Wits University’s ongoing biometric access system failures continue to frustrate students and staff, despite earlier promises of improvements.
Wits University’s biometric system continues to malfunction, causing daily access disruptions for students and staff.
Campus control is in the process of replacing the old system.
System failures lead to late arrivals, restricted access to resources, and safety concerns.
Nearly a year after the University of the Witwatersrand acknowledged challenges with its biometric access control system, students and staff are still facing ongoing disruptions that are affecting campus life and safety.
In May 2024, Wits Vuvuzelareported on the instability of the campus control system due to “unexpected software challenges.” At the time, the university proposed interim solutions, including software upgrades and the installation of additional servers.
Almost a year later, the situation has shown little improvement. Students and staff continue to experience difficulties when entering or exiting campuses.
Deputy Director of Campus Control Services (CPS), Mafihla Maleka, confirmed that CPS is currently in the process of replacing the old access control system with “a new, upgraded system.”
“This transition is expected to take approximately fourteen months to complete,” said Maleka. “During this period, Wits patrons may continue to experience some inconvenience when entering or exiting campus premises.”
To help ease the burden during this transitional phase, CPS has stationed personnel at various access points to manually assist with entry and exit.
Students like Reneilwe Kgosietsile and Minentle Mbatha have expressed their frustrations. They say the disruptions often cause them to arrive late for lectures and tests. A major complaint is the random enforcement of student cards, even though the biometric system doesn’t rely on them.
“I don’t live at res. When I forget my student card at home, I must go to extreme lengths to prove that I am a student for security to let me in,” said Mbatha. She also noted that this discourages students from accessing important campus resources. “It even becomes a whole process just to go to the library without your card.”
Security personnel have also voiced concerns. One guard, who requested anonymity, explained that the malfunctions are due to “network issues.” This has implications beyond inconvenience. “What will happen if a student is being chased to be mugged and when they get to the gate it’s not working and there’s no security?” the guard asked.
As the university continues the 14-month system upgrade, the Wits community remains hopeful for a swift resolution. For now, patience is wearing thin and the call for more reliable solutions is louder.
FEATURED IMAGE: A photo of a non-functional gate at Wits. Photo: Nthabiseng Baloyi
The declining diplomatic relationship between the United States and South Africa makes for a complex and self-introspective experience for American students in Johannesburg.
The Trump administration prompts many American students to question their identity in the global context.
American students living in Johannesburg have found the experience thought-provoking.
Many of the students do not see themselves as ambassadors of their nation.
With one post on X on February 3, the bilateral relationship between the United States of America (USA) and South Africa was fractured.
US President Donald Trump posted an accusation claiming that the South African government is engaging in discriminatory behaviour towards white South Africans and turning a blind eye to the “human rights violations” occurring in the country.
Trump went on to announce his plan to withhold all funding from the nation – a promise he has fulfilled while making further untruthful claims about South Africa.
Despite the future of the bilateral relationship between the United States and South Africa being unknown, tourism and education continue to bring Americans to the country.
Wits Vuvuzela spoke to some American students living and studying in Johannesburg to get a sense of how they feel being American in Johannesburg in this unprecedented time.
Sahar Carter, a Californian native pursuing their master’s degree in creative writing, said, “I personally don’t see myself as an ambassador of my nation.
“My criticism of the US also spurred me wanting [sic] to come to South Africa.”
Carter’s Johannesburg experience during this time has birthed a desire in her to explore the specifics of her African roots.
“I do feel like since being here I’ve felt emboldened to become an ambassador for black Americans, I guess I feel very defensive about my culture,” they said.
Carter’s defensiveness also stems from their realisation of a perception from some South Africans, expressed especially on social media platforms, about African Americans being ignorant and stupid.
They attribute the sentiment to Africa’s misrepresentation in American media and the fact that the average American interacts with ‘censored’ media.
“ We don’t easily have ways of hearing about the rest of the world that doesn’t filter through specifically American media,” said Carter.
American students from a joint exchange program between Pitzer College in California and Wits University under the University’s Centre for Diversity studies also shared their thoughts.
Feven Aklilu , an American student of Ethiopian descent, opened up about her experience of never truly feeling American until she was confronted with the reality of the state of her nation while living in Johannesburg.
“Being in this space and trying to figure that out has made it very glaringly apparent that as much as I view myself separate from America and its problems and the consequences it brings, I’m still a living manifestation of that when I’m here and there’s a weird sense of not wanting to interact with that,” she said.
Another member of the programme, Laine May says she finds that South Africans become more receptive to connecting once they figure out their respective political standings.
“Conversations open up once they realise, oh you’re not that kind of American or whatever the current idea of what an American is.”
Laine says that she doesn’t feel sad about actively disassociating from her American identity, but finds sadness in the idea that being American is now associated with the qualities of its current administration.
She also felt disheartened after taking note of the way the United States is still romanticised in educational spaces in Southern Africa and how that contributes to Africa’s “brain drain”.
“As an American, I wish the American dream was something that was real for me and is a possibility for these children that want something bigger than they have now,” she said.
Despite these sentiments, the consensus among the American students interviewed was that they enjoy living in Johannesburg and that this experience is one that will change their perspectives as American students for life.
FEATURED IMAGE: An illustration of the flags of the United States and South Africa slightly overlapping, with the Johannesburg skyline at the bottom. Graphic: Sechaba Molete
Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero delivered his first State of the City Address on Wednesday, pledging bold reforms, but opposition parties say words must be matched with action.
Mayor Dada Morero outlines Johannesburg’s turnaround plan at his first State of the City Address.
Pledges include energy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and a “Bomb Squad” task team.
DA tables a motion of no confidence, citing service delivery collapse and lack of leadership.
Councillors gathered at the Connie Bapela Council Chambers during the 2025 State of the City Address in Johannesburg. Photo: LikhoMbuka
Johannesburg Mayor, Dada Morero, delivered his first State of the City Address (SOCA) at the Connie Bapela Council Chambers in Braamfontein on May 7, committing to tackle service delivery failures, economic instability, and declining infrastructure – but opposition parties were unconvinced.
Morero outlined a “turnaround plan” that includes informal settlement electrification, inner-city revitalisation, and the creation of a “Bomb Squad”.
“In military language, a bomb squad has the responsibility of examining and removing bombs that are found and to prevent them from exploding. This COJ (City of Johannesburg) bomb squad must remove constraints that are impacting on the city’s ability to create the Joburg we want to see,” said Morero.
For Ross Hooper from the Democratic Alliance (DA), the address was a vague “wishlist,” lacking substance or clear timelines. They also confirmed that they have tabled a motion of no confidence in Morero, citing political mismanagement and collapse of municipal services. “The city needs leadership, not speeches,” he said.
Chris Rohlssen from the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) echoed these sentiments, warning that past promises have failed to materialise. “The mayor speaks well, but we want delivery, not just words,” said Rohlssen.
Despite criticism, Morero defended his administration’s plans to stabilise finances and cut reliance on Eskom through energy reforms. He framed his address as a call to build “One City driven by its people.”
No ordinary residents of Johannesburg were present at the address. The State of the City debate is expected to follow on May 8.
FEATURED IMAGE: Councillors gathered at the Connie Bapela Council Chambers during the 2025 State of the City Address in Johannesburg. Photo: LikhoMbuka
South Africa was crowned the country with the most press freedom in Africa after moving up 11 positions this year.
South Africa guarantees media freedom, as indicated by the recent World Press Freedom Day Index.
The 2024 general elections are to owe for the increase in ranking.
Despite improvement, some challenges still need to be addressed.
South Africa climbed the ladder and ranked 27th globally for press freedom, a jump from last year’s 38th ranking, according to the 2025 World Press Freedom Index released on May 2. Earning the top spot in Africa.
The World Press Freedom Index (WPFI) is an annual report, published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) on World Press Freedom Day, ranking 180 countries according to the degree of freedom available to journalists in the previous year.
The country’s media freedom ranking is identified as ‘satisfactory’.
South Africa’s global media freedom ranking over five years. Graphic : Lukholo Mazibuko
“There is no question that journalists in South Africa work freely across the spectrum,” says Slindile Khanyile, Sanef’s (South African National Editors Forum) media freedom subcommittee chairperson.
But she adds, “Of course, it is not to say that there are no attempts to intimidate or censor them, but these are rare.”
The shift in position is believed to be indicative of the prominent 2024 elections. “I think being able to freely cover the 2024 general elections, which led to a coalition government at national level, for the first time since the dawn of democracy contributed to this,” says Khanyile.
On the elections, Reggie Moalusi, executive director of Sanef, adds, “Fortunately, we saw very few incidents when it comes to journalists being harassed and media freedom transgression where journalists or media houses were not allowed to do their work.”
Despite the progress, Moalusi critiques that the improvement on the mitigation of online harassment among female journalists would positively agitate the country’s ranking, for though the critical importance of media freedom is highlighted in the index, the treatment of journalists should not be overlooked. “There’s still a whole lot more of work that still needs to be done,” he said.
Khanyile also believes that “the continuation of investigative journalism in the public and private sector(s) played a role and contributed to the growth of independent media ownership.”
Waste Land covered by News24’s Sikonathi Manthshantsha and The Laundry by Dewald Van Rensburg of amaBhungane are examples of award-winning investigative series that reflect quality journalism.
Therefore, as Khanyile says, “[The index] reaffirms the country’s commitment to freedom of the press and freedom of expression.”
City Power and Braam residences again leave students concerned about food security.
Power outages disturb students, who are unable to charge or cook for days.
Student groceries have gone to waste with fridges not working.
SRC responded by giving out lunch to students.
The lights may have flickered on briefly, but power outages are back. The lights have been on and off for almost a fortnight.
Braamfontein and surrounding areas, including parts of Randburg, Hillbrow and Melville, first went dark on April 22. The cause, a ‘trip and flashed MSS’, which is a flash of light caused by electrical discharges from damaged electrical equipment, according to City Power.
Ward councillor of region 60, Sihle Nguse, said, “They are trying their level best, but this work requires everyone to be hands-on.”
He emphasised how law enforcement and student housing institutions need to play their part in assisting students during this time.
The outage has affected students’ routines significantly, as City Power technicians work on restoring electricity. Many are unable to cook, while food has spoiled and internet access is intermittent.
Lesedi Magonare, a third-year Film and Television student, said the outage comes with financial costs. “Having to resort to takeout and fast food […], my finances were messed up; I overspent in that category.”
In response to students’ frustrations, the Wits Student Representative Council (SRC) partnered with Nguse to provide relief. Some 356 sandwiches were given to South Point and some on-campus residence students.
“They [students] sent emails and messages telling us about how they are affected by the power outage, and they really want us to do something about that situation,” said SRC deputy president, Boipelo Settspu.
City Power released 13 public statements on April 29 alone to update and assure residents in affected areas that the issue is being worked on.
Despite these public statements, the power outage in Braamfontein resumes. “I submitted an assignment late because there was no way to charge my laptop, and the computer labs as well were not working,” Magonare added in frustration.
“Now we have to readjust our schedules to charge equipment. It was a bit inconvenient,” added Magonare, counting 8 days without electricity.”
Although power outages in Braamfontein are not new, this ongoing issue continues to leave students vulnerable to infrastructure failures.
FEATURED IMAGE: An image of a student without lights and an uncharged laptop during the power outage. Photo by: Kamvelihle Mtwazi
South African citizens march for voluntary departure of undocumented migrants, sparking debate on immigration policies and government response
The South African citizens call for a 30-day ultimatum for illegal immigrants to exit the country
The government is yet to respond on the proposed memorandum
A group of South African citizens took to the streets on May 02,2025, marching from Pieter Roos Park in Parktown to the Gauteng Legislature in Marshalltown – demanding that government give undocumented migrants a 30-day ultimatum to exit South Africa, sparking a heated debate on immigration policies.
The peaceful protesters, organised by a group of concerned citizens, cited concerns over the impact of undocumented migration on the country’s resources, jobs, and infrastructure.
“We are not against migrants who come to our country legally and contribute to our society,” said Edwin Masina one of the march organizers.
“However, we cannot continue to bear the burden of undocumented migrants who strain our systems and take advantage of our generosity,” he added.
The photo of South African citizens marching down the Joburg street to the Gauteng legislature. Photo: Nomfundo Zungu
One of the citizens emphasized concerns on the job competition, crime and safety. “Besides the immigrants selling drugs and kidnapping people, we are also facing an issue of unemployment because illegal immigrants are taking our jobs, graduates are staying at home without jobs.”
The government has yet to respond officially to the call for a 30-day ultimatum. However, officials from the Department of Home Affairs have previously stated that the government is working to strengthen its immigration policies and crack down on undocumented migration.
Immigration experts say that the issue is complex and requires a multifaceted approach.
Dr Nokhutula Khuzwayo, an immigration expert said, “We need to address the root causes of migration, such as poverty and lack of opportunities in migrants’ home countries.
“We also need to ensure that our immigration policies are fair, humane, and effective.”
As the march concluded, participants were unable to submit the memorandum to the Gauteng Legislature speaker Ms Morakane Mosupyoe, as she sent a communication stating that she is on leave.
Government is expected to have a meeting with the march organisers on Tuesday May 07,2025.
FEATURED IMAGE: A picture of South African citizens marching to the Gauteng legislature to hand over the memorandum against illegal immigrants. Photo: Nomfundo Zungu
University students in South Africa, like their counterparts globally, experience substantial mental health issues characterised by high levels of psychological distress and limited access to professional help.
A nurse allegedly dismissed a student experiencing depression, advising that more sleep would resolve her condition.
A student having an anxiety attack was allegedly scolded by a nurse while seeking help.
The Centre scheduled additional sessions for the student to resolve the matter, but she never showed up.
The student raised serious concerns about the quality of mental health support provided by Wits Campus Health and Wellness Centre.
“Sister Simangele Sitoe told me I was lazy and dismissed me with sleeping pills and antidepressants,” the student said.
Only after filing a complaint with a former intern named Karabo Molefe, was psychiatric assistance made available.
However, the issue continued in 2025. During an anxiety attack, the student returned to the Centre, only to be scolded by another nurse, Sister Ntombi Dantjie. “She shouted that she’s been a psychiatric nurse longer than I’ve been alive and that I was wasting her time”, the student alleged.
Wits’ Campus Health And Wellness Centre – Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Wits Vuvuzela reached out to both psychiatric nurses. Dantjie was unavailable for comment.
However, Sitoe denied the allegations, “I only interacted with the student once, after the first session, she decided that she does not want to interact with me ever again. After we referred her to another doctor here at the centre, the student would not avail herself and she did not come to collect her medication.”
In response, former intern, Molefe said, “The student came to me and complained about Sister Sitoe. I proceeded to book her multiple times to get assistance and sort out her issues with the nurse, but she never came.”
The head of department is currently not in the country to comment, standing in for him Mr. Brian Jele, the Primary Health Care Nurse at the Centre said: “There is a suggestion box available to all our patients here at the Centre, if any student has an issue, they have a right to voice out their matters, write everything down and put it in a box and everything will be investigated”.
Mr. Jele added, “When Mr. Ntshabele returns on Monday, I will report the matter to him and proper investigation will be conducted from there.”
FEATURED IMAGE: The Campus Health and Wellness Centre’s working hours. Photo: Dikeledi Ramabula
Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana agrees to a court order to suspend his decision to increase VAT and this means economic relief to many
VAT increase suspension leave students with a sense of relief
Increased VAT rate was met with resistance from various political parties
Reversal comes with a R75 billion shortfall for the government revenue
Wits University students expressed relief as Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, announced reversal of the 0.5% VAT increase on April 23, 2025 after the DA challenged the legality of the parliamentary process that passed the increase.
The initial proposal to increase the VAT rate by 0.5 percentage points was met with resistance from various political parties, including the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
For many South Africans, the suspension has provided much-needed relief, including Wits students. As consumers, particularly from lower-income households, funded by bursaries, the VAT increase would have been a big blow.
Shaunice van Wyk, 3rd year student said: “The VAT increase would have forced me to stop buying the basic products that I am used to buying, so the suspension comes with a relief”.
Another third-year student, Patience Msiza, echoed similar sentiments, “As a student I am already struggling to make ends meet, so the increase of VAT rate was going to make things even worse.”
Although the suspension comes with relief, it will result in a R75 billion shortfall in government revenue, prompting the National Treasury to revisit its budget.
Professor Imraan Valodia, an economist at University of Witwatersrand, who previously written in support of the VAT increase, expressed concerns about the long-term implications.
“We’ll have to see what comes in the revised budget, but I think government will have to cut expenditure, which means we’ve missed the opportunity to address the social and economic infrastructure backlogs, which are important for shifting the economy onto a growth trajectory to address unemployment and growing levels of poverty.”
FEATURED IMAGE: Black wallet Photo: Abena Mahlahlane
Accelerated service delivery mandated by city of Johannesburg mayor in problem areas of Joburg.
Open Day for Accelerated Service Delivery in Region F.
City of Johannesburg spokesperson seeks to reclaim the city.
Public opinion is varied, some are hopeful, while others remain skeptical of the initiative.
Johannesburg residents aired their frustration at the slow or non-existent service delivery from the City of Johannesburg as city officials held an open day for its Accelerated Service Delivery Initiative at Jorissen Place in Braamfontein on Wednesday April 30.
The programme which began in the inner city and is now being rolled out to other regions of the city, aims to address service delivery concerns across Johannesburg by involving municipal entities and engaging directly with communities.
Municipal entities such as City Power and the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) were present to engage with the citizens.
Municipal officials engaging with the public. Photo: Nthabeleng PhayaneJohannesburg Metro Police Department Vehicles. Photo: Nthabeleng Phayane
City of Johannesburg spokesperson, Nthathisi Madingoane, told Wits Vuvuzela that the project aims to “Reimagine Joburg through the eyes of the residents.”
Braamfontein residents expressed mixed views.
Paballo Saohatsi, a local resident complained about frequent water disruptions and power outages. “There is a water issue in Braam, and power outages too.” she said.
Another resident, Siphesihle Ngubane, a student and small-business owner shared with Wits Vuvuzela his frustrations about the recently recurring power outages in the area. Ngubane was forced to give away stock from his ice-cream business. Though despite the setback, he remains optimistic about the city’s future. “I think it will get better, because I see them here” said Ngubane.
Lebo Nteso spoke of the tedious process that one must go through to acquire service delivery such as bins. “It’s [just] for show, because we’ve never had such awareness campaigns” she said.
However, Thembekile Nhlapo, a local resident expressed hope saying, “I think we can trust them to do what they say they are going to do.”
Even with measures like these put into place, service delivery remains an issue throughout the city.
FEATURED IMAGE: Municipal officials engaging with the public. Photo: Nthabeleng Phayane
The Constitution Hill opened its doors for free entry to commemorate Freedom Day.
Free tours were given to honour South Africa’s journey from apartheid to democracy.
Visitors reflected on the painful history of apartheid and the importance of protecting constitutional rights.
Civic organisations and young South Africans called for stronger civic education and wider access to historical spaces.
Visitors at the Constitutional Court foyer at Constitution Hill. Photo: LikhoMbuka
Exactly 31 years after the fall of apartheid, Constitution Hill opened its doors to South Africans, offering free tours to unite them through shared experiences that give meaning to South Africa’s constitutional democracy.
The tours on April 27 allowed visitors to explore the historic prison cells and exhibitions free of charge. For many, it was a powerful and emotional reminder of a painful past.
A bench marked ‘No Whites Only’ on display at Constitution Hill. Photo: LikhoMbuka
For Nomonde Velaphi, a community activist, walking through the harsh prison conditions was a sobering experience, one that reminded her not to take her freedoms for granted. “Sometimes we forget our history.” She said.
Sipho Sibiya, said the tour stirred deep emotions. Seeing the cells where prisoners once suffered made the reality of injustice in South Africa’s past feel immediate and personal. For him, the constitution’s Bill of Rights stands as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with freedom.
Irfaan Mangera, from the civic education group We The People South Africa, said Freedom Day is not just about commemoration, but about sustaining democracy through civic education. The group recently launched a free online constitutional literacy programme, supported by Saturday workshops in partnership with institutions like the Constitutional Court and Alt Advisory.
Two visitors watch the Freedom Day exhibition on a TV screen. Photo: LikhoMbuka
Katlego Mahlasela, a student cyclist, echoed the day’s message of civic learning. She said spaces like Constitution Hill are essential for her generation to understand the roots of freedom.
Constitution Hill’s communications officer, Janine Muthusamy, reinforced this sentiment, adding that the “Free for All” initiative is about more than just opening doors. ‘It’s about ensuring access and engagement, especially among young people, to deepen constitutional awareness,” she said.
The day’s visitors made one thing clear: remembering history is important, but building an inclusive, evolving democracy is the task that lies ahead.
FEATURED IMAGE: Visitors explore exhibitions at Constitution Hill during a free tour on Freedom Day. Photo: LikhoMbuka
Finally, the dolomite chambers reopen for public exploration after two years.
Sterkfontein Caves reopens after a two-year closure, visitors can now explore the World Heritage Site.
Wits University now fully owns and manages the caves.
Visitors will now be able to interact with researchers and view fossil preparations.
On Tuesday, April 15, the world-renowned Sterkfontein Caves reopened to the public after being closed in December 2022, due to flooding at the entrance of the caves. The UNESCO World Heritage Site located within the Cradle of Humankind now offers visitors the opportunity to have first-hand engagement with artefacts.
Visitors walking in the Sterkfontein Caves. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
The Sterkfontein Caves house excavations are responsible for the crucial discoveries that expand our understanding of early hominin fossils. Regarded as one of humanity’s most important paleontological sites, as it has hundreds of fossils that detail the origins of man.
As you walk into the cave, you are greeted with multiple steps to reach its deepest part. The environment is moist as the temperature is 20°C, and water droplets hang on the ceiling as testament. LED lights line the passageway to assist visitors as they venture deeper into the cave. It is eerily quiet, and an echo can be heard when you speak.
After taking over the property in 1966, Wits will now fully manage the site as of April 15, 2025, under the supervision of the Faculty of Science. Professor Job Kibii, Head of Wits Sterkfontein Caves said the Caves were originally co-owned by Wits and the Gauteng Provincial Government, now it is fully owned by Wits.
Professor Dominic Stratford, the leading researcher at the caves said, “Visitors might see people working, whether they are student groups or specialist researchers working in excavations”. This has never been done before and adds into the management’s efforts to make the cave tour experience interactive and educational.
Visitors will be accompanied by a tour guide and tour the caves, reaching the lowest point, the Elephant Chambers. They will have access to the fossil preparation laboratory, where they can engage with researchers and finally enter the museum.
“Part of the role of a university is to be about research, teaching, learning and outreach and interaction in the community… it is important for a university in its role as a public good entity to play its part in the preservation of human heritage,” said Wits’ vice-chancellor, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi.
The new developments make visiting the World Heritage Site a truly transformative and informative experience.
FEATURED IMAGE: From left to right: Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Professor Job Kibii, Professor Dominic Stratford, Professor Nithaya Chetty, inside the Sterkfontein Caves. Photo: Bonolo Mokonoto
Wits Junction students speak out about worsening living conditions as maintenance problems pile up and frustrations reach a boiling point.
Faulty WIFI, broken biometrics, and unusable laundry machines at Wits Junction
Gym equipment is stolen or broken; curtain repairs are delayed for months
Student leaders escalate concerns, promising action, and accountability
Once viewed as Wits University’s flagship residence for postgraduate students, Wits Junction is now being criticised by its own residents as an overpriced and under-maintained living space. From unreliable WiFi and faulty biometric entry points to broken washing machines and neglected room repairs, students say the problems are widespread, and they are tired of being ignored.
“I reported my broken curtain hooks months ago. The housekeeper is aware, but no one has fixed it,” said Paballo Speelman (23), a Wits Business School student. “I am now planning to use my own money to buy hooks which is frustrating. Even the laundry machines barely work. It takes hours to wash clothes, and that time could be used for studying.” Speelman added that gym equipment has either been stolen or left broken. “We are paying premium fees but receiving below-standard services. Honestly, I wish I had stayed at a different residence,” he said.
A broken cupboard that has not been fixed for over two months. Photo: Lindelwa Khanyile
All Residence Student Council (ARSC) Chairperson Nqobile Cele confirmed that these issues have been formally escalated. “We’ve written a joint open letter to university stakeholders, highlighting the crisis at Wits Junction,” she said. “The Facilities Manager has started working closely with us, and Campus House and Residence Life (CHRL) is now supporting efforts to resolve these ongoing issues.
Cele also shared plans to conduct residence maintenance tours and hold student town halls to increase accountability. “We want transparency on how students’ accommodation fees are being used, these problems are not isolated other residences are also struggling.”
Notice of ongoing renovations in the student centre. Photo: Lindelwa Khanyile
Wits Junction’s House Committee Maintenance Officer, Mncedisi Mhlongo, admitted that delays in addressing issues have damaged trust. “My goal is to sort out all major problems like the gym, laundry, Wi-Fi by the end of the third block. The biggest challenge is WiFi because we rely on external suppliers. But having the Facilities Manager on-site has helped us monitor handymen and track daily progress.”
For now, the promises are welcomed but students like Speelman remain sceptical. Until action replaces talk, Wits Junction remains a residence of empty promises.
FEATURED IMAGE: The Wits Junction Entrance. Photo: Lindelwa Khanyile
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, […]
