Graduation Ceremony
Date: 10 July 2024
Time: 14:30
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 2024! Some of you entered university as the world sank into a global pandemic, COVID-19; some were already pursuing their studies at this world class university, the University of the Witwatersrand. We applaud you for strength of character, grit, and commitment to success.
Our country continues to experience a plethora of challenges that threaten our economic stability and social cohesion, further deepening inequality and hopelessness. It is in this century that, as one of the member states of the UN that approved the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we intend to eradicate inequality, achieve peace, prosperity, and dignity for all, through partnerships while preserving the planet for future generations. We cannot achieve these lofty ambitions without your wisdom and servant leadership as you embark on your careers.
Your hard work and dedication to achieve your dreams is a true reflection of your resilience and commitment. It is this resilience that makes us confident that you have what it takes to build a better future that is equal and just. History has proven time and again that it is the weakest amongst us that determine our strength as a nation. The highly educated have the responsibility to enlighten and fight for social justice for the marginalised, for the good of humankind.
As you venture into the world, take time to expand the depth and breath of your knowledge. Read outside your specialisation, engage with people outside your comfort zone. Be lifelong learners. Understand the plight of people less fortunate than yourself. Leaders who leave 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 Integrity. May you be those leaders!
CONGRATULATIONS! HALALA! GO LEAD SOUTH AFRICA TO GREATNESS!
Dr Judy Dlamini Chancellor Wits University
A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
AND PRINCIPAL
Dear Wits Graduate,
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 and changed society for good. 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 leaders with the skills and determination that you will need to find innovative and 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.
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, FRS Vice-Chancellor and Principal Wits University
Gaudeamus igitur
Juvenes dum sumus
GAUDEAMUS
Post jucundum juventutem
Post molestam senectutem
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 Brevi finietur.
Venit mors velociter
Rapit nos atrociter
Nemini parcetur.
Vivat academia
Vivant professores
Vivat membrum quodlibet
Vivat membra quaelibet
Semper sint in flore.
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.
Pereat tristitia, Pereant osores.
Pereat diabolus, 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
It will be finished shortly.
Death comes quickly 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!
May they always flourish!
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
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.
ORDEROF PROCEDURE
10JULY2024 AT14:30
TheaudiencewillriseastheacademicprocessionentersthehallandwillremainstandinguntiltheChancellorisin place
TheChancellorwillconstitutethecongregation
TheChancellorwillwelcomethe graduands,diplomatesandguests
Conferment of anHonorary degreeonProfessorLoyisoGordon Nongxa
ProfessorLoyisoNongxawilladdressthecongregation
Conferment of degreesand granting ofdiplomas
ThePresidentof Convocationwilladdressthe graduatesand diplomates
TheChancellorwilldissolvethe congregation
Theaudiencewillstandwhile Ihele is played
Membersoftheaudiencearerequestedtostandwhiletheacademicprocessionleavesthehallandnottoleavethe hallbeforethe end oftheceremony.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Intheeventofload-sheddingorpowercuts,theGreatHallmaybecometotallydarkuntilthegeneratorcomesinto operation.
FACULTYOFSCIENCE
DEAN:PROFESSORN CHETTY BScHons(Natal) MSPhD(Urbana-Champaign)MSAIP MASSAf
MasterofScience
AXELROD,GuyRoss (with Distinction) Mathematics DISSERTATION: Tableauxanddecisionproceduresformany-valued modallogics
BIELDERMAN,Sebastian Christopher Archaeology DISSERTATION: SBLSlithictechnologyand itsbehaviouralimplications
BUTLER, KirstenAnn
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: BiodiversitystewardshipinSouthAfrica -anassessmentoftheKlipkraalbiodiversitystewardship programme and itspotentialforconservation
CHIKOMO,Nontobeko Natasha
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: Seasonalabundance and diversity ofmitesin Coffea arabicaL. atBeaverCreekCoffee Estate, South Africa
DEJAGER, Vasti
Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies DISSERTATION: Assessmentofdisposalmethodsof construction anddemolition waste: acasestudy of south-easternindustrialandresidentialareas inJohannesburg, South Africa
DUNN, Benjamin Graham Environmental Sciences RESEARCH REPORT: Commercialmaize farmers'adaptationstoclimatechange in Sannieshof, North West Province, South Africa
DUPLESSIS,Thea-Leonie
Molecular and Cell Biology DISSERTATION: Establishing and characterising organoidculturesfrom colontissueof South Africanindividuals
ESWARAN,Nithya
Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies DISSERTATION: PandemicsandHeritage:understandingtheimpactoftheCovid-19pandemiconArchaeotourism in South Africa
FREIMOND,Joseph Scott (with Distinction)
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: Quantifyingandmappingurban ecosystemservicesinJohannesburg, South Africa
GILBERT,Nikhil (with Distinction)
Computer Science DISSERTATION: An assessmentof the performance ofcontrastivelearning methodsincorporated intopolicy gradient algorithms
GILFILLAN,John Edward Malan
Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies DISSERTATION: Doespublicparticipationfacilitatethedevelopmentofacomprehensivesocialimpactassessment processin South Africa? A studyoftheCarolina town community in Mpumalanga
HARRIS,Wade (with Distinction) Palaeontology DISSERTATION: Therelationship between dentalcomplexityandmandibularshape: implicationsfor dietary inference instemmammals
HASROD,Taskeen (with Distinction) Chemistry DISSERTATION: Imputationof missingvalues and theapplicationoftransfermachine learningtopredictwater quality inacid minedrainagetreatmentplants
HECHTER, ErnstHeznz Chemistry DISSERTATION: Magneticenhancement ofa high entropyspineloxide electrocatalystforrechargeable zinc-air batteries
HOWARD, Jodi Anne
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: Holdyourhorses:the effect ofplay behaviour in horses(Equus caballus)under imposedstress
JAXA, Busisiwe
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: Thesupplyof ecosystemservicesalongan urban-rural gradient,inJohannesburg, South Africa
KHOZA,Jabulile Mathematics DISSERTATION: On the geometryoflightlikehypersurfaces
KLINKERT, CelineMegan
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: Waterqualitymonitoring of biologicalandchemicalpollutantsintotheWakkerstroom Wetland
KRISTENSEN, Daniella (with Distinction)
Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies DISSERTATION: Theholidayclimateindex: applicabilityandsuitabilityforthe South African context
KUNENE,ThembinkosiEezy (with Distinction) Mathematics DISSERTATION: Analysis ofsome convergenceresultsforinertialvariationalinequalitiesproblem and its application
KWINDA,Fhatani Molecular and Cell Biology DISSERTATION: Isolation andcharacterisationof entomopathogenicfungi
LEBANG, Kagiso BrianMoses Medical Physics RESEARCH REPORT: Aquantitative analysisof EPIDimagesfor medicalphysicsqualityassuranceusing Pylinac
LEPOTA,ThaboJames Physics DISSERTATION: Thedevelopmentofaburn-inteststationfortheATLAStilecalorimeterlowvoltagepowersupplies forphase IIupgrades
MABOYA,JosephineTshegofatso Chemistry DISSERTATION: Useoftransaminasesforthe biosynthesisof enantiopurebuildingblocksoftwoessential medicines:Ethambutoland Dolutegravir
MAKDA,Javeria Physics DISSERTATION: Theculpritforthetermination ofMars’magneticfield: Dark Matter
MAKOBE,Benjamin Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing RESEARCH REPORT: An integratedapproachfordetectingandmonitoringthe Campulocliniummacrocephalum (Less)DCusing the MaxEntand machinelearning models intheCradleNatureReserve,South Africa
MAPHALLA,Retsebile Maruruele Statistics DISSERTATION: Clusteringandclassificationtechniquesin the presence of outliers:anapplication tothe Johannesburg Stock Exchangestocks
MBATHA, Cebolenkosi Environmental Sciences RESEARCH REPORT: AssessmentoftheimpactofloadsheddingonthehouseholdsofAlexandra,Johannesburg, South Africa
MCINNES, KeiranGeorge (with Distinction)
Molecular and Cell Biology DISSERTATION: Aclotto uncover:FOXP3 and SARS-CoV-2nucleocapsid interactions and theireffecton DNA binding
MEYER,Charné Amy Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies DISSERTATION: Theextentofthe inclusionandconsiderationof extremeclimateevents and health in South African policies;thecaseof eThekwini
MOKHETHI,Ntswaki Marry
Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies DISSERTATION: An assessmentof beautywastemanagementpractices:acase studyofRustenburg beauty salons
MUNATSI, WendyTsitsi Chemistry DISSERTATION: Designandsynthesisoftriazinederivativesasnon-nucleosidereversetranscriptase inhibitors
NAIDOO,Shiven
Molecular and Cell Biology DISSERTATION: Using ChIP-seq and Gene ExpressionMicroarraydatato exploretranscriptional dysregulationof PXDN and PXDNL incardiovasculardiseases
NEFALE,Mpho Mendy (with Distinction)
Computational and Applied Mathematics DISSERTATION: Overlapping multidomainpaired quasilinearisationmethodsfor solving boundary layerflow problems
NWAKPA,ChidiElijah (with Distinction) Mathematics DISSERTATION: Relaxed inertialalgorithm forsolving equilibrium problems
OKORIE, KaluOkam (with Distinction) Mathematics DISSERTATION: Convergenceresultsforinertialregularisedbilevelvariationalinequalityproblems
ORNELAS,PedroDinis (with Distinction) Physics DISSERTATION: Skyrmionsandvectorialwavefunctions
OTTEN,Joseph Johannes Medical Physics RESEARCH REPORT: Feasibilityand the facilitation ofoff-sitetreatmentplanningservicesatCharlotte Maxeke Johannesburg AcademicHospital
PETERS,CadeRibeiro (with Distinction) Physics DISSERTATION: The Eigenmodesofcomplexmedia
RAMPFUMEDZI,TshilidziMichael (with Distinction) Chemistry DISSERTATION: Characterisation,quantificationandrecoveryofrareearthelements(REES)inSouthAfricancoal flyashsamples
RILEY,BradleyDouglas (with Distinction)
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: Heat-related health impacts:theresponsesof localgovernmentstocurrent andemerging heat extremesintheGautengProvince
ROOPLAL,Samista Kim
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: Modellingcurrentandfuture distributions of Warburgiaspecies atcontinental(Africa)andlocal (SouthAfrica)scales
SANGWENI,SiyabongaPatrick
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: Thefunction of ‘plant biltong’collectedbybushKaroorats(Otomys unisulcatus)
SOROUR, WendyLoryn (with Distinction)
Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing RESEARCH REPORT: Determiningthespatialvariationsof evapotranspirationratesinasemiaridregion
TSHABALALA,Khanyisile Agnes
Interdisciplinary Global Change Studies RESEARCH REPORT: Characterisation ofdroughtusing hydrologicaland meteorologicalindices: acasestudyof Bethlehem,SouthAfrica
TSHIVHASE,Funani
Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing RESEARCH REPORT: Monitoring andevaluatingurbanland use landcoverchange using machinelearning classification techniques:a casestudyof Polokwanemunicipality
WALKER, StephenTom
Actuarial Science DISSERTATION: Lessons forSouth Africa’sproposed socialsecurityretirementreformsfromtheexperience of othersub-Saharan African countries
XU, YiFan (with Distinction)
Molecular and Cell Biology DISSERTATION: Chromatinaccessibilitychangesduringearlymonocyte-to-macrophage differentiation
XUBA, Ntsika (with Distinction)
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: Therelationship betweenclimate variability,household foodsecurity,and child nutritionin arural social-ecologicalsystem
ZARANYIKA,ZororoEmmanuel Computer Science RESEARCH REPORT: Evaluatingpre-trainingmechanismsindeep learningenabledtuberculosisdiagnosis
ZDRAVKOVIC, Milica (with Distinction) Physics DISSERTATION: Solarcellsimulationusing Ab Initio methods
ZVIUYA, Patience
Molecular and Cell Biology DISSERTATION: ComparisonofSaccharomycescerevisiaeandthenovelwildyeastusedinbeerfermentationand theirfuture in industrialbiotechnology
BachelorofScienceHonours
BANDA, Khanyisile Chemistry
DEBEILA,Neo
DEBRUIN,JorenthiaFiona
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
DLAMINI, LindaniNqoba (with Distinction) Big Data Analytics
DLAMINI, Sinethemba Yenzokuhle
Microbiology and Biotechnology
FATYELA, Mihlali Chemistry
GAETSOSIWE, Bokamoso Lynden Geology
GOVENDER, Makaila
GOVENDER, Megan (with Distinction)
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
HLATSHWAYO, Zamangwane Chemistry
HLOPHE, LindaniMelusi
KADZOMBE,Tatenda
Computational and Applied Mathematics
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
KEKANA,Tokollo (with Distinction) Geology
KELI,Zizipho Geography
KHOZA,Keneilwe Chemistry
KHUMALO,ChrisThabo
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
KUBEKA,Mpendulo Kwanda Chemistry
KUNENE,ThembinkosiEezy Mathematics
LUQHIDE, Sibabalo Computer Science
MAFRIKA, Okuhle Mathematical Sciences
MAGAGULA, Siphokazi Makhosazana (with Distinction)
Computational and Applied Mathematics
MAKOLA, Khotso Emmanuel Mathematical Sciences
MALESA,Nthabiseng Presel Geology
MASHISHI,ElijahKotloano Elias Physics
MATHABE,TshegofatsoFreyciuos
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
MAZIBUKO, MthenjwaNdumiso Applied Bioinformatics
MBAYELA, Madie Tshimangadzo
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
MIDZUK, AdamJay Palaeontology
MKHONDO, Bradley Physics
MOGOTSI,MakgoshiOmphemetse
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
MOKOTEDI, Amogelang Geology
MORENA,Mahlogonolo Physics
MOTOTO,DintleJason
MUDAU, MoshahlamaGrany
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
MZOBE, Sphesihle Nomfundo Chemistry
NELUFULE,RofhiwaReinhard Chemistry
NTHOKE, MokgadiGabriel
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
RASETHETHO,OamogetswePrudence Geographic Information System and Remote Sensing
REDDY, Saieshnie Microbiology and Biotechnology
SANGWENI,Nkosenhle Mathematical Sciences
SEEISO,KutloanoLuyanda
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
SEGANA,Pamela Amantle Big Data Analytics
THOBEJANE, ManteRhyder Microbiology and Biotechnology
VANNIEKERK, Carla Genetics and Developmental Biology
VANZYL,AlbertusStephanus Mathematics
VILAKAZI, Precious Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
BachelorofScience
BANDA, Khanyisile
BOWDLER,Ruth
CHAUKE,Shiluva Balerina
CHAUKE,Shiseke VictorVutivi
DADOO,Amaani
FEBRUARY,ZinziGeorgia
GALA,HlulaniNqobileIsrael
HLUNGWANE,NicholasTlhandluko
KGANYAGO, MalosiMadikoto
KHATI,Naledi
KHESWA,Sinethemba Goodness
KHULU,Nobuhle S'busisiwe
LEHONG,BianchaRefentse
MABIDI, TshilidziRobert
MABUSELA, MatlanatoMatthews
MAHLOKO,Itumeleng Victor (with Distinction)
MAHOLOBELA, MitchellThakgafatso
MALELE,Risuna Clementine
MALULEKE,OndlaniJennifar
MAMATHUNTSHA,Khangwelo
MANTSHI,Nhlakanipho Wiseman
MAPHOSA, MsindisiCarlet
MARABA,KabeloTheophilus
MARABA,OmphileThato
MARIPANE,Nerrisa Segodi
MATHABE,TshegofatsoFreyciuos
MATODZI,MahlatseGiven
MAWHAYI,Senia
MAZWI, Zenande
MDLULI, SiyabongaHopewell
MHLONGO,Siyabonga
MICHAEL, Kereshlin
MOALUSI, ItumelengFelicity
MOATSHE,NokuphilaPrincess
MODISHA,KagisoGift
MOLEFE, Lesego Palesa
MOLELE, MahlatseMollen
MOLISE,Teboho Canny
MOLOI,LehlohonoloLawrence
MOSIMA,PaulKutumela
MOSOTHO,Samukelo
MTSHAISE, AndileMxolisi Innocent
MUHLALA, KamogeloShaun
MULEBA,Arinaho
MUNYAMA, Unamaanda
NAGEL, Kayla Miranda
NDJIBU, RebeccaKapambaKilolo
NDLOVU, Patience
NGCOBO,Siyabonga
NGOBENI, Andzani
NGWENYA, ZaneleOmphile
NKOSI,NeoThabang
NQINDI,Olwethu
OKOROAFOR,ChisomAlexis
PILUSA,Ripfumelo Lusilly
QOBOLO,Lethabo Shahista
RADEBE,Obakeng
RADEBE, S'phamandla Mlungisi
PostgraduateDiplomainScience
SEMAUSHU,Remofilwe Pearl (with Distinction)
RATSHIKUNI, PfunzoGift
SEKGUBE, Siphiwe
SELAPE,Neo
SEMAUSHU,Remofilwe Pearl
SHONGWE,Ntokozo Saint
SIKOE, PreciousDidintleDineo
SITHOLE, Milisa Enathi
SONJICA,Lihle
THWALA, Ayanda Blessing
TJIANA,Thato
TSHABALALA,Sifiso
ZIKHALI,Nosimilo
ZITHA,Vuyani
ZWANE,Thabo
Data Science
CITATION: LOYISOGORDONNONGXA
Loyiso Nongxa was born in 1953 at Umhlanga, a village in the Indwe district of the Eastern Cape. He was the youngestoffivechildrenin ahomewherehismotherkeptasmallgrocerystore,andhisfatherwastheheadmaster ofthelocalprimaryschool.HeattendedFreemantleHighSchoolforBoysandthenenrolledattheUniversityofFort Hare,wherehegraduatedwithaBSc(1975),aBScHonours(1976),andanMSc(1978)inMathematics,allofthese as a cum laude graduate. After two years of service as a lecturer in mathematics at the University of Fort Hare, he was selected as South Africa's first black Rhodes Scholar, which allowed him to complete his doctoral studies in mathematicsatOxford Universityin1982.
AfterhisreturntoSouthAfrica,NongxajoinedtheDepartmentofMathematicsandComputerScienceattheNational University of Lesotho as a lecturer in 1982. He then worked as a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Pure and Applied Mathematics at the University of Natal and served a Professor in the Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics at the University of the Western Cape from 1990 - 2000. During this time, he held academic fellowshipsandvisitingscholarappointmentsatvariousinternationaluniversitiesincluding atHarvard,Connecticut, Colorado, Illinois and Baylor(Texas).
Professor Nongxa is recognised as an eminent mathematician and has produced acknowledged scholarship in the field of Abelian Group Theory and representations of partially ordered sets, which has been published in highly ranked,prestigiousinternationaljournals.AtthetimeofcompletinghisstudiesatFortHareUniversityandatOxford University, he was one of the very few Black South Africans to undertake postgraduate studies in mathematics. Throughhisloveandabilityforteachingmathematics,heservedasaninspirationtomanyoftheBlackSouthAfrican mathematicianswhowould follow in hisfootsteps.
Nongxa has held senior academic leadership roles in the higher education sector. He served as the Dean of the Faculty of Natural Sciences at UWC (1999 - 2000), as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research at Wits (20002003)andastheVice-ChancellorandPrincipalofWits(2003-2013).AstheDeputyVice-ChancellorforResearchat Wits, he oversaw a process of significant improvements in the transparency and effectiveness of the distribution of research funds to academics. This remarkable change was particularly positive in supporting junior and emerging researchers. Whilst the details may have changed over the years, the principles of Nongxa’s approach to research fundingasaninstrumentforresearchcapacitydevelopmentremainsatWitsandisgenerallyfollowedthroughoutthe South African higher education sector.
His appointment as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University in 2003 came at a critical time for the institution.HewasappointedatthehelmoftheUniversity,afteranine-yearperiodofturbulenceandinstabilityinthe seniorleadershipandoperationsoftheUniversity.Nongxastewardedaturnaroundstrategythatledtothesignificant recovery and development of the academic and administrative systems. He led the restructuring of the financial management and reporting systems and ensured that Wits became financially sustainable. He also led the review andrecovery of curriculaacrossschoolsandfaculties, and entrenched excellence in academicprogrammes.
Under his leadership, a new infrastructure development programme was implemented, using an approach that became the modelfor infrastructure development in South African higher education institutions. This resulted in R2 billionworth ofnewandrefurbishedcapitalprojectsthatbenefitedstudents,staff and infrastructure.
As the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits, Nongxa gave strong expression to transforming the academy and student body with regards to race, class and gender. He guided the development and implementation of Wits’ Transformation and Employment Equity Plan and secured local and international fundraising to support these initiatives. Blackwomenas emerging academicsatthe timewere aparticularfocusofhistransformationagenda.
Nongxa also responded to the relatively low enrolments of poor students from rural areas at Wits at the time. He establishedtheBaleScholarshipProgrammeforBlackwomenstudentsinscienceandengineeringstudiesandthe TargetingTalentProgrammeforstudentsfromruralareas.Heextendedhisfocustodevelopingintellectualtalentin young people from poor and rural areas through his roles as Chairperson of the SASOL Inzalo Foundation, the TelkomFoundation andthe BP South Africa Education Trust.
Nongxa has contributed significantly to South African higher education through his leadership of the Review Committee of the NationalSystem of Innovation, the NationalInnovation Advisory Council Reference Group forthe Review of the 1996 White Paper for Science and Technology, the Review Committee of the National Research Foundation’sRatingSystem,theHigherEducationSouthAfricaResearchandInnovationStrategyGroup,theSouth African National Research and Education Network and the Board of the National Research Foundation. He also served as a member of the Councilfor Higher Education’s Task Team on Higher Education, Institutional Autonomy and AcademicFreedomandastheAdministratorof theUniversityofFort Hare(2019 –2020).
ElectedasoneofthetwoVice-PresidentsoftheInternationalMathematicalUnion(IMU)(2018-2022),Nongxaalso served as a liaison between the Union, UNESCO, and the International Science Council. In recent years, following his formal retirement as an academic, Nongxa has championed the National Graduate Academy for Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, which focuses on the development of the next generation of mathematicians and statisticiansinSouthAfrica.Hehassustainedremarkablesuccessoverthepastfiveyearsinmentoring,supporting andfundraisingforemergingacademicsinmathematicalsciencesatseveralSouthAfricanuniversities.
Consideringhisenormousandcontinuingcontributiontohighereducation,tomathematics,andforinspiringthenext generation of students and academics, both locally and globally, it is therefore befitting that the University of the Witwatersrand,Johannesburgbestows an HonoraryDoctorateDegreeon ProfessorLoyisoGordon Nongxa.
GRADUATIONAWARDS
FACULTYOFSCIENCE
Prizestobepresented at theFaculty’s prizegiving ceremony
ComputationalandAppliedMathematics III:
Thisprize isawarded tothe topstudentinComputationaland Applied MathematicsII. Ripfumelo Lusilly Pilusa
InqabaBiotec:
ThisprizeofisawardedannuallytothemostdistinguishedGeneticsandDevelopmentalBiologyMScstudentinthe Schoolof MolecularandCell Biology. Yi Fan Xu
IsaacGreenberg Award:
ThisawardispresentedannuallytoagraduateinBotanyforthepurposeofcarryingoutresearchintosomeaspect ofPlantEcology.
Tshegofatso Freyciuos Mathabe
OFFICERSOFTHEUNIVERSITY
Chancellor
DRNJ DLAMINIMBChB(Natal)DOH(Free State)MBA(Witwatersrand)DBL(Unisa)PGCE(Witwatersrand)IEC (Stanford-USA)
Vice-Chancellorand Principal
PROFESSORZ VILAKAZI BSc(Manchester)MScPhD(Witwatersrand)FRS, FAAS, MASSAf
Chairman of Council
MRI SHONGWE BA(Wesleyan)MPhil(Oxford)
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
PROFESSOR ROSMAN BA(Witwatersrand)HDipEd BEd(Unisa)MEd PhD(Witwatersrand) MASSAf
DeputyVice-Chancellor (Research andInnovation)
PROFESSOR LMORRIS BSc(Hons)(Witwatersrand)DPhil(Oxford)FRSSAFAAS MASSAf
DeputyVice-Chancellor (SystemsandOperations)
PROFESSOR IRJANDRELLBSc(Eng)GDE PhD(Witwatersrand)IntPE(SA)PrEngFSAAEFSAIEE SMIEEE
DeputyVice-Chancellor (People Developmentand Culture)
PROFESSORGSTEVENSBA(CapeTown)BAPsychHonsMPsych(WesternCape)DLittetPhil(Unisa),MASSAf
Registrar
MSCG CROSLEYBAHDipEd(Witwatersrand)BEd Hons(Unisa)MEd(Witwatersrand)
ChiefFinancialOfficer
MSMMMANYAMACA(SA)BComAccounting(CapeTown)BComptHons(Unisa)BComHonsTaxation(Pretoria) MBA(GIBS)
DeanofStudentAffairs
MRJAPSEPTEMBER BA MPhil (CapeTown)
DEANSOFTHE FACULTIES
FacultyofCommerce,LawandManagement
PROFESSORJCOHEN BComHonsPhD(Witwatersrand)
FacultyofEngineering andtheBuiltEnvironment
PROFESSORT MAJOZIBScEngMScEng(Natal) PhD(UMIST)CEngPrEngFIChemEFAASMASSAfFWISA FSAAE
FacultyofHealthSciences
PROFESSOR SAMADHI MBBCh MMed PhD(Witwatersrand)FCPaeds(SA)MASSAf,RSSAf, TWAS,CBE
FacultyofHumanities
PROFESSOR MMUSEMWA BAHons(Zimbabwe) MA(CapeTown) PhD(Minnesota, USA)MASSAf
FacultyofScience
PROFESSOR NCHETTY BScHons(Natal)MS PhD (U.IllinoisUrbana-Champaign) MASSAf, MSAIP
President of Convocation
MSKMUFAMADI BALLBLLM(Witwatersrand)
FACULTYOFSCIENCE…AMESSAGETOOURGRADUATES
The mission of the Faculty of Science is to produce excellent graduate students who are equipped to make a meaningfulcontributionbroadlytosocietyandarereadytoundertakepostgraduatestudiesatanyuniversityinthe world. A hallmark of our graduates is their independent, critical, creative and entrepreneurial thinking in the sciences,andacommitmentto makethisworld abetterplace forall.
We strongly encourage you to continue your studies as a postgraduate student in the Faculty. We offer excellent coursework and research programmes in a range of diverse areas extending from Astronomy through to Zoology. TheFacultyofScienceishometothreeoutofthesevenDSI/NRFfundedCentresofExcellenceatWits,knownfor their cutting-edge research in their respective focus areas. In addition, the Faculty has been chosen as the lead institution bythe Departmentof Scienceand Innovationto hosttheNationaleSciencePostgraduateTeaching and Training Platform in the datasciences.
Academic staff in the Faculty collaborate with leading universities and laboratories around the world. Many of our postgraduate students spend time in overseas institutions as part of their postgraduate degrees and participate in nationalandinternationalconferences.Ourresearchersareactiveparticipantsinsomeofthelarge globalscience experimentsand publish theirwork insomeof the best internationaljournals.
Witsiscommittedtomaintainingitsrankingasaleadinginternationallyrenowned universityproducingworkthatis visibleto the entireworld, andpositivelyimpactfulonthewaysinwhichweliveourlives inthe 21st century.I hope youwilljoin usin thisexcitingendeavour!
NithayaChetty Dean: Faculty of Science
A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES FROM THE PRESIDENT OF CONVOCATION
Dear Wits Graduate,
There are a few defining moments in life – and it is without 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 filled with many challenges, but a world that is also filled 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 the right to be associated with a special group of individuals – the Convocation of 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. Membership to Convocation is free and serves as an official channel, allowing you, the 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 the Wits Council (the governing body of the University) and maintains other regular contact with the University to ensure the voice of the Convocation is represented at the highest levels of The University.
There are approximately 200 000 Wits alumni worldwide. The distinction of our university is important to the prestige of our collective qualifications. We call upon you to nurture 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. Please engage with us via our numerous social media channels and keep 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/
I would like to extend a warm welcome to you – you are now a #Witsie4Life!
Ms Kgomotso Mufamadi President of Convocation Wits University
Convocation is a statutory body that includes all graduates of the University. Convocation is the largest constituency of the University (since the founding of the University in 1922, graduates number over 200 000). Its statutory mandate 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 THE PROCESSION
IHELE
Words and music by S.B.P. Mnomiya
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 day. The song goes on to wish the graduates well and it ends with a resounding “Halala” (well done!).
THE UNIVERSITY 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, William Kirk, who designed and made the mace of the University of Stirling and of other institutions. It is silver-and gold-plated, is 1070 millimetres long and 180 millimetres broad and weighs seven kilograms. The heraldic devices used in the decoration reflect the 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 numerals – MCMLXXVI (1977) – which signifies the year of the dedication of the mace.
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 DRESS
The academic dress of this University is patterned on that of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, with modifications based on the model of the University of London and certain individual features, particularly in the costumes of office bearers and the hoods of degreesof bachelor and master.
Dress for Office Bearers
• 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.
• The Vice-Chancellor and Principal wears a blue silk gown with a broad facing of 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.
• The academic dress of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and the Executive Directors is the same as that of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, except that the colour of the facing and sleeves of the gown and of the cord and tassels of the cap is silver-grey.
• The gown of the President of Convocation is of blue silk, with a broad facing of gold 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 side, bordered with gold braid. The cap is the same as that of the President of 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.
• The gown of the President of the Students’ Representative Council is black with a broad facing of blue satin.
Graduands’ Gowns
• 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.
• The gown for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is scarlet, after the University of London pattern.
• The gown for a senior doctorate is the same as that for the PhD, but with a gold satin facing on each side of the gown and with the sleeve button and cord in gold.
The Academic Hood
The academic hood is the principal feature of the costume for holders of our degrees of bachelor and master. The hood for the PhD is standard, regardless of the Faculty in which the degree was obtained. It is scarlet silk, lined with white silk.
Degree Colours
The hoods reflect the colour or colours of a particular degree or associated degrees.
DISTINCTLY WITS
As a 100-year-old public university in South Africa, Wits is proud of its record of achievement as a significant contributor to our society. We contribute people to society that are training in their chosen field that are engaged and able to tackle problems using evidence-based solutions. We also contribute knowledge that has a positive impact on the quality of life. Wits for Good.
Wits is a world-class research university based on our intellectual excellence, international competitiveness, and commitment to social justice; all of which have a measurable impact.
What makes Wits distinct? 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 in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Africa. 60% out our 2021 publications included international collaborators.
• An intellectual hub of Africa, a founding member of the African Research University Alliance. In 2021 Wits published 167 articles with Namibia, 220 with Botswana, 326 with Zimbabwe and 137 with Mozambique.
• 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 academic publications: 4 400 in 2021 and an average growth rate of 500 per year over the last five years.
• Knowledge contribution that is above global quality averages in several fields including: clinical and pre-clinical health studies (76% above global norms); arts and humanities (58% above global norms); life sciences (36% above global norms); physical sciences (12% above global norms).
• Wits is particularly associated with the study of the fields of virology, 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.
• Proud of the four Nobel laureates and the 98 Rhodes Scholars.
• Proud of our current 40 000 students of whom 16 000 (40%) are undertaking postgraduate studies and learning to make their own unique contributions to the global knowledge base.
• Proud of our 200 000 graduates. More than 90% of Wits graduates obtain permanent employment within 12 months of graduation.
• Proud of its ability to raise external funding to support and drive its research efforts, with contributions exceeding R 2 billion per annum.
FACULTY OF SCIENCE
The mission of the Faculty of Science is to produce excellent graduate students who are equipped to make a meaningful contribution broadly to society and are ready to undertake postgraduate studies at any university in the world. A hallmark of our graduates is their independent, critical, creative and entrepreneurial thinking in the sciences, and a commitment to make this world a better place for all.
We strongly encourage you to continue your studies as a postgraduate student in the Faculty. We offer excellent coursework and research programmes in a range of diverse areas extending from Astronomy through to Zoology. The Faculty of Science is home to three out of the seven DSI/NRF funded Centres of Excellence at Wits, known for their cutting-edge research in their respective focus areas. In addition, the Faculty has been chosen as the lead institution by the Department of Science and Innovation to host the National eScience Postgraduate Teaching and Training Platform in the data sciences. Academic staff in the Faculty collaborate with leading universities and laboratories around the world.
Many of our postgraduate students spend time in overseas institutions as part of their postgraduate degrees and participate in national and international conferences. Our researchers are active participants in some of the large global science experiments and publish their work in some of the best international journals. Wits is committed to maintaining its ranking as a leading internationally renowned university producing work that is visible to the entire world, and positively impactful on the ways in which we live our lives in the 21st century. I hope you will join us in this exciting endeavour!
