light show projected onto the façade of the Great Hall to a homage to the Free People’s Concert. But what moved many to tears was witnessing the joyous spirit of a modern-day Rag Parade winding its way through the streets of Braamfontein. I was honoured to lead the parade and I have never felt prouder to be a Witsie than being part of this jubilant celebration of students, staff and alumni. I am very heartened and grateful for the support and goodwill that has been shown to me personally and to the University during this special year. Going into next year, the bar has been set. Our Centenary fundraising campaign has surpassed all expectation with our various teams raising over R2.5 billion and is on track to meet our ambitious target of R3 billion to support research, teaching and learning, infrastructure, and students. Given the trajectory of the University over the past century and spurred on by our achievements this year I can say with confidence, “The best is yet to come.” Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Nov ember 2022 5
