University of the Witwatersrand
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (/vətˈvɑːtəsrɑːnt/), commonly known as Wits University or Wits, is a multi-campus public research university situated in the northern areas of central Johannesburg, South Africa. The university has its roots in the mining industry, as do Johannesburg and the Witwatersrand in general. Founded in 1896 as the South African School of Mines in Kimberley, it is the third oldest South African university in continuous operation.
Former names | South African School of Mines (1896–1904), Transvaal Technical Institute (1904–1906), Transvaal University College (1906–1910), South African School of Mines and Technology (1910–1920), University College, Johannesburg (1920–1922) |
|---|---|
| Motto | Scientia et Labore (Latin) |
| Type | Public university |
| Established | 1922 |
| Affiliation | AAU, ACU, FOTIM, HESA, IAU |
| Chancellor | Judy Dlamini |
| Vice-Chancellor | Zeblon Vilakazi |
| Chairman of Council | Isaac Shongwe |
Academic staff | 1,112 (Full-time, Permanent) |
| Students | 40,259 |
| Undergraduates | 25,352 |
| Postgraduates | 14,025 |
| 2,153 | |
| Location | , , 26°11′27″S 28°1′49″E |
| Campus | 2 urban and 3 suburban campuses |
| Colours | Blue Gold |
| Nickname | Wits |
| Mascot | Kudos Kudu |
| Website | www |
The university has an enrolment of 40,259 students as of 2018, of which approximately 20 percent live on campus in the university's 17 residences. 63 percent of the university's total enrolment is for undergraduate study, with 35 percent being postgraduate and the remaining 2 percent being Occasional Students.