Description
Book SynopsisThe University of the Witwatersrand occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of South Africans. It is a leading university renowned for its commitment to academic and research excellence, social justice and advancement of the public good. The history of the university is inextricably linked to the development of Johannesburg, to mining, and to deeply rooted political and social activism.
Wits University at 100: From Excavation to Innovation captures moments of Wits’ story over 100 years through exploring its origins, its place in society, its transformation and its challenges as it prepares for the next century.
This centennial publication presents a narrative of Wits as a living and dynamic institution, celebrating its existence through its people, many of whom, in one way or another, have shifted the world. Driven by the voices of its people,
Wits University at 100 tells the story of Wits from its humble beginnings as a mining college in Johannesburg to its current position as a flourishing university stimulating innovation from the global South.
The experiences, achievements and insights of past and present ‘Witsies’ showcased in this full-colour, illustrated book map the university’s current and future vision as it marks its centenary in 2022.
Table of Contents
- Foreword
- Introduction: Looking Back, Moving Forward
- Chapter 1: Origins
- The Last Word: Benedict Vilakazi
- Wits Pioneer: Johnny Clegg
- Dynamite Underground: Wits Geosciences
- Fighting the Good Fight
- Wits Pioneer: Stephen Matseoane
- Life as We Know It: The Story of Life
- Wits Pioneer: Advocate Thuli Madonsela
- Chapter 2: Space and Place
- Behind the Scenes of #FeesMustFall
- Activists, Scientists and a Lifetime of Service: Maurice Smithers
- Wits Rural Campus: The Hidden Gem
- Knowing Your Place
- Activists, Scientists and a Lifetime of Service: Patrick Soon-Shiong and Michele B. Chan
- Leading the Charge
- Activists, Scientists and a Lifetime of Service: Bhekokuzakuye ‘Keith’ Mdlalose
- Chapter 3: The Future
- Light Years Ahead: Invention, Innovation and the Structured Light Lab
- Minding the Matter
- Wits Futurists Lead the Way: Achille Mbembe
- Fringe of the Future
- Wits Futurists Lead the Way: Marcus Byrne
- African Art Beat: Wits Art Museum
- I Have a Dream …
- Chapter 4: The Next Century Begins Now
- Afterword
- Timeline
- Notes
- Interviewees
- Bibliography and Source Material
- Acknowledgements
- Index
