University of the Witwatersrand
Public university in Johannesburg, South Africa / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (/vətˈvɑːtəsrɑːnt/), commonly known as Wits University or Wits, is a multi-campus public research university situated in Johannesburg, South Africa. It is renowned for its commitment to academic and research excellence, social justice, and the advancement of the public good. It is one of the leading universities in Africa and is ranked in the top 1.5% of universities worldwide.
Former names | South African School of Mines (1896–1904), Transvaal Technical Institute (1904–1906), Transvaal University College (1906–1910), South African School of Mines and Technology (1910–1920), University College, Johannesburg (1920–1922)[1] |
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Motto | Scientia et Labore (Latin) |
Type | Public university |
Established | 1922; 102 years ago (1922)[2] |
Affiliation | AAU, ACU, FOTIM, HESA, IAU, [[African Research Universities Alliance [ARUA]], Open Society University Network, Taillores Network, CIVIS University Alliance |
Chancellor | Dr Judy Dlamini |
Vice-Chancellor | Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi FRS[3] |
Chairman of Council | Mr Isaac Shongwe |
Academic staff | 1,273 (Full-time, Permanent)[4]1,273 |
Students | 40,704[4] |
Undergraduates | 24,575[4] |
Postgraduates | 16,129[4] |
2,459[4] | |
Location | , , 26°11′27″S 28°1′49″E |
Campus | 6 urban and 1 ruralan campuses, 480 hectares |
Colours | Blue Gold |
Nickname | Wits |
Mascot | Kudos Kudu |
Website | www |
The University has its roots in the mining industry, as do Johannesburg and the Witwatersrand in general. Founded in 1896 as the South African School of Mines in Kimberley,[2] it is the third oldest South African university in continuous operation.[5]
The University has an enrolment of 40,704 students as at 2023, of which 24,575 (60%) are undergraduate students and 16,129 (40%) are postgraduate students.
Wits is home to over 200,000 graduates who make their mark across the world. Four Nobel prize winners studied at Wits University.