DO YOU REMEMBER BEING A FIRST-YEAR? The feeling of wonder and possibilities and all the paths not yet taken? Have you held on to the optimism, knowing that every day, there is a chance to do good, to learn something new, and to keep finding new ways forward? We hope this newsletter will be a spark for some of that for you.

WITS WELCOMES 6,000 FIRST-YEARS

The University has officially opened its doors, welcoming approximately 6,000 first-years at its annual Welcome Day.

Wits received approximately 85,000 undergraduate applications for 2025 but could only register around 6,000 first-year students. These students represent the best of the best, earning their place in one of Africa’s most competitive academic environments, with an average of over five distinctions per student in their matric results.

First-years attended Wits 2025 Welcome Day on Sunday, 26 January, when they were introduced to campus life and the opportunities ahead. Dean of Students, Jerome September says that what makes this institution dynamic is its commitment to equipping students with resources that foster adaptability and responsiveness to a changing world.

“You have made the right choice by choosing Wits. We will equip you to become global leaders and look forward to walking this journey with you,” September told first-years at Welcome Day.

Read more here.

WATCH WITS CHOIR AT WELCOME CEREMONY FOR FIRST-YEARS, 2025

See Wits University in Action!

Want a closer look at life on campus? For a Virtual Tour of Your Old Haunts, Click here. 

WHEN WE LIFT EACH OTHER UP, EXTRAORDINARY PROGRESS IS POSSIBLE: Reflections from Davos 2025

WHEN WE LIFT EACH OTHER UP, EXTRAORDINARY PROGESS IS POSSIBLE – read the uplifting update on being at DAVOS from our board member Lindi Tardif.

Last month, I was so honored to spend some time at the World Economic Forum in Davos as a delegate of the #WorldWomanDavosAgenda. Surrounded by conversations on global transformation, I’ve been struck by how dreams are at the heart of the change we strive for.

In my younger years, I dreamed of escaping the repressive regime under which I lived in my birth country and making Europe my home. While that dream didn’t come to fruition for me, this week marked an emotional milestone —Switzerland is now my eldest child’s second home as she begins her college journey here. My mother, who once dreamed of moving to the U.S. for similar reasons, saw that vision fulfilled through me. Those who know my story understand the sacrifices—both literal and figurative—made on the long road to emancipation.

This journey through generations has me reflecting on the dreams we, as women, carry—especially the vision of a world without gender parity gaps. A world where equality, opportunity, and inclusivity are not distant hopes, but the reality we wake up to every day.

Engaging with remarkable women and soaking up insights from brilliant minds on AI innovation, Digital Inclusion, Ethics, Energy Transition, and inclusion generally, has been profoundly inspiring. The talent, resilience, and strength we embody are undeniable. But what’s moved me even more is seeing women’s organizations unite—amplifying each other’s voices, sharing knowledge, and driving real change.

Moments like these remind me of a simple yet profound truth: when we lift each other up, extraordinary progress is possible. Every act of collaboration, support, and connection lays the groundwork for a brighter future. 

I’m filled with hope. Hope that we’ll continue to find ways to connect, empower, and amplify each other. Because the more we stand together, the sooner we can dismantle barriers and transform our shared aspirations into vibrant realities—not just for us, but for the generations to come.

Let’s rise together!

WITS STILL A FAVORITE: Post-Matric Trends in Joburg

Read about the post-matric choices of young South Africans in a January 2025 article published by the SAJR below:

The post-matric trend this year is away from gap-year travel or work experience, and more matriculants are moving straight into furthering their academic studies at university and private colleges around South Africa, say some Jewish schools in Johannesburg.

Most are choosing to stay in Johannesburg, with a preference for the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), but others are choosing to move to Cape Town. While those moving to the sea are still favoring the University of Cape Town (UCT), there has been a marked increase in choosing Stellenbosch University as their chosen tertiary educational institution.

“Wits is a popular choice because it’s a world-class institution. Its courses are almost second to none in terms of academic rigor,” said Jodi Starkowitz, King David Linksfield’s (KDL’s) head of marketing. “A lot of students go there not only because of that, but because it’s easy to access, with the campus being a stone’s throw away. Similarly, Wits appeals to many of our students who aren’t ready to leave home just yet.”

Read more here.

As we feel gratitude for the blessings in our lives, one way to pay it forward is through making an impact in a person’s life that will uplift them, and their familes, for generations to come.
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WATCH: WITS’ LATEST NEWS IN SIXTY SECONDS

In this episode, Wits kicked off the year by welcoming about 6,000 top-achieving first-years at Welcome Day. In a major win for students, almost 800 Witsies listed on the discretionary funding portal had R63 million in student debt cleared. The latest Curios.ty magazine, themed #Work, explores how tech, equity, and societal shifts are shaping the future of work. Entrepreneurship is getting a boost as Wits Business School partners with Services SETA to fund programmes at the Wits Crucible. Wits also hosted Prof. Tobias Bonhoeffer, Advisor to the President of the Max Planck Society for African Programmes, to strengthen research ties ahead of their 2026 visit to Africa

Read the full stories here.