Maps the university's current and future vision as it marks its centenary in 2022
The University of the Witwatersrand occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of South Africans. It is a leading university renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, social justice and the advancement of the public good. Its history is inextricably linked with the development of Johannesburg, with mining and economic development, and with political and social activism across the country.
Wits University at 100: From Excavation to Innovation captures important moments of Wits' story in celebration of the university's centenary in 2022. It explores Wits' origins, the space and place that it occupies in society, and its transformation as it prepares the ground for the next century. From its humble beginnings as a mining college in Johannesburg to its current position as a flourishing and inclusive university, Wits University at 100 is a story of innovation driven from the global South.
In text and image, Wits is presented as a dynamic institution that thrives because of its people, many of whom, in one way or another, have shifted the world. The experiences, achievements and insights of past and present 'Witsies' come alive in this glossy, full-color book that maps the university's vision for the future.
- Foreword
- Introduction: Looking Back, Moving Forward
- Chapter 1: Origins
- The Last Word: Benedict Vilakazi
- Wits Pioneer: Johnny Clegg
- Dynamite Underground: Wits Geosciences
- Fighting the Good Fight
- Wits Pioneer: Stephen Matseoane
- Life as We Know It: The Story of Life
- Wits Pioneer: Advocate Thuli Madonsela
- Chapter 2: Space and Place
- Behind the Scenes of #FeesMustFall
- Activists, Scientists and a Lifetime of Service: Maurice Smithers
- Wits Rural Campus: The Hidden Gem
- Knowing Your Place
- Activists, Scientists and a Lifetime of Service: Patrick Soon-Shiong and Michele B. Chan
- Leading the Charge
- Activists, Scientists and a Lifetime of Service: Bhekokuzakuye ‘Keith’ Mdlalose
- Chapter 3: The Future
- Light Years Ahead: Invention, Innovation and the Structured Light Lab
- Minding the Matter
- Wits Futurists Lead the Way: Achille Mbembe
- Fringe of the Future
- Wits Futurists Lead the Way: Marcus Byrne
- African Art Beat: Wits Art Museum
- I Have a Dream …
- Chapter 4: The Next Century Begins Now
- Afterword
- Timeline
- Notes
- Interviewees
- Bibliography and Source Material
- Acknowledgements
- Index
Celebrating the experiences, achievements and insights of past and present students, this book maps the university’s current and future vision as it marks its centenary in 2022.