Luthando Jose has shown that resilience can turn a simple pair of clippers into tools of survival, hope, and entrepreneurial success.
Luthando Jose began cutting hair in his residence to create an income stream.
He balances his studies at Wits while supporting his family financially.
His dedication earned recognition from the CEO of Legends Barber, who personally delivered professional equipment.
The hum of clippers echoes through a small Wits University residence room on a late weekday evening. The smell of hairspray lingers in the air, faintly mixing with the familiar aroma of instant noodles cooking next door, two students next in line waiting their turn while chatting and scrolling through their phones. At the centre of it all is Luthando Jose, a 20-year-old construction in property Studies student with the precision of a seasoned barber and the determination of someone who knows what’s at stake.
His focus is razor sharp as he leans in to perfect a fade. A quick flick of the wrist, a buzz of the clippers, and a smile from the client in the chair. Jose looks up for a moment and laughs. “It started as just helping guys look fresh without breaking the bank,” he says, “but now it’s how I keep things together for me and my family.”
A photo of equipment supplied by Legends Barber CEO Photo: Lindelwa Khanyile
Like many students, Jose juggled lectures, assignments, and the pressure of fees. But his story took a turn earlier this year when his father lost his job, the only steady income at home. Around the same time, his mother began chemotherapy. Suddenly, the little money they had went into treatment.
“I don’t want to lie, it hit us hard,” Jose says, his tone cracking. “Fees, groceries, even small things like toiletries it all became uncertain. That is when cutting hair became more than just a hobby. It became a way to survive.”
Instead of seeing the challenges as a dead end, he then looked for a gap. “It didn’t make sense to me that guys were paying R150 or R200 for a haircut around campus,” he explains. “So, I used my allowance, bought clippers, and started charging R50 or R60. Affordable for them, survival for me.”
Every day is a balancing act; from morning until late afternoon, he’s in class or hitting the books. Evenings are reserved for fades, tapers, and line-ups. “Time management is key,” Jose says. “I know that from four o’clock, I’m in barber mode.”
Jose’s hustle might have remained just a res-room success story, but fate stepped in on March 20, 2025, at the Wits Entrepreneurial Hub. That day, he spotted none other than Sheldon Tatchell, founder and CEO of the iconic Legends Barber brand.
“I just thought, this is it,” Jose recalls with a grin. “I walked up to him, introduced myself, and told him about my business. We exchanged Instagram handles, and that was it. At first, I tried to follow up, but he didn’t reply.”
He shrugs, laughing lightly. “I figured he’s the CEO of Legends. The busiest man in the game.” Still, the pressure at home pushed him to try again. This time, the persistence paid off. After a few attempts, Tatchell finally responded.
And then came the moment Jose never expected. On Friday, August 22, 2025, Tatchell himself arrived on campus and handed Jose a package of professional barbering equipment to grow his business.
“That day was life-changing,” Jose says, shaking his head in disbelief. “To start so small and now have Legends recognise me? It felt like a dream. It’s the kind of thing that motivates you to keep pushing.”
If Legends gave him validation, his friends gave him the foundation. They were his first customers, his promoters, and his constant supporters.
“I’m proud of him,” says Sanele Segutya, a close friend, “I have watched him from the start just a guy with clippers in his room to someone who is running a serious business. He is going far. I know he will make money and build something real out of this.”
Another friend, Baxolile Mbobo, remembers his first impression with a laugh. “Honestly? I thought he didn’t know what he was doing. I saw him cutting in res and thought, nah, let me not risk it. But then I tried him once and I was impressed. The guy has skills! From there, we became friends. I even helped him promote the business. Now, our vision is growth more customers, more exposure, more success.”
Their support goes beyond haircuts. Jose says his circle has kept him grounded, encouraged him through tough times, and reminded him that his hustle matters. “Sometimes, when I feel tired or doubt myself, they remind me why I started. That’s love, man.”
For Jose, the story is only beginning. He dreams of expanding his barbering beyond the walls of residence rooms to professional spaces where students and young professionals can afford a fresh cut without the high price tag.
“I see myself opening a place, building a brand, maybe even linking up with Legends officially,” he says. “But most importantly, I want to show that even when life hits you hard, you can create something out of it.”
As another student peeks into the room, asking if there’s space for a quick trim before heading to the dining hall, Jose waves him in with a grin. The clippers buzz back to life, filling the room with a familiar sound.
For now, the hustle continues cut by cut, fade by fade. But to those who have seen his journey, it is already more than a hustle. It’s a story of resilience, grit, and the determination of a Wits student who refused to let struggle define him.
“Every haircut,” Jose says, pausing between his haircut session, “is a step forward.”
FEATURED IMAGE: A young Luthando Jose holding his equipment. Photo: Supplied/Legends Barber
Four Wits Tang Soo Do athletes kicked their way past a funding shortfall, bringing home medals for a sport that almost left them behind.
The athletes represented South Africa at the 2025 Tang Soo Do World Championships in Scotland.
Each athlete won at least two medals, and brought home a total of 11.
This was the club’s first international competition since the covid-19 pandemic.
Striking gold on Scottish soil, four Wits Tang Soo Do athletes — Madiala Leputu, Treyen Pillay, Thomas Mbombi, and Michael Naidoo — returned to South Africa as medalists and champions of the 2025 World Tang Soo Do Championships.
The victory was particularly meaningful as it came after seven teammates had to pull out because of a lack of funding.
Lethabo Rabothata, the club’s chairperson, highlighted the significance of attending an international tournament for the first time since the covid-19 pandemic.
From left to right: Treyen Pillay, Thomas Mbombi, Michael Naidoo, Madiala Leputu. Photo: Supplied/Lethabo Rabothata
The scale of the achievement only truly sank in for Mbombi once he was back home. After winning a gold medal in open hand forms and two silvers in weapon forms and point sparring, the reality of the moment hit him.
“Hey, you went overseas. That was a world championship stage kind of a situation. Not just another tournament,” he reflected.
Pillay battled both his opponents and a bout of the flu that struck on the flight to Scotland. Despite considering withdrawal, he fought on.
“My family spent a lot of money to get me here, and I trained really hard for more than a year, twice a day, to get to this point,” he said.
His perseverance paid off; he earned a gold in weapon forms and two silvers in open hand forms and point sparring.
The championships was a source of inspiration for Leputu, “We came back with some experience of how to, you know, up our training. It was all worth it,” he said, securing gold in open hand forms.
Naidoo‘s gold medal was not just a personal achievement but a “rare honour” to represent his country on a global stage.
Ultimately, the team’s Wits Tang Soo Do instructor, Master Gregory Hart, praised the team, “I am very impressed with those young men.”
FEATURED IMAGE: The Wits Tang Soo Do athletes posing with their medallions at the World Championships in Scotland. Photo: Supplied/Lethabo Rabothata
The FlySafair strike caused anxiety amongst students from outside the Gauteng Province.
FlySafair pilots were on a strike, which disrupted schedules and cancelled some flights.
Some students who live outside of Gauteng rely on the low-cost carrier.
Students had to use buses and taxis to travel long distances, with increased travel times to boot.
The longest aviation strike in South African history finally came to an end on August 1, 2025. Over 200 FlySafair pilots under the Solidarity trade union were striking for better working conditions and remuneration.
A one-day strike notice turned into a two-week strike, which led to disrupted flight schedules and cancellations.
Wits students were not excluded from these disruptions as they had to fly back to Johannesburg after recess in their home provinces to begin classes on Monday, July 21, the same day the strike started.
“In the absence of FlySafair, I had to choose between seven hours in a bus or five in a taxi from Durban. I chose a taxi, I had no better alternatives,” said Lizwilenkosi Mthiyane, a Theatre and Performance student.
Travelling from Johannesburg to Cape Town using a bus takes approximately 20 hours, which is why Esona Ngqebe, an Accounting Science student, was not looking forward to doing it again.
“FlySafair is not the most comfortable airline out there, but it’s better than going to Cape Town in a bus. I had to book a bus ticket coming back to Joburg in July. The drive took forever. I am glad their [FlySafair] strike is over,” said Ngqebe.
FlySafair has been operating fully for just over a week, with flight prices starting from R470. Now that the strike has come to an end, students will not have to worry about their travelling costs.
FEATURED IMAGE: A student complaining about travelling in a bus for hours from Joburg to Cape Town. Photo: Lulah Mapiye
South Africa’s falling birth rate is not an accident, it’s a choice as women’s aspirations are reshaping the future.
South Africa’s declining birth rate is more than just a statistic; it is a powerful indicator of a societal shift, driven by women demanding more for themselves.
According to the latest Mid-Year Population Estimates (MYPE) 2025 report by Stats SA, the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) in 2025 has fallen to an average of 2,21 children per woman, down from its peak in 2008 at 2,78 children per woman on average.
This downward trend is further supported in a recent study by Microtrends, which states that the South African birth rate for 2025 is 18.50 births per one thousand people, which is a 1.32% decline from 2024’s 18.75 births per one thousand people.
This decline is not merely a demographic trend, but signals societal transformation. There has been a mental and cultural shift in the attitudes towards parenthood. More and more South African women are choosing to delay or even relinquish having children altogether.
Research firm Eighty20 attribute this decline to a number of reasons including but not limited to: better access to healthcare and family planning, delayed marriages, and the cost of raising children. Most importantly, women have improved access to education.
With the scarcity of jobs and rising cost of living, raising a child is becoming increasingly expensive, especially in a country like South Africa where the high youth unemployment rate remains a critical issue.
It raises a particularly important question: can we truly afford the lives we imagine for ourselves, let alone for the next generation?
Historically, success for women was defined by marriage and bearing children, but traditional norms are now being challenged. The meaning of success has been redefined for the new generation of South African women.
As women make more informed choices, a new set of priorities is emerging. Many are now putting their education, careers, and personal growth first and pursuing financial independence, which these days is often referred to as ‘chasing the bag’.
While children are often considered a blessing, it would be irresponsible not to acknowledge the immense responsibility and personal sacrifice that come with raising a child. Parenting is a full-time commitment that often falls disproportionately on women. In a society where support systems are limited, many are questioning the feasibility of bringing a child into the world, not only for themselves but also for the child.
These cultural shifts are not just unique to South Africa, they echo global feminist movements such as South Korea’s 4B Movement, where women opt out of dating, marriage, sexual relations with men, and having children.
Although South African women may not fully embrace this approach, the underlying desire for autonomy and personal freedom is an indicator of how traditional norms are being challenged worldwide.
While it is important to celebrate the growing autonomy of South African women, we must also consider the implications for future generations. According to a report by The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), declining birth rates often lead to ageing populations and eventually, shrinking workforces. Over time, societies may be faced with strained economic systems and social services such as grants and pension funds.
Whether women choose to embrace motherhood or not, at the heart of this transformation lies a simple, undeniable truth: women want more for themselves – they want better.
Financial constraints have sidelined over half of the Wits Tang Soo Do team selected for the 2025 World Championships in Scotland.
More than half the team was forced to withdraw from competing in Scotland.
Eleven athletes were originally selected, but seven had to withdraw due to funding shortfalls.
Despite fundraising efforts, the team could not raise enough to send all athletes.
Only four of the eleven Wits Tang Soo Do athletes originally selected to represent Wits University at the World Tang Soo Do Championships in Scotland this August will be making the trip, after a significant funding shortfall forced seven team members to withdraw.
The club, one of the longest-running at Wits University with over 30 years of history, celebrated the announcement earlier this year that 11 of its members would carry both the Wits and South African flags at the prestigious global event.
However, with Wits Sport only able to cover up to R10,000 per athlete — and the actual cost per person sitting closer to R50,000 — the dream quickly became a logistical and emotional challenge.
Madiala Leputu, an athlete among those still competing said, “to see the team cut down was disappointing, especially knowing that it was not due to a lack of talent or team spirit, but purely because of funding.”
Despite various fundraising efforts, the team was forced to make tough decisions.
“We put in so much effort and did everything we could to raise funds, but despite our best efforts, it still was not enough,” said Lethabo Rabothata, the club’s Chairperson, who was among those selected but is unable to attend due to financial constraints.
“We prioritised those with higher belts because they have trained longer, have more experience and are better prepared to represent the team effectively,” Rabothata said.
The four athletes who will compete in Scotland have continued to train with focus and determination, carrying the weight of their own dreams as well as those of their teammates.
“Hopefully, next time we all get to go. None of them are not able to go due to unwillingness but circumstance,” said Thomas Mbombi, one of the four athletes.
Their journey highlights both the talent that exists within underfunded university sports and the ongoing struggle to access opportunity.
Treyen Pillay, one of the selected athletes said, “there is need for more structured support, funding, sponsorship opportunities, and institutional backing.”
While the four athletes will represent Wits and South Africa on the global stage, the absence of the other seven is a sobering reminder of the barriers local talent still faces. Their story is a reminder of what is possible, and of what is still at risk if sport continues to be treated as an extracurricular luxury rather than a national asset.
FEATURED IMAGE: The Wits Tang Soo Do athletes representing South Africa at the World Championships in Scotland. Photo: Supplied/Lethabo Rabothata
The gathering served as both a sombre memorial and a rallying cry, amplifying demands for stronger protections for women.
Wits University held a candlelight vigil for Olorato Mongale on May 29, 2025.
Speakers called for action against gender-based violence.
A national study shows that 1 in 3 women in South Africa have experienced physical or sexual violence.
Students, staff, and community members stood shoulder to shoulder, their candles casting a glow over the Great Hall Piazza in remembrance of a slain student.
The Wits Students’ Representative Council held a candle lighting ceremony on May 29, 2025 to honour Olorato Mongale, a Master of Arts in ICT Policy and Regulation student, whose body was found in Lombardy East after she went missing following a first date on Sunday.
Students gather in solemn silence, candles in hand, during a nighttime vigil at Wits University. Photo: Rivaldo Jantjies
The event brought together the university community to demand justice and action against gender-based violence, following reports that Mongale was brutally killed within two hours of leaving on a date. Speakers included student leaders, Dean of Student Affairs Jerome September, and Dr. Lucienne Abrahams, director of the LINK Centre at Wits University, who condemned the ongoing violence faced by women and demanded urgent action from university management and government.
“It is a very somber moment, as we come together to celebrate Olorato’s life but also speak out against GBV,” said September. Abrahams echoed the urgency, saying the frequency of such violence reflects a deep and systemic failure that requires immediate attention. She added, “There are many takeaways, and those takeaways are going to unravel themselves over time.”
According to Wits student Amu Botes, who attended the vigil, the tragedy highlights the limits of vigilance by. “Even today, my mom called me and said, ‘Please be safe.’ But the truth is, we try — we cover up, we stay sober, we stay on campus or at home — and still, it’s not enough,” she said. “We face harassment daily, and no one cares until we’re raped, killed, or turned into a headline. This is a call for men to hold themselves accountable and for the justice system to act.”
Wits SRC President addresses students during a solemn candlelight vigil held on campus. Photo: Rivaldo Jantjies
Mongale’s death is not an isolated incident — it is part of a much deeper crisis facing women in South Africa. A pivotal study released in November 2024 by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) offers an unwavering look at the scale of gender-based violence in the country. The First South African National Gender-Based Violence Study reveals that 35.5% of women aged 18 and older — about 7.8 million — have experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime, while more than 1.5 million faced such violence in just the past year. The report underscores how GBV continues to devastate individuals and communities, with its impact felt in homes, on campuses, and across society.
SABC reports that Philangenkosi Makhanya, the prime suspect in Mongale’s murder, was killed in a confrontation with police in Amanzimtoti, south of Durban, on Friday morning. Two additional suspects have since been arrested in connection with the case.
FEATURED IMAGE: With candles in hand, attendees listen intently to the speaker during a moving candlelight vigil at Wits University. Photo: Rivaldo Jantjies.
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
Anglo American, African Rainbow Minerals, and Oppenheimer Memorial Trust donate millions but is it philanthropy or power play?
Mining-linked donations are funding new buildings and research at Wits University.
Some students and experts worry these gifts give companies too much influence.
The debate is growing over who controls public universities and whose values are reflected.
What do Duncan Wanblad, Patrice Motsepe and Nicky Oppenheimer have in common? They represent corporate interests that have embedded themselves into the heart of Wits University. With millions tied to South Africa’s contested mining industry, these power players are funding high-profile projects that promise innovation and progress.
Oppenheimer’s family trust committed R15 million over five years to fund the African Future Studies Initiative, Motsepe’s African Rainbow Minerals (ARM) sponsored R20 million into research for the engineering school, and under Wanblad’s leadership, Anglo American spent R90 million to transform Wits’ planetarium into the corporate-branded Digital Dome. Their philanthropy raises a pressing question: When mining companies fund public universities, do academics look through a telescope or a company lens?
The uncomfortable truth
Behind the gleaming new facilities and bold promises lies an uncomfortable truth – corporate donations to universities are not always neutral acts of generosity. The Oppenheimer family made their fortune from diamond mines that fuelled colonial exploitation. Just last month, ARM faced protests over claims it sold coal to Israel, GroundUp reported. Anglo American, on the other hand, promotes sustainability goals while remaining one of the world’s biggest coal producers, according to its website. These companies pour millions into the institution while their mines keep digging. Do they shape the future or protect a violent and extractive past?
The Wits African Rainbow Minerals Building, renamed in 2023 after a R20 million donation from one of South Africa’s largest mining companies. Photo: Rivaldo Jantjies
What’s given?
Headquartered in the economic hub of London with a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Anglo American’s R90 million commitments granted the company naming rights to the new digital dome that opened to the public early this year, placing its brand at the centre of a major academic and public institution. In 2024, the company was ranked 654th on the Forbes Global 2000 list of the world’s largest companies.
Speaking about their shared legacy of advancing both mining and education, which has shaped Johannesburg and South Africa, Anglo American South Africa said, “The relationship between Wits University and Anglo American started in 1896 when the university, then known as the South African School of Mines in Kimberley, offered services to De Beers.
The new Wits Anglo American Digital Dome is more than just a facility – it’s a symbol of what’s possible when we unite in our vision to shape a better future through education, technology and innovation.” At the same time, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi (FRS), Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, told Wits News: “Through the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, we hope to continue inspiring people from various disciplines, including those working in climate modelling, artificial intelligence and the digital arts.”
The Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, unveiled in 2024, was funded through a R90 million donation from the mining giant. Photo: Rivaldo Jantjies
In 2023, Wits University announced a partnership with one of the nation’s leading coal suppliers, African Rainbow Minerals. The JSE-listed corporation’s R20 million endowment is backing research that connects mining to the future — exploring energy transitions, automation, and the digital technologies that are transforming how resources are extracted and utilised. This partnership saw the company replace the then Chamber of Mines Building on the Braamfontein West Campus, facing the M1 highway, renaming it to the Wits African Rainbow Minerals Building. ARM selected Wits University for this partnership because “it is one of the globally respected academic institutions and the home of the Mining Precinct, a key hub where industry leaders can engage and ensure the mining sector’s contributions are recognised by both students and the broader academic community,” ARM said in a statement.
Plaque outside the Wits African Rainbow Minerals Building, unveiled in 2023 to mark the renaming of the former Chamber of Mines Building following ARM’s donation. Photo: Rivaldo Jantjies
In the third quarter of 2021, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) donated R15 million to the African Future Studies Initiative at Wits University. The partnership was announced as a five-year commitment to support university research focused on challenges in Africa. The OMT was founded in 1957 by Harry Oppenheimer to honour his father, Ernst Oppenheimer. The memorial trust, established by the Oppenheimer family, is connected to Nicky Oppenheimer — the family’s heir and Africa’s third-richest person, with a net worth of $10.5 billion, according to Forbes’ real-time billionaire rankings.
At the time of the announcement, Tracey Webster, Chief Executive Officer of OMT, told Wits News, “The Oppenheimer Memorial Trust has a long tradition of investing in higher education and building the local academy. Given the ever-changing context we live in, it is imperative that we focus on developing a generation of researchers, scientists and academics that will ensure South Africa remains competitive and relevant in the 21st Century.” These contributions follow earlier markers of the family’s legacy at the university, including the Ernest Oppenheimer Hall of Residence, established in 1967, and the Oppenheimer Life Sciences Building. The trust did not respond to a request for comment from Wits Vuvuzela.
This bar graph shows the value of donations made to Wits University by major mining-linked donors between 2021 and 2024, highlighting contributions from the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust, African Rainbow Minerals, and Anglo American. Graphic: Rivaldo Jantjies
Who Really Benefits from University Donations?
Professor Imraan Valodia, Professor of Economics, Pro Vice-Chancellor of Climate, Sustainability and Inequality, and Director of the Southern Centre for Inequality Studies at Wits, said donations to universities often come with multiple motivations. Some alumni give because they benefited from the education they received. Others do it for tax reasons or because they want their names attached to buildings or projects. “A third reason may be the companies that have benefited from having a university related to their business feel that they need to contribute to that university,” he said, pointing to the long-standing relationship between Wits and the mining sector.
While this funding can support important academic work and help students, it also raises questions about influence. “There is of course, always a danger that by accepting these sorts of donations, universities may become beholden to these wealthy people’s interests,” Valodia explained. He noted that Wits has a Naming Policy to guide how donations are handled and believes that the university’s academic and management decisions remain independent. However, he warns that the risks are real, especially when donors or even governments try to shape what universities teach or research. This is now playing out in the United States, where debates at Harvard and Columbia University highlight how both private and political interests can pressure universities.
Tlhompo Thogomusi, a fourth-year LLB student and chairperson of the Wits EFF Student Command, sees these donations as more than just financial support. He argues that philanthropy from mining magnates is “a form of tokenism,” used to legitimise their power and wealth while “distracting from the exploitative nature of their business practices.” For Thogomusi, this isn’t just about naming rights — it’s about the consolidation of class power and ideological control. “Exploitation is a fundamental aspect of this relationship,” he says, suggesting that the financial support from powerful donors helps shape the university’s intellectual space and may even silence criticism. In this view, such relationships are not neutral; they reflect the broader struggle over who gets to shape public knowledge and values.
Inside the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, launched in 2024. Photo: Rivaldo Jantjies
Living with it
The deals are signed in boardrooms, but the consequences play out in lecture halls. For many students, the university’s partnerships with mining giants aren’t abstract — they are part of daily life. Walking past buildings named after billionaires whose wealth came from extractive industries feels jarring, especially for students from communities affected by mining. According to a student who asked to remain anonymous, “It’s hard to sit in a lecture about inequality in a building named after someone who profited from it.” The university’s efforts to position itself as a future-facing institution are complicated by a past — and present — that many students are still reckoning with.
The money flows in, new buildings fill the skyline, and the questions keep piling up. In a city built on the profits of mining, the past still casts a long shadow. As universities align with major industry players, students and academics are left wondering who really shapes the future, and who pays the price.
FEATURED IMAGE: The Oppenheimer Life Sciences Building at Wits University, named after one of South Africa’s most prominent mining families. Photo: Rivaldo Jantjies
Legendary storytelling through soothing melodies, a journey you don’t want to miss
If you’re an old soul like me, you will appreciate Ringo Madlingozi’s new album, Ikhwelo, a musical feast for the ears, with rich instrumentals and soulful vocals that speak directly to the heart.
I must admit, it took some time to get used to the new style. Some tracks feel a bit too different from Ringo’s original sounds.
The very first song, uQamata is quite peculiar, with beats and underpinning riffs. Ringo shows off his vocals with a subtle vibrato pitch, adding warmth and expressiveness. I listened to more and appreciated the nuances.
For every song the instruments are given so much room to shine, creating a soundscape that’s both soothing and thought-provoking.
The song Hello Bhabha starts with a catchy whistle (ikhwelo) and follows to a chorus “Hello baby, hello dali, hello lovey, hello sthandwa sam, kudala ndilindile” that adds a touch of charm. I was taken aback and reminded of his earlier hit, Into Yam featuring Oliver Mtukudzi,which explores the perks of a sweet, innocent relationship.
Although this new album is more laid back and mature, we still find elements of melodies, instruments that shine with delicate guitar work, subtle percussion that adds depth to music and breath-taking harmonies in the background.
You might expect a more upbeat and energetic sound, however with Ikhwelo, settle in and indulge into a more mellow vibe, the perfect antidote to a busy world.
Vuvu rating 8/10
FEATURED IMAGE: Ringo Madlingozi’s new album cover image. Photo: Ringo Madlingozi’s Instagram
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 streets of Braamfontein pulse with life, the noise of taxi horns, chatter, and construction that never seems to cease. But beneath the vibrant surface, my reality as a Wits Journalism student is marked by the quiet struggles of balancing academia and financial pressures.
I recall one particularly grueling night, juggling living expenses, and last-minute modelling gigs to make ends meet. The clock struck midnight, and I was still typing a potential story pitch on my laptop, fueled by coffee and sheer determination.
This is the unseen reality of many student journalists – the late nights, the early mornings, and the constant juggling act.In the newsroom, I am surrounded by classmates who inspire me with their passion. We come from diverse backgrounds, but our pursuit of knowledge and personal growth unites us.
As we work together to produce high-quality content for the Wits Vuvuzela, I see first-hand the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
According to a study by the Student Press Law Center, student journalists face unique challenges, including financial constraints, limited resources, and the pressure to balance academia and journalism. My experience echoes these findings – the financial strain is palpable, and the pressure to perform academically weighs heavily.
This is not only my personal experience but, Kamvelihle Mtwazi, a fellow student journalist also said that not having funding is affecting her studies, as she must sometimes do field reporting which requires transportation money and lunch.This sentiment echoes the struggles many of us face in pursuing our journalistic endeavors.But despite these challenges, we have found a way to thrive.
Likho Mbuka, a fellow student journalist, notes that discipline and time management are key to crafting news-worthy stories.I have seen this play out in our team’s weekly production cycle, where we work tirelessly to meet deadlines and tell stories that matter.
Rivaldo Jantjies, a Journalism Graduate and TV journalism Top Achiever, shares a similar experience. “When I first started, I was a fish out of water,” he says. “But my mentors took me under their wing, and I learned to take risks, push myself, and adapt fast.” His words resonate with me – the importance of mentorship and guidance cannot be overstated.
As I reflect on my own journey, I realize that our university experience should be about more than just survival – it should be about thriving.To succeed, journalists must be prepared to work long hours for low pay. It is a demanding profession that requires dedication and passion.
Despite these challenges, many of us are determined to make a difference through our stories. With the right mindset and support, we can navigate the industry’s obstacles and thrive. As a student journalist, I have seen firsthand the hard work and commitment needed to produce high-quality work.
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
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 […]
