Wits turned 100 in 2022. Learn more here.
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The March madness weather - either 10ft snow, or high sunny days - is almost over. And while we can look forward to warmer days with a new spring in our step, what step can every one of us take to bring sunshine into someone else's life? You can brighten and change someone's entire future with a scholarship! Contact us at the Wits Fund, and we will help make that happen.
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WITS AND US CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION CELEBRATE
20 YEARS OF PEPFAR
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A U.S. Congressional delegation visited the Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute based in the Hillbrow Health Precinct (HHP) in Johannesburg for a high-level science focused event. They were given an opportunity to engage with world-class South African scientists and researchers to highlight key scientific activities and their impact on HIV programs.
It was in 2003 that former President George W. Bush initiated the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, known as PEPFAR. Through PEPFAR, the U.S. government has invested over $100 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response, the largest commitment by any nation to address a single disease in history, saving 25 million lives, preventing millions of HIV infections, and accelerating progress toward controlling the global HIV/AIDS pandemic in more than 50 countries.
Read more here.
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Wits and Telkom launch new
R70 million Industry Solutions Lab
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Pictured above: representing the Telkom Group, BCX CEO, Jonas Bogoshi; and Wits University’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi.
This month, Wits University signed a R70m 5-year partnership agreement with Telkom to establish the new Telkom Industry Solutions Lab, a commercial research and development (R&D) facility dedicated to accelerating synergistic collaboration between industry and academia in South Africa.
Strategically located within the Wits Innovation Centre (WIC), the Telkom Industry Solutions Lab is the flagship commercial R&D center for the Telkom Group. The lab brings together multidisciplinary teams to push boundaries across industries and drive cutting-edge innovations in telecommunications and digital solutions. The highly skilled team of critical thinkers, technologists, and researchers develop locally relevant products and solutions, leveraging established and emerging technologies, world-class innovation methodologies, and strategic partnerships within local and global innovation ecosystems.
As the first WIC industry lab, the Telkom Lab is positioned to lead the translation of research-driven innovation into commercially viable and socially impactful solutions.
Read more here.
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Watch one of the greatest comebacks in FNB Varsity Cup history! Wits were trailing 30-0 at half time and put in one of the most remarkable second half performances to beat UJ at the death!
#WitsForGood #ProudlyWits #Wits4Life
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Prof Lee Berger Appointed as NatGeo Explorer in Residence
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Professor Lee Berger has been appointed as National Geographic Explorer in Residence, but will remain at Wits as an Honorary Professor.
World-renowned palaeoanthropologist, Professor Lee Berger, will become a National Geographic Society Explorer in Residence and staff member, but will remain in an honorary capacity at Wits University, where he will continue to conduct research and supervise graduate students and postdoctoral fellows who are keen to explore the origins of humankind and discover more about our deep human journey.
On his Facebook page, Prof Berger talked about maintaining his ties to Wits: "Even though I am taking on the role of an Explorer in Residence National Geographic it's a great feeling to remain associated with the University of the Witwatersrand as an Honorary Professor, continuing my 33 years at the University. I will also be continuing as Director of the Centre for Exploration of the Deep Human Journey at the University, continuing to work with my many colleagues around the world who are associates of this great program built around #openaccess, #science and #exploration. #Neverstopexploring!"
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IN MEMORIUM: Dr David A. Lipschitz
(Wits MBBCh 1966, PhD Medicine 1973)
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Described by his fellow members of the MBBCh Wits Class of '66 as "kind", "loving", "dedicated to helping others", as a "bright intellect with a warm smile", Dr David A. Lipschitz passed away on March 6th in Little Rock, AR.
From his obituary:
"Physician, author, television host, and devoted family man, Dr. David A. Lipschitz, most affectionally known as "Dr. David," passed away on March 6 surrounded by his family.
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Dr. David was the oldest and naughtiest of four children. Ever the entrepreneur, he once dug up all the plants in his father's garden and attempted to sell them on the roadside. Luckily, he moved beyond his mischievous ways and went on to study medicine at the University of Witwatersrand.
Following in his father's footsteps, David left his home country in search of a better life, emigrating to the United States in 1972 to escape Apartheid-era policies. Upon arriving in America, he trained as a hematologist at the University of Washington and did the seminal research in the development of the serum ferritin assay, a tool that is still used to help evaluate iron levels in blood. (A fact he never let his children forget.)
Read the full text here.
The Wits Fund extends its sincerest condolences to the friends and family and loved ones of Dr Lipschitz: may his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
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The University of the Witwatersrand Fund, Inc. is a corporation under the Internal Revenue Code, section 501 (c) (3). Donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. The Wits Fund IRS EIN number is: 13-3902012.
Vision
To ensure that Wits University remains one of Africa’s – and the world’s –
pre-eminent research-intensive educational institutions, with top academic standards, committed faculty, and supportive alumni.
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Loyal Loyalties
The Wits Fund has received a very generous offer from Prof John Rogan (Wits BSc 1965), who has published a novel entitled “The Rivers of Joy and Sorrow”.
In this poignant story, students who decide to oppose apartheid are propelled on a journey entailing love, abandonment, yearning, betrayal, and redemption.
John has very generously donated a 100% of the royalties of the sale of the book to Wits alumni and other readers of this newsletter.
In order to ensure that royalties accrue to the Wits Fund, please follow the steps below:
1. Go to Archway Publishing, https://bit.ly/3CBPQxZ
2. Order whichever version of the book you choose. (The paper version will accrue more royalties.)
3. Send the following information [via email to Nooshin.Erfani-Ghadimi@wits.ac.za]:
your name, version and cost of book bought and date of purchase.
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Copyright © Wits Fund Inc., 2023
The University of the Witwatersrand Fund, Inc.
PO Box 7101, New York, NY 10150
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