First-year students told that even at Wits students experience problems to do with finances, accommodation and racism.

The Wits SRC president painted a grim picture of university life in his welcome address to first-year students at the Welcome Day Event on Sunday, January 26.

“It is our responsibility as the SRC to express the unfortunate circumstances that we welcome you into this year. The university has tendencies of gross victimisation of the poor and working class. Outstanding debt is a reality and students get victimised for being poor and not being able to clear outstanding debt,” said Thuto Gabaphethe.

The third-year law student also warned first-years that, “We do not condone or take lightly acts of racism, sexism, gender-based harm and intolerance of freedom of speech. We must unreservedly punish all those found guilty of such violent acts. Rape culture must not be tolerated in the university … One rape is too many.”

However, the SRC president did point out that it was an achievement to be admitted to the university, and encouraged the audience to stand and applaud the new students, saying, “You are the crème de la crème of the country and the African continent.”

Turning his attention to Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Habib, Gabaphethe called on the university to allow qualifying students to register and continue with their studies despite historical debt. “The real difficulty is finances,” he said, adding that accommodation was “one of the most difficult things” that the SRC had to deal with.

Afterwards, Gabaphethe told Wits Vuvuzela that, “There is this glorious picture of Wits as the best institution in Africa, but it is important as students to highlight these issues and it is not as glorious as everyone thinks it is. There are issues of accommodation, finances, racism, which need to be addressed and we want to get the first years to get involved and help us in addressing these issues.”

He said that the SRC would continue to support the insourcing of workers. “It is very unfortunate that in 2020 our mothers and fathers who are supposed Wits employees, walk at 03:00 after their night shifts, to empty taxi ranks. We will not rest or cease to be in solidarity with our parents of [the National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union], until a Wits cleaner and campus control official who are black are seen as the same as a lecturer or academic staff.

“There is a deliberate attempt from the university to silence and kill the little breath student activism has. It is very unfortunate, Professor Habib, that as a student activist yourself there are continuous strides from the university under your leadership to target and victimise vocal individuals who are not willing to accept the status quo,” Gabaphethe said, adding that, “Student activism is being deliberately murdered and silenced by the management of the university.”

The SRC president invited first years to join clubs and societies on campus to engage and deliberate on current issues faced by students.

FEATURED IMAGE: SRC president, Thuto Gabaphethe, challenges Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Habib and university management to address ongoing difficulties students face at Wits. Photo: Tumelo Modiba 

Professor Adam Habib highlighted the achievements of Wits University and the impact of its alumni on the world.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Habib drew inspiration from the SRC president’s speech in his address to first-year students and their families at Wits University’s Welcome Day.

“[Thuto Gabaphethe] said three things which I think are important and I want to reflect on. I take leadership from my president,” said the VC.

Firstly, that the students accepted were the best candidates from almost 70 000 applications. “Indeed you are the crème de le crème… We just took less than 5 000.”

He told the first-year students that, “You are a special player. You represent hope for the nation. You represent the best of a generation and you will be dedicating yourselves to transforming our country, continent and the world.

“We rank in the top 1% of universities in the world,” said the professor, adding that Wits strives for excellence.

Prof Habib also agreed with the SRC president that at university “we learn and unlearn”. “Those were striking words. [They capture] who we are.”

Thirdly, the VC concurred with Gabaphethe when he said, “You learn as much outside the classroom as you do inside.”

“All three statements reflect the substance of hope that this event represents,” Prof Habib said.

On issues raised by the SRC president such as gender-based harm (GBH), the VC told Wits Vuvuzela that Wits had a unit focusing on GBH, but noted that more still needed to be done. “We need to deal with racism and, frankly, all the examples he used. We have policies against it and we take action against it.”

On historical debt, Prof Habib said, “Talented students shouldn’t struggle.” However, he added that the university could not resolve the issue of historical debt, but “the government can. So I am happy to walk with [Gabaphethe] to the ANC of which he is a member and talk to them”.

“The university can’t resolve fees, free education or the historical debt question. That has to be resolved by the system. Asking the university to do so will bankrupt the university… The people who will lose are the very students,” Prof Habib told Wits Vuvuzela.

“You can’t ask me as the vice-chancellor to resolve it, it doesn’t fall within my ambit. It falls within the ambit of the government. I am happy to walk with him, to see government and make that case but I can’t make that problem go away and you can’t paralyse this institution. We have to get the government to act,” he said.

The VC said that even though the university strives for excellence, transformation was equally important, as Wits had taken steps over the years to address the inequalities from the past. “When we speak of Wits and its transformative ability, it’s not for some political project, it’s to re-imagine a nation.”

Prof Habib told the new students: “We are here to train you to be professionals, researchers… but in addition to that we want you to be reimagined as new citizens, as new warriors for social change that will heal the divides of our world.

“It’s going to be a hell of a ride. Welcome to Wits University!”

FEATURED IMAGE: Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Habib addresses first-year students on their academic journey ahead.  Photo: Tumelo Modiba 

The keynote speaker at the Wits Welcome Day shared his experiences of failure and success as a Witsie, and encouraged new students that, though there may be obstacles, they should persevere.

When Professor Bavesh Kana was not accepted to study medicine at Wits, and was disappointed that he couldn’t follow his childhood dreams of being a doctor, he “had two choices: either crumble up or adapt my thinking”.

This was the main lesson he shared with first-year students at the Welcome Day. Prof Kana, who heads the Centre of Excellence in Biomedical TB Research at Wits, co-hosted by the South African Department of Science & Innovation and the National Research Foundation, had to settle on pursuing a degree in science.

The professor urged the first-years to put an effort in all that they do, even if it wasn’t their initial plan or path.

“When life plays a tune, you get up and dance, rather than sit on the sidelines. You can’t see the end of all things and what might seem like a disappointment today, may indeed be a blessing. You’ll be surprised where life takes you if you simply dedicate yourself to your degrees,” said Prof Kana.

He reassured the new Witsies that, “If this year doesn’t go as planned, if you fail, those events do not define you; you can change things. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out and ask for help.”

Prof Kana also had some parting words for the parents. “Take a good look at your children today. They are now at Wits. We will push them, test them, stretch their thinking and encourage them to grow in a way that you and them have not ever experienced and after they have been stretched they will not fit back into the mold that you see today. They will be forever changed.”

FEATURED IMAGE: Professor Bavesh Kana encourages first-year students at the Welcome Day 2020 to rise above any failures.  Photo: Tumelo Modiba

New humanities students encouraged to explore all the opportunities available in their first year at Wits, as there won’t be a similar chance.

Dean of Humanities, Professor Garth Stevens, has encouraged first-year students to “be creative and stretch your minds with new ideas” by exploring research centres such as the Wits Institute for Social and Economic Research (WiSER) and the Society, Work and Politics Institute (SWOP) which form part of the faculty.

He told the new Witsies that these units do research, outreach or cutting-edge work and offer vibrant programmes every week.

“We are trying to build an intellectual climate that is stimulating, vibrant and attracts you, that stimulates you and generates a kind of critical thinking amongst a cohort of young people that will lead to the future.

“The humanities is a place for the development of robust thinking. Wits is a powerhouse of intellectual and academic activity but we’ve had our fair share of social protests and, of course, those critical thinkers, generally come from here,” Prof Stevens said.

The dean told the first-years that the faculty encourages critical and independent thinking, but, “We encourage you to do that all in a respectful way that tolerates the diversity of views. We all do not come from the same historical place.”

The Dean of Student Affairs, Jerome September, told the students that the humanities faculty is important in understanding the human race. “It is here where we understand human relations and how society works, and it is here in the arts where we have an opportunity to find true expression.

“My job is to make sure each one of you is supported,” he said, and encouraged the students to get involved in clubs and societies. He added that students should never doubt their place at Wits. “You belong here.”

FEATURED IMAGE: Professor Garth Stevens, Dean of Humanities addresses the first-year students. Photo: Lwazi Maseko 

“Wits is not a safe community,” first-year students told.

Students should report rape or sexual harassment at the Gender Equity Office GEO at Wits, and the police station, to ensure that action will be taken by both the university and the police.

This is the advice given by Palesa Mpapa, an investigation and advocacy officer at GEO, during a talk with first-year students on Monday, January 27. GEO co-hosted the talk on diversity, discrimination and gender-based harm with the Transformation Office (TO).

Mpapa also discussed what constitutes consent, saying, “Consent can be withdrawn at any point.” She said the GEO receives between 70 and 120 cases a year but not all cases go for hearings as some victims might choose psycho-social support.

“At Wits, we try to address these issues and that’s why we have talks with first-years, so that they are aware that Wits is not a platform for discrimination,” said Siya Hlongwa, Safezones facilitator at the TO.

Toxic residence initiations were also discussed at the talk. First-year students are reluctant to question these ‘traditions’ out of fear. However, they were encouraged to report oppressive activities and those that they felt uncomfortable doing.

“Initiation is supposed to be a process that assists you to go from one phase to another; from being a high schooler to a university student… to help you foster the change you need to get to the next step,” Hlongwa said.

Simthandile Nteyi, a first-year dramatic arts student told Wits Vuvuzela that, “I really thought the talk was informative and I really loved the consent video. These talks are important because of the gender-based violence crisis in the country, and coming into an environment this big, these things happen and you don’t know what to do.”

FEATURED IMAGE: Students at the Gender Equity Office and Transformation Office ‘gender conscious’ talk at the Science Stadium. Photo: Lwazi Maseko 

The faculty of Commerce, Law and Management assures its first-year students that they will be taken care of.

The deputy dean of Commerce, Law and Management (CLM), has urged first-year students to “take notice of the inequalities on campus and be generous with material things and in spirit” as they will become the leaders who will tackle inequality that is crippling the country.

Professor Jason Cohen told the students that they have the advantage of being at the technological hub of the country, while having the “best academic minds” to guide them during their time at Wits University.

“You will learn facts, but you will also learn skills and concepts and engage robustly in ideas that will open your mind and change your ways of thinking,” he said.

Cohen encouraged the students to turn around the rape crisis in the country and be the “beacons of hope” for vulnerable women and children in abusive households and for marginalised people.

“It is our job to give you the best guidance, teaching and mentorship. It is also our responsibility to give you as much support as possible,” the deputy dean said.

Students were also encouraged to ask for help as the faculty has support systems in place. “As long as you remember why you are here, you will know we are here to give you that support,” said assistant dean of undergraduate affairs, Dr. Muriel Mushariwa.

Tshepiso Maleswena, who leads CLM’s ‘Road to Success’ programme aimed at supporting students, told the Witsies that the programme was set in place solely to help students.

Dean of Student Affairs, Jerome September, outlined the university’s guidelines against discrimination and gender-based harm. “You have my email address. Please report any acts to me and the perpetrators will be dealt with.”

September told the first-years that, “You did not get accepted here through back door deals. It is your hard work that landed you a place at the university. This is your Wits, you belong here.”

FEATURED IMAGE: CLM’s Professor Jason Cohen encourages the new students to be the leaders of tomorrow. Photo: Tumelo Modiba

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As the print version of Wits Vuvuzela falls away, the journalism curriculum caters more to the modern industry’s needs.

The Wits Vuvuzela print newspaper is no more.

The publication produced by the full-time honours students of the Wits Journalism department since 2004, is making a fully digital shift and will only be accessible online as of 2020.

Dinesh Balliah, the journalism honours programme coordinator says that the programme needs to keep up with the industry’s needs.

“The Wits Vuvuzela is not a service to the university, but, quite frankly, it is a service to our students in this department because it is our teaching tool. Our primary focus with this teaching tool is to teach and equip our students for the industry and that industry isn’t a print industry any longer.”

Balliah says Wits Vuvuzela has a stronger online reach as its website gets over 50 000 monthly unique visitors whereas fewer and fewer people are picking up the physical newspaper.

“Every week when we deliver the paper, we are having to bring back packs of unused paper,” she says.

Since the print production process has fallen away, freeing up three working days a week, there will now be space for skills building in other sectors such as podcasting, graphic design and web design.

Media studies professor, Iginio Gagliardone, says it is likely that individuals accessing news online will read more content than in the past.

“Readers definitely have the opportunity to access a much larger pool of information at a fraction of the cost (often just the cost of their data plan).”

Anelisa Tuswa, a 2015 graduate of the programme who is now a business journalist for eTV, says although there will always be people who read newspapers, we are in fact moving into an era where we might not have as many newspapers.

“We might as well prepare future journalists to be more equipped with online writing and online skills that are required to make it in the future of journalism,” Tuswa says.

Wits Vuvuzela also actively uses many social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Their Facebook account boasts over 13 500 followers and Twitter over 20 000.

*Dinesh Balliah is the editor of the Wits Vuvuzela.

FEATURED IMAGE: The Wits Vuvuzela newspaper is now only accessible via www.witsvuvuzela.com and social media platforms after making a digital shift.
Photo: Wits Vuvuzela

INFOGRAPHIC: Gemma Gatticchi

FEATURED IMAGE: First year students listen intently during an introductory discussion about security on campus.
Photo: Gemma Gatticchi

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First-year science students gear up for the journey Wits has in store for them.

Professor Nithaya Chetty, the Executive Dean of Sciences told first-year students to focus on this year and to take each day as it comes.

“Unlike other faculties, the faculty of science has a full and intensive academic syllabus and it is important that you work hard this year. You have plenty of time to have fun”.

Professor Chetty informed the first-year science students of the resources they have at their disposal during their academic time at Wits. “We have set up a psychologist within our faculty to assist you with your mental health needs.”

The Executive Dean brought it to the Witsies’ attention that the university’s ‘N+2” rule which states that “a student who fails to meet the minimum requirements of study after he or she has reached or exceeded the maximum time (N+2) for the completion of the degree shall not be permitted by Senate to renew his or her studies with the university.”

Chetty emphasized that students have a limited time to complete their degrees, they are only given two chances to fail, if they fail more than two times, they cannot return to complete their degrees.

Jerome September, the Dean of Student Affairs warned the first-years of falling into the trap of ‘imposter syndrome’ which makes students feel as though they do not belong at Wits.

“You came to Wits through the front door and not through back door deals. Your hard work earned you a place at this university.”

FEATURED IMAGE: First-year students listen intently to Professor Nithaya Chetty’s dean address. Photo: Tumelo Modiba

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A Wits fencer raises funds to compete in Ghana. 

A Wits University student has been selected to represent South Africa at the 2020 Junior Fencing competition set to take place at the end of February this year in Ghana.

Ayanda Tuku, a second-year biological sciences student said that he was “surprised that I made the qualification for this competition because I had a very bad season,” due to injury in 2019.

This is the sixth time that Tuku has been selected to represent the country, but he has been unable to participate in any of the internationals due to a lack of funds. Tuku is the fourth fencer from the  Wits Fencing club to be selected to represent South Africa. “I was overjoyed at the news of Ayanda’s selection for African Champs. He has worked hard for this achievement, and he is one of the most unique fencers I’ve encountered,” said Thobekile Moyo*, the Wits Fencing club chairperson. 

Tuku, 19, told Wits Vuvuzela that it is “heart-breaking to find out that someone who’s incredible at the sport actually doesn’t receive support from our government to go and represent the country in big tournaments like these.” Through a crowdfunding initiative that he has started, Tuku has been able to raise R22 000 which will cover his accommodation and travel expenses. But the BSc student still needs R2 300 to purchase new equipment that adheres to the FIE (Federate International Escrime), known as the “international standard” for fencing.

The competition will be hosted at the University of Cape Coast from February 24 to February 29, 2020.

*Thobekile Moyo is a Wits Vuvuzela student journalist.

FEATURED IMAGE: Ayanda Tuku is eager to raise the South African flag high in Ghana. Photo: Tumelo Modiba 

A Witsie has created an alternative for students to buy and sell products. 

A third-year Wits chemical engineering student has set up a digital space which allows students from different universities to buy and sell a variety of student-related products such as textbooks and electronic devices online.

Sifiso Ngcobo, 20, designed and created Unispaza (unispaza.com), during the December holidays and launched the website in January this year.

“I just made this platform, to make it simpler for students to sell their stuff at a good price,” said Ngcobo.  “We sell almost everything, we have laptops, fridges and pillows, everything you’ll need as a student,” he said. Ngcobo says that the site focuses on students because students need to buy products at a lower rate, and Unispaza provides a cheaper alternative for them.

Ngcobo told Wits Vuvuzela that “growing up in Katlehong, you can find anything in a spaza, anything you need.” He said that he wanted to create a platform which is inspired by the idea or concept of a spaza, ‘getting anything you need’.

The website allows student to be sellers or buyers and puts the two groups in contact with each other.

Wits student, Lesego Kabe, who sells his textbooks using Unispaza, said the digital platform is ‘easy and convenient to use’. The 21- year old Kabe told Wits Vuvuzela that he prefers using Sifiso’s site compared to other book sellers.

“You are forced to sell your textbooks at such a low price, you are losing value for your textbook, with this platform you can literally choose your price,” said the second-year metallurgical engineering student.

Kabe said that he was pleased that Ngcobo found a buyer for his textbook after two days. Ngcobo charges a 10% commission fee on the products sold through the site.

Kabe, 20, told Wits Vuvuzela that “hosting the site is not cheap, (as) each month I have to pay a fee for my security, advertising and deliveries”.

He said that he delivers all the products to students on campuses, residences and in Braamfontein. Ngcobo said that it is tough to balance both studying and running his business, “I am always busy,” he said.

Ngcobo said that he has invested a lot into the website as it is not a short-term goal. “I want it to work, I hope the site can operate in all educational institutions in South Africa”.

FEATURED IMAGE: Unispaza, a digital platform which allows university students to sell and buy products.

An entirely new building will be constructed to accommodate the digital arts department’s growing numbers.

The Wits digital arts department building on Stiemens Street is currently under construction and will be fully functional as of 2021.

The department, which has functioned within the Digital Arts Convent since 2003, had only three staff members, and 15 postgraduate students, eventually growing to 80 students with the addition of an undergraduate programme introduced in 2015.

Dirk van den Eynde, project manager for campus planning and development told Wits Vuvuzela that the digital arts department has expanded rapidly in the past few years, owing to the need for a bigger building.

A digital image of what the building will look like once completed.
Photo: Provided

“The department is growing out of its seams, so they got approval from senate to build a new building and increase their intake number.”

Angus Davidson, ICT project manager at the digital arts department said that in 2015 the department started an expansion that by the end of 2021, will see approximately 350 students in both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Once construction is completed the building will house six meeting spaces and open plan staff offices, as well as labs, seminar rooms, research and testing spaces.

Davidson said, “While we have waited for the construction, our classes have increased in size dramatically.  We have had to, in the interim, make use of temporary spaces which has added additional challenges.

“Once construction is complete we will once again have all of our students under one roof. It’s going to be a very exciting space to study in.”

The buildings are being completed by Lemay Construction and will only be functional for educational purposes as of 2021.

The Wits Rugby team beat the University of Johannesburg for the first time ever in the Varsity Cup.

The Wits rugby first team secured a historic victory over local rivals University of Johannesburg (UJ) for the first time in the twelve-year old  Varsity Cup competition.

The Wits side narrowly took the spoils in a low-scoring match which ended 7-6 at the Wits Rugby Stadium on Monday, February 11.

UJ dominated the first half putting up a strong defense as they scored a six point lead against the Witsies. Wits centre, Matt McDonald eventually scored the winning try in a game that characterised by errors.

McDonald, a BCom marketing student,  said that scoring the winning try was an incredible moment which was a team effort, “I am getting a lot more glory than I deserve,” adding that “I can’t tell you how much this team means to me”.

Wits head coach Hugo van As told Wits Vuvuzela that though he is happy that the team won the match, “we are not satisfied with our performance”. Van As said that the match was a close game and the team needs to improve in order to take on bigger challengers.

Wits flyhalf Aidynn Cupido, was the ‘player that rocks’ while his teammate and fullback,  Daniel Kapepula, took home the ‘Steers Kinging moment’ which is the seen as the  the biggest moment in the game. Kapepula said that his award was “more of a team moment that my own moment,” but added that he found the game “scrappy’” with alot of errors. “It was definitely not the way we wanted to play,” Kapepula told Wits Vuvuzela.

“We do have that vision of bringing home the Varsity Cup, it is something that is born in all of our hearts and we do have a process where we are going to take this one step at a time,” said McDonald adding that their next opponents Pukke (North West University ), are a tough side but the team is excited to face them.

The Wits Rugby team is second on the Varsity Cup log and their match is against Pukke, which takes place on Monday, February 24 at the Wits Rugby Stadium.

FEATURED IMAGE: The Wits Rugby team celebrating their win against UJ. Photo: Provided

Police are no closer to solving the case.

A Wits University graduate who found dead in her apartment at the end of January, has been described as a warm and respected by a close family member.

Dr Yasmin Ibrahim, 45, was found dead after being shot in the head while her partner was also found dead in the same location on Sunday, January 26, 2020. It remains unclear whether the incident was a murder-suicide but investigations are ongoing.

Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela, Ibrahim’s sister-in-law, Rukshana Seedat-Akoodie, described the Johannesburg doctor as a competent and respected anesthetist.

Dr Yasmin Ibrahim, a Wits graduate who was found dead in her apartment at the end of January. Photo: Provided

“[She] was a warm, intelligent, vivacious and selfless person. She was taking care of her elderly mum and was guardian to her late sister’s children. She was the youngest of seven siblings, Seedat-Akoodie said.

“Her humble nature saw her treating all the staff in various stations with care and respect. This was re-iterated constantly at a memorial service held for her at Sunninghill Hospital,” Seedat-Akoodie said.

Ibrahim was specialising in anaesthesia through Wits University while battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system in 2008. After suffering through the  treatment Ibrahim beat the disease and according to her sister-in-law, had a new zest for life.

Dr Angelique Coetzee, chairperson of the South African Medical Association (SAMA) issued a statement following Ibrahim’s death, saying: “This is extremely distressing and disturbing news. Dr Ibrahim’s death again highlights the high level of gender-based violence in our society, which must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”

Norwood SAPS spokesperson, Sergeant Edzisani Eric Masotsha told Wits Vuvuzela, “A piece of paper was found on top of the fridge with a short message of ‘I’m sorry’, but who wrote it we currently don’t know,” adding that robbery was also being looked as a possibility.

Ibrahim was buried at the Rynsoord cemetery on the East Rand on Monday, January 27.

First year students are strongly advised to report any initiation acts involving house committee members.

Three Wits University students* have been accused of abusing first-year students during the university’s orientation programme  which ran from January 27 to 31, 2020. One of the three was suspended by the university on Tuesday, January 28, while an investigation is conducted, according to Director of Campus Housing and Residence Life (CHRL), Basil Mugwena.

The suspension came after first year students from three different Wits residences reported that they had been denied access to facilities for common use, such as the elevator at their accommodation and were demanded that they sing until midnight and wake up at 05:00 am in the morning.

Mugwena told Wits Vuvuzela, that an investigation against the three students was conducted after Campus Housing and Residence Life received “several complaints regarding behaviour associated with initiation, a practice that is prohibited by the university.”

“Initiation practices are a no go area,” said Jerome September, the Dean of student affairs at Wits, in an address to first-years in the faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (CLM) on Wednesday, January 29, urging students to report any initiation practices.

Mugwena said first-year students who were subjected to initiation practices felt they were deprived from much needed rest so that they could “function the next day and participate meaningfully in the formal O-week programme designed to prepare them for the year ahead.”

“No student must be subjected to demeaning acts, be forced to participate in any activity that infringes on their dignity or threatens their well-being,” said Mugwena.

The matters against the suspended house committee member, along with two other house committee members have been forwarded to the Wits Legal Office to determine their future at the university.

“Investigations are ongoing and additional information will be made available once all three cases have been finalised. Allegations will be tested and status update will be given in the next two weeks,” said Mugwena.

First-year students are encouraged to report any form of abuse to their residence wardens, cluster managers and also to the director of CHRL should they experience any form of abuse

*The identities of the students under investigation has not been disclosed to Wits Vuvuzela.

FEATURED IMAGE: Wits University has emphasised that it will not tolerate intiation practices. Photo: File. 

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As of 2021 the Wits music department will have a venue exclusively for music performances.

The Wits music department will have its first performance venue for musical performances, which will be situated on the corner of Station and Jorissen Street as of 2021.

Doctor Cameron Harris, a senior lecturer at the Wits music school said that up until now the department has not had a performance space that has been optimised for music performance. He added that music students have always had to make use of spaces designed for other activities, such as drama.

Harris told Wits Vuvuzela, “The design of a space for music and the detail that both performers and listeners can hear in a specially designed space is very different from a space designed for other uses and without this, it is very difficult for students to hone their skills.

I have been consistently impressed by how well students have coped up until now, but it is time for them to be provided with a space that will allow them to train with the kind of acoustics they should expect in their professional careers.”

A digital image of what the Wits performance venue will look like once completed.
Photo: Provided

Dirk van den Eynde, project manager for campus planning and development said the theatre will not be used for the same purposes as the Wits drama theatre.

“[It is] not like a theatre for plays. The music performance venue will be run by the music department as part of the school of arts.”

Senzi Khowane, a third-year music student, said with the closing of venues such as The Orbit and The Club, music students have few venues to perform at.

“The new building will assist in bringing big acts to stimulate the university’s economy. It is also impractical to bring instruments up to the eighth floor (music department) of the Wits Art Museum building if there is a more accessible area,” Khowane said.

Built by Lemay Construction, the multipurpose performance venue at Wits is set to seat approximately 120 people for music performances.

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Wits University clinical medical students have been accused of misconduct.

“The allegations are just ridiculous aim(ed) at victimising my son.” This is according to Lovington Ngema*, the father of a Wits clinical medical student accused of falsifying his daily academic log. The student, a final year Bachelor of Clinical Medical Practice (BCMP) student, is one of three students who were accused of misconduct for allegedly falsifying their clinical rotation logs at various academic hospital linked to Wits University, on November 20, 2019.

Ngema’s son, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is accused of logging falsified information on his daily log book via a digital device issued by the university. Clinical medical students are required to complete the eLogBook accurately and honestly, filling in patient data, performed procedures and skills immediately after completing the procedure or skill and is a record of what the student has done and the hours they have work during clinical rotations.

“At the beginning of each clinical rotation, students are assigned a clinical preceptor who orientates them, introduces them to the staff of their assigned departments and hands them off to the staff”, said Professor Richard Cooke, acting academic head of Family Medicine and Primary Care. “A clinical preceptor is usually a doctor at the hospital who also has a joint assignment at Wits, typically as an associate professor”, added Cooke. At the end of the clinical day or session, the preceptor or the person they delegate their authority to (designee) is expected to review all patient interactions and skills completed by a student. The daily log of each student can only be submitted once a preceptor inputs their password onto the student’s device. According to Ngema’s father, the university is accusing his son of signing himself off in two of his rotations without the approval of the qualified doctor on the relevant days.

The 22-year-old accused student told Wits Vuvuzela that more charges have been brought against him during the course of this week. These include: a misrepresentation of the clinical activities that he had performed, and/or a misrepresentation that he acquired a specific clinical skill, and/or a misrepresentation that he had acquired a level of knowledge, skill and expertise sufficient to treat patients with safety.

“I was given a pass mark after completing every rotation. Throughout the year I assumed I was doing the right thing, yet they [the Wits Legal Office and BCMP faculty] find it in their hearts to surprise me when it’s time for me to graduate”, said the student.

“After I took the initiative to inquire about my missing marks, I received an email about the errors in my logbook. I am assuming that they weren’t going to tell me anything if I hadn’t inquired about my missing marks. I assume this was them trying to be ethical at the time”, added the student.

“The teaching of the BCMP programme has too many flaws and the department does not want to own up to their mistakes,” he said.

“Throughout the year we as clinical associate students have always had to fend for ourselves in the hospital sites. The lecturers would come to introduce us to the site but never did they actually assign us to the doctor we needed to work with hence we fend for ourselves to meet all of our supposed objectives.” According to the student, his daily logs were predominantly signed off by interns or supervisors and not the clinical preceptor.

“It really pains me when I think that I paid lot of money for my child to be left alone at hospital sites without any lecturers visiting him at hospitals, meaning Wits medical school left my child to fend for himself for the whole year. I’m very sad and disgusted,” added Ngema.

“One student has pleaded guilty to misconduct, investigations against the other two students are still underway”, said Cooke. “My hope is that through a robust interrogation, these issues (students misrepresenting their academic records) will be brought to light”, said Cooke.

The two accused students are set to appear at a disciplinary hearing at the Wits Legal Office next week.

FEATURED IMAGE: Wits Clinical Medical students await their fate at the university. Photo: File. 

The 2021 academic year will see a new vice chancellor at Wits University. 

Wits University’s vice chancellor (VC), is set to resign by the end of this year to take up the role as director of the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London.

Professor Adam Habib, 55, announced his decision via a letter to the Wits community on Tuesday, February 18.

“This is one of the most difficult letters that I have had to write in my seven years at Wits,” Habib said. He said that the opportunity to lead the 104-year-old SOAS was one he could not overlook. “Following a lengthy internal reflection, intense deliberations with my family, and robust discussions with the Wits executive team and Council members, I have decided to accept the offer – I will take up the new position in January 2021.”

Habib became the Wits VC in 2013 when he replaced Professor Loyiso Nongxa. He was re-elected for a second term in 2017 which was meant to run until 2023.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Watch Professor Adam Habib, Vice-Chancellor, share his thoughts on leaving Wits University at the end of 2020. He will take up the position of Director at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) in London. Full video: https://t.co/zHyJwdJFXa pic.twitter.com/hn5QpoSFWv

— Wits University (@WitsUniversity) February 18, 2020

During the course of Habib’s seven years at Wits, he came under close scrutiny and, at times, was harshly criticised for his management of the #FeesMustFall (#FMF) protests.

Reflecting on this time and his handling of the protests, Habib said at a launch of his 2019 book Rebels and Rage that, “If I was faced with the same circumstances and the same conditions, I would make the same decision again as it was the progressive and right decision under those circumstances.”

According to Habib’s letter, the university has made significant strides during this tenure as VC saying that Wits has increased graduation numbers from 7 000 in 2013 to 9 500 by 2019, as well as almost doubling the number of postgraduates enrolled at the university which was estimated at 15 000 students as of 2019.

Habib said, “As a result of these academic successes, our budgeted income has increased from R2.4 billion in 2013 to R4 billion in 2018, some R500 million per annum above our research peers. This has allowed us to make investments in the academic programme by more than 14% per annum, social investments in professional and support staff by a similar 14%, and a financial investment approximating 24% in student support.”

In a video posted on the Wits University website detailing his resignation Habib said he has always emphasised that building a world-class institution that is transformed is important for the future of this country.

“Wits has always been more than a job, it has been a political passion … I would never have been able to achieve the collective outcomes that we have achieved if it hadn’t been for the support of the Senate, the Council, the academic community, professional administration of staff and even the student community,” he said.

In a statement on the SOAS website, Marie Staunton, Chair of the SOAS Board of Trustees said, “[Habib’s] record of leadership in South Africa, his academic pedigree, his outspoken commitment to diversity and equality, his willingness to challenge received wisdom across society, his commitment to engagement with the student community and his vision on key issues such as decolonisation, make him a superb fit for SOAS and the values we share.” Habib will be replacing Valerie Amos, the SOAS director since 2015.

Isaac Shongwe, the chairperson of the Wits Council issued a statement saying that, “The Chancellor, Dr Judy Dlamini, members of the University’s Council and members of the Senior Executive Team are working together to ensure that the processes to appoint a suitable successor are in order.”

FEATURED IMAGE: Professor Adam Habib is stepping down as vice chancellor of Wits University. Photo: File. 

Around 12% of southern African university students experience symptoms of depression.

A staggering 23 suicides per day or close to 8 000 per annum is the rate of suicide in South Africa. This is according to the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), a non-profit organisation that provides counselling and other services to the general public.

The organisation says that about 12% of all southern African university students experience anything from moderate to severe symptoms of depression. “Following national and international trends there are more cases of depression being reported. Some are related to social, psychological, physical and other stressors,” says Toinette Bradley, team leader at the Wits Counselling Careers Development Unit (CCDU).

According to Bradley, “Depression and suicide are not terms that can be used interchangeably, some can be depressed but not suicidal, however, depression can be a risk factor for suicide.”

Talking or joking about suicide, self-criticism, risk-taking behaviour and a loss of interest in one’s appearance can all be warning signs that a person is vulnerable to attempting suicide.

When dealing with someone showing these signs, CCDU advises that talking openly and matter-of-factly about suicide can help in many ways. According to their website, speaking openly with suicidal people makes them feel less alone, less isolated and more cared for and understood.

Bradley says CCDU offers individual psychotherapy as well as referrals to psychiatric services for medical intervention.

Wits offers a toll-free crisis line for anyone struggling to cope with day-to-day life. The line, 0800 111 331,  is open 24/7.

FEATURED IMAGE: Help is on hand for students who express depression and suicidal thoughts. Photo: File. 

INFOGRAPHIC: Gemma Gatticchi

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Three economic minds are set to represent Wits in Cape Town. 

Three Wits University students join seventeen other finalists in the annual Nedbank Old Mutual Budget Speech Competition at a gala dinner at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on Wednesday, February 26.

Rashalia Pather, 26, and Karabo Tlagadi, 22, were selected as undergraduate finalists while Marc Landau, 22, was selected as a postgraduate finalist. Each of the students produced an essay in which they analysed the state of the South African economy.

Pather, an economic science honours student told Wits Vuvuzela, “I was excited to apply some of the theory and skills I had learned in my undergraduate studies up till that point to a real-world problem faced by professional economists in the country.”

Landau, an economic science graduate, said the competition provides a platform to discuss the country‘s current state of affairs, while at the same time it has the ability to open many doors for participants.

(From left) Marc Landau (22), Rashalia Pather (26) and Karabo Tlagadi (22) will represent Wits at the latest Budget Speech Competition. Photo: Provided

Dr Lyndal Keeton, a lecturer in the Wits School of Economics and Finance said the students’ participation in the competition will provide them with a unique experience that will set them apart from their peers.

“They will gain valuable exposure in commenting on the budget speech to the media. Moreover, the finalists will have the opportunity to interact with executives from Nedbank and Old Mutual, as well as high level government officials including Finance Minister Tito Mboweni,” Keeton said.

There are various cash prizes up for grabs including a R150 000 prize for first place in the postgraduate category and a R60 000 cash prize for first place in the undergraduate category.

Tlagadi, a finance honours student told Wits Vuvuzela that if he were to win the competition, he would invest the money for his 11 month-old niece.

“This will help pay for her education. This highlights my views on the importance of education, having a long-term perspective and not spending most of your wealth on consumption.”

Last year, Witsie Baneng Naape won the first place cash prize in the postgraduate category for his essay titled ‘Disciplined Fiscal Policy: Does such exist in South Africa? Why not and what can be done?’

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