The Wits anthropology department puts to test the ideas around benevolent aid from developed to developing countries.
Professor of political science at the University of Amsterdam, Polly Pallister-Wilkins has criticized how rich countries have used humanitarian aid to infantilise third world countries.
Dr Pallister-Wilkins was a guest for the Wits Anthropology department’s event titled, Humanitarian Futures,named after a chapter she co-wrote in the book, The routledge international handbook of critical philanthropy and humanitarianism. The discussion was the second in a series of “collaborative, multidisciplinary” seminars held by the anthropology museum, with a mix of local and international visitors. The even took place on Wednesday, April 26.
The paper argues that aid from the global north to countries like South Africa in the global south help keep a power hierarchy in play. This is because aid from the western world comes with financial conditions that economically cripple the countries that receive it.
To avoid perpetuating this power dynamic, Dr Pallister-Wilkins explained that the goal is to have a “mutual aid system, a grass roots approach”, which means that countries help themselves and their neighbours through local organisations, without relying on first-world countries.
She said this can be built by empowering crisis affected communities to lead aid programmes. These efforts, according to the professor, could be supported financially by historically colonizing countries in “reparative justice” as a way of paying back countries that were damaged by colonization.
Attendees in the audience questioned her about the validity of her suggestions. Questions around how one makes aid local without building a new power struggle inside countries based on who receives the reparative justice money and who does not were asked.
In response to these concerns, Dr Pallister-Wilkins said that although she believes in her ideas, however, truthfully, she does not know how to practically get around some concerns which were raised.
Attendee Bohlale Lamola, an anthropology honours student at Wits said that she came to the seminar to think about her own research “on how the corporate world is moving to take a humanitarian stance” and if this stance is superficial or real.
Lamola said she got confirmation from the seminar that “there is still a lot of work to be done” in making humanitarian ideas that can actually be used practically for positive change.
FEATURED IMAGE: Amsterdam professor Polly Pallister-Wilkins sits between Wits anthropology professors Kholeka Shange (left) and Kudukwashe Vanyoro (right) in a seminar at the Wits anthropology museum. Photo: Kimberley Kersten.
Former student activist remembered for serving selflessly, and for being the epitome of black excellence.
Tiego Moseneke, who has died at the age of 60, has been described as “a very persuasive and dynamic leader” by Professor Firoz Cachalia, chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council.
The businessman, lawyer and Wits alumnus died in a car accident on the night of April 19, while on the way home in Pretoria. He was the brother of retired deputy chief justice Dikgang Moseneke.
“I have known Tiego for over 40 years. He always acted strategically. He lived a very dynamic life, and we were close friends,” said Cachalia who mobilised Moseneke during the 2015/6 #FeesMustFall movement to actively engage with the Wits SRC leadership and to share their perspective from their experiences as student leaders in the early 1980s.
Moseneke was among anti-apartheid student activists who fought for the right to education, syncing with the national movement at the time. In 1983 he was elected president of the Black Students Society at Wits University.
Dr Kenneth Creamer, senior lecturer at the school of economics and finance, said, “Over the past six years, Tiego played a key role in setting up the South African Students Solidarity Foundation for Education (SASSFE) [in 2016] to mobilise alumni to support students in need.”
He served in the first national executive of the United Democratic Front, with the current deputy president of the country, Paul Mashatile, and was an executive member of the ANC in Gauteng after its unbanning in 1990.
Moseneke founded several companies, among them the New Diamond Corporation, which partnered with De Beers, and New Platinum Corporation. He also founded the law firm, Moseneke & Partners and was also the founder and controlling shareholder of the investment company, Encha Group.
“Tiego understood well the importance of patience, tolerance and wisdom in unravelling the complexities of race and class in South Africa and I watched his growth with pride from afar. His sagacity, and compelling mix of quiet thoughtfulness and boundless energy is a massive loss to a country that needs, more than ever, such qualities. My thoughts are with his family in this a sorrowful time,” said Dr David Johnson who is the university reader in comparative and international education and fellow of St Antony’s College, University of Oxford.
Moseneke was laid to rest at Zandfontein Cemetery in Pretoria on April 26. Delivering the eulogy, his brother Dikgang said, “Tiego’s distinct gift was his intellect. He was bright.” His wife, Koketso Moseneke, described him as the “epitome of love and laughter”.
FEATURED IMAGE: Tiego Moseneke at the launch of the South African Student Solidarity Foundation for Education in April 2016. Photo: Duane Jones
A full-time office administrator and mother successfully earns her degree after five long years.
After registering for a Bachelor of Arts degree in law in 2018, Ethel Thale did not anticipate that her life will drastically change, making it difficult for her to pursue her studies.
While studying, Thale became a wife and a mother — thereafter, she had to deal with the realities of juggling parenthood and being a wife while studying part-time.
However, her new titles did not diminish her hunger to pursue her dream of “fighting for the vulnerable”, which she believes her law degree will allow her to do.
She said time management was the greatest challenge for her, and also her greatest lesson.
Speaking to Wits Vuvuzela after being conferred, she said: “finally”, after graduating on record time despite all the challenges she faced. She added that: “As a part time student, it is easy to give up because you are already employed, so to someone else, it would be like what is the point?”
Ethel Thale (centre) with her mother Nomsa Sebopha and her husband Kagiso Thale outside the Wits University great hall. Ethel graduated BA with a law major, after 5 years as a part-time student. Photo: Ayanda Mgwenya.
Thale told Wits Vuvuzela that she constantly had to remind herself to finish what she started and remember what her goal was — which helped her when she was full of self-doubt, and she was beginning to lose momentum.
She explained that she is proud of herself for not giving up and thanked her husband and mother for being patient and assisting her when she could not do certain things. She also thanked her employer, Nedbank, who funded her studies – and created a working environment that allowed her to study.
She said now she will focus on ushering in her second baby, then after, she will register for her postgraduate degree in law. Her plan is to work in legal compliance.
Thale graduated in early April, and she said after completing her first degree, she feels empowered to pursue her second degree because she knows better now, especially when it comes to managing time.
FEATURED IMAGE: Ethel Thale is awarded her bachelor of arts with law degree at Wits University in April 2023. Photo: Ayanda Mgwenya.
Graduates are accompanied by family and friends to celebrate their academic achievements.
Wits University awarded hundreds of qualifications to students from various fields of study during its annual Autumn graduation, between April 17 and April 26, at the Wits Great Hall. Wits Vuvuzela journalists, Ayanda Mgwenya and Rethabile Mafisa were there to capture some of the special moments.
Wits Vuvuzela reporter, Ndumiso Nkosi before the April 2023 autumn graduation ceremony. Photo: Rethabile Mafisa
BA graduate Tlhologelo Makaleng with his parents Mrs and Mr Makaleng
BA General Andile Mukari with his friend Bradley Mathonsi
Wits BA graduate Tiny Mapodile
BA General graduate Simnikiwe Kelembe is alongside her family on the Great Hall steps
Tlou Cleopas Monyepao receives his graduation belt April, 24 2023. Photo: Rethabile Mafisa
Wits choir performing at the April 2023 autumn graduation. Photo: Rethabile Mafisa
Limani Bantu Phalo Mangaliso graduated with a double major in Politics and Law; along side her are her iconic fashion designer parents Thando and Vanya Mangaliso of Sun Goddess SA
BA General graduate Simnikiwe Kelembe feeling proud of her achievement as a Wits graduate
BA General graduate Kushal Sithul with his dad and mom
Majored in Politics and Media Studies is Ramela Modise is standing between
BA double major graduate in Psychology and History Damola Adenigba stands alongside her father Abbey Adenigba
FEATURED IMAGE:Wits graduates leaving the Great Hall after the graduation ceremony Photo: Rethabile Mafisa
The dream to finish in the top five of the Johannesburg Men’s Regional League takes a knock as Wits lose at home.
Wits Kudus Football Club lost 2-3 after a nail-biting match against Orlando Pirates Football Club on Saturday, April 22, at the Wits Marks Park Sports Club in Emmarentia.
This came after two consecutive losses in the Johannesburg Men’s Regional League against Inqaba FC and Orange Army FC. As a result, the Kudus remain in ninth place, while Orlando Pirates FC are fourth.
The scorching sun foreshadowed the high intensity match that was to come as Orlando Pirates dominated the first half of the match with Siyabonga Ngwenya, France Modiba and Lukho Ziwele scoring within 35 minutes. Wits striker Siyamdumisa Zulu managed to secure their first goal in the 40th minute.
During the second half, Kudu midfielder Thembalethu Machaba came to the rescue in the 63rd minute by scoring the team’s second goal. Pirates goalkeeper, Jayden Van Der Walt, successfully blocked a goal attempt by left winger, Sithembiso Mkhwanazi, in the 87th minute.
Kudus goalkeeper Samkele Shilubana was not happy about the team’s performance in the first half. “It was a bad game. My first mistake [was] within the first [few] minutes of the game which led to a drop in the confidence of the team [and] from that point [onwards] the whole game just switched.”
Orlando Pirates player, Malesela Modiba, and Wits Kudus player, Katlego Moruane, race for the ball. Photo: Rethabile Mafisa
However, he remained hopeful for the next game. “It is just a matter of working harder to rectify mistakes in the next game which will boost [the team’s] confidence and take on the remaining games in the league perfectly,” said Shilubana.
A spectator, Paballo Mazibuko, commended the Kudus for taking more control of the game in the second half and said Pirates were lucky not to concede more goals.
With 33 points, the Kudus have seven games left to try for a spot in the top five of the league.
Kudus coach Musawenkosi Ngobese commended striker Siyamdumisa Zulu for his performance. “He has been a better player for the past couple of games. He showed a lot of consistency and hunger and fighting for the team, but unfortunately a team consists of 11 players; you cannot do it alone.” The Kudus’ next match is scheduled for April 27 against Bossolona FC at Trezona Park, Roodepoort. In their previous encounter, on March 15, the Kudus beat Bossolona FC 4-3.
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits Kudus distraught after losing against Orlando Pirates at Marks Park Sports Club on Saturday April 22. Photo: Rethabile Mafisa
The financial aid scheme missed its own deadline, March 31, to resolve all appeals.
As many as 450 Wits students remain unclear about the status of their NSFAS funding appeals.
This was revealed after an April 17 meeting that the SRC had called to deal with an increasing number of students who are being evicted by private residences because it is not clear if they will be funded, according to treasurer general, Kabelo Phungwayo.
The meeting, which took place in the SRC boardroom at the Wits Matrix, was attended by more than 80 students who spilled into the hallway for lack of space.
A second-year bachelor of health sciences student, Neo*, told Wits Vuvuzela that she was facing eviction from her accommodation. She said she was funded by NSFAS for a year-and-a-half, until she was academically excluded.
This year she had travelled from the Eastern Cape to attend a Wits Readmission Committee hearing on January 17, and could not afford to go back home. Her mother, who is the sole wage earner in the family, and is supporting five children, then took on the burden of paying for her accommodation, hoping that NSFAS would take over.
“My mother had to take out loans [for my accommodation]. She cannot always send money, so sometimes I eat once a day, and I still have to cross-night and study,” said Neo, who, like many students, does not have a book allowance or stipend to get essentials.
Phungwayo said that during the fee protests in February, the SRC had met with NSFAS and brought up the issue of students who were sleeping in libraries and toilets, because of the financial uncertainty created by the slow pace with which NSFAS was communicating the statuses of their appeals. NSFAS had then promised to resolve all appeals by the end of March and established an appeals tribunal to fast-track the processing of the 70 000 appeals they had received nationally for 2023. This did not happen, according to Phungwayo.
He added that since 2020, students have had to use a centralised portal to lodge appeals, and the SRC recommends that appeals be relocated to individual universities, to avoid this kind of breakdown in progress.
Samora Mbomba, the regional coordinator of the South African Students Congress who has been working with the SRC on the matter, says that the problem is that once on the NSFAS portal, “students were asked to upload certain documents, but when they go to upload those documents, the portal says no documents required.”
She says she has recently been in contact with the National Assembly chairperson of the portfolio committee on higher education, science and innovation, Nompendulo Mkhatshwa, a former SRC president, who had requested the names and identity numbers of the affected students. Mbomba says she believes that things will move a bit quicker now.
The SRC announced on its Twitter page that any students who had missed the April 17 meeting were welcome to come to the office every day between 3pm and 7pm, so they could be added to the list.
Wits Vuvuzela contacted the Wits NSfas office on April 18, and was told to write an email to the office of the Wits CFO. Executive secretary to the CFO, Marelize van Niekerk then forwarded the email to the financial aid and scholarships office manager, Charlene Timmerman, who did not respond. Wits Vuvuzela followed up with further emails to Timmerman on April 20 and 24 but has yet to receive a response.
*Name changed to protect the identity of the student
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits students who have yet to receive outcomes of NSfas their funding appeals, met in the SRC boardroom on April 17. Photo: Morongoa Masebe
The Braamfontein side is languishing in 10th position after it had topped the log at the beginning of the season.
Wits University Football Club and Pele Pele Football Club were forced to settle for a goalless draw on Saturday, April 22, hindering both teams from moving up in the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League.
In a thrilling game, Witsies started the first half strongly as they were dominating the game. On the other hand, Randburg stars Pele Pele were struggling with possession. Out of eight chances Wits created, three were on target, threatening the Pele Pele goalkeeper, Tsebo Tsotetsi. One hit the goal post, denying Wits a goal. At the other end, Pele Pele managed to create five chances with only two on target.
Towards the end of the first half Pele Pele were awarded a penalty due to a handball. Fortunately for Witsies, the ball deflected off the crossbar. Halftime statistics showed two yellow cards for Pele Pele, against Siyabonga Buda for rough tackling and Tshepo Kakora for wasting time.
In the second half, tables turned as Pele Pele proved to be the hungrier of the two teams, with increased possession and confident display. Pele Pele managed to create an additional five chances with a lot of scrappy passes in between.
Witsies did not manage a single chance at goal up until the 80th minute when a ball coming in from out wide landed in the box for winger O’Neil Hendriks to break the tie. A heroic block on the line from Pele Pele defender Nhlakanipho Myeza was a decisive moment in the match.
Three minutes of extra time were added but neither team managed to score, and when the final whistle blew, the score was still 0-0. Wits football coach Alzavian van Rheede told Wits Vuvuzela that he was not bothered about what the result meant for the team’s position in the league. “It was more the performance that we were looking for, the tactical agreements that we were working on in training because we tried something new today and we’re happy with what we got out of the game.”
Pele Pele player Neo Mumble and Wits player Hakeem Marx eye the ball. Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
With 33 matches played so far, Wits are currently 10th on the log. This is a far cry from November 2022 when, after eight matches, Wits topped the log. They went on to lose 12 matches, and now, with 47 points, are left with two games to try and make it into the top eight.
Seemingly the Braamfontein side has accepted that this season is a loss as winger Hendriks told Wits Vuvuzela that, “We are not fighting for anything now, we just want to enjoy the games that are left.”
Mncedisi Sibiya, football coach of Pele Pele, said that the result was disappointing as the third-placed team, with 66 points, was chasing the second spot. “We hope that the [Soweto Super United FC] throws or loses the game, but we still have two games to play. We will keep on pushing. We will get the two points [necessary to move up].”
Centreback of Pele Pele, Neo Mumble, said, “I think we should have won this game given that we played better than these guys. It was a tough, good game.“
Wits will next play away to Tembisa-based M Tigers Football Club on Thursday, April 27. The venue is yet to be confirmed.
Pele Pele and Wits players all have their eyes on the ball. Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
Witsie Nkosinathi Temba fights to keep the ball. Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
Wits goalkeeper Sibongiseni Mkhize makes a great save. Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
Pele Pele’s Neo Mumble gets away with ball from Wits player Hakeem Marx . Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
Pele Pele’s Siyabonga Buda gets a yellow card for rough tackling. Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
FEATURED IMAGE: Wits player, Lehlohonolo Mollo, wins the ball, leaving Pele Pele’s Neo Mumble in the dust. Photo: Aphelele Mbokotho
For a student journalist, social media can be beneficial if used properly, but it is very easy to cross the line to addiction.
Social media has always been something that puts me at ease after a long and stressful day, but I never imagined that I would become addicted.
The Addiction Center website defines social media addiction as “a behavioural addiction that is defined by being overly concerned about social media, driven by an uncontrollable urge to log on to or use social media, and devoting so much time and effort to social media that it impairs other important life areas”.
It all started with me moving away from home in Eshowe, KwaZulu-Natal, in February to study at Wits. The next thing I knew, I was spending a lot of time on my phone to escape the reality of missing home and my family, especially my twin sister. I shy away from interacting with people, though I am capable of conversing with anyone. I would be on my phone swinging among Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
At first, I told myself that what could be better for a student journalist than to be on the lookout for goings on around the world without stepping outside my room and talking to people about current affairs, gossip and entertainment? However, I started to notice that I could not ignore a notification tone, and that anything that hindered me from attending to my phone agitated me. Whether I was in the middle of drafting an essay or studying, I could not help but check my social media pages, especially TikTok.
I tried to limit my screen time to no more than an hour each day, but I consistently came up short. Then I checked my screen time management on my phone settings and discovered that I typically spent close to 20 hours per week, just on TikTok!
An article by Tanyaradzwa Pamhirwa referred to a 2022 South African Depression and Anxiety Group survey that found that more than 60% of South Africans reported being addicted to social media, and that social media addiction is most common among young people, with 80% of respondents aged 18 to 24 reporting addiction.
I had always justified my social media usage that it was a distraction from missing my family and that I was not committing any crime by doing what other people my age were doing. So, I would constantly send TikTok videos and Instagram reels to my sister, until one day she called me and said, “You are always online, even during the day!” This is when I realised that I might be addicted to social media because my sister would not be concerned otherwise.
According to the Addiction Centre website, social media is “addictive both physically and psychologically” and self-expression on social media platforms activates the same area of the brain as using an addictive substance.
This addiction had taken a toll on my wellbeing. I was not as physically active as I used to be. Instead, I lay in bed all the time. My sleeping patterns were irregular because it was impossible to resist the urge to check social media before bed and waking up for school every day would be a drag. I neglected my personal life, resulting in loneliness and anxiety.
My optometrist back home had told me last year that, “You are short-sighted my friend,” after he had tested my vision. My vision has gotten even worse since I started spending a lot of time on social media. I experience eye pain, watery eyes and severe headaches.
The University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre says “Spending too many hours staring at a screen can cause eye strain. You tend to blink less while staring at the blue light from a screen, and the movement of the screen makes your eyes work harder to focus.”
After my sister’s call, I made the decision to spend less time on social media, especially in the newsroom, and to pay attention and interact with my classmates. I now have a good relationship with everyone in class, and I only use my phone during break times. Talking to my family every day helps me miss them less.
Acknowledging an addiction is not easy, but it is the first and most significant step towards getting help. I have been doing research online, reading articles and taking online surveys on what to do to minimise the time I spend on my phone scrolling, double tapping and screenshotting memes.
I am willing to take those baby steps towards battling my addiction and fighting it until I feel free and comfortable without or with less reliance on social media.
The youth wing of Mmusi Maimane’s Build One South Africa has a vision to do away with fees.
A new political society has been registered at Wits, with its sights set on changing the dynamic of the university’s current representation of young people in decision making processes.
The Young Builders Movement (YBM), launched at the university on April 13, hopes to fill the gaps that it says other political societies on campus have fallen short of. Wits YBM chairperson Nikilitha Mxinwa says that these gaps include the choices that young South Africans have had in terms of representation – that have ultimately not allowed for their own voices to be heard.
Mxinwa says that decisions which affect the youth are made by those who do not understand or are not affected by the issues. These decisions pertain to issues of financial exclusion, fees and accommodation. YBM argues that this is because these decisions come from a “top-down” approach. He describes the society as one which takes a bottom-up approach. “Young leaders on the ground” make decisions about issues that affect them, not “from the top”, he says.
YBM national leader and Wits alumnus Henry Masuku and Mxinwa describe the society as one which can prepare students for life outside of university.
In an interview with Wits Vuvuzela, Masuku said that it does so by bringing in experts to teach its members entrepreneurial, business and leadership skills. This is aimed at “alleviating graduate unemployment”.
Like most political societies on campus, Masuku says Bosa aims to address the unsolved legacy of #FeesMustFall.
Wits YBM chairperson Nikilitha Mxinwa engages with students across the Library Lawns on April 19, 2023. Photo: Seth Thorne
These are systemic issues of higher education that have been widely debated at Wits over many years. Yet the YBM claims that their solutions for these issues are the ones which are “practical”. Masuku only discussed one with Wits Vuvuzela – which is a plan to implement free education, by introducing a system which taxes 1% of graduate’s monthly income once they have found employment.
The YBM is the youth wing of independent political party Build One South Africa (Bosa), formed by former DA leader Mmusi Maimane. It is inviting South African students, job seekers, and employed professionals between the ages of 18 and 35 to sign-up in person or online.
In discussions with various students engaging with the YBM on campus, many cited Maimane for their interest. First-year actuarial science student Patrick Nemasea said he prefers “Mmusi’s vision of South Africa [as compared to other political leaders]”, as it builds a country “that stays true to values”.
FEATURED IMAGE:
YBM national leader Henry Masuku sells their vision to Wits students near the Matrix on April 19, 2023. Photo: Seth Thorne
Thato Senoamadi (21) posing on the stairs below the Great Hall Piazza after getting his degree in BSc Computer Science before a CPS officer arrived to cut the shoot short. Photo: Otsile Swaratlhe
Graduating students given strict orders to use Wits University’s official photographic service provider – or else.
A longstanding agreement between Wits University and their official service provider for graduation photos, Gordon Harris Photographic is being called out for its monopolistic nature by students and practitioners.
Graduation season is in full swing at Wits, with in-person ceremonies taking place in the Great Hall between Monday, April 17 and Wednesday, April 26.
In an email sent to students on Wednesday, April 12, the university announced that no other photography service providers will be allowed onto campus, and those spotted will be removed from the campus by Campus Security Services (CPS).
Put the camera down!
Wits Vuvuzela learnt just how serious the threat was on Tuesday, April 18, when this reporter was swiftly removed from the Great Hall Piazza after taking two photos. An unnamed CPS officer said, “Please stop what you are doing…You know you are not allowed to be using your camera here!” The officer said permits are needed for anyone using photographic equipment.
Another photographer was pulled aside at the time but was let go when he could prove the camera, belonged to the student he was taking photos of and not his personal property.
Then a lengthy pillar to post search ensued in pursuit of this permit or accreditation, something which this publication has never had to secure to cover graduations. In the past the Great Hall steps were considered free dominion for all, with the inside of the hall reserved for the service provider.
Head of communication at Wits, Shirona Patel said this is a security measure. “[CPS] are strict because we have had many photographers (and people pretending to be photographers) wanting to scam Wits’ students and their families.”
Gripe with Gordon Harris
Gordon Harris Photographic, the university’s service provider offers the service of studio photographs two hours before and after the graduation ceremony, together with three on stage photographs. A service provided across 100 institutions nationwide, with almost blanket exclusivity.
The cheapest packages range from R400 to R550 for high-resolution images shared via email or prints, the latter incurs an additional delivery fee. All non-refundable.
An affected graduate, Thato Senoamadi (21) told Wits Vuvuzela, “It is very unfair. Not everyone can afford what Gordon Harris charges…Imagine having to capture your graduation memories with a phone because the photographer you can afford is not allowed on campus,” he said.
These are the same sentiments shared in a tweet by Twitter user @DanielNgobeni6 at a graduation ceremony held at Unisa on April 4, 2023, where a photographer can be seen being dragged away from the ZK Matthews Great Hall.
A student creative and photographer, Thando Radebe (21) has resorted to bending the truth to carry on with his side hustle. “I find it weird that I have to lie [to CPS] every time a different security guard catches me taking pictures,’ he said. “I tell [CPS] I either didn’t know or that I never got the email, some of them are very understanding,” he added.
“[Gordon Harris Photography] wants all the money to themselves, some of us cannot even compete,” a disgruntled Radebe said. “For example, I charge R900 per hour with room for negotiations and more photos than them…but because I do not have a contract with Wits, students will never know,” he said.
An official complaint was lodged with The Competition Commission in July 2022. Spokesperson, Siyabulela Makunga said, “The commission is currently engaging all affected respondents to gather requisite information as part of our screening process,” which can take up to 12 months from when the complaint was received.
FEATURED IMAGE: Graduates exiting the Great Hall and coming down the stairs to the Piazza after the end of their ceremony. Photo: Nokuthula Zwane/File
The Graduate Recruitment Program hosted over 20 companies to meet with students studying towards a degree in the STEM fields.
The Wits Graduate Recruitment Program (GRP) hosted a career fair for students studying science, technology, engineering, and mathematics — STEM — at the Wits Science Stadium this week.
Many companies had useful guidance to offer students such as encouraging them to not overlook interpersonal skills. “Don’t always worry about marks, sometimes having a good personality and a can-do attitude gets you in the door”, a team member from Huawei said to students who were asking about their academic performance.
The fair is part of the work of the GRP of equipping students with useful information in different fields relating to their degree, while also encouraging all students to explore various career options.
Recruitment agencies such as Afrizan People Intelligence, alongside big companies such as Huawei, Outsurance, and KPMG, were there, offering a range of different career choices and advice to students.
Most of the companies focused on explaining to students what they offer if the students choose to work for them while also answering questions they might have about the field.
Companies such as Steinmuller Africa were scouting aspiring engineers for employment while other companies such as Huawei were offering bursaries to students in computer science and information technology related fields.
STEM Career Fair Sign on a chalkboard outside the CCDU centre next to the Wits Science Stadium, advertising the fair’s details. Photo: Georgia Cartwright
Despite the large turnout of different companies, some students were unhappy with the lack of employers in fields such as pharmaceutical and biomedical science. Zamokuhle Nhlangothi, a second-year biomedical science student told Wits Vuvuzela that he felt the event did not cater toward biomed students who are trying to get into the science industry.
However, Ndlovu emphasizes the importance of using the event to brand yourself by speaking with the various companies and to get to know your options.
Adding to Ndlovu’s point, GRP Officer, Bongi Ndlovu said the fair does not limit students by degree and that they must take advantage of all the opportunities provided to brand themselves because “networking is key.”
When asked what students should do to get the most out of the fair, Sasha Riccardi, an Afrizan recruiter told Wits Vuvuzela, “Don’t be dismissive, always hear people out because you never know who holds the key to your next opportunity.”
The fair also had a Best Company Award where students could vote for which firm they had found to be the most helpful and informative — and ABSA won the award.
The GRP is planning three more career fairs this year that will cater to students in different fields. On May 3 and 4, for accounting students; July 21, for all degrees and on September 12 will be for students who are pursuing their postgraduate degrees.
FEATURE IMAGE: First year Biomedical Students: Mikayla De Koker, Amel Du Preez, Sharon Manganya, Oratile Molawa, Nkateko Ntlhabyane, and Zamokuhle Nhlangothi stading and posing in front of Accenture’s stand, who were offering a multitude of careers from strategic management to consulting. Photo: Georgia Cartwright
Wits University extends its data services for the third year running, to support students with blended learning model.
In a walk back from an announcement made at the beginning of the 2023 academic year, Wits University has asked service providers to continue supplying monthly data allowances to registered students.
The beginning of April 2023 saw students on the Cell C, MTN, Telkom Mobile and Vodacom networks access 20GB’s of AnyTime and NightTime data, a combined 40GB’s a month.
This comes after protests in March 2023 led by the student representative council (SRC), the #WitsShutdown was centered on financial exclusion and the ongoing accommodation crisis. An additional demand made by protesting students included the continuation of a data allowance.
Wits student applying for the 2023 data packages. Photo: Lesedi Maako
Rachel Selogiloe from Wits Information Communication Technology (ICT) said, “It will not be easy like last year 2022 where every registered Wits student received data packages. There will be systems put in place to check eligibility such as where a student stays and their area of affordability.”
For instance, students residing at all Wits residences will not be eligible to receive the data packages as they have access to the internet connection provided by the university. Along with those students have to apply.
Wits Master’s degree student in International Relations, Sbabalo Ntloko, has already put in his application and said, “I don’t feel safe as I always leave campus late at night doing my schoolwork so this data will be helpful should I get approved”.
Second-year student doing a Bachelor of Arts in Music, Andrew Brunsden, told Wits Vuvuzela “I stay in Noordheuwel, Krugersdorp which is 26km away from Wits and I can only come to campus when I have classes. I am not able to access the Wits Wi-Fi constantly and so getting this data will benefit me and my schoolwork.”
In episode six of We Should Be Writing season 7, the team unpacked the evolution of music as a form of expression and protest, through four decades in the South African context. The episode explores the journey of South African music and its consumers from the 80s, 90s, early 2000s and contemporary listeners. From the […]
