Partners in Student Success, One Experience at a Time. Connecting Students to Opportunities, Resources, and Each Other.
The Division of Student Affairs is a central division that plays a duty of care role for all Wits students. We are responsible for student support, student development, and the creation of a Wits experience that contributes to student success #ForStudents #WithStudents #ForGood
Dear Student,
Welcome back!
To all new students, I wish you a rewarding experience in the second block, filled with opportunities that will guide you on your path to success. At this moment, we are hopeful that your transition to Wits has been seamless.
We extend a warm welcome back to all returning students. We trust you enjoyed a rejuvenating break and are now energized and prepared for the upcoming block and rest of the year ahead.
With classes having started on Monday, 10 February 2025 and being at the start of the second academic block, I wish to remind you of the range of support services and development opportunities available. In collaboration with other departments, the Division of Student Affairs delivers services designed to enhance your wellbeing, particularly in health, emotional support, and personal development. We also present a variety of development and leadership opportunities. You can find further information on these services and opportunities and other important information at www.wits.ac.za/students.
It is essential to regularly check your official university email and to visit the Ulwazi student portal for important updates and announcements.
We invite you to embrace the year 2025 as a chance to harness your potential, build upon your past accomplishments, and discover a world filled with infinite possibilities. Although your experience at Wits may be some of the most fulfilling years of your life, we emphasize the importance of taking care of yourself and acting with responsibility.
We believe that as future graduates of Wits, you will depart from this institution fully prepared to become global citizens and impactful leaders, dedicated to enhancing your communities for the better. #WitsForGood.
Stay in touch and look out for many more editions of the Student Affairs Newsletters.
27 January - 07 February
On January 26, 2025, Wits University welcomed more than 6,000 first-year students during its annual welcome day ceremony. This event was succeeded by a two-week University transition programme known as Gateway To Success, which combined academic content and skills with aspects of student life, health, and wellness. The GTS Programme is mandatory for all newly enrolled first-year students and, as part of its annual dynamic offerings, it provided a variety of student life and transition initiatives.
Find out more about the First Year Experience Program
After completing the Gateway to Success programme, students are equipped to navigate the Wits online Learning Management System, Ulwazi, so that they hit the ground running once classes commence They learn how to navigate the campus and identify sources of support. Furthermore, students are introduced to the First Year Experience programme, running all year long
The aim of the FYE programme is to support the student life and academic journey of first-year students through facilitative experiential learning opportunities
The postgraduate orientation once again marked the commencement of a journey new postgraduate students The welcome ceremony, held in the Great Hall was attended by senior university executives, the Postgraduate Association (PGA), and the Student Representative Council (SRC)
The formal agenda was complemented by various sessions designed to enrich the student experience, addressing topics from degree-specific content to faculty-oriented programmes
The orientation also excelled in facilitating networking opportunities for new postgraduate students, featuring social events like Cocktails on Concourse and a Sip and Paint organized by the PGA Mr Jerome September, the Dean of Student Affairs, encouraged students to immerse themselves in campus life, noting that while the journey can be solitary, the system is structured to ensure their success
One of the key highlights of the orientation was the introduction of the Graduate Online and Learning Development (GOLD) programme. Open to all postgraduate students, it combines advanced academic training with essential professional development opportunities, equipping students to thrive in research, academia, and beyond.
Find out more about the GOLD Program
The annual Wits Sport 5km Night Run buzzed with energy Hosted at the Wits Club on West Campus, the event gathered a large crowd of athletes from all backgrounds to relieve the pressures of the upcoming academic year The event drew a lively crowd of first-year students, postgraduate students, staff, and alumni, all ready to embrace the thrill of the competition.
Get more insights on the 2025-night run
The Wits Spirit Game is a lively event that welcomes first-year students, with enthusiasm and university pride As they arrived, students were given eyecatching Wits University T-shirts, which contributed to an electric atmosphere of excitement and togetherness. The event began with an encouraging welcome speech from the Dean of Students, Mr. Jerome September, who conducted the first-year t-shirt reveal and declaring the first years Witsies4Life A standout moment was the electrifying football match between Wits University FC and Orlando Pirates FC, marked by high energy and fierce competition, which ended in a 1-1 draw, leading to a penalty shootout. While Orlando Pirates FC initially took the lead in penalties, the Witsies fought back to equalize. Ultimately, the opposing team claimed victory in the shootout
The O-Week festivities commenced once again with an event filled with laughter, a vibrant crowd, sharp one-liners, and entertaining observational humour The SRC presented its Comedy Night, showcasing headliners Suhayl Essa, Mbali Gudazi, and Prins.
The SRC elevated the O-Week experience into a laid-back evening indoors, reminiscent of a Netflix and Chill vibe, enhanced by the perfect ambiance of Blink Twice's showcase
The evenings were a blend of thrill and fresh starts Sturrock Park was not just at full capacity; it was alive with enthusiasm as a crowd of eager new and returning students came together to conclude the O-Week festivities. Featuring an impressive lineup, the event offered students an experience they would likely never forget.
Given the persistent funding crisis affecting students in higher education, the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) initiated a fundraising campaign aimed at alleviating the financial burdens that prevent students from registering for the upcoming academic year. This year's campaign is titled the SRC #KoboYaThuto - Legacy Fund, designed to serve as a lasting initiative that empowers future generations of students to achieve their academic aspirations. The SRC, through this project, has reinforced its position as a representative for those on the brink of financial exclusion.
“The SRC Fund is not just about raising money, it about breaking down the walls of systematic inequality, ensuring that no student at Wits is forced to abandon their education due to inability to pay tuition or registration fees ” - Nombulelo Chiya, SRC President ‘25
The SRC set out to raise R15 million and successfully garnered R9 million In response to this fundraising effort, the SRC opened an application process that received interest from over 600 students in need of assistance Despite limited capabilities, the SRC helped hundreds of undergraduate and postgraduate students register.
For funding opportunities, please visit the opportunities alert page
Donate to the SRC Legacy Fund
Meet the SRC Team
In January 2025, the House Committees attended a teambuilding camp at Konka in Magalies, with a focus on enhancing collaboration and unity. This experience allowed members to strengthen their relationships, gain a better understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses, and develop crucial teamwork skills.
Guidance was offered to the House Committees on how to identify the fundamental values that shape their residential culture. During the session, conducted by Mr Njabulo Maphumulo, participants gained valuable insights into recognizing and defining these values, which are crucial for cultivating a collective and inclusive community
During O-Week, CHRL, in partnership with Wits distinguished alumnus Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, showcased a compelling performance that he both wrote and directed. This production captured the experiences of first-year students, highlighting the various challenges they encounter.
All Wits residences united to showcase their talents through a range of artistic performances, engaging in a lively competition against each other. The winners of the day were:
Session 1: Noswal Hall
Session 2: Men’s Halls of Residences
The Res Life Office organized a day-long visit to all 15 residences to advocate for a Green Campus and sustainability initiatives The event was made more meaningful by the attendance of Ms Earth Each residence had the chance to name a tree, with students responsible for its care Six to eight trees were planted at each residence, encouraging a united effort towards environmental sustainability
With a grey sky overhead, the residences of Wits united for a day, taking part in numerous activities and games set up by the All Residences Sub-Council The atmosphere buzzed with laughter as new friendships emerged, connections grew stronger, and unforgettable moments were shared.
Launched in 2023, the Feed A Barnie initiative addresses the urgent needs of NSFAS and self-funded students who lack access to food on weekends This year, the programme was introduced in collaboration with the Wits SRC, the Wits ARSC, and the Sizanani Legacy project, all of whom contributed to the preparation of meals for their fellow Barnies
The Varsity Cup made a comeback to the Wits Campus, supported by an enthusiastic crowd of Wits students. The lively atmosphere on Monday evenings has invigorated the Wits venue during home matches against FNB UP-Tuks, FNB NWU, FNB UJ and FNB Maties.
We would like to commend the Wits Young Guns for their remarkable rugby season, having earned a place in the finals set to occur at Stellenbosch University on April 14, 2025, where they will face UCT #Halala Witsies Halala.
The Abe Bailey Travel Bursary is a distinguished award that enables South African students and young professionals to travel to the United Kingdom. Its purpose is to enhance their understanding of different cultures and provide significant international exposure, particularly in the professional, cultural, and academic sectors of the UK
In 2024, Kamogelo Mabe from Wits was honored with this prestigious award, joining 15 other young individuals from affiliated higher education institutions The group commenced their experience in Cape Town with an induction before embarking on their travels to London and visiting several other cities in the UK, such as Cambridge, Oxford, and Edinburgh
Kamogelo reflected on the tour, calling it a transformative experience that was deeply humbling “The journey not only immerses individuals in a new culture but also sparks a dedication to service and a commitment to advancing one’s country in the fight against injustice If I had the chance, I would eagerly embark on this journey once more without hesitation”.
Ten students, accompanied by university personnel, participated in an 11-day educational tour as part of a programme initiated by Student Affairs to develop future leaders. Their journey took them to significant Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Beijing, as well as the rural community of Yaoli Village, where they engaged in a variety of educational experiences with local students. The tour highlighted essential themes such as social and technological innovation, the green economy, smart cities, student life, global change and sustainability, BRICS and international partnerships, cultural revitalization, and cross-cultural communication
China is a masterpiece of architectural, cultural, and technological excellence. From its historical depth to it its futuristic ambition, I have been truly inspired by this experience and humbled for the opportunity to explore and learn, says Siyamthanda Mashicila (One of the delegates)
Find out more on A Journey Through China’s History, Innovation & Culture
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Vinolia Austin for her new role as the manager of the Spar Proteas. She continues to leverage her impressive experience as a Sports Officer at Wits Sport in her professional journey, and wil not be an absent face to Wits as she will continue playing her active role at Wits Sports
The division proudly congratulates Basil Mugwena for his election as President of the Association of College and University Housing Offices - South African Chapter (ACUHO-I SAC). Basil's extensive experience as the Director of Campus Housing and Residence Life (CHRL) at Wits University positions him well for this significant leadership role
POSTGRADUATEBOOKCLUB:
23 April 2025, Senate Room,
11 April 2025 17 April 2025
6 & 7 May 2025
25 July 2025
Applications Open - 17 April 2025
Applications Close - 08 May 2025
Shortlisting of Candidates - 23 May 2025
Wits Interviews - 30 May 2025
Central Abe Bailey Interviews - June 2025
(CLICK ON THE LOGO FOR MORE INFORMATION)
STUDENT GOVERNANCE OFFICE
The Matrix Building, Second Floor
STUDENT TRANSITIONS & PERSISTENT UNIT (STPU)
Marang Building, Second Floor
Education Campus
DEVELOPMENT LEADERSHIP UNIT (DLU)
The Matrix Building, First Floor
WITS COMMUNITY & CITIZENSHIP OUTREACH (WCCO)
Sanctuary Building, East Campus
RES LIFE OFFICE
Men’s Halls of Residence, East Campus
CENTRAL ACCOMMODATION OFFICE
Solomon Mahlangu House, First Floor
PRIVATE STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
40 Jorissen Street, Braamfontein
CCDU BRAAMFONTEIN CAMPUS WEST [MAIN OFFICE]:
CCDU Building, Braamfontein Campus West, Wits University
CCDU EDUCATION CAMPUS:
Marang Block, M14 Ground Floor, Education Campus, Parktown,
WITS SPORT
Sturrock Park, West Campus, Braamfontein
WITS CAMPUS HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTRE
Matrix Building, Basement