On August, 8 2026, the Wits Sports Council (WSC) along with the All-Residence Council (ARC) hosted the second David Webster Cup since the competition resumed after the Covid-19 pandemic. This year’s tournament had a twist, with Wits residences competing in 12 different sporting codes, in the fight for res bragging rights and the David Webster Cup.
Wits Sports Council adopts Amazing Race format for the annual David Webster Cup.
12 Sporting codes were showcased to Wits students.
This new format allowed for more inclusivity within the Wits sporting community.
The 2026 David Webster Cup was held at the University of the Witwatersrand’s Sturrock Park, where a new ‘Amazing Race’ format was introduced. While the tournament would previously consist of three to four sporting codes, this year it adopted an ‘Amazing Race’ style format, where each residence team could participate in 12 different sporting challenges.
Wits Residences at the 2026 David Webster Cup. By Zebrena Ralph
Every residence had the opportunity to complete a challenge at each sporting code station located around Sturrock Park and the Wits Science Stadium. The residence who collected the most points from all these stations, was crowned David Webster Cup winners, with West Campus Village taking this year’s cup.
West Campus Village being crowned the 2026 David Webster Cup Champions. By Zebrena Ralph
The purpose of this format was to show Wits students that there are more sports than just football, rugby and netball. Twelve other sporting codes were put on display at this year’s Webster Cup such as snow skiing, boxing, yachting, fencing, and tai chi. “A bunch of students came and said that they did not even know snow ski existed on campus,” Lethabo Rabothata, Gender Equity and Transformation Officer, told Wits Vuvuzela. “It’s actually fulfilling to see that.”
A member from Men’s Res participating in a volleyball challenge. By Zebrena Ralph
The new competition format also aimed to address gender inequality within sports, which existed at previous David Webster Cups. “The real impact that we saw is the (previous) set up of sporting codes presenting us with gender inequalities. It made more sense to do an Amazing Race where everyone is equal and anyone can participate in anything, as opposed to a netball challenge where Men’s Res does not have a team for,” Mamela Nyandeni, Wits Sports Council Chairperson, told Wits Vuvuzela.
Oratile Lesia, the Sports Officer from the All-Residences Council (ARC), said that the ARC played the role of being the bridge between the Wits residences and Wits Sports. The David Webster Cup aimed to foster greater integration between student residence culture and Wits entities such as Wits Sports. “Showcasing this in the David Webster Cup is like merging the two entities together to become one, and to express ourselves beyond our households,” said Lesia.
By showcasing different sporting codes beyond mainstream sports, Azania Jack, a participant from Men’s Res, expressed how as a basketball player he found water polo the most challenging. “It is such a foreign sport to me,” Jack said. Fulufhelo Nengwekgulu from Noswall Hall Residence said that “Mountain climbing was nice, although it was quite difficult, but I enjoyed it as well”.
A member from David Webster Hall Residence participating in a boxing challenge. By Zebrena Ralph
Although the David Webster Cup was an overall success, the WSC was faced with the challenge of attendance. While 10 residences were set to compete in the tournament, two withdrew on the morning of the event. Nyandeni expressed that despite this challenge, the ‘Amazing Race’ format allowed adjustments to be made to avoid any major setbacks on the day of the tournament.
FEATURED IMAGE: West Campus Village Residence celebrating. By Zebrena Ralph
A mere Women’s Month special ‘pat on the back’ does not do justice to the contributions women make to South African sport. It is high time we call a spade a spade.
Every August for Women’s Month, a familiar and performative tradition unfolds across South Africa. Corporate brands flood their social media with daring graphics celebrating iMbokodo and sporting authorities release sleek press statements praising the ‘unshakable resilience’ of our female athletes; an obviously calculated, annual performance intended to score cheap public relations points on the backs of women who spend the other eleven months of the year fighting for proper recognition, infrastructure and financial support.
This hypocrisy deserves to be exposed. Resilience should be celebrated as a personal triumph, not weaponised as a convenient excuse for corporate and systemic neglect.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games, a multi-sport event hosted in Glasgow, Scotland, began on 23 July until August 2, 2026. A total of 112 athletes represented Team South Africa, 53 of whom were female athletes, accounting for more than half of the team. Of the 28 medals won, 11 medals, plus 1 shared medal in a mixed event, came from our sportswomen.
On August 1, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, congratulated Team South Africa on its brilliant performance: “This team went to Glasgow and did us proud.” Post the congratulatory speech, the obvious reality remains unchanged.
These victories were achieved despite the unequal system, considering what our women had to overcome simply to stand on those stages.
After multiple health setbacks, Lara van Niekerk refused to allow hardships to further dictate her success. After successfully defending her women’s 50m breaststroke title in 30.43 seconds, she stated that this victory “means more than the one four years ago because of the difficulties I’ve had to overcome.” Behind her stood a sisterhood of excellence. Aimee Canny won two silver and bronze medals; Erin Gallagher won a silver and three bronze medals; Kaylene Corbett came in with a silver medal and Olivia Nel with a bronze medal. Javelin star Jo-Ané du Plessis, despite having undergone an emergency back surgery for a herniated disc, finished in sixth place.
But why must our sportswomen constantly play the martyr?
Sporting organisations and commercial sponsors thrive on the narrative of resilient women who continuously ‘overcome the odds.’ It makes for a heartwarming marketing campaign, while conveniently skipping over why these odds exist in the first place. Jo-Ané du Plessis was praised for her recovery, but her injury exposes how fragile an athlete’s support system can be. While she received professional medical assistance, the system at large remains broken.
Truthfully, hashtags, shout-outs and branded campaigns during women’s month are not empowering. Financial backing that equals that of sportsmen is.
The South African sports authorities need to put money where their mouth is and start funding our sportswomen like the champions they are. Romanticising the struggles of our athletes to mask administrative incompetence and putting up patronising Women’s Month banners is just not going to cut it anymore.
FEATURED IMAGE: A graphic of South African sportswomen. Graphic by: Naledi Maraisane
The 70th Women’s Day Commemoration event celebrated the women of the Women’s March of 1956 and gave an opportunity for exhibitors to create awareness of their business and showcase their work.
The 70th Women’s Day Commemoration took place at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
Sophie Williams-De Bruyn, the last standing leader and organiser of the Women’s March of 1956 gave an address.
Wits Vuvuzela spoke to three different exhibitors to gain insight on how their exhibitions empower women.
National Women’s Day, Sunday August 9 2026, marked a significant milestone within the South African context as it was the commemoration of 70 years since the anti-pass law Women’s March of 1956, which took place at the self-same Union Buildings decades on.
The Women’s March of 1956 was a monumental turning point in South African history, highlighting the power of women uniting against injustice. 70 years later, thousands of people gathered to honour the 22 000 women who marched against Apartheid’s pass laws.
A photo of someone holding two South African flags. Photo: Sikelelekile Pahlana
The commemoration consisted of a women parade, speeches, live performances that celebrated culture and various exhibitions.
The theme of the event was “empowered women, empower the nation.” Sophie-Williams-De Bruyn, the last surviving woman from the leaders and organisers of the Women’s March of 1956, took to the stage during the formal proceedings.
Williams-De Bruyn said: “We were young, we were afraid, but we were unified and determined. When we stood undaunted in silence for 30 minutes, the world trembled, it took note. We confronted the Apartheid regime and boldly said: Strijdom, you have targeted the women, you have struck a rock, and we will crush you…
But today as I look at our beautiful country, my heart is heavy. The freedom we marched for, what we bled is in reality a painful paradox. How can we fully celebrate our past victories when our current realities are so deeply disappointing and distressful?”
Williams-De Bruyn specifically pointed out gender-based violence and femicide, entrenched poverty, lack of clean water, homelessness and systemic corruption.
Women’s Parade in honour of the women who marched in 1956. Photo: Sikelelekile Pahlana
Alongside Williams-De Bruyn’s address was Eugene Plaatjie who spoke on behalf of her late mother, Lilian Dierdericks, a leader and organiser of the 1956 march. She [Lilian Dierdericks] led the Eastern Cape women to this iconic march,” she said.
Plaatjie concluded: “Let us no more say four women led the march, but that they were indeed five. Let the false narrative die today and that we remain true to the struggle.”
Seko’s Crafts beanies on display. Photo: Sikelelekile Pahlana
Wits Vuvuzela engaged with three exhibitors on the lawns. The first, a crocheting collaboration between Seko’s Crafts (founded by Lebogang Klass) and Kgaetsi Hand Made (founded by Mokgaetši Mothwa). When asked about how they interpret the theme, “empowered women, empower the nation” in relation to their businesses, Mothwa shared: “This woman [referring to Lebogang] standing right in front of me, helped me realise my dream today. There was an opportunity to come to class to learn how to crotchet, and now I can happily and proudly say I’m running my own business today. So that for me is women empowerment, we care for one another. She did it for the community. Now I am able to buy bread and teach someone else.”
Klass said empowerment for her is about paying it forward through her teaching and mentorship. “The thing is now unemployment is too much… and mental health, the kids are always on social media, they do other things whereby they can learn to do this thing [crochet] and they don’t need to have a job to learn, they can employ themselves and employ other people,” she said.
The second exhibitors were Sharmila Mistry and Shamalin Singh, founders of Beyond Eternity, offering holistic therapies and products. They said their work is centred around “the evolution of women and women knowing their self-worth” through natural healing.
Lastly, were Ditsong: Museums of South Africa funded by the Department of Arts, Sports and Culture. Curator Tinyeko Ndlovu said, “You see the boards, they represent permanent exhibitions in our Military Museum, we did what we called, Women’s Role in the Liberation Armed Struggle. We are contributing to ensure that women were not excluded and showing that they were there. If you look, there’s people like Charlotte Maxeke, and Sarah Bartman.” He also shared that Ditsong will be hosting a panel on August 26, 2026, in Johannesburg to discuss Nokuthula Simelane, who disappeared in 1983.
A photo of the boards that were being showcased by Ditsong: Museums of South Africa. Photo: Sikelelekile Pahlana
The overall event reflected the importance of empowerment and honouring the work that women do from generation to generation. More notably, how there is still more work to be done for women to truly thrive in South Africa.
FEATURED IMAGE: A photo of people gathering to watch the women’s parade at the Union Buildings. Photo: Sikelelekile Pahlana
A signage change at Wits University highlights the student centre’s official name, but “The Matrix” remains the name that defines campus culture.
The student centre at Wits University now displays its official name in full, Student Union Building Matrix.
Many students were unaware of the formal name and have always called it “The Matrix.”
Despite the signage, “The Matrix” remains a key part of Wits student culture.
Something felt off at the university’s student centre, something felt strange. The bold, familiar “Matrix” signage that has long marked the heart of student life was gone. In its place was a more formal name: “Student Union Building Matrix.” For many students passing through, the change raised a quiet but lingering question—had “The Matrix” been renamed?
At first glance, it appeared to be a rebrand. But conversations across campus revealed that the story is less about a new name and more about how students experience and define their space.
Many students had not noticed the updated signage at all. Others only became aware of it after it was pointed out.
An image of the map of the Matrix and the Student Union Building. Photo Provided by: Jenna Stelli
“I’ve been at Wits for quite a while, and it’s always just been ‘The Matrix’ to me,” said Obakeng Leping, a fourth-year BSc civil engineering student.
Head of marketing Reshma Lakha-Singh said the official name of the building has always been Student Union Building, with “The Matrix” becoming widely used from 2001. The name gained popularity due to its catchy nature, influenced by both the building’s structure and the release of the movie by the same name at the same time.
“The decision to revert to the original name aligns with the university’s signage and wayfinding policy, which aims to ensure consistency, clarity, and uniformity across campus buildings as budgets allow,” said Lakha-Singh. “The current naming better reflects the building’s long-standing formal identity and institutional purpose.”
Jenna Stelli of campus planning added that the facility consists of two separate buildings. “The original Student Union building is to the south and the more recent Matrix building to the north. Because the building is experienced as one cohesive hub, we decided to include both names on the new signage to avoid confusion,” she said. “There haven’t been any official name changes — we are ensuring the signage matches how the building is used.”
The gap between official naming and everyday language reveals something deeper about student identity at Wits. Names are not only assigned; they are shaped over time through shared experience.
For students like Tiyane Matsheke, a third-year BA general student, the informal name carries a sense of belonging. “I’ll still call it ‘The Matrix’ because that’s what everyone knows. It’s part of Wits culture,” she said.
Attempts to trace the origins of the name remain unclear, with key sources unavailable to comment. Yet its meaning is evident in how firmly it is held by students.
Even as official branding becomes more visible, it is unlikely to redefine what the space represents. The signage may read differently, but in conversation, memory and daily student life, “The Matrix” continues to hold its place.
FEATURED IMAGE: Picture of the Student Union Building Matix. Photo by: Sanele Sithole
A protracted bargaining process has reached a stalemate, which may grind activities on campus to a halt.
Nehawu and Altsa union members threaten to down tools.
Salary negotiations between the unions and Wits management remain unresolved.
As the cost of living increases, members demand a larger salary increase.
On Monday, April 20, National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (Nehawu) and the Administrative, Library and Technical Staff Association (Altsa) members took matters into their own hands by picketing in and around campus.
Union members, made up of professional and administrative staff, marched from the Great Hall to Wits Science Stadium, after declining the 4,95% salary increase proposed by Wits University management.
According to the Altsa union secretary, Tholane Khiba, meetings with the vice chancellor and senior executive team resulted in a proposed 4,95% increase, which was rejected and led to the deadlock. “Looking at the delay, the members are now getting frustrated,” he said.
In a statement, the senior executive team said the matter, in month eight of “protracted negotiations”, was heard at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) last week, but the offer made by the university was rejected.
Nehawu Regional Secretary of greater Johannesburg, Tumisho Madihlaba, stated that “the members in their big numbers for both unions Altsa and Nehawu have agreed. We are not accepting the 5%, we are not accepting the 1% on Annual Performance Incentive… We are going on strike!”
Nehawu and Altsa members gathered by the Great Hall for a mass meeting. Photo: Jamie Ho.
Thabo Modise the Nehawu branch secretary of Wits said they have worked in the best interest of the university, but feel “financially bullied.”
As a result, they plan to down their tools. “We also have a muscle comrades. The muscle that we have is our labour. We are going to withdraw our labour and show them how important we are,” Modise added.
The members of the union emphasise that they will stand in unity until their demands are met. Altsa acting president, Jordan Sake, stated “we have rejected that nonsense from management. That insult? We will not take it.”
Members of both unions highlighted the growing cost of living amid global conflicts as one of the reasons they are pushing for more money. Jabulile Maseko, a member of Altsa said, “it is not enough, everyone is aware that everything is going up.”
While tensions continue, demonstrations and strike action seem to be on the horizon as both unions stand their ground with their demands.
FEATURED IMAGE: Nehawu and Altsa members picketing around campus. Photo: Jamie Ho.
Joburg Theatre’s Tribute to Hugh Masekela unites and uplifts the community, revealing the enduring and powerful influence of his music.
Joburg Theatre hosts a 4-day concert to honour the legacy of Hugh Masekela.
A lineup of artists delivered heartfelt performances celebrating his music.
The community united to show their love for the cherished musician.
Picture of Zoe Modiga singing at Joburg Theatre on Friday evening. Photo: Jamie Ho.
The Joburg Theatre held a 4-day musical tribute to Hugh Masekela from Thursday April 9 to Sunday April 12, with performances from some of South Africa’s renowned jazz artists including Tresor, Baobab Sisters, iComplete, Vusi Mahlasela, Judith Sephuma, and Zoe Modiga – all to celebrate the legacy of a man affectionately known as Bra Hugh.
Wits Vuvuzela was thrust into the magic of the event on both Friday and Sunday evening. Pulsing through the stage was the rich lifeblood of Masekela’s music. It flowed through the vocals of the performing artists and poured into the crowd creating a tangible, powerful bond.
On both evenings, the theatre was alive not only with the sounds of his music, but with the liveliness of the crowd. People were dancing, throwing their arms in the air, spinning with loved ones. Every hip sway, every chuckle, every cheer: a testament to their love for Hugh.
No longer were we seated in an auditorium, but in a living breathing piece of history. Infected with rhythm, infused with soul, each song trembled with passion, sending ripples across the sea of luminescent faces.
Those that attended the concert were deeply moved by the power of its performances. One attendee, Oratile Morotolo summed it all up saying, “We were witnessing something we had no business witnessing. As though we were seeing something unseen. A transcendent catapult in time.”
Born in Emalahleni, near Johannesburg, Hugh’s passion for music started at an early age. He contributed massively to the struggle movement against Apartheid, with songs like Soweto Blues and Stimela. Most famously he is known for his protest-anthem Bring him Home (Nelson Mandela) demanding the release of Mandela from prison in 1987.
Not only is he a voice for freedom, but a voice for Africa. Every note of his music pays homage to what he describes to be “the wealth of African culture.”
He passed away on January 23, 2018, at 78 years of age. But his soul continues to live on, not only in his music, but in the people as well.
Even as the lights dimmed and the performers took their last bow, there remained something sacred in all of us that night: something that can never die, a heart that will go on beating.
Picture of Hugh Masekela’s famous trumpet. Photo: Jamie Ho.
FEATURED IMAGE: Picture of the stage during the concert at Joburg Theatre. Photo: Jamie Ho
A 12-year-old who never let go of her dream and is now a household name.
After two decades of chasing news, Chriselda Lewis is back in the classroom, now chasing assignment deadlines. Wits University was always her dream institution, but her parents could not afford to pay for the fees, so now she is paying her own way.
Born and bred in Mthata, Eastern Cape, where opportunities are scarce, Lewis was fortunate that her primary school came to her rescue.
“I was told that I was a shy kid; however, at the age of 12 years old there was a television scout that came to my school. My teacher selected me to become a children’s show presenter on Transkei Broadcasting Corporation.”
The moment she stood in front of the camera, she knew exactly what she wanted to be: “I liked the lights, I liked the camera, and I thought this is exactly what I’m going to become.”
Chriselda at the Drum Room, Wits Department. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Lewis completed her undergraduate studies in 2002 at Border Technikon, now known as Walter Sisulu University. After completing her studies, she began her career as an intern at The Sowetan in 2003.
“Working at The Sowetan was very challenging, as it was where I applied everything I had learned in tertiary education. It was also exciting because I had the opportunity to work with veteran journalists who had worked during the apartheid era, such as John Dludlu,” she said.
‘While I may not remember the first story I worked on at The Sowetan, I do remember cracking my first big story in 2004. One of them was the kidnapping and murder of university student Leigh Matthews,” she says.
As her career progressed from The Sowetan, she went on to work at the South African Press Association, followed by Talk Radio 702, then the SABC, where she made her first television appearance on SABC Africa.
In 2023, Lewis won the Journalist of the Year award in the Television: In-Depth/ Features/ Interviews category. Other career highlights include her coverage of the fall of Robert Mugabe in Zimbabwe, the Oscar Pistorius trial and reporting on the earthquake in Türkiye-Syria.
Lewis always wanted to return to school, but never got the opportunity because her work life is demanding:
“As I speak to you, I’m in Bloemfontein to cover the memorial service of the police officers whose bodies were found in the Hennops River. Due to workload and insane working hours, I just never thought I’d find the opportunity to go back to school”.
Lewis says despite having 22 years of experience in her field, it doesn’t hurt to equip herself with better skills so that one day she can be a leader in the newsroom, and to do so, she must equip herself with the necessary qualifications.
But being back in the classroom hasn’t been easy. “If you give me a report I can do it for you, if you want me on TV, I can do it. I’ve moved into a different terrain doing academic writings which is a scary process,” she says.
When asked to share wisdom for aspiring journalists, Chriselda says, “This is not child’s play! Journalism is hard work; it is long hours. You are not going to survive if you don’t love this job. You have to love what you do!”
FEATURED IMAGE: Chriselda Lewis standing outside of the Wits Centre for Journalism. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
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Since her announcement as the Democratic Alliance’s mayoral candidate for Johannesburg, Helen Zille has dominated national headlines. In this bonus episode of We Should Be Writing podcast, hosts Lulah Mapiye and Bonolo Mokonoto dissect a media meet-and-greet with the mayoral hopeful. From her extensive political résumé to her controversial public utterance, we examine why the Democratic Alliance has chosen Hellen Zille as their candidate for the 2027 local mayoral elections. Additionally, […]
