VIRTUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY - Humanities Graduation Date: 21 July 2021 Time: 13:30 - Wits University
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VIRTUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY
Humanities
Graduation Date: 21 July 2021
Time: 13:30
DEAN: PROFESSOR G STEVENS BA (Cape Town) BA Psych (Hons)
MPsych (Western Cape) DLitt et Phil (Unisa)
1
A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES
FROM THE CHANCELLOR
Congratulations to all the graduands for working hard and staying
focused in order to achieve this milestone!! I also congratulate your
parents for not only supporting you but creating an environment
that allowed you to thrive. It takes a village to raise a child, the
aunts, the grandparents, amongst others are the reason we are
able to celebrate these achievements. Thanks to the lecturers who
contributed to your success. Well done.
May this be the beginning of a life of continuous learning, investing in
yourself, and investing in the communities that nurtured you. Nurture the
relationships that you’ve formed and those that you will form as you journey
through life. Umuntu umuntu ngabantu. Life is about collaboration with others.
Dream big, act consistently with integrity, self-respect and respect for others, and the
universe will conspire to make you achieve your dream/s. A positive attitude & hard work will
bring you closer to your dream and your purpose. Use others’ successes as your inspiration.
Wits is full of those, from Nobel Prize Laureates to world leaders in different fields of society.
You have received world class education. Use it to make a difference in other people’s
lives. Especially those less fortunate than yourself. We are a country with many needs,
identify a role you can play to make a positive difference; you owe it to this country and
the people that invested in you.
Find your Purpose and Live it. Help Africa Rise!
Dr Judy Dlamini
Chancellor
Wits University
There is no limit to what you can achieve,
if you put your mind and your best effort into it!
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A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES GAUDEAMUS
FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
AND PRINCIPAL
Gaudeamus igitur Let us rejoice therefore
Juvenes dum sumus While we are young.
Dear Wits Graduand Post jucundum juventutem After a pleasant youth
Post molestam senectutem After a troublesome old age
Congratulations on successfully completing your academic Nos habebit humus. The earth will have us.
programme at Wits, the premier university in Africa.
Ubi sunt qui ante nos Where are they
You are now a member of an elite group of graduates of this In mundo fuere? Who were in the world before us?
august institution. Our more than 200 000 alumni are at the cutting Vadite ad superos You may cross over to heaven
edge of excellence, both locally and internationally in business, the
Transite in inferos You may go to hell
public sector, the academy, and civil society. Today, you become a
member of that illustrious community. Hos si vis videre. If you wish to see them.
Over the past 99 years, Wits has grown into one of the leading universities on the continent Vita nostra brevis est Our life is brief
and a globally respected institution for its teaching and learning, knowledge creation and Brevi finietur. It will be finished shortly.
generation, and social impact. It has shaped the lives of many and changed society for Venit mors velociter Death comes quickly
good. You are now an integral part of this proud and enduring Rapit nos atrociter Atrociously, it snatches us away.
legacy. Nemini parcetur. No one is spared.
Wits is renowned for its intellectual leadership and for nurturing critical thinkers, creative Vivat academia Long live the academy!
innovators, problem-posers and problem solvers. Your success has furthered our Vivant professores Long live the teachers!
commitment to equipping the next generation of leaders with the skills and determination
Vivat membrum quodlibet Long live each male student!
that you will need to find innovative and sustainable solutions to the pressing problems of
the 21st Century. Vivat membra quaelibet Long live each female student!
Semper sint in flore. May they always flourish!
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 Vivant omnes virgines Long live all maidens
community that makes you a true global citizen. You have been part of an institution that Faciles, formosae. Easy and beautiful!
generates cutting-edge knowledge and innovation for South Africa and the world. It is Vivant et mulieres Long live mature women also,
now time for you to step into the world and use that experience, for good. Tenerae amabiles Tender and loveable
Bonae laboriosae. And full of good labor.
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 Vivant et republica Long live the State
participating in our alumni programme and by further advancing the reputation of your
et qui illam regit. And the One who rules it!
alma mater.
Vivat nostra civitas, Long live our City
Best wishes for the next steps of your journey. Maecenatum caritas And the charity of benefactors
Quae nos hic protegit. Which protects us here!
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Pereat tristitia, Let sadness perish!
Wits University Pereant osores. Let haters perish!
Pereat diabolus, Let the devil perish!
Quivis antiburschius Let whoever is against our school
Atque irrisores. Who laughs at it, perish!
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FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
ORDER OF PROCEDURE DEAN: PROFESSOR G STEVENS BA (Cape Town) BA Psych (Hons) MPsych (Western Cape) DLitt et Phil (Unisa)
21 JULY 2021 AT 13:30
Bachelor of Arts
The audience will rise as the academic procession enters the hall and will ABADA, Alexandra CHILIZA, Zama Melanie
remain standing until the Chancellor is in place
ADAM, Riaz CHIMUKUPETA, Makanatsa Kareen
The Chancellor will constitute the congregation AKHTAR, Syed Mohammad Naeem CHINSAMY, Cody Wynton
AMANJEE, Aisha COLLAROS, Mario
The Chancellor will welcome the graduands and guests
AMBROSE, Bev Cara COUTINHO, Tiago Do Vale
Address to the congregation BAATJES, Shona CROSS, Tiisetso
BALL, Skyla Palesa Hunter CWAYI, Nozuko
Conferment of degrees BALOYI, James Cedrick DABULA, Nqobile Ofentse
BALOYI, Mushe Desmond DA ROCHA, Victor Alexandre
The President of Convocation will address the graduates
BALOYI, Tintswalo DAVIDS, Lenore Claudia
The Chancellor will dissolve the congregation BAVA, Zia DE LIRA DE GOUVEIA, Jacinta Daniela
BEBINGTON, Micaela Lara (with Distinction) DHLAMINI, Mbali Zakithi
The audience will stand while Ihele is played
BENEFELDT, Aamirah DHLOMO, Nomalungelo Phephile Slindele
Members of the audience are requested to stand while the academic BENJAMIN, Thabizolo DIKOLA, Mogomotsi Aubrey
procession leaves the hall and not to leave the hall before the end of the
BHAM, Khadija DLAMINI, Luyanda
ceremony.
BLOSE, Sethabile Nontuthuko DLAMINI, Nosipho Temalangeni
IMPORTANT NOTICE BORE, Nompumelelo DUNLOP, John Anthony Blackadder
In the event of load-shedding or power cuts, the Great Hall may become
BOROWITZ, Kayla Sharni (with Distinction) FRANKS, Jordan Rachel
totally dark until the generator comes into
operation. BRENNER, Abigail FRANS, Yanela
CHABANT, Taine Mckellar Blue GIRADHARLAL KALYAN, Sapna
CHAKAUYA, Paidamoyo Natasha GLIXMAN, Pesachya (with Distinction)
CHANGUNDA, Farai Henry Sean GOK, Sumaiya
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GOODFORD, Gabriella Tiffany LAHER, Faatima Hasshim MASVORE, Ashley MOLOI, Karabo Pontsho
GOVENDER, Darshana Tyler LANGA, Nhlakanipho Nhlaka MATAYAUNGA, Nyasha MOLOI, Samantha Lettie
GRANT, Quinn Lee LEBOOA, Keitumetse MATHEBULA, Gwendoline Philile MONTJANE, Lethabo Jenny
GUMBI, Shanley Nomagugu LONGHOW, Meeca Jennifer MATHEBULA, Richard Sipho MONYELA, Mokgwalo Phillemon
GWATIDZO, Mercy LOTTER, Kyla MATHIBELA, Sello Godfrey MOONSAMMY, Miche Kim
HADEBE, Ayanda Nobuntu MAAKANA, Bongani Blondy MATHOLE, Nomvuyo Reabetswe MORRISON, Steven
HARDS, Sarah Ann MABANGA, Bulelani Zanele MATLOU, Fana Kenneth MOSHELEDI, Moemisi Thabo
HARTMAN, Emma MABASO, Lindokuhle Nompumelelo MATOMANE, Asiphe Willie MOYAKE, Sihle Keamohetswe
HEALLY, Raymond MABUZA, Nondumiso Felicity MATTHEWS, Gabriel William MPETE, Bontle
HERBST, Lynzi MAGORO, Thapelo Philemon MAWASHA, Thapelo Marvin MPHELA, Mokgaetsi Claudette
IDIABOLO, Yone Hillary MAHLANGU, Nkosingiphile MBISHE, Nomathibane MPOFU, Allan Kuziva Kholisile
IFEADI, Zamokuhle MAHOMED, Azrah MCARTHUR, Kerry Yanine MTHETHWA, Busisiwe Nokuthula
IKANENG, Ratanang MAIMELA, Molebatsi Percy MEKILE, Siyamthanda MTIYANE, Nomzamo
JAMBO, Vongai Rachel MAKALIMA, Pumlile MESHA, Thabang MTSHALI, Sthembile Nothando Lady-Love
JAMES, Sihle Dawn MAKAN, Jiten MGUDLWA, Dumisa Bantu MUDAU, Timothy
JUAN, Chantelle Anastasia MAKOLOANE, Benny Junior Lehlohonolo MKANSI, Clifford Danelson MUDYAZHEZHA, Tafadzwa Grace
KAMBAFWILE, Kalaba Anne-Sandra MALATJA, Masontaga MKIZE, Londeka MUDZINGWA, Anesu Anani
KAZIWA, Lebogang Tshepiso MALATJI, Mahlatse Beverly MMANASWE, Dumisani Israel MUJUMI, Kimberley Prisca
KEKANA, Thabang MANKONKWANA, Abongile MNCUBE, Nobukhosi Caroline MUKHELI, Ndivhuwo Elaine
KHOLONYANE, Quincy Masana MAPAILA, Mohale MNGUNI, Nkosinathi Tebogo MULLER, Sharon
KHUMALO, Sukoluhle Murwa MARAIS, Tanya MODISHA, Seabi Lesego MULUVHAHOTHE, Maharula Tshatsinde Tshigontswiri
KHUNDAYI, Jabulile Nicolline MARAVANYIKA, Tanyaradzwa Michaella MOHONE, Tshepiso Promise MUNGADI, Koketso Mpho
KIESER, Zen Genesis Aviva MARIWANDE, Simbarashe MOKABA, Lulu Mamphiwa (with Distinction) MUNJOMA, Michelle Alexis
KOCHUKOV, David George MASEKO, Nosipho Nonhlanhla MOKOENA, Phiweinkosi MUSABAEKA, Fungai Ryan
KOK, Lee Andre' Carmen MASENYA, Matsobane Vincent MOLEFE, Brigette Bonolo MUSINAHAMA, Cleopas Tendekayi Manatsa (with
Distinction)
KOLELE, Thabo MASSEY-HICKS, Brent Glen
MOLEFE, Thato Dolly MUTAMBANESANGO, Thando Tanya
KWINANA, Siyasanga Siliziwe MASUPHA, Tholoana
MOLELE, Molatelo Maggy MVELASE, Fezeka Nonduduzo
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MWALE, Divine-love PARAGE, Lindokuhle Itumeleng RAJAH, Talia Brittany ROWAN, Alethea-Aan
MYATAZA, Litha PARGAS, Samihah RAMABOYA, Thabang Shaun RUSSELL, Almitra
MYENI, Sandile PASQUES, Hannah (with Distinction) RAMAFAMBA, Elekanyani Canny SAFI, Matthew Anthony (with Distinction)
NAIDOO, Temia PASSOS, Monique Coimbra (with Distinction) RAMBASE, Phodzo Evans SALOOJEE, Zainab
NAIDU, Hansica PATANE, Mpho Bushi RAMMAI, Asnath Pitsi SAMBO, Leonard Letlhogonolo
NCUBE, Felistas Sijabuliso PATEL, Dhrutika RAMPHENYANE, Phophi Danna (with Distinction) SANDLENI, Siphosethu
NDLOVU, Adalis Hazel PATEL, Tamia RAMPHOMANE, Gopolang Damaria Kate SARLIE, Zayaan
NDLOVU, Nqobile Potia PETER, Andrea Nathania RANGATA, Paballo SAYED, Munawwarah
NDLOVU, Sharon Thando PETERS, Liam Lyle RANTIDI, Setsoali SCHMITZ, Danielle Caitlyn
NENGOVHELA, Tshimangadzo Lufuno PETERS, Nadeema RASHAMA, Bohlale Nokuthula SECHABELA, Karabo
NETHENGWE, Tshinakaho Mulamuleli PHAKATHI, Diana Brown RATHOKOLO, Refilwe Deborah SEEDAT, Ammaara
NETSHIENDEULU, Mashudu PHALANE, Boroko RATLHAGANE, Oletilwe Goodness SEEDAT, Aziz Ahmad Yahyaa
NETSHIVHAMBE, Mpho Elmon PILLAY, Tanique Shannon RAVELE, Thapelo Nathaliern SEEDAT, Rumana
NGOBENI, Vonani Communion PITA OLIVAL, Julia Lucinda RAYNER, Samuel Matthew SEGONE, Tshepiso Mmabotshe
NGWENYA, Innocentia Nombuyiselo PITT, Sarah Robyn READHEAD, Ashleigh SELEKANE, Cleopatra Tshipa Lerato
NHLAPO, Thandiwe Patience POONEE, Aradhana REDDY, Rohini Chelsea SELEPE, David Mosebetsi
NOKWANE, Galaletsang Mosate POTTERTON, Adam Dominic RENNIE, Emma-Elizabeth SEME, Vanessa Helen
NORMAN, Dean Ariel PRETORIUS, Ivanka Jelenka RIBA, Koketso Pertunia SENOSI, Katlego
NTANZI, Busisiwe PUPUMA, Mbalientle RICHARDS, Braden SEPHIRI, Sechaba Khotso Thabo
NTHATHAKANE, Lerato Anita PYLMAN, Gafieda RINI, Thabang Siphokazi SERMAN, Rebecca Amy (with Distinction)
NTIMBANA, Lulama QAKISA, Mpho ROCCAS, Alexandra Claire SEROBE, Garret Itumeleng
NTOBELA, Yonela QUADLING, Kieran Patrick ROCKER, Shoneez SEROKOLO, Kelebogile
NUKERI, Nobuhle QWESHA, Qhama (with Distinction) RODWELL, Karabo-Maya Sankara SETABA, Boitumelo
NXUMALO, Olonathando Philasande RADFORD, Alexander Gabriel RONDGANGER, Darren Steven SEWSANKER, Leshika
NZAPHEZA, Mabalane Jabusile RAE, Meghan ROOS, Matthew Alec SHIVAMBU, Celiwe Hlekane
OHANNESSIAN, Timothy Thomas RAGUNANAN, Deliksha ROSSER, Christee Alceson Elizabeth SHONGWE, Jacoline Faith Boitumelo
OLUBAMERU, Oluwaseun Abimbola RAHIMAN, Ummi-Hani ROTHERO, Claire (with Distinction) SIAKACHOMA, Muleya Mweni
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SIBEKO, Qondisa Nolwazi THOVHAKALE, Andani Arnold GRADUATION AWARDS
SIBISI, Lindiwe TRIKAM, Mikhiel Bharat FACULTY OF HUMANITIES
SICHILYA, Chiluba Jane (with Distinction) TSHABALALA, Palesa
Prizes to be presented at the Faculty’s prize giving ceremony
SIDERAS-HADDAD, Sophia Mary TSHEPE, Caroline Mmabotsha
David Hammond-Tooke Prize:
For excellence in Anthropological Studies in third year
SILBER, Rachel TSHINABA, Tshianzi Palesa Karabo-Maya Sankara Rodwell
SILBERMAN, Adam Daniel (with Distinction) TSIENYANE, Oratile Olebogeng School of Geography, Archaeology & Environmental Studies: Top Student Award in Geography III:
This prize of R1 000.00 is awarded to the top student in Geography III in either the Faculty of Science or the Faculty
SILVESTRIADIS, Alexis (with Distinction) TSOAFO, Tebello Victor of Humanities
Rohini Chelsea Reddy
SIMELANE, Mzwandile Mpumelelo Ntando URDANG, Lauren Jackie
SITHOLE, Nozipho Francisca VAN RENSBURG, Nicola
SITHOLE, Thokozile VILANCULU, Danubio Nelio
SOLWANDLE, Luthando Unathi VUNTU, Nkcubeko
STEYN, Merlene Kaysee WILLIAMS-MBINA, Veronica
STRANSKY, Caitlin ZHANJE, Tadiwanashe Gaylord
SUBRAMONEY, Lauren Justine ZONDI, Nompilo Nokuthula
TAKOLIA, Muazzam ZULU, Nhloso Siluleko Hamilton
TEMA, Thokwadi Karabo ZUNGU, Sibongakonke Nompilo
THAKER, Agastya Asvin ZUNGU, Simphiwe Senamile
THANJEKWAYO, Ntokozo ZVAKANAKA, Rumbidzai Loyce
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OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY HUMANITIES AT WITS
The Faculty of Humanities is a leading, vibrant centre of academic and research excellence on the continent.
Chancellor
DR NJ DLAMINI MBChB (Natal) DBL (Unisa) MBA (Witwatersrand) IEC (USA) Our students undergo rigorous theoretical and methodological training which imparts strong research and analytical
skills and enables them to adapt, and often define, the constantly changing world of work. Our students learn to think
Vice-Chancellor and Principal critically – they are problem-posers, problem-solvers, and active social citizens who make a difference in society.
PROFESSOR Z VILAKAZI BSc (Manchester) MSc PhD (Witwatersrand) MASSAf FAAS
The creative suite of programmes on offer in the Faculty equips our students to compete globally and to act locally.
Chairman of Council To this end, the Faculty engages creatively and critically with its location in Johannesburg – South Africa’s most
MR I SHONGWE BA (Wesleyan) MPhil (Oxford) globally networked city – taking advantage of its dynamic political, social, economic and cultural links to the rest of
Africa and the world.
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
PROFESSOR R OSMAN BA (Witwatersrand) HDipEd BEd (Unisa) MEd PhD (Witwatersrand) MASSAf The Faculty drives innovation in our undergraduate and postgraduate studies by encouraging multi-disciplinary,
cross-disciplinary, interdisciplinary and trans-disciplinary programmes that link the arts, social sciences, natural
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) sciences, engineering, health sciences, education and law. To this end, we have collaborative degrees in Digital
PROFESSOR L MORRIS BSc (Hons) (Witwatersrand) DPhil (Oxford) FRSSA FAAS MASSAf Arts, E-Science, Institutional Studies, Public Health and Law. As a research intensive university, the Faculty is
steadily increasing its post-graduate enrolments in order to innovate and service the needs of our fast changing
Registrar world. The Humanities Graduate Centre is a home for collaboration and public intellectual activities where students
MS CG CROSLEY BA HDipEd (Witwatersrand) BEd Hons (Unisa) MEd (Witwatersrand)
are active participants.
Chief Operating Officer The Faculty offers a wide range of research-oriented programmes, including professional degrees. Collectively, our
MR F SIBANYONI BSc (Eng) (Natal) MBA (Cape Town) PrEng SMICMEESA
programmes impart skills that offer graduates access to a range of careers across a variety of professions in the
public and private sectors, including, academia, research institutes and science councils, governmental and
Chief Financial Officer
non-governmental organisations, civil society, and corporate enterprises, amongst others.
MR PC DESAI BCom (University of Durban, Westville) BCompt. Hons (Unisa) CA (SA)
Renowned for its distinguished academics and scholars, the Faculty is home to globally acclaimed and emerging
Dean of Student Affairs
scholars working at the horizon of the knowledge economy. Its cosmopolitan mix of international and local staff are
MR JAP SEPTEMBER BA MPhil (Cape Town)
located in a number of disciplines that are highly ranked across a range of global higher education measures. It is
home to more than 70 researchers rated by the South African National Research Foundation as having national and
international standing. Our scholars are innovating at the leading edge of research in the areas of African art, area
DEANS OF THE FACULTIES studies, cities and housing, human migration, diversity and difference, critical race studies, violence, gender and
sexuality, cultural studies, translanguaging, narrative, and labour/work etc. Our mission is to develop and advance
Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management globally impactful scholarship on the questions that define and disrupt what it means to be human in the twenty-first
PROFESSOR I VALODIA BCom (Unisa) BCom Hons (Natal) MSc (Lancaster) DEcon (KwaZulu-Natal) century.
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment The Faculty boasts a number of prestigious research institutes including the Society, Work and Politics Institute; the
PROFESSOR IR JANDRELL BSc (Eng) GDE PhD (Witwatersrand) IntPE(SA) PrEng FSAAE FSAIEE SMIEEE Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research; the Centre for Researching Education and Labour; the History
Workshop; the African Centre for Migration and Society; and the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies. To complement
Faculty of Health Sciences the research institutes, we host 10 prestigious research chairs.
PROFESSOR SA MADHI MBBCh MMed PhD (Witwatersrand) FCPaeds(SA)
• NRF Chair in Local Histories
Faculty of Humanities • NRF Chair in Critical Diversity Studies
PROFESSOR G STEVENS BA (Cape Town) BA Psych Hons MPsych (Western Cape) DLitt et Phil (Unisa) • NRF Chair in Mobility and the Politics of Difference
• NRF Chair in Political Theory
Faculty of Science
PROFESSOR N CHETTY BSc Hons (Natal) MS PhD (Urbana-Champaign) MSAIP MASSAf • NRF Chair in Skills Development
• NRF Chair in African Languages for Social Inclusion and Access
President of Convocation • NRF/FRF Chair in Mathematics Education
S BOLON BA Hons MA (Witwatersrand) • NRF/FRF Chair in Numeracy
• UNESCO Chair in Teacher Education for Diversity and Development
• Caxton Chair in Journalism
The Faculty of Humanities remains a dynamic hub of teaching innovation, research excellence and critical
scholarship embedded in a local and global society. Our extensive list of renowned alumni provide inspiration for our
current students and new graduates to leave their mark in society.
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14 15Emergency 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.
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16 17NATIONAL ANTHEM MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
OF CONVOCATION
Dear Wits Graduate,
There are a few defining moments in life – and it is without doubt that
Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika graduation is one of them!
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo,
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
Yizwa imithandazo yethu, many challenges, but a world that is also filled with limitless possibilities.
Nkosi sikelela May you meet all the challenges and opportunities that await you with
Thina lusapho lwayo. pride, drive, passion, innovation, social-conscience and positive-purpose.
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso, In addition to earning the degree conferred upon you today, you have
O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho, also earned the right to be associated with a special group of individuals – the
O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, 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.
Setjhaba sa, South Afrika — South Afrika.
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
Uit die blou van onse hemel, with several unique privileges, which include nominating the Chancellor of the University. The
Uit die diepte van ons see, Convocation Executive has two members on the Wits Council and maintains other regular
Oor ons ewige gebergtes, contact with the University to ensure the voice of the Convocation is represented at the highest
Waar die kranse antwoord gee, levels of The University.
Sounds the call to come together, 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
And united we shall stand, value of your degree by promoting Wits’ image, preserving our values, and contributing towards
Let us live and strive for freedom our ongoing development, ensuring that we grow in stature as a globally competitive, proudly
In South Africa our land. 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, invitations to events and reunions and all the latest news about
Wits and prominent Witsies: https://www.wits.ac.za/alumni/updateyourdetails/
I would like to extend a warm welcome to you – you are now a #Witsie4Life!
Stacey-Lee Bolon
President of Convocation
The Wits Choir
Convocation is a statutory body that includes all graduates of the University.
The Wits Choir has been under the direction of conductor and trainer, Dalene Convocation is the largest constituency of the University (since the founding of the
Hoogenhout, since 1995. Their repertoire is colourful and vibrant. They perform regularly University in 1922, graduates number over 200 000). Its statutory mandate is to “…
at graduations and important ceremonies. The Wits Choir has toured internationally discuss and state its opinion upon any matters relating to the University including
as well as playing host to other choirs here. They are also active in the community, matters referred to it by the Council” and allows for the views of graduates to be
undertaking choral outreach programmes. represented at the highest levels of governance of the University.
18 19IHELE (THE PROCESSION) THE UNIVERSITY MACE
IHELE THE PROCESSION
Words and music by S.B.P. Mnomiya Maces were originally weapons of defence, designed
to break through armour. In medieval times, bishops
Anhom carried a mace instead of a sword into battle to
Falalala enable them to defend themselves in accordance
Obani labo? Who are those? with the canonical rule that forbade a priest to shed
Baphi Ahhom? Which, Falalala? blood. In time, the mace has come to be regarded
as a symbol of delegated authority vested in a person
Ngibona beza I see them coming or an institution. At this University, it is a symbol of the
Beyikazela Walking with swinging garments authority vested in the Chancellor and a reminder of
Bathwel ‘ongiyane They are wearing head rings the mandate given by the legislature of this country to
Bavela kuphi na? Where do they come from? the University to grant degrees.
Obani labo? Who are those?
Ongqondongqondo They are people with knowledge The University mace is the work of the Edinburgh designer,
Osibakhulu They are people in authority silversmith and engraver, William Kirk, who designed and made
Yibo labo hhom! These are the ones 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
Yini na leyo? What is that? kilograms. The heraldic devices used in the decoration reflect the character of this University
Ihele It is a procession as an institution of learning, set in a mining centre within the Republic of South Africa.
Ihele lezingwazi zakithi A procession of our heroes
Ahhom udwendwe The head of the mace with its spreading vertical blades is symbolic of the horns of
Ahhom It is a procession a springbok. The central vertical spike is representative of a rock drill on the mine, and
Udwendwe lwezingqwele zakithi A procession of our champions the amber stone set in the head is intended as a tribute to a past Chancellor through its
Nant’ ihele Here is a procession association with his name, Bernstein, which in German means amber stone. The heavy
Longqondongqondo Of people of knowledge quality of the head is consistent with the traditional concept of the mace as a weapon
Nant’ ihele Here is a procession of defence. The collar repeats the shape of the head. It consists of eight cogs which
Losibakhulu Of people of knowledge symbolise the cog-wheel in the University coat of arms and represents mining and industry.
Udwendwe A procession The shaft is octagonal and divided into three sections. The coat of arms of the University is
Udwendwe Iwezingqwele zakithi A procession of our heroes 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
Ihele is known as the ‘Black’ Gaudeamus Igitur. In song, the writer, Mnomiya uses Republic of South Africa. It is a constant reminder to members of Council and Senate
very poetic language to describe a graduation ceremony. The soloist sings of the to uphold at all times the rights, powers and privileges of the University and its governing
‘strange’ procession of people in long robes and head gear. The choir responds by bodies.
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!).
20 21ACADEMIC DRESS DISTINCTLY WITS
The academic dress of this University is patterned on that of the Universities of Oxford and Wits is one of only two universities in Africa to be placed in the top 200 (from amongst
Cambridge, with modifications based on the model of the University of London and certain 23 000 universities world-wide) in two separate international rankings. A world-class research
individual features, particularly in the costumes of office bearers and the hoods of degrees university, Wits aims to be in the top league of world leading universities built on intellectual
of bachelor and master. excellence, international competitiveness and measurable impact.
Dress for Office Bearers Wits is:
• The Chancellor wears a scarlet silk gown with a broad facing of black velvet down • internationally recognised for its research and its accredited academic programmes
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 • an active leader that takes a stand on social issues
gold silk down each side, embroidered in blue, the sleeves being lined with gold • an engaged University committed to the advancement of the public good
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 • The latest 2017 alma mater survey by Times Higher education ranking placed Wits
down each side and around the neck, the sleeves being lined with gold silk. The amongst the world’s top 100 universities from which Fortune 500 CEOs graduated
cap is of the same design as that of the Chancellor.
• a University that boasts highly skilled teams working in astronomy, physics and related
• 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 areas on the SKA project and other SA telescopes, and at CERN in Switzerland where
facing and sleeves of the gown and of the cord and tassels of the cap is silver-grey. Wits academics made a significant contribution to finding the Higgs Boson
• The gown of the President of Convocation is of blue silk, with a broad facing of • the institution that maintains the highest proportion of independent financial support
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. • a leader in the evolutionary sciences and the curators of priceless faunal, floral and
• The Registrar wears a black silk gown with a broad facing of blue silk down each hominid collections including the Taung Skull, Little Foot, Sediba and Naledi fossils
side, bordered with gold braid. The cap is the same as that of the President of
Convocation. • proud of the four Nobel laureates and the 91 Rhodes Scholars that have emanated from
• A member of Council wears a black silk gown with a broad facing of gold silk. The the University
cap is the same as that of the Chancellor. • the intellectual hub of Africa and has over 40 key projects actively running on the
• The gown of the President of the Students’ Representative Council is black with a continent
broad facing of blue satin.
• proud of its more than 200 000 graduates. More than 97% of Wits graduates obtain
Graduands’ Gowns permanent employment within 6 months of graduation
• 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. • renowned for its balanced approach to all disciplines. Half of all enrolments are in the
• The gown for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is scarlet, after the University of Science, Engineering and Technology fields
London pattern. • proud of it academics who wrote four research articles that are ranked in the world’s top
• The gown for a senior doctorate is the same as that for the PhD, but with a gold 0.1% best articles in 2016
satin facing on each side of the gown and with the sleeve button and cord in gold.
• pleased to collaborate with peers across 179 countries, including all the countries in Africa,
The Academic Hood bar two. Outside of South Africa, Wits produces most of its research in collaboration with
The academic hood is the principal feature of the costume for holders of our degrees leading universities and research centres in the world.
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.
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