PhD
Graduation Ceremony
Date: 03 April 2025
Time: 17:00
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
03 APRIL 2025 AT 17:00
The audience will rise as the academic procession enters the hall and will remain standing until the Chancellor is in place
The Chancellor will constitute the congregation
The Chancellor will welcome the graduands, diplomates and guests
Address to the congregation
Conferment of degrees and granting of diplomas
The Acting President of Convocation will address the graduates and diplomates
The 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 ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
DEAN: PROFESSOR T MAJOZI BScEng(UND) MScEng(UND) PhD (UMIST) CEng PrEng FIChemE FAAS MASSAf FWISA FSAAE
Master of Architecture (Professional)
BERHE, Delina Daniel
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Emblems of Sociality: Transversal social spaces in re-imagining the identity of a modern African City: the case of Central Addis Ababa
CLIFFORD, Kerry (with Distinction)
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Nourished Roots: the kitchen as a living ecosystem, reappropriating a barn in the centre of Skeerpoort
DAMJANOVIC, Ana
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Rest in Peace: Encouraging empathy, compassion and interconnectedness through the design of a rehabilitation centre within Braamfontein Cemetery
DIAS, Jessica
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: A bridge to belonging: an inclusive living and day care community in Benoni, South Africa for adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
DOYLE, Keagan Christopher (with Distinction)
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Moving Mbombela: a multi-modal transportation hub reconnecting South Africa's Lowveld
EDGAR, Jack Douglas (with Distinction)
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Ruin, Repair and The Hinterland: Adapting ruin in the East Rand. Ekurhuleni to form an Ecology Centre in the repair of post-extraction landscapes
GROBLER, Leonie
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Birth Freedom: Healing architecture's impact on the experience of childbirth and healthcare through a Community Maternity Centre in Alberton
JACOB, Anneline
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: A Conservationist Menagerie: Redefining the Johannesburg Zoo through a multi-species educational facility
KOCK, Melissa Patricia
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Being towards [Death]scapes: Exploring the liminal as a space for counter-poetics to re-emerge in Avalon Cemetery
LACHMAN, Kaylene Janelle
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Bridging Communities. A community centre to encourage and facilitate intergenerational connections in Johannesburg
LIANG, Mei Han
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Architecture of mist: a sacred scents cultural preservation through a traditional incense hub in the Sasong Village, Tibet, China
LIEBRICH, Michael
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: [em]Powering Change: Re-adapting and re-imagining the former Athlone Power Station, Cape Town
LUDICK, Kyle Jarrod
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Crossing the Divide: Integrating an Innovative Sports Centre into community regeneration and youth development in Frankenwald
MAHOMED, Nabeel
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Interconnected Voidscapes; Re-imagining Northcliff's cultural landscape through architectural intervention
MAMABOLO, Mokgadi Maggy
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Sacred Landscapes Under Siege: "Resolving disputes over mining claims on sacred landscapes in Musina through the legal lens of a Land Court"
MAXWELL, Ryan
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Crafting Communities. Empowering Bezuidenhout Valley through construction workshops: a blueprint for self-sufficiency and collaboration
MC DOUGALL, Kayla Kate
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Cultivating Terraformation. Propagating agronomic empowerment through agricultural waste transformation in the farming corridor of Ofcolaco, Limpopo
MOLL, Georgia Stephanie (with Distinction)
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Wasteland/ Wetland: Rewilding water systems in post-mining landscape in the Nigel Region
MORKOS, Verena Emad George (with Distinction)
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Ruins As Record: Reconstructing narratives on a former miners' compound in Germiston
MUTINGA, Mercy Ndanu
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Form Follows Fashion: Translating Haute Couture Crafts into Architectonics
NANKELA, Junior-Steps Tulela (with Distinction)
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Social Nex[us]: Reimagining public life and cohesion in Windhoek West through empowering student entrepreneurs and their side hustles
OHLSON DE FINE, Tammy-Lee (with Distinction)
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Groundwork: Exploring architecture-environment reciprocity in the Karoo
OSATO, Matteo
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Up The Bucs: Cultivating community identity through sustainable placemaking and sports architecture in Orlando
RAINHO, Marco
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Unifying Lines: Community cohesion through the integration of sport and education facilities
RUBIN, Daron Yoni
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Innovate Youth: a dynamic Youth Hub and Learning Center
SHIBURI, Katleho
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Immersed In Community: Environmental remediation of a mining-impacted township through collective, participatory agricultural research and production
VAN HEERDEN, Stefan
School of Architecture and Planning Design Project: Envisioning Empowerment: Crafting a realm of learning for visually impaired scholars in Mondeor
Master of Science in Building
JACOBS, Mbulelo Majoni Mohammed Noor RESEARCH REPORT: Behavioural Patterns of Distressed Residential Properties
Master of Science in Building
CHIHOTA, Kennedy Nyasha
GOVE, Andrew Ian
KHUMBANE, Aaron Selekane
LEDWABA, Esther Selina
MAAKE, Mandisi Zanenhlahla
MABASA, Felicia Lindiwe
MABOKO, Mokgale
MADLALA, Amanda Bongekile
MADLOKAZI, Uviwe Nowabo
MAGESI, Rendani Collin
MAHLABA, Nombulelo
MAKHADO, Thingahangwi Austin
MAKHUBELE, Mona Laurika
MALINGA, Nqobile Success
MANGALANA, Tumelo
MAOTO, Nkwane Raymond
MAREDI, Mosetengwane Moipone
MAROBE, Petronella Tebogo Lesego
MAVASA, Tiyiso
MBADZO, Pray
MBATHA, Cebile Sithandwa
MEKO, Violet Katlego
MKHALALI, Boniswa Xoliswa
MNCWABE, Anelisa Thembeka
MOLOI, Smangele Prudence
MORTON-SHEPHERD, Lee
MOYO, Tholakele Tracy
MPHELA, Noko Bridget
MTHEMBU, Thulani Ernest
MUTEBU, Daniel
MUTSHINYALI, Azwindini Paddy
NAIDOO, Lurendrin
NEMAVHULANI, Unarine
NENZHELELE, Suzan Moleboheng
NERO, Martin Keith
NGWAZI, Philani Brian
NHLAPO, Lesedi
NKOMO, Dumaza
OBIEROMAH, Itome
PHOSHOLI, Goodman Kennedy Thabiso
PUTUKA, Thabo
PUZI, Mbasa
RAMAFEMO, Kholofelo Faith
RAMARUMO, Thembuluwo
RULUMENI, Namhla
SHABALALA, Derick Nsimbi
SHABANGU, Cynthia Zethu
SHIVAMBU, Risuna
SIMELANE, Yolanda Bongiwe
SITHOLE, Nontokozo Portia
TSHABALALA, Nonhlanhla
TSHISIKULE, Mutondwa
VENKATSAMI, Simeon
VUNDLA, Siphelele Namhla
ZUNGU, Nozipho Halalisiwe Snenhlanhla
Master of Science in Quantity Surveying
SITHOLE, Sithela Bridgette
School of Construction Economics and Management DISSERTATION: Incorporating value management in public sector project delivery processes: the case of the Infrastructure Delivery Management System (IDMS)
Bachelor of Architectural Studies
ABDOOLA, Faatimah
ABRAHAMS, Enriquo
ALLEN, David Connor
BURGESS, Kerrin
CHENGETA, Linda Cheludo
CUMBERLEGE, Tylo Cornelle
FRANCIS, Maleeq Ethorne
GERBER, Ceylan Jaryé La'Treal
GORORO, Hannington
HILDEBRAND, Liam Cole (with Distinction)
IFEZULIKE, Rebecca Lebohang Ifeoma
JASSAT, Aqila Imraan
JASSAT, Taskeen
KABUIKA, Elly Kalala
KARAM, Megan
KATHRADA, Sulayman Ishrat
KESHAV, Sahil
KOFFMAN, Khanyisa Masego
LE SUEUR, Andre-Juan
LETLOKOA, Oratiloe
MABOYA, Rethabile
MAHLATSE, Siphelele Irven
MAKWANGUDZE, Vimbainashe
MARAIS, Amy
MASWODZA, Harold Mandipa
MATHEBULA, Theron Tevin JNR
MIDGLEY, David Neil
MOKALAPA, Mmabatho Grace
MOLLO, Boitumelo Tabita
MOLOKWANE, Rebaone Oarabile
MOTHOMOGOLO, Kyle Ngoako,Kaya
MXHALISA, Xolile Nondumiso
NCUNYANA, Oluhle Onelisa
NGOBENI, Mohau Khongelani
NHLABATSI, Nothemba Musa
NKOHLA, Asnath Thembi
NYIKADZINO, Ruvimbo Malaika
OKAFOR, Chisom Gift
PETERS, Nathaniel Dean
RAMAKOALIBANE, Dintle
RAO, Ruaan
SEEDAT, Fatima Zahra
SIKHOSANA, Mbali Crystal
SODO, Kanya Cheryl
THACKRAH, Kyra Sage (with Distinction)
VAN TONDER, Zané
WHITE, Erin Stella
Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning
BESHENGA, Thokozile Entle
EBBEY, Joy
KHUMALO, Ntombifuthi Percevierance
KRISHNA, Cameron Andrea (with Distinction)
KRUGER, Elizabeth
MABUSELA, Thabo
MAJOLA, Anele Kim
MAJOZI, Senamile Siphelele
MATLOU, Neo Caroline
MAUBANE, Kgalalelo
MBUYANE, Nkazimulo Magret
MGATYELWA, Kamvelihle
MKHIZE, Ntombiyenhlanhla Agnes
MOKHESI, Anita
MUOFHE, Bono Vision
NDUDE, Siyabulela
NKUNA, Ashley Mlunghisi
PADI, Neo Mosima
RADEBE, Awethu
ROBUS, Joshua Ian
SHAZI, Sinethemba Aphelele
SHONGWE, Yenzokuhle
SOTOMELA, Princess Phumla
TSHAUAMBEA, Mulweli Takalani
VAN DER MERWE, Chloe Alexis
Postgraduate Diploma in Construction Management
BIYASE, Zethembe Francis
CHAUKE, Rhulani Sharon
Construction Project Management
Construction Project Management
DANJE, Brighton Construction Management
DEMBEDZA, Levitico
JOHNSON, Ian Robert
KHOZA, Fikile Portia
MADZIWANZIRA, Admire
MAHLEHLO, Khazamula Ronald
Construction Law and Contract Management
Construction Project Management
Construction Law and Contract Management
Construction Law and Contract Management
Construction Project Management
MALAPANE, Ketso Measter
MBHELE, Sithandokuhle
MCNEIL, Angelo Nitram
MOLETE, Mpho Gloricia
MOTUPA, Tintswalo Judith
NARE, Ramatoba Marks
NDEBELE, Freedom
NDOU, Lugisani Retsidisitsoe
NKHAHLE, Leruo Oswald
Construction Project Management
Construction Project Management
Construction Management
Construction Law and Contract Management
Construction Project Management
Construction Project Management
Construction Law and Contract Management
Construction Law and Contract Management
Procurement and Delivery Management
PAMHIRWA, Memory Magabo Health and Safety Management
PETLANE, Teboho
PRETORIUS, Barbara Monica Nikky
SEKGEJANE, Edwin Tshegofatso
SELOLO, Nkwe Hope
SHABANGU, Sheperd
TLHATLHOGI, Lebogang Karel
WHITHAM, Mathew Ashley
Postgraduate Diploma in Planning
ANANDLAL, Johara
MAMETSE, Batsile
Construction Project Management
Construction Project Management
Construction Project Management
Construction Law and Contract Management
Construction Law and Contract Management
Construction Project Management
Construction Project Management
SEIMA, Augustine Maela
Postgraduate Diploma in Property Development and Management
APHANE, Thabiso Amit
DITSHEGO, Zisanda
DYANI, Nqabomzi
GUMEDE, Nqobile Olwethu
Facilities Management
KGOSANA, Johannes Lesetja
KHANYILE, Naledi Tracy
KHOZA, Khandlela Terrence
LEFULEBE, Rebuselelitsoe Celinah
MAGERMAN, Ines Lushaan
MALABIE, Dlamani
MALOTANE, Chireletso
MASINA, Sinazo Sisanda
MATHENJWA, Thembelihle Lindelokuhle
MATSHABA, Mamaise Elizabeth
MBATHA, Siphiwe Ephraim
MKUMBUZI, Catherine Pheladi
MOSIAPOA, Boitumelo Eunice
MTOMBENI, Cozoma
NCAMAZANA, Sonwabile
NDLOVU, Francis Mbasti
NYAMIMBI, Nozicelo Grissel
PHUNGULA, Nompumelelo Purity
SOTOMELA, Ayanda
SOTOMELA, Mbobela
TSHABALALA, Nkosinathi Sydney
VUMANE, Monica
Facilities Management
Facilities Management
Facilities Management
Facilities Management
Facilities Management
Facilities Management
Facilities Management
Facilities Management
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)
FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Engineering and the Built Environment underpin almost every facet of our livelihoods. They reside at the core of human advancement. Without Engineering and the Built Environment professionals, life would be immensely challenging at best, and virtually impossible at worst. Our roads, bridges, buildings, cities, cars, aeroplanes, fuels, energy, financial systems, media, VR, communications systems, medical devices would not be possible without these professionals.
The University prides itself on producing global leaders in the space of Engineering and the Built Environment. Our graduates reflect the country’s diversity in terms of race, class, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender. At Wits we focus on graduating young people who have the critical and analytical skills required to contribute to developing South Africa’s economy, but also have the practical know-how and leadership qualities to make them equivalent to the best in the world, and capable of attaining leadership positions anywhere they choose.
Development of Scarce Skills
The generation of Engineering and the Built Environment graduates in South Africa must allow us to respond to the challenges posed by the National Development Plan and the urgent need to renew the economy. Currently, South Africa has one engineer for every 3 200 people, which is meagre when compared to countries like Brazil, India and China, that boast one engineer for every 200 people on average. Simply put, South Africa ought to produce at least ten times more engineers to compare with our counterparts in the BRICS community.
A vastly expanded local development of high-end technical and design skills is therefore a national imperative. The Wits Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment takes its responsibility of producing skilled young graduates very seriously, and we encourage our graduates and their families and friends to partner with us to improve on all avenues of our offering, and in so doing play an active role in ensuring the best possible future for all. We continue building a faculty that not only offers the very best teaching, learning and research facilities, but is also a great place to grow, live in and to visit.
Accreditation
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built environment boasts a full house of accredited programmes in both engineering and the built environment spheres. All our first degrees in engineering are accredited by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) under the Washington Accord. This includes the only fully accredited Aeronautical Engineering programme on the continent. Career opportunities for engineers are limitless, extending well beyond the engineering sector. The BSc Construction Studies is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (UK - CIOB), the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (UK - RICS), the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession (SACQSP) and the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) whilst the BSc Property Studies is accredited by the South African Council for the Property Valuers Profession and is recognized by the USA’s Institute for Real Estate Management (IREM). At the Honours level, the BSc Honours in Construction Management and Quantity Surveying, respectively, are accredited by the South African Council for the Quantity Surveying Profession and the South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions and both Honours degrees are accredited internationally by the CIOB and RICS.
The Bachelor of Architectural Studies and Master of Architecture (Professional) are accredited by the South African Council for the Architectural Professions (SACAP) and the Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA). The Bachelor of Science, Urban and Regional Planning (Hons) and Masters of Science in Development Planning are accredited by the South African Council for Planning (SACPLAN).
The Faculty also maintains strong links with industry – via student bursaries, scholarships and internships, endowed professorships or chairs, and funded research entities. We value and cherish our role in our city, our Nation, and the world.
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.
