We break our backs in the act of giving, and we forget that we need to be cared for, too.

The first act of giving I came to know of was by my mothers. 

I was born at 26 weeks, three months before my due date. Undeterred by the consequences for herself and her unborn baby, my mother fought to deliver me on the operating table. After four months in neonatal care, I met Betty, my family’s domestic helper and the mother who has largely raised me. 

In her essay, The Crane Wife, CJ Hauser references a story by the same name from Japanese folklore. In the story, the crane wishes to marry a man she knows will not love her if he knew she was a bird. To trick the man into believing that she is a woman, the crane hides her true self. Every night, she plucks out all of her feathers with her beak. Every morning she is exhausted, but she is a woman again. “To keep becoming a woman is so much self-erasing work. She never sleeps. She plucks out all her feathers, one by one,” Hauser writes. 

Hauser is right. To become a woman is self-erasing. I lost my identity long ago in the act of giving to the men around me. I was shuffled into shoes that had already been worn by the women before me, and was expected to assume the role assigned to me: preened into the perfect woman for marriage. 

When I was a young girl, I was already conditioned by my mother and grandmother into assuming the role of caregiver. My parents bought me baby dolls to nurse, invited me into the kitchen to learn how to roll rotis with my grandmother and thrust a tea tray into my hands to serve the men in my family. Meanwhile, my uncles and boy cousins sat comfortably on couches watching football and on deck chairs smoking cigarettes as the women waited on them. The only time the men would lift a finger would be to beckon me or my girl cousins over to pass the sugar.

I am fortunate that my mother has always encouraged me and my sister to strive for our goals. Marriage, at least for my mother, was not the final goal to be attained but rather a milestone to be passed on the path to achieving whatever we wanted. For me, that was a journalism degree and a career with AJ+.

But there remains the traditional conception of women that threads itself through the minds of the older women in my family. On the morning of my birthday every year, my grandmother calls me to wish me well and to remind me of my ticking biological clock. For Indian girls like myself, 22 is on the way to being too old. A girl is not a woman until she has found a man to complete her, and to give to.

Like the crane-wife, my mother, grandmother and I pluck out all of our feathers every morning and give to our fathers, brothers, husbands, children, colleagues and friends.We must put our own needs on the back-burner while we attend to those around us.

But when a woman is in need, Hauser writes, she is considered needy. “She is meant to contain within her own self everything necessary to be happy.”

I have watched the women in my life wrestle with their needs to accommodate everyone else around them. In myself, I have noticed the need to put the men in my life before me, to always settle for less. My mothers gave, and continue to give. We break our backs in the act of giving, and we forget that we need to be cared for, too.

We do not need to pluck our feathers. Like the men we help raise, we are capable of flight. In the words of Toni Morrison, “If you wanna fly, you got to give up the shit that weighs you down.” All we have to do is break away from tradition and the norm even if it means getting married at 45, if at all.

FEATURED IMAGE: Imaan Moosa. Photo: Wits Vuvuzela.

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The discussion was meant to focus on LGBTQIA+ issues but reflected more on African versus Western medicine.

“Sexuality has been used as a key to immoral issues for too long.” These were the words of Glenda Muzenda from the Centre for Research and Development of South Africa (CeredevSA) as she reflected on the impact of colonialism on African spiritual culture.

Muzenda was speaking at a panel discussion on African spirituality at the heart of the LGBTQIA+ community at Wits’ Solomon Mahlangu house on Saturday, August 3. She was joined by Dr Coenie Louw of the Gateway Health Institute, traditional healer Makhosi Sphamandla Gwala, and spiritual medium Ambuya Nyasha Kariza. The discussion was facilitated by Dialogues for Change’s Dumisani Mkhondwane-Dube.

Despite the stated intention of the discussion, there was little focus on the intersection between African spirituality and the LGBTQIA+ community and more on the relationship between African traditional medicine and western medicine.

“From the perspective of a traditional healer, diseases have natural and supernatural causes. We need to start integrating the two,” said Louw, who offered a medical perspective on the topic.

Muzenda argued that one of the reasons why Africans had not documented their practices in the colonial era was because of the fear that these might be stolen. “Currently, we need to have knowledge that is grounded in African understanding and not have people write for us. What we’re buying into is an understanding that is very flawed. As Africans we need to go back to the origins of information that talk to Africa and sexuality,” she said.

Kariza and Gwala tried to bring the topic back into focus by questioning religious and traditional approaches to sexuality.

“All the Bibles I’ve read have told me that God is love. If that’s the case, why would he hate the LGBTQIA+ community?” Kariza asked.

The discussion focused on the relationship between African and western medicine. Photo: Molobogeng Makoka.

Tsholofelo Matlhola, 21, a third year BA law student described the talk as disappointing.

“Reading the title from the poster I was really excited because it was in relation to the LGBTQIA+ community. Going there, I felt felt that they failed to make the connection between African spirituality and  the LGBTQIA+ community.

“But I enjoyed the group conversations that followed after the discussion about how we should start integrating African spirituality in the mainstream and reclaiming our identities as Africans and removing the concept that whatever is from the West is universal and legitimate,” Matlhola told Wits Vuvuzela.

The discussion came two weeks ahead of traditional African medicine week, which will run from August 26 – 31, 2019.

FEATURED IMAGE: (From left) Glenda Muzenda , Dumisani Mkhondwane – Dube and  Makhosi Sphamandla Gwala  discuss issues of sexuality, religion and African spirituality and medicine. Photo: Molebogeng Mokoka

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After a previous failure to launch, Wits Rugby have again introduced a women’s sevens rugby team.

Wits Rugby held a preliminary training session for a new women’s sevens rugby team on Monday, August 5, after announcing the introduction of the new team on July 31.

This comes after previous failed attempts to introduce a women’s rugby team to the university.

Monday’s training session was the second session held this year after try-outs held earlier in the year failed to produce a team.

Nineteen Witsies arrived for the session which was conducted by the team’s newly appointed head coach Marius Adams.

“The numbers were a big issue. We didn’t have the numbers of female players coming through to join and be part of the squad. And we didn’t really have a coach at that time and it was difficult for us coaches to coach the ladies as well as the gents,” Adams told Wits Vuvuzela.

Khanya Makhothi, a first-year health sciences student said the rugby administration may have been too concentrated on the male players to start a women’s team.

“I think it’s about time Wits started a female rugby team. It’s also good they partake in all the other competitions that other varsities do and to promote women’s rugby,” she said.

Newly appointed Wits rugby club manager Ferdinand Kelly said the timing was finally right to introduce a women’s team at Wits.

“At the moment, women in sport is massive. It’s a part of history. It’s the first women’s rugby team at Wits. It’s a special thing but it’s been due for a long time,” he said.

Makhothi said that the lack of women’s rugby at Wits had made her want to transfer schools.

“The only reason I wanted to leave Wits was because they didn’t have a female rugby team. Females need to be respected in sport and if not now then when?” the 18-year-old said.

First-year BA student Noluthando Ndaba expected to find a women’s rugby team at Wits when she enrolled.

“They tried to start a team in the beginning of the year and that failed so I’m a bit sceptical of this but hopefully everything works out,” she said.

The training sessions are being held in anticipation of the University Sport South Africa Sevens rugby tournament taking place in Margate on September 22 – 24.

Kelly said the club’s main goal “is to establish female rugby at Wits by participating in the tournament, not to compete. Out of that tournament I think we can draw a lot of players from high school and other clubs”.

Kelly said appointing a woman as the head coach of the women’s team in the future is a priority.

“Getting a female coach or team manager on board is definitely something to look into as we proceed. But for now we’re in the introductory phase and we’re only starting to establish a team,” he said.

FEATURED IMAGE:  Women’s rugby sevens head coach Marius Adams (centre) instructs prospective players.   Photo: Sanele Msiza

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Former Witsie makes history as Barloworld’s first black female executive.

A former Wits University law student has made history as the first black female franchise executive in the motor industry in South Africa.

Marcia Mayaba, 45, took up her position at Barloworld on July 1 and will look after the Ford and Mazda brands within the group.

Mayaba said it was not a walk in the park entering the motor industry, which is still male-dominated and clouded by masculinity and a patriarchal system.

“As a woman in the motor industry, you have to literally fight for your seat at the main table,” she said.

Mayaba was appointed as the first black female dealer principal in the country for Volkswagen/Audi SA, Imperial Auto and Lindsay Saker .

“Marcia has achieved so much in the many years that she has been in the motor industry. She continues to break down bearers, that’s why I call her the torch-bearer of many firsts,” said Kamogelo Mmutlana, Divisional CEO, Barloworld Automotive and Logistics.

One of the biggest challenges Mayaba said she continues to face is the people who are concerned whether or not a women can do the job.

“I’ve always said I never stand on rooftops and scream and shout what my abilities and capabilities are. I work very hard, and in working very hard I present and create opportunities for people to train and develop skills for this industry,” said Mayaba.

In a press release, Jeanne Esterhuizen, president of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation, said: “The industry has been male-dominated for more than 100 years, so the change is slow. But that’s no excuse. We will continue to put pressure on the industry to bring about real change not just for those women in the industry now but for all the women that will enter the industry in the future.”

Mayaba said she has always stuck to her own lane and does not listen to the noise of what is being said next door.

“Even now there are naysayers who are against my new position. But it’s OK, I’m going to work hard and my recipe has not failed me over 22 years.”

FEATURED IMAGE: Marcia Mayaba becomes the first black female franchise Executive. Photo: Provided 

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Wits outreach programme wins first prize at country’s biggest science and technology expo.

Wits University team secured first place at Sasol TechnoX which ran from July 29 to August 2, at Secunda, Mpumalanga.

The winning exhibition was a superhero-themed stand, titled Wits Avengers, to encourage real life superheroes.

(left and right): Kabelo Ramollo, Muhammed As’ad Ballim and Gugulethu Nkala, rein-acting their Elephants toothpaste experiment, showcased at Sasol TechnoX. Photo: Tsholanang Rapoo

It included futuristic graphics of the Great Hall, 3D printing, a selfie stand and approximately nine experiments including burning ice, dragon’s breath, flaming hands and elephant’s toothpaste. The theme originated from Business Insider SA’s 2018 article, ‘The closest thing you can find to Wakanda in the real world is Wits, according to the world’s biggest news agency’.

Eight students from two groups – Whizzbang and Materials for Energy Research Group – formed the Wits Avengers, led by the schools liaison office. The winning exhibition was created as part of the university’s community outreach initiatives.

This was the third time in a row Wits won first place. However, this time they shared the first prize with Unisa.

TechnoX is the biggest expo in South Africa aimed at boosting the youth and general public’s interest in science and technology. This is done to inspire learners to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (Stem).

Exhibitors include Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges and universities, government and non-profit organisations as well as corporate institutions.

“Wits believes that we are the leading institution in terms of Stem… We really do believe that Stem careers are our strong point,” Sershin Naicker, head of the schools liaison office, told Wits Vuvuzela.

He said the avengers theme was meant to be as relatable as possible for the learners and to get them excited through visually attractive and interactive stalls.

“[Winning is] nice acknowledgement for your hard work, for the time and energy and your theme but the reality is that we are going there for the kids,” Naicker added.

Gugulethu Nkala, a PhD student, who was part of the winning team, said, “TechnoX is the highlight of my year.” She said the programmes are centred on children to excite them about science and to allow them to see people like them do what they want to do.

“To have the kids shocked like that (by the experiments) it says something about their experience in a lab,” said Sikhumbuzo Masina, another Wits Avenger.

Even though they were disappointed to share the spoils with Unisa, Masina said, “At the end of the day if we bring our best game, the kids will benefit.”

FEATURED IMAGE: Gugulethu Nkala and Karabo Ramollo, reinacting the Dragon’s breath experiment showcased at Sasol TechnoX. Photo: Tsholanang Rapoo

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A Wits University medical school professor has referred to the marking system used for assessing third and fourth-year medical students as a “short-cut method used to reduce costs”. Dr Thifhelimbilu Luvhengo, clinical head of department of surgery at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, says the Cohen 60 method is cheaper than other alternatives but “an assessment which is fair, reliable, valid and defensible,” should be used instead.

Luvhengo was speaking to Wits Vuvuzela about a complaint laid to the office of the Public Protector on April 15, in which a mother of a former Wits medical student, claimed her son had been unfairly prejudiced through the use of the system. The student was in third-year and is currently studying a different degree.

“The entire research for Cohen, speaks for itself [that] it shouldn’t be used for high-stakes exams,” said the mother.

Cohen 60, an internationally recognised form of assessment, makes use of the top performing students’ marks to calculate a class average. The class average is typically 60% of the marks of students in the 95^th percentile (students who have received higher marks than 95% of the rest of the students). The class average in each instance determines the pass mark for the class as a whole.

The marking system was introduced to Wits in 2016.

Luvhengo believes Cohen 60 “is not advisable to be used for high stakes exams” as “Cohen doesn’t look at the content or the curriculum, it just looks at the raw marks from the computer and determines who is going to be allowed to pass,” said Luvhengo.

Dr Martin Veller, dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences says Cohen 60 is used to test the competency of students and it is a fair assessment used to test knowledge.

Veller said Cohen 60 had been tested against Angoff, a method which relies on experts determining the pass mark and was found to be more “efficient and accurate,” adding that Cohen 60 had been reviewed by a panel of specialists in 2017 and continues to be reviewed.

Fourth-year MBBCh student, Thomas Walzl said Cohen 60 is “quite terrible, completely illogical”, and there are a few arguments that show the assessment should not be used.

“The first argument is that the system inherently assumes some people should have to fail and some have to pass,” said Walzl.

Veller said Cohen 60 does not target particular students and it was impossible for marks to be manipulated.

Walzl said he has a different perspective of the assessment as both his parents are medical lecturers at the University of Stellenbosch and “they know about the system, they know it is not right.”

One of the ways in which medical students are assessed is through multiple choice questions using Cohen.

Walzl said medical students do not think in terms of multiple choice questions and “you don’t get a patient with four options and [choose] which one is right.”

Luvhengo said a proper form of assessment is subject matter that is driven by the knowledge of the syllabus and is assessed by judges or individuals who are experts on the course, which according to Luvhengo is “labour intensive”.

A fourth-year MBBCh student, who wished not to be named told Wits Vuvuzela “there is no full assessment of your capabilities” and “by the time you hit fifth year, you aren’t fully equipped to be in your clinical years.

“It doesn’t make any sense for the testing system to be based on the pass mark [of] the top tier student. One day you wake up and your mark is 3% lower because a couple of people have dropped out of the degree,” the student said.

“The vast majority of students pass and we are absolutely proud of our students,” said Veller.

“We should not be talking about the issue of how many students are passing, Cohen cannot encourage excellence,” said Luvhengo adding that “Cohen is not interested in the learning outcome.”

The public protector’s office has instituted a probe into the Wits faculty of health sciences after it received the complaint about discrimination due to the use of the Cohen 60 system. In a response to questions, Oupa Segalwe, spokesperson for the Public Prosecutor said the “public protector could only get involved to the extent that she focuses on whether the university complied with the Promotion of Administration Justice Act. Whether the university properly communicated to the students about the system ahead of its roll out and offered the students the necessary support in relation to the system.”

The Public Protector will produce “a report pertaining to the outcome of the conciliation process within six months,” said Buhle Zuma, Communications Officer from Wits.

FEATURED IMAGE: Wits medical students have raised concerns about Cohen 60 assessments.      Photo: Lwazi Maseko

“We need to target and groom future academics. I am not comfortable being the only one. I am not comfortable to be among a few; I want more.”

A Wits University student has become the first black woman in 10 years to obtain a PhD in real estate.

Dr Thabelo Ramantswana is also the first student to graduate from the school of construction, economics and management’s doctoral real estate academic plan, a programme in real estate, after its introduction in 2014, to bridge the gap between her qualifications from the school of architecture and planning and her now PhD in the school of construction, economics and management.

WOMANDLA: Dr Thabelo Ramantswana outside Great Hall after her graduation. Photo: Provided

The Wits alumnus began her academic career with a degree in town and regional planning and later returned for her masters, focusing on housing and later going into the work force.

In 2013 she registered for a doctorate of technology at Tshwane University of Technology, which after a year did not work out. She then, through a colleague, contacted Prof Sam Azasu to return to Wits.

Her concessions to come to Wits included taking on master’s courses alongside her PhD, to bridge the gap between her qualifications from the school of architecture and planning and her now PhD in the school of construction, economics and management.

“They felt that somewhere, somehow, my background was not strong enough,” Ramantswana said.

She was unable to complete the master’s because of the added pressures of class, exams and later teaching.

“As a colleague, Thabelo is a delight to work with. She is absolutely committed to the students and has overcome a lot of adversity to make it through her academic career,” the head of the school of construction, economics and management, David Root, told Wits Vuvuzela.

Conquering the edge was not an easy journey for Ramantswana.

After starting in the work place, she took time off from everything to start her family.

“My husband was moving to the US to do his PhD, so we all moved. When we were there I decided to be a full-time stay-at-home mom, so that at least I could better support him with his studies,” said Ramantswana.

After taking time off with her family in the United States in 2005, she returned to South Africa but could not find work, so she applied for her doctorate.

The mother of three describes her journey as tough, having to balance the multiple roles of mother, wife, student and teacher.

She says, however: “My determination is strong enough. When I want to get something done, I fight until I get it done… it was not easy, but I had to fight.”

Root told Wits Vuvuzela, “She is a role model.

To do a PhD while also being a mother to young children shows what is possible to achieve.

The school has a growing number of female academics and she is the first to come through the Construction Education and Training Authority development programme.”

In South Africa, Ramantswana said, there is equal distribution of men and women in the working environment of real estate.

She would like, however, to see more growth in terms of South African academics in the field.

Ramantswana wants to preserve the future of property studies for South Africans for more people to teach real estate to the future generation.

“We need to target and groom future academics. I am not comfortable being the only one. I am not comfortable to be among a few; I want more.”

FEATURED IMAGE: WOMANDLA: Dr Thabelo Ramantswana outside Great Hall after her graduation. Photo: Provided

Wits has introduced a transportation system to help alleviate the stresses of traveling from campus late at night.

Students at Wits University now have access to an after-hours transport facility to ensure they reach their Braamfontein residences safely.

The Student Representative Council (SRC) in collaboration with Wits Protection Services (WPS) launched the service of an escort vehicle on Thursday, August 1, following concerns about students walking to their off-campus accommodation in the dark.

SRC campus wellness and advisory officer Katlego Sera told Wits Vuvuzela that the idea came from the problem of students walking in large numbers with only one security guard at night.

“The fear that we had as an SRC was, what if something happens to a student while they are walking with a security guard, because he is unarmed, and he is alone. Then campus control told us that they are willing to use their vehicle [to escort the students home],” he said.

The nine-seater vehicle transports students from the main campus to surrounding areas in Braamfontein, starting at Station Street, going all the way to Wolmarans Street and circling back to Wits.

Sera explained that the escort system remains exactly as it was before except that students are now driven in a vehicle as opposed to being escorted on foot. Students go to the WPS control room on the ground floor of Robert Sobukwe Building (formerly Central Block) and request a security escort. The students can ask to be dropped anywhere along the designated route.  Stanley Modisha, the WPS supervisor who worked on the escort service, said the routes were chosen based on where many of the students live.

The drivers who are WPS officers have undergone vetting to ensure they are familiar with the route and had their driving skills assessed, according to one Ronny Tshuma, one of the drivers. Only those up to standard are permitted to drive the escort vehicle like Tshuma who has over 30 years’ experience as a driver.

Mbuyekezo Njeje, a PhD candidate at Wits who has used the service, described it as a necessity.

“Most students stay in the centre of Braamfontein, but the fact that [the escort vehicle] goes to the furthest points of Braamfontein is a great thing for everyone. I was very impressed with everything,” he told Wits Vuvuzela.

Basetsana Seabe, a Wits civil engineering student, who has used the system multiple times since it commenced said, “I think it’s necessary, mainly because of safety and it’s quick. In the past, when we were walking we would get intimidation from drunk people on the road and the security would tell us that he is scared too.”

Sera, who went on the very first ride after the service was launched, said the route is good but may need to be altered according to the needs of students.

The vehicle makes the approximately 20-minute trip once an hour, from 17:00 to 05:00, seven days a week.

FEATURED IMAGE: Mbuyekezo Njeje, a Wits student, waiting to use the escort service.
Photo: Gemma Gatticchi

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New e-learning facility is to encourage academic development.

The Wartenweiler Library’s 24-hour reading room has been closed since Monday, August 5, to make way for a new learning and innovation centre, to be completed by March 2020.

University librarian Paiki Muswazi told Wits Vuvuzela that students may still use the library during normal hours and the West Campus Commerce Library will serve as an alternate

Students walk past the Wartenweiler Library, where renovations commence in August 2019 and will be complete by March 2020. Photo: Ortal Hadad

24-hour reading facility.

Director of the Writing Centre, Pamela Nichols, said that the centre may have to relocate from the ground floor of the library, not only because of the noise, but also because the dust from the construction could damage books.

“We are going to wait and see how disruptive the building is going to be before making any further decisions,” said Nichols.

If necessary, the centre may move to a temporary space in either Wartenweiler or William Cullen Library.

Second-year engineering student, Dumsani Noah, said, “Now I have to move from [the library] and start studying in my room, where there is a lot of noise.”

Another student concern is safety while walking across campus after hours. Dining-hall staff members, Nonhlanhla Mabanga and Nobuhle Mahlangu,who attend lectures after hours at Wits Plus, were both concerned about walking from the Commerce Library to the far side of East Campus at night to catch a taxi home.

“We would appeal to our users to keep in mind the ultimate benefits of this project,” said Muswazi.

The vision for the new centre is to facilitate engagement among academics, researchers and students.

“It is part of a bigger initiative to give our community access to hi-tech library services in an integrated virtual and physical library with teaching, learning, research and social spaces,” Muswazi said.

The centre’s services will be freely accessible to all registered students and will run in conjunction with the library and the Centre for Learning, Teaching and Development.

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The Wits community could have their nails done by medical students in celebration of Women’s Day.

Wits University medical students turned into beauty therapists for a good cause ahead of Women’s Day on August 9. A pop up beauty bar providing a range of services was hosted by the students at the Health Sciences Faculty during the week of August 5 to 8.

One of the therapists, third year medical student, Cindy Mnisi, told Wits Vuvuzela that she enjoys doing people’s nails in her free time so she was excited to use her skills in raising money for a good cause.

“Most lecturers would do anything to support students,” said undergraduate clinical facilitator and beauty bar customer, Viv Herbert, adding that it “has been nice to see students’ creative side.”

The beauty bar was organised by the Bachelor of Health Sciences Student Council (BHSSC). Council members made up the majority of the beauty therapists, whose services ranged from nail treatment to waxes and eyelash tints.

Each of the therapists earn a fraction of the money paid by clients and the rest will be donated to a women-centered charity that has not been determined yet.

The therapists’ commission and money received by charities will, however, only be confirmed once the student council knows how much has been raised.

According to former events manager of the BHSSC, Veronica Gordon, the student council raised and donated R15 000 to charity last year.

“I love it,” said Mnisi, who said that she and all the other ladies used their own equipment so that as much money as possible could go tow cause.

“I went during my lunch break today and I think they did an amazing job. It’s a brilliant idea,” said third year medical student, Gordon who was very impressed by initiative and suggested that the student council should continue offering this service for the rest of the year.

FEATURE IMAGE: Viv Herbert having her nails done by medical student, Cindy Mnisi. Photo: Stephanie Schaffrath

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Netball selections alleged to be influenced by race. 

The Johannesburg Netball Association has been hit with allegations of racism after a Black player was allegedly demoted from the A-team to the B-team in favour of a white player at Wits University on July 31.

Both teams were practising for the SPAR National Championships that started on August 5.

Aphelele Fundama, a 25-year-old Wits alumnus who graduated in 2015, says she was dropped from the A-side with no reason  despite having reportedly succeeded through all the trials.

“All players know that teams can be changed anytime but this happens weeks before the tournament, not suddenly. And it affects you psychologically because you start doubting yourself as to why you were replaced and not other players”, Fundama told Wits Vuvuzela.

The change was witnessed by spectator and friend of Fundama, Olwethu Twalo, who complained to Netball South Africa, Gauteng Netball Association and the Johannesburg Netball Association.

“It is an issue of misconduct, trial processes were not followed correctly and there was a lot of unfairness involved”, Twalo said.

Twalo and Fundama met with members of the various associations at Wits Sturrock Park on August 2 but the coach involved and the other player, whose identity is known to Wits Vuvuzela, were not at the meeting and it is unclear if they had been invited.

According to Twalo, the matter was resolved and the coach in question was issued a warning letter. Attempts to reach the coach for comment were unsuccessful.

Chairperson of the Gauteng Netball Association, Riana Bezuidenhout said “the allegations received were of a serious nature, and the timing was crucial because the synergy and energy of the team was important.” Bezuidenhout declined to comment on the outcome of the meeting of the associations and Twalo.

“We are currently in the middle of national championships, we are in no position to remove any player or coach from their positions”, Bezuidenhout said, but, she added, “It doesn’t matter if the player is in team A or B, they are all treated the same.”

Bezuidenhout said the matter was not off the table and would be revisited pending further investigations.

“There is a need for a serious call for inclusivity and transformation in the sport, where things are done on merit”, Twalo said.

FEATURED IMAGE: The Johannesburg Netball Association upon arrival on day one of the Spar National Championships. Photo: Provided. 

The family of a late student activist has asked the university to commemorate his life. 

The family and friends of a Wits University student who was killed in a bombing 30 years ago has asked the institution to award his degree posthumously to recognise his contribution to student activism.

Yusuf Akhalwaya was a student at the Wits School of Education in 1989 but died in his final year before he completing his degree.

Shamim Hargovan, Akhalwaya’s sister told Wits Vuvuzela that her brother was suspended from Wits in 1989 and was not allowed to continue with his final year of studies following a disciplinary process after he was arrested during a protest.

The 23-year-old Akhalwaya then appealed his suspension and on the day of his death, December 11, 1989, his family received a letter confirming his readmission to Wits.

He was killed alongside fellow Lenasia Youth League activist and Cosatu shopsteward Prakash Napier, while carrying a bomb in an Umkhonto we Sizwe operation at Johannesburg Station on December 11, 1989.

The Wits dean of students Jerome September said that the matter of a commemoration was raised with the senior executive team (SET) of the university and he was asked to liaise with the family on the best possible way to mark the 30th anniversary of Akhalwaya’s death.

“This also forms part of the broader conversation around how Wits can best acknowledge the contribution of Witsies in the struggle against apartheid”, September said.

Hargovan told Wits Vuvuzela that the possibilities presented to the family included a memorial lecture in partnership with the family at the School of Education and and the erection of a plaque on a ‘wall of remembrance’ in memory of those who lost their lives in the struggle for liberation.

Hargovan said that they are open to exploring the possibilities presented in order to commemorate her brother’s contribution to student activism, because she recalls them as having made “the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against injustice and oppression.”

September told Wits Vuvuzela that he is in contact with the family as they discuss the various options and he expects to make a recommendation to the SET after which a final decision can be expected.

FEATURED IMAGE: The late Yusuf Akhalwaya. Photo: Provided.

Basetsana make their debut at the 2019 Cosafa Cup

Five Wits students have helped Basetsana secure a spot in the under-20 women’s Cosafa (Council of Southern African Football Associations) championships’ semi-finals game to be played on Thursday, August 8.

Basetsana, the national under-20 women’s side, is set to play in the Cosafa semi-finals after Witsie Shakeerah Jacobs netted the only goal of the team’s decider against Namibia on August 3.

Jacobs was joined by fellow Witsies Ayanda Ncube, Lebohang Ntabeni, Robyn Coetzee, and Spheshile Dlamini in the match against Namibia.

The group will also play in the semi-final match against Tanzania in Port Elizabeth.

Jacobs, a first year Wits BA general student, scored the only goal of the match in a tense game against Namibia.

“Once I heard I was selected, I mentally prepared myself for the tournament,” Jacobs said.

Basetsana is coached by former Banyana Banyana defender Simphiwe Dludlu.

Although playing for the first time under a newly formed division of the COSAFA Championship, Dludlu said “they’ve [Basetsana] been doing well in terms of playing as a team.”

Basetsana is currently top of the group A division with nine points.

FEATURED IMAGE: Wits University F.C. player, Shakeerah Jacobs makes her debut at the COSAFA cup. Photo: Provided

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Food Lover’s Eatery opens its doors in the heart of Braam’s Business Improvement District.

The Braamfontein branch of Food Lover’s Eatery, on Ameshoff Street, caters to the cosmopolitan audience Johannesburg has to offer.

The eatery, which doubles as a grocery store, is a one-stop destination with a variety of options, making it a convenient location for those on the move. In terms of their fresh daily meals they offer everything from a pasta bar, to a selection of Mexican dishes and poke bowls. The shop’s food court has a variety of market-like stalls, each of which has a unique design based on its country of origin. While waiting for their food, customers can also watch chefs cook and assemble their meal of choice in a matter of minutes.

As with other Food Lover’s stores, the Braam branch boasts a nuts and sweets selection to satisfy quick snack cravings. This snack bar is smaller than those in regular Food Lover’s Markets, but this being said, there is still plenty to choose from considering the small size of the eatery in comparison to the original grocery stores.

Freshly made sushi, displayed on a conveyor belt, unique to the Braamfontein eatery.
Photo: Gemma Gatticchi

One of the unique things about the Braamfontein Eatery is that it offers both ready-made sushi for those on the go, as well as a sit-down area where customers can pick from an assortment of sushi on a conveyor belt. Details like this cater to the medley of people with different schedules, who walk through the doors every day.

Sushi is not usually seen as a meal favoured by the student budget, but the Braam eatery offers a R50 deal for a 14 piece sushi combo, every Tuesday and Saturday.

Manager of the Braamfontein Food Lover’s Eatery, Mario Petim, told Wits Vuvuzela, “We saw potential in the high-density site. There was a need in the area for fast, healthy, affordable food.

“We are moving away from pre-made food, to food on demand, made fresh to order”.

Some of their most popular items include a ‘pap’arazzi station where they have introduced a new style of pressed pap in a container, filled with your selection of chicken, beef or boerewors with gravy. The pap is moulded to resemble a bowl and your choice of ingredients are added to the middle.

“We felt the need to introduce a great South African lunch time staple into the store,” said Petim.

The pressed pap dish, shown here with boerewors, is a new take on a classic South African favourite.
Photo: Gemma Gatticchi

I tried the new pap dish, which was a clear lunch time crowd favourite. I chose the pap with boerewors and gravy combination that ended up being an incredibly filling, sometimes messy, but delicious version of a traditional home-cooked meal. The gravy was rich and offered in just the right ratio to the pap. I would recommend this as a sit-down rather than a to-go meal, so as to prevent any leakage from the packaging. 

My personal favourite was the poke bowl which offered a balanced lunchtime option of fresh ingredients of your choice. I chose a combination of quinoa, salmon, butternut, beans and avocado with a sriracha sauce. Their wide variety brought a medley of different flavours and textures to one bowl. In this way I felt like I got to taste a bit of everything.

In the future I would be interested in trying the different combinations they have to offer because it seems that the bar is designed in such a way that every choice complements the other.Rosebank College student, Palesa Ramalope who ordered a fish and chips dish told Wits Vuvuzela, “It’s very good, it has everything, and we (Ramalope and her friends) are always here. At this point I eat something different everyday”.

The Braamfontein eatery is distinct because, unlike other eateries, most, if not all the food is freshly made in front you. It gives customers peace of mind being able to see what goes into their meals and how they are prepared. There is also a ‘daily deal’ for every day of the week, along with easily over a thousand different meal combinations to cater to everyone’s lunchtime needs.

FEATURED IMAGE: The Braamfontein Food Lover’s Eatery has a selection of ‘stall-like’ stations to cater to a variety of dietary needs. Photo: Gemma Gatticchi

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The Witsies got off to a shaky start but worked hard to claim ultimate victory

The Wits Titans thrashed local rivals Spiker-Roo in a Johannesburg Volleyball Union tournament game on Monday, August 8, at the Old Mutual Sports Hall at Wits University.

The home team got off to a shaky start in the first set as the Spiker-Roo ladies asserted their dominance within the first minute with a perfect spike putting the visitors on the scoreboard.

The Titans efforts to pick up the pace and close the gap were futile as they lost the set 25-20.

The tables were turned in the second set as the Titans sought to redeem themselves. They hammered the opposition 25-10 effortlessly  and capitalised on their rival’s errors.

Wits Titans captain Angelou Nyathi, centre with arms raised, stands ready to defend her team from an incoming Spiker-Roo shot. Photo: Ntombi Mkandhla

For a brief moment in the third set, Spiker-Roo dominated the court. A powerful spike by Wits player Lungile Ngwenya levelled the playing field 2-2.

The teams remained neck and neck for most of the set but a sloppy bump from Spiker-Roo player Courtney Masterson broke the deadlock. This tilted the score to 18-17 in the Titans’ favour and catapulted the team to their ultimate 25-20 win in the set.

Spiker-Roo’s attacking errors crept into the fourth set of the game as they lagged behind the Titans. The Titans occasionally assisted the opposition to score through unnecessary errors such as Dineo Skosana’s serve which went straight into the net.

The fourth set scrore of 25-8 sealed the victory for the home side.

Wits player Nhlanhla Mlambo said she was happy with the result. “We started off slowly but we worked harder with each set to claim the win,” she said.

“I had to keep being vocal watching them play to remind them what they came for,” said Wits volleyball ladies coach Zweli Ngwenya.

He added that the Titan’s loss in the first set was largely due to the use of upcoming players players.

Spiker-Roo coach Kevin Fat said his team went into the game with “many nerves” resulting in them making common mistakes.

“The players need to realise that volleyball is point oriented not time oriented,” Fat said.

FEATURED IMAGE: Wits Titans celebrate a successful spike: Ntombi Mkandhl. a

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Multi-hyphenate Candice Modiselle sets her sights beyond acting as the spotlight on her burns ever brighter.

“Sorry! Sorry, Candice? Candice!” She turns to look back at the person calling her name in the crowded entrance of Rosebank Mall. It is no one she knows: A young fan clutching her friend’s arm with one hand and her cell phone with the other beams at actress Candice Modiselle.

“My friend wants to take a picture with you. Do you mind?”

She obliges and immediately welcomes the shy fan into her embrace, turning to face the cell phone camera. The young fans, satisfied with their run-in with a local celebrity, soon leave, wishing Modiselle a happy day.

She is already having one. Modiselle takes the interruption by the excitable fans in her stride as she makes her way to a café inside the mall to tuck into a hearty English breakfast. Luckily for her, few people’s heads turn towards her. This is her not-so-new normal – contained commotion.

It is only 9:30am and Modiselle has already finished one of her many jobs for the day: hosting the Monate Breakfast radio show on Saturday mornings with radio veteran DJ Fingers on online radio station Massiv Metro.

DJ Fingers has enjoyed co-hosting Monate Breakfast with Modiselle for the past two years and gushes about her knowledge of current and retro music.

“Our show is all about infotainment and she is very knowledgeable on the topics we discuss on the show.

“Candice’s hunger sets her apart from other young people in the industry. She is very professional, eager and adapts easily to new environments,” Fingers says.

Modiselle jokes about where she finds the motivation to be up in time to host the show, which begins at six o’clock in the morning: “What gets me up so early in the mornings is the money!”

She is as busy as ever. After graduating from Wits University with an honours degree in drama in 2017, she works as an MC, television presenter and lecturer on television presenting. In addition to the radio show, she has just begun pulling double duty, playing precocious teenager Lerato on the perennially popular soapie Generations: The Legacy and Naledi on Mzansi Magic’s newest drama, Impilo: The Scam.

Modiselle’s appearance in the Mzansi Magic series, a Tribe Called Story production, is a contravention of Generations creator Mfundi Vundla’s longstanding rule that Generations actors are not to appear in other series while they are working on his show.

Has there been any pushback from Vundla? “We thank God for agents. We have people who look at contracts and negotiate for us.

“I am a freelance actress in an industry that is unpredictable. We can only survive on multiple streams of income. And I need to grow. There’s such a vast difference between the two shows – filming on location versus in a studio (where Generations is filmed), and between a series and a soap. And I needed that difference to stretch my muscles. I fell so deeply into the robotics of being a soapie actress, I forgot what a strong performer I was,” she says, sounding as though she has had to justify her decision to appear on both shows many times before.

Modiselle’s role on Impilo is her second turn as a teenager who strives to survive as the child of a struggling single mother.

Being raised by a single mother is certainly something Modiselle can relate to. Raised by her mother alone after the death of her father in 1997 when she was just three years old, Modiselle grew up in Rosebank, Johannesburg, in a household of women. She is the youngest of three children, all girls who have grown up to carve out spaces for themselves in the entertainment industry.

Model Refiloe and musician Bontle made a name for themselves in the industry before Modiselle booked her first on-air job as a presenter on SABC 1’s YO! TV. This has led to questions on whether she chose to become an actress only because of her sisters. Modiselle says this could not be further from the truth.

“I remember watching Woza Albert at the Market Theatre and I just cried. I sat there and I just knew this is what I want to do. I couldn’t compromise on the love I have for what I do. Both my sisters started out in completely different directions. They didn’t start out in entertainment, but I was relentless because I knew I had to be great,” she recalls.

“[My mother] saw me come alive on the stage. She tried to influence my decision to study drama, but she was right to let me do what I want. But there was a tug of war,” she admits.

Her mother’s hesitance was understandable to Modiselle, though. She inserts the refrain “This industry is so unpredictable” into almost every topic, and it’s something her mother has echoed.

“Think of a young black girl at 16 who ran a company. That girl goes on to get five distinctions in matric and then liquidates that company to go after her dreams,” she prompts. Modiselle believes she could have studied to become a professional in a more traditional field. Her children, however, will not follow her path, she says.

“I’m having neuroscientists!” she says with a laugh. She’s only joking. Modiselle is all too familiar with young people who “feel stifled because their parents won’t let them follow their dreams”.

It’s this awareness of the struggle young creatives endure that has encouraged her to explore the less travelled avenue of business and commerce. Modiselle frequently emcees at corporate events and her growing familiarity with the field has sparked a new passion in her.

“The more I grow, the more I grow away from the arts,” she says; her ever dramatic gestures contrast sharply with her words. She speaks as much with her hands as she does her mouth.

“I want to make a name for myself in business and bring those resources and networks back to the arts. I want to understand the economy and then rebuild the arts from the ground up.

“I see my path moving from actress to presenter to speaker. It’s a constant negotiation of who I am in this world and who I want to be. But I know now which one to choose. It’s not even a question,” she says.

FEATURED IMAGE: Actress Candice Modiselle hosts Monate Breakfast on Massiv Media.  Photo: Sanele Msiza

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The mining students give Junction residents a master class in the second division of the Wits Internal Football League

The Wits Miners Football Club outplayed the Wits Junction Football Club with a 5-0 score on Monday, August 12 at the Digz Field.

The game took off with the Junction FC players showing potential for success with several attempts at goal.

However, at 32 minutes, it was the mining students who scored, leaving the Junction players agitated and shouting across the field as the match proceeded. The latter had greater ball possession with fast running players.

In the second half, the Miners continued where they had left off, and Junction’s frustrations led to a red card after their midfielder Thabiso Rafanyane head-butted Miners midfielder, Katleho Rakoma.

Tensions continued to be high as the game drew to a close with the Miners scoring the last two goals at 86 and 89 minutes, causing Junction supporters to turn away from the match in frustration.

Junction FC coach Mookameli Moeketsi shrugged his shoulders when asked what had gone wrong considering his team’s previous wins.“We have agreed as a club that we have lost our way and there is a lack of discipline, looking at the red card we received. There is no structure in the team anymore and fitness levels are concerning,” he said.

Kaizer Maphanga, coach of the Miners FC  was pleased that his players had performed as instructed. “When we had the ball we looked very dangerous in the sense that we were able to move quickly with the ball to the opponent’s defence. They could not match our pace, especially on the right hand side,” he told Wits Vuvuzela.

“The playing strategy was to understand the coach’s formation and try to give it [our] all whilst enjoying the game as it is. Without the element of enjoyment, it is not worth trying,” said Thulani Caleni, a second-year mining engineering student and Miners FC striker. He added that his team was working towards promotion to the first division.

FEATURED IMAGE: Two Miners FC players on the ground during the match against Junction FC. Photo: Jabulile Mbatha

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Amonge Sinxoto is a young woman determined to positively influence her peers

Up on a Market Theatre rooftop balcony, a film crew chased the waning Friday afternoon sun while shying away from the buzzing Newtown noise marking the onset of weekend celebrations.

The cameras snapped away as the young woman posed in her A-line skirt, soft pleats forming in its cotton thread with each movement of her Converse high-top-clad feet.

Amonge Sinxoto was shooting a feature for Hectic Nine-9, a youth entertainment show on SABC 2 to be broadcast on Women’s Day, Friday, August 9. Looking directly into a camera she said, “Young girl, maximise your strength and overestimate your majesty.”

It seemed perfect, but the crew made her recite that line again and again and again. However, the redundancy did not wear her out. With each take, she poured more of herself into the camera.

“It’s all about having fun,” the 18-year-old said. Having been featured in magazines such as Glamour and Cosmopolitan, taking editorial instruction has become common practise.

As she played with the camera, the phrase “Africa, your time is now” jumped off the black badge which rested on her white T-shirt, reminiscent of the African print shirt with the same phrase that she wore as a speaker at a TedxLytteltonWomen talk. The talk was in March and was titled “From social media to social impact”.

Before a live audience, Sinxoto shared how young people can affect their surroundings with social media in this digital age.

Sinxoto is a leader who believes young people should be intentional about using social media to impact their communities. Photo: Ntombi Mkandhla

“One of the major things I advocate for is using social media for change,” Sinxoto said, adding that young people are privileged to live in a connected world where information is passed around in the “then and now”.

However, Sinxoto feels that instant connectivity has made social media both the best and worst forms of communication in the world. “I think it is important we counterbalance it and make it meaningful,” she said.

Sinxoto’s own social media pages mirror her intentionality, largely through the work she does with Blackboard Africa, a youth-driven, non-profit organisation she co-founded with her cousin, Zingisa Socikwa, in 2016 out of their frustration at feeling under-represented in the media.

“Our major focus at Blackboard Africa is having the African story celebrated,” Sinxoto said, adding that leadership development is instrumental in pushing the African narrative through exemplary political, social and economic systems.

Sinxoto is a Johannesburg-born and bred social entrepreneur.

A Forbes July 2019 article described social entrepreneurship as the “growing realm of mission-driven business enterprises that view financial success as a way to create more and better good”.

“For me, I guess it speaks more to business creation directed towards civic or social impact,” Sinxoto said.

The Blackboard Africa team focuses on people between the ages of 16 and 25, where through mentorship and leadership training, the team hopes to raise the next leader. Local celebrities such as comedian Donovan Goliath have been roped in in the past to “pass the baton” at a Blackboard Africa relay, a recurring event that includes skills transfer to young attendees.

“Some of our mentors are as young as 27 years old. We have learntedthe power of young people talking to young people,” said Sinxoto.

Sinxoto’s influence has been recognised at local and global level. Among many things, she has led a discussion on young women and social media at a Facebook and Google Summit in Ireland and

participated in a Black Girls’ Lead Conference in New York which led to her having a roundtable talk with Michelle Obama.

“Blackboard Africa is not formally funded,” Sinxoto said, but added that it has partnerships with organisations such as the Market Theatre, which gives her space to host events.

Sinxoto does not make money from her talks.

“I had to raise money to go to the Black Girls’ Lead Conference,” she said.

Funders included Dawn Lotions, which partially funded her trip to the New York event.

Sinxoto is serving as one of two African Three Dot Dash 2019 Global Teen Leaders from 15 countries who form part of a network to address world issues under the mentorship of expert individuals.

“I have connected with amazing young people and learned invaluable lessons [through the programme],” Sinxoto said.

While Sinxoto’s footprint is on a global scale, she is most fond of the big sister role she plays to her four younger siblings, with whom she lives at their West Rand family home.

Sinxoto described a moment when a teacher once called her nine-year-old sister, Iselethu, “Izzy” for short.

“While it was a major teaching moment for my mom, I was honoured to have contributed to teaching my sister the importance of her name,” Sinxoto said.

Shungu Dutiro, a reserve striker for Mamelodi Sundowns, said people would be surprised to know that his friend Sinxoto is actually an introvert.

“I am quite quiet, especially around people I am meeting for the first time,” Sinxoto admitted.

However, Nelisa Shabalala, another close friend, said that Sinxoto’s quietness must not be mistaken for shyness.

“[It is] rather a calm demeanour and presence of confidence,” the Stellenbosch University BCom management accounting student said.

“She is unwavering about what she believes in and stands for, which is such a good quality to have as a young black woman,” Shabalala added.

As mature and unshakeable as she may seem, Sinxoto is still a regular teenager.

Sinxoto is a regular young woman with extraordinary strength balancing her work and studies. Photo: Ntombi Mkandhla

“My Instagram explore page is actually all about Love Island,” she said, calling it one of her favourite programs to watch, including Netflix shows such as Trinkets and Dear White People.

Sinxoto’s mother, Nompumelelo Sinxoto, described her daughter as a “homebody”.

“I like intimate settings with family and friends,” Sinxoto said. When she occasionally steps out of her home, she prefers spending time in Greenside.

“Greenside has easy vibes and there are great burger and pasta places there.”

Considering herself a regular girl balancing her work and being a first-year Wits BA student, she finds it awkward when classmates are hesitant to reach out to her and greet her in person.

“I would like to think of myself as approachable, so I find it weird when people greet me on social media instead of doing so to my face in class,” she said.

FEATURED IMAGE: Sinxoto aims to change the African narrative through meaningful social media content. Photo: Ntombi Mkandhla

More than a year after a tragic paragliding accident, a Wits student remains in hospital.

A Wits University student has spent over 400 days in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a local hospital since a paragliding accident in Mpumalanga on June 29, 2018.

Kelvin van Baalen, a BA general degree student, sustained 70 percent burns to his body and to date he has had 30 skin grafts at Milpark Hospital, according to his mother, Leigh van Baalen. Kelvin was participating in the Barberton Paragliding Open when his wing touched a high voltage powerline during his landing. The incident caused a fire to the paraglider which quickly engulfed Kelvin, 22.

“[After an injury like this] your body physically doesn’t look the same and it’s never going to. You’re going to have to use your body in a new way. We’re training him how to breathe differently … The whole thing has just been devastating”, Leigh told Wits Vuvuzela.

Kelvin’s girlfriend, Robyn Anderson, a homeopathy student at UJ, told Wits Vuvuzela, although her boyfriend has encountered a list of complications due to his extensive 3rd and 4th degree burns, he “is doing relatively well. He is making good progress with his physiotherapists, he is off the ventilator and is eating again.” Anderson explained that while he was on the ventilator, Kelvin was unable to talk.

“Unfortunately, the biggest problem that Kelvin has faced has been the numerous infections he has acquired – a problem that is almost always seen in burn victims,” Anderson said.

When Kelvin leaves ICU, he will be moved to a rehabilitation facility where physiotherapists will continue to work with him to the point where he can function independently again. 

Professor Adelin Muganza, head of the burn unit at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital said, there is a chance Kelvin will walk again if he goes into proper rehabilitation. Muganza also said that a major part of the rehabilitation process involves psychological rehabilitation, as many patients in this condition become depressed and even suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

Kelvin would have graduated at the end of last year if the accident had not happened but he will have to learn how to do daily tasks again, from learning how to walk, to buttoning a shirt and holding a spoon. According to Leigh, Kelvin had wanted to complete a law degree but will have to focus on his recovery which is expected to take years.

FEATURED IMAGE: Kelvin van Baalen, a Wits student who has been in ICU since June 2018, with his girlfriend, Robyn Anderson.   Photo: Provided
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The Organisational and Institutional Studies programme has opened applications for its newest PhD.

The Wits school of social sciences will introduce an organisational and institutional studies (OIS) degree at doctoral level in 2020.

The multidisciplinary OIS programme focuses on the foundations of theoretical debates on institutions and draws on a number of different fields of study including politics, history, sociology, law and economics.

The introduction of the PhD extends the OIS programme from the honours degree which was introduced in 2018 and the Masters which was introduced earlier this year.

“Studying OIS at PhD level gives you an even deeper comprehension of institutions and gives you knowledge to understand the history and social structures of states,” said Dr Federica Duca, the academic coordinator of the degree.

Obert Nangara, an OIS master’s student, said institutions are recognizable in everyday life. “Marriage is an institution, so is a law which can be categorized under social institutions,” he said.

“South Africa, as a country, is an institution,” Nangara said, adding  studying OIS helped him understand the relationships between states and citizens.

Dr Marcus Walton, the OIS honours lecturer, said the study of institutions is important, given the South African context.

“South African democracy has faced several deep-seated challenges in the 21st century centering around the role and makeup of the state, the persistence of inequality in the post-apartheid era, and the contested distributions of political power,” Walton said.

“The OIS programme seeks to address these, and other critical topics by foregrounding the study of structures, norms, laws, bureaucratic arrangements, and historical legacies which continue to shape these developments,” he added.

Nangara hopes to pursue the OIS PhD  with an economics focus. Thereafter, the 45-year-old Zimbabwean said he aims to plough back his knowledge in his country of birth by contesting the 2028 presidential elections.

“To be a good head of state, you need a sound grasp of commerce,” Nangara said.

“If Wits is to be at the cutting edge of the knowledge economy it needs intellectual labourers, people who can bring forth new forms of knowledge to ensure the survival and sustainability of the economy,” said Professor Robert Muponde, director of the Wits University postgraduate affairs office.

Duca said that having studied the OIS programme at master’s level is not a prerequisite for studying it at PhD level.

Prospective candidates are expected to have an academic background demonstrating a sound social science understanding. “This is because the PhD degree involves in-depth analysis and ethnographies,” Duca said.

“However, I would like to stress that the study of institutions is really open,” Duca said, adding that the institutions studied do not have to be linked to the state.

“For example, the study of network security relates to the state but is not entirely linked to it,” she said.

FEATURED IMAGE: Dr Federica Duca, OIS academic coordinator, hopes the new PhD programme will allow scholars to further understand institutional studies. Photo: Ntombi Mkandhla