PhD
Graduation Ceremony
Date: Wednesday, 18 March 2026
Time: 09:30
Venue: The Great Hall
A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES FROM THE CHANCELLOR
Dear Graduands,
Today we celebrate you – your perseverance, your discipline, and your achievement. Graduation is never the result of individual effort alone, and it is fitting that we pause to acknowledge the families, friends, lecturers, supervisors, and professional staff who walked this journey with you. Their sacrifices, guidance, and belief made this moment possible. To each of them, we offer our sincere gratitude.
You graduate at a time of profound global change. Across the world, societies are grappling with climate pressures, economic uncertainty, rapid technological transformation, and shifting patterns of work. Artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping industries, while questions of ethics, inclusion, and human dignity demand thoughtful leadership. These are complex challenges that require graduates who are not only skilled, but also principled and adaptable.
In South Africa, these global pressures intersect with local realities you know well. Our country continues to face high levels of unemployment, especially among young people, persistent inequality, and the ongoing task of strengthening public institutions and infrastructure. Energy security, water resilience, and economic inclusion remain pressing concerns. Yet, alongside these challenges, there are clear signs of possibility: growing investment in renewable energy, innovation in entrepreneurship, and renewed focus on skills development and reform. The future of our country is not predetermined – it will be shaped by the choices we make and the leadership we show. That is where you come in.
As graduates of the globally respected Wits University, you are equipped to contribute meaningfully to a better future. Your role will be to apply your knowledge with integrity, to solve problems with creativity, and to lead with empathy. Whether you become professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, educators, public servants, or community leaders, your responsibility extends beyond personal success. You are called to help build an economy that creates opportunity, a society that values dignity and justice, and institutions that earn the trust of those they serve.
Wits University has prepared you not only to earn a living, but to make a difference, in keeping with our slogan #WitsForGood! Carry forward the values you have learned here: critical thinking, ethical conduct, respect for diversity, and commitment to service. The road ahead will require resilience and courage, but it will also reward those who are willing to work, to collaborate, and to imagine better possibilities.
Graduands, you leave us at a challenging time – but also at a hopeful one. South Africa needs your skills, your ideas, and your leadership. The world needs graduates who are capable, compassionate, and courageous.
We are proud of you. We believe in you. And we look forward to the contributions you will make.
Congratulations to the Class of 2026! HALALA!
Yours sincerely,
Dr Judy Dlamini Chancellor
A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR
AND PRINCIPAL
Dear Wits Graduate,
Congratulations on the successful completion of your academic programme at the University of the Witwatersrand. Today marks an important milestone in your personal journey and in the continuing history of this institution.
You now join a global community of more than 200,000 Wits alumni whose contributions span science and medicine, engineering and the built environment, business and law, the humanities, and public life. It is a community defined not only by individual achievement, but by sustained impact across generations.
For more than a century, Wits has been recognised as one of Africa’s leading universities and a globally respected centre of learning, research, and innovation. What distinguishes Wits is not excellence in a single discipline, but the consistent production of graduates of distinction across all five faculties, grounded in intellectual rigour, critical inquiry, and public purpose.
The University has played a defining role in advancing knowledge in medicine, public health, mining and earth sciences, and the basic sciences, shaping policy, industry, and scholarship in South Africa and beyond. Its contributions to palaeoanthropology and human origins research have transformed global understanding of humanity itself, while its strengths in mathematics and physics continue to drive discovery at the frontiers of knowledge.
In parallel with these foundational strengths, Wits is building capacity in frontier fields, shaping the next phase of scientific and technological change. Through the Machine Intelligence and Neural Discovery (MIND) Institute, the University is advancing interdisciplinary research in artificial intelligence, drawing on expertise across the computational sciences, neuroscience, the humanities, and policy, while engaging critically with its ethical and societal implications. Alongside this work, Wits contributes to South Africa’s quantum science and technology agenda as a node of the South African Quantum Technology Initiative, advancing research in quantum communication, imaging, and computing, and training the next generation of scientists in this emerging field.
Equally, Wits has long been a centre of intellectual leadership in the humanities and social sciences, shaping debates on history, politics, culture, and power, and strengthening democratic thought through engaged scholarship.
It is from this depth and breadth of excellence that global recognition has followed. Wits alumni and scholars include recipients of the world’s most prestigious honours, including Nobel Prize laureates Aaron Klug, Sydney Brenner, Nadine Gordimer, and Nelson Mandela, as well as Achille Mbembe, the first African recipient of the Holberg Prize, and Peter Sarnak, recipient of the Shaw Prize in Mathematical Sciences.
As Wits looks ahead, we encourage you to remain connected to the University and to carry forward its values as part of a legacy that continues to shape South Africa, the continent, and the world.
We congratulate you on your achievement and wish you every success in the journey ahead.
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, FRS Vice-Chancellor and Principal Wits University
Gaudeamus igitur
Juvenes dum sumus
GAUDEAMUS
Post jucundum juventutem
Post molestam senectutem
Nos habebit humus.
Ubi sunt qui ante nos
In mundo fuere?
Vadite ad superos
Transite in inferos
Hos si vis videre.
Vita nostra brevis est Brevi finietur.
Venit mors velociter
Rapit nos atrociter
Nemini parcetur.
Vivat academia
Vivant professores
Vivat membrum quodlibet
Vivat membra quaelibet
Semper sint in flore.
Vivant omnes virgines
Faciles, formosae.
Vivant et mulieres
Tenerae amabiles
Bonae laboriosae.
Vivant et republica et qui illam regit.
Vivat nostra civitas, Maecenatum caritas
Quae nos hic protegit.
Pereat tristitia,
Pereant osores.
Pereat diabolus, Quivis antiburschius
Atque irrisores.
Let us rejoice therefore
While we are young.
After a pleasant youth
After a troublesome old age
The earth will have us.
Where are they
Who were in the world before us?
You may cross over to heaven
You may go to hell If you wish to see them.
Our life is brief
It will be finished shortly.
Death comes quickly Atrociously, it snatches us away. No one is spared.
Long live the academy!
Long live the teachers!
Long live each male student!
Long live each female student!
May they always flourish!
Long live all maidens
Easy and beautiful!
Long live mature women also,
Tender and loveable
And full of good labor.
Long live the State
And the One who rules it!
Long live our City
And the charity of benefactors
Which protects us here!
Let sadness perish!
Let haters perish!
Let the devil perish!
Let whoever is against our school
Who laughs at it, perish!
NATIONAL ANTHEM
Nkosi sikelel’ iAfrika
Maluphakanyisw’ uphondo lwayo,
Yizwa imithandazo yethu, Nkosi sikelela
Thina lusapho lwayo.
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso, O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho, O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, Setjhaba sa, South Afrika — South Afrika.
Uit die blou van onse hemel, Uit die diepte van ons see, Oor ons ewige gebergtes, Waar die kranse antwoord gee,
Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom In South Africa our land.
The Wits Choir
The Wits Choir has been around since 1995. Their repertoire is colourful and vibrant. They perform regularly at graduations and important ceremonies. The Wits Choir has toured internationally as well as playing host to other choirs here. They are also active in the community, undertaking choral outreach programmes.
A MESSAGE TO GRADUATES FROM THE PRESIDENT OF CONVOCATION
Dear Wits Graduate,
There are a few defining moments in life – and it is without doubt that graduation is one of them!
Today, you enter the world as a graduate from one of the top universities on the African continent. You enter into a world filled with many challenges, but a world that is also filled with limitless possibilities. May you meet all the challenges and opportunities that await you with pride, drive, passion, innovation, social-conscience and positive-purpose.
In addition to earning the degree conferred upon you today, you have also earned the right to be associated with a special group of individuals – the Convocation of Wits University. Convocation represents all the degreed graduates of Wits and forms a vital link between the University and the global community in which it operates. Membership to Convocation is free and serves as an official channel, allowing you, the members, to convey to the University management your views about the University. This membership comes with several unique privileges, which include nominating the Chancellor of the University. The Convocation Executive has two members on the Wits Council (the governing body of the University) and maintains other regular contact with the University to ensure the voice of the Convocation is represented at the highest levels of The University.
There are approximately 250 000 Wits alumni worldwide. The distinction of our university is important to the prestige of our collective qualifications. We call upon you to nurture and enhance the value of your degree by promoting Wits’ image, preserving our values, and contributing towards our ongoing development, ensuring that we grow in stature as a globally competitive, proudly South African institution of higher learning. Please engage with us via our numerous social media channels and keep connected with us so you can access career support, receive invitations to events and reunions and have sight of all the latest news about Wits and prominent Witsies: www.wits.ac.za/alumni/updateyourdetails/
I would like to extend a warm welcome to you – you are now a #Witsie4Life!
Ms Kgomotso Mufamadi President of Convocation Wits University
Convocation is a statutory body that includes all graduates of the University. Convocation is the largest constituency of the University (since the founding of the University in 1922, graduates number over 200 000). Its statutory mandate is to “… discuss and state its opinion upon any matters relating to the University including matters referred to it by the Council” and allows for the views of graduates to be represented at the highest levels of governance of the University.
IHELE THE PROCESSION
IHELE
Words and music by S.B.P. Mnomiya
Anhom
Falalala
Obani labo?
Baphi Ahhom?
Ngibona beza
Beyikazela
Bathwel ‘ongiyane
Bavela kuphi na?
Obani labo?
Ongqondongqondo
Osibakhulu
Yibo labo hhom!
Yini na leyo?
Ihele
Ihele lezingwazi zakithi
Ahhom udwendwe
Ahhom
Udwendwe lwezingqwele zakithi
Nant’ ihele
Longqondongqondo
Nant’ ihele
Losibakhulu
Udwendwe
Udwendwe Iwezingqwele zakithi
THE PROCESSION
Who are those? Which, Falalala?
I see them coming
Walking with swinging garments
They are wearing head rings
Where do they come from?
Who are those?
They are people with knowledge
They are people in authority
These are the ones
What is that?
It is a procession
A procession of our heroes
It is a procession
A procession of our champions
Here is a procession
Of people of knowledge
Here is a procession
Of people of knowledge
A procession
A procession of our heroes
Ihele is known as the ‘Black’ Gaudeamus Igitur. In song, the writer, Mnomiya uses very poetic language to describe a graduation ceremony. The soloist sings of the ‘strange’ procession of people in long robes and head gear. The choir responds by saying that these people are academics who read profound books of knowledge.
Mnomiya goes on to say that the graduates are an inspiration to all of us, and we will also graduate like them one day. The song goes on to wish the graduates well and it ends with a resounding “Halala” (well done!).
THE UNIVERSITY MACE
Maces were originally weapons of defence, designed to break through armour. In medieval times, bishops carried a mace instead of a sword into battle to enable them to defend themselves in accordance with the canonical rule that forbade a priest to shed blood. In time, the mace has come to be regarded as a symbol of delegated authority vested in a person or an institution. At this University, it is a symbol of the authority vested in the Chancellor and a reminder of the mandate given by the legislature of this country to the University to grant degrees.
The University mace is the work of the Edinburgh designer, silversmith and engraver, William Kirk, who designed and made the mace of the University of Stirling and of other institutions. It is silver-and gold-plated, is 1070 millimetres long and 180 millimetres broad and weighs seven kilograms. The heraldic devices used in the decoration reflect the character of this University as an institution of learning, set in a mining centre within the Republic of South Africa.
The head of the mace with its spreading vertical blades is symbolic of the horns of a springbok. The central vertical spike is representative of a rock drill on the mine, and the amber stone set in the head is intended as a tribute to a past Chancellor through its association with his name, Bernstein, which in German means amber stone. The heavy quality of the head is consistent with the traditional concept of the mace as a weapon of defence. The collar repeats the shape of the head. It consists of eight cogs which symbolise the cog-wheel in the University coat of arms and represents mining and industry. The shaft is octagonal and divided into three sections. The coat of arms of the University is placed on the shaft under the collar. Below this the words Universitas Witwatersrandensis Johannesburgi: are inscribed, followed by the date in Roman numerals – MCMLXXVI (1977) – which signifies the year of the dedication of the mace.
The mace is a symbolic portrayal of this University, this city, the Witwatersrand and the Republic of South Africa. It is a constant reminder to members of Council and Senate to uphold at all times the rights, powers and privileges of the University and its governing bodies.
ACADEMIC DRESS
The academic dress of this University is patterned on that of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge, with modifications based on the model of the University of London and certain individual features, particularly in the costumes of office bearers and the hoods of degreesof bachelor and master.
Dress for Office Bearers
• The Chancellor wears a scarlet silk gown with a broad facing of black velvet down each side, embroidered in gold and a black velvet cap with gold cord and tassels.
• The Vice-Chancellor and Principal wears a blue silk gown with a broad facing of gold silk down each side, embroidered in blue, the sleeves being lined with gold silk. The cap is of the same design as that of the Chancellor.
• The Chairman of Council wears a black silk gown with a broad facing of red velvet down each side and around the neck, the sleeves being lined with gold silk. The cap is of the same design as that of the Chancellor.
• The academic dress of the Deputy Vice-Chancellors and the Executive Directors is the same as that of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal, except that the colour of the facing and sleeves of the gown and of the cord and tassels of the cap is silver-grey.
• The gown of the President of Convocation is of blue silk, with a broad facing of gold silk down each side, the sleeves being lined with white silk. The cap is the same as that of the Chancellor, but with a blue cord and tassels.
• The Registrar wears a black silk gown with a broad facing of blue silk down each side, bordered with gold braid. The cap is the same as that of the President of Convocation.
• A member of Council wears a black silk gown with a broad facing of gold silk. The cap is the same as that of the Chancellor.
• The gown of the President of the Students’ Representative Council is black with a broad facing of blue satin.
Graduands’ Gowns
• The gowns for all degrees of bachelor and master of the University are black, of the same pattern as the gown for a Master of Arts at the University of Oxford.
• The gown for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy is scarlet, after the University of London pattern.
• The gown for a senior doctorate is the same as that for the PhD, but with a gold satin facing on each side of the gown and with the sleeve button and cord in gold.
The Academic Hood
The academic hood is the principal feature of the costume for holders of our degrees of bachelor and master. The hood for the PhD is standard, regardless of the Faculty in which the degree was obtained. It is scarlet silk, lined with white silk.
Degree Colours
The hoods reflect the colour or colours of a particular degree or associated degrees.
DISTINCTLY WITS
As a 102-year-old public university in South Africa, Wits is proud of its record of achievement as a significant contributor to our society. We contribute capable people to society that are training in their chosen field that are engaged and able to tackle problems using evidence-based solutions. We also engage with our communities to share knowledge that we create so as to make a positive impact on the quality of life. Wits for Good.
Wits is a world-class research-intensive university based on our intellectual excellence, international competitiveness, and commitment to social justice; all of which have a measurable impact.
What makes Wits distinct?
Here are a few of many differentiators:
• An international perspective that helps us maintain high standards in teaching and learning and research while not distracting us from our place in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Africa. In 2024 Wits authors published articles with co-authors from 199 universities, 94% of which were from countries other than South Africa.
• An intellectual hub of Africa, a founding member of the African Research University Alliance. In 2024 Wits published 2 342 articles with co-authors in Africa, including 32 articles with Namibia, 61 with Botswana, 87 with Zimbabwe and 36 with Mozambique.
• An active and engaged community leader that takes a stand on social issues and is fully committed to the advancement of the public good.
• A growing contribution to the body of knowledge through peer reviewed academic publications: 4 563 in 2024 and an average growth rate of 4% per year over the last five years.
• Knowledge contribution that is above global quality averages in several fields including: clinical and pre-clinical health studies (76% above global norms); arts and humanities (58% above global norms); life sciences (36% above global norms); physical sciences (12% above global norms).
• Wits is particularly associated with the study of the fields of virology, particle physics and the Higgs Boson, malaria, archaeology, paleontology, paleoanthropology, violence, local and regional politics, geochemistry, rock mechanics, deep mining, forensic anthropology, climate change, migration, social justice, and many more.
• Proud of the four Nobel laureates and the 99 Rhodes Scholars.
• Proud of our current 42 000 students of whom 16 600 (40%) are undertaking postgraduate studies and learning to make their own unique contributions to the global knowledge base.
• Proud of our more than 200 000 graduates. More than 90% of Wits graduates obtain permanent employment within 12 months of graduation.
• Proud of its ability to raise external funding to support and drive its research efforts, with contributions exceeding R 2 billion per annum.
ORDEROF PROCEDURE
18MARCH 2026AT09:30
Theaudiencewillrise astheacademicprocession enters thehallandwillremain standing untilthe Acting Vice-Chancellorisinplace
TheActing Vice-Chancellor willconstitutethecongregation
TheActing Vice-Chancellor willwelcomethegraduands,diplomates and guests
Addressto the congregation
Conferment of degreesand granting ofdiplomas
TheActing Presidentof Convocationwilladdressthe graduatesanddiplomates
TheActing Vice-Chancellor willdissolvethecongregation
Theaudiencewillstandwhile Ihele is played
Membersoftheaudiencearerequestedtostandwhiletheacademicprocessionleavesthehallandnottoleavethe hallbeforethe end oftheceremony.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Intheeventofload-sheddingorpowercuts,theGreatHallmaybecometotallydarkuntilthegeneratorcomesinto operation.
FACULTYOFSCIENCE
DEAN:PROFESSORN CHETTY BScHons(Natal) MSPhD(U.IllinoisUrbana-Champaign)MASSAfMSAIP
MasterofScience
CHEN, Amy Wenwen (with Distinction)
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: Theroleofstripes:Testingpossibledriversofgeographicalvariationinzebra(Equusquaggaand Equuszebra)stripepatterns
EMAM,Muhammad
Molecular and Cell Biology
DISSERTATION: Analysis ofindigenousfilamentousfungalisolatesfor base metalbioleachingfroma low-grade platinum metaloreconcentrate
GLEN,Tereka Angela
Molecular and Cell Biology DISSERTATION: Genome assembly, annotationand comparativeanalysisof Cannabis sativa SwaziGold(SG)
GOUNDEN,Neelan (with Distinction)
Physics DISSERTATION: Toolkitforhigh-dimensionalquantumlight
KHIBA, Lethabo Chemistry DISSERTATION: Thepotentialnutritional benefitof paperandcardboardfibre for ruminant feed
MABITSELA,RetsilisitsoeMokhatla (with Distinction)
Physics DISSERTATION: Deferentialmeasurementsofheavy flavoursviathesemi-muonicdecaychannelat ALICE using MonteCarlosimulations
MAKGETHA,KutlwanoChongo (with Distinction)
Physics DISSERTATION: Searchesforscalarresonancesusingdiphotonsin association with leptonswiththeATLAS detector attheLHC
MARIANO, LaraFangueiro
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: Theeffectsofwater quality and biotope degradation on macroinvertebratecommunitiesin the Hennopsriver, South Africa
NAIDOO,Sage Keenan
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences DISSERTATION: Theaviancultural ecosystemservicesproject:quantifyingtheculturalecosystemservices providedbybirdsacrossSouth Africa’surbanecosystems
PRAT,Clarisse (with Distinction)
Physics DISSERTATION: Huntingthehidden: exploringdifferentdarkmatterscenarios
BachelorofScienceHonours
ABDLA, Ashroga
ANDERSON-WEBBSTOCK,Julian Michael (with Distinction)
AZEVEDO,NikitaDuarte (with Distinction)
Physics
Physics
Physics
BABOOLAL,Nikisha (with Distinction) Physics
BAGLEY, SydneyLogan Madison
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
BOSHOFF,CarreyannLisa (with Distinction) Psychology
BULBULIA,Faatima
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
CIELENOUOTIOPIKO, KrysOrlanda Microbiology and Biotechnology
COETZEE,Damien
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
DILOTSOTLHE,Thatoyaone Chemistry
DUPREEZ,Tyla Martins (with Distinction) Biochemistry and Cell Biology
GOORBHARE,ChloeDenae Microbiology and Biotechnology
GREENHILL,JuddHarry
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
HARRIS,Liam Michael (with Distinction) Physics
HUANG,Lei Psychology
JIVAN,BhovishaRakesh Applied Bioinformatics
JUDIN, Noah (with Distinction) Physics
KAISER, Malvanique Bronwyn Chemistry
KANSILEMBO, Ornella
KGOMO,Thato
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
LEFORESTIER,Cameron YvesNorman Genetics and Developmental Biology
LUCAS, SkyeKayla
MAHEMA, Karabo Pearl
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
MAKATU,FarelananiTshwaranang Physics
MASEKO, Kemoratile KeoagileNontokozo
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
MASEKO,ZakithiPenelope Microbiology and Biotechnology
MASHAO,MarthaRaesetja (with Distinction) Physics
MATEYISE,Inathi
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
MATHE, Olwethu Chemistry
MAYET,Liyah Yasmin
Genetics and Developmental Biology
MAZIBUKO, Sandile Handsome
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
MEMELA, Sthabile Chemistry
MEYER,De WetNico (with Distinction)
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
MNQOKOYI,Zukiswa Ayanda Chemistry
MONESE, Boitumelo Patience
Microbiology and Biotechnology
MTANASE, Asemahle Chemistry
MTSHEMLA, NcebakaziZamahlubi (with Distinction)
MTSWENI,SinenhlanhlaSimon
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
MUGWABANA, MueletshedziPhindulo Applied Bioinformatics
MUKUPA,Muuka Danielle Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
MVULA, Shalom Sarah (with Distinction)
NEWLAND-NELL, Ashley (with Distinction)
NGEMA, Bacebile
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
NGOBENI,Donald Physics
NGUBANE, Muziwakhe (with Distinction) Physics
NGWANE, Anelisa Chemistry
NHLAPO,Refilwe SimphiweVanessa Chemistry
NKOJOANA, Kutloano Lephoto Physics
NKOSI,TaweniReabetsoe
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
NONJAKAZI, Lusanda Chemistry
PADHIAR,Montel (with Distinction)
PATEL, RheaJoetendra (with Distinction)
PEARSON, Brittany Alice (with Distinction)
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Animal, Plant and Environmental Sciences
PETER, Bulelani Chemistry
PHOLOGA,Mmamotse Sade
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
RAMOKGOPA, Mabore Peo Psychology
REDDY, Kirel
Biochemistry and Cell Biology
RIMER,RojaTamar (with Distinction) Physics
ROLFE,Maxine Kayla
Genetics and Developmental Biology
ROWJI,Gaurang (with Distinction) Physics
SAMPSON,JennaPamela (with Distinction) Physics
SIBIYA, MbaliThabile
Microbiology and Biotechnology
SLINGSBY, Hedya Mapule Physics
TALESARA,Diya Physics
THATHAISA,Ntshidzeni
BachelorofScience
ALLEGRETTI, Alessia
ALWAN, Dave
AYOB, Musabiha
BALOYI,RhulaniTebogo
BARNARD, Aluna
BASSANI,Tyla
BOCK,NuraanDevenaé
BOIKANYO, LesediCharmaine
BOTLHALE, Shannon
BRODRICK, AlisaNicole
BUTETE,MollenTinotenda
BUTT,Zainub Yasir
CALEI,Felicidade Kuayela Mainsel
CANA, Kwanele
CARELLE,AlessioMichele
CEWANA, Singalakha
CHIGONA,Linga
Microbiology and Biotechnology
CHIVANDI,NaisheIvyVimbai
CUYLER, Eve
DASILVA,Gabriela
DEBEER,LaetitiaCorine (with Distinction)
DEEPNARAIN, Ria
DIHOLO,JoylynShamisoyashe
DLAMINI, Noncedo Sincedzile
DOMBO,Musandiwa Annah
DRINKWATER,Katelin (with Distinction)
DZIRUNI,Chiedza Anne
EDMUNDS, Kate Emily (with Distinction)
ELIJAH,Keah Sarah
ELSKIE, Elenoah Chaineille
ENYIAKA, AdaugoChelsea
ESHEN,Jordan
FISHER,Leah Michelle
GANESH,Geneva
GODONGWANA,Nanilethu
GOGA,Naadirah
GOODYER, StephanieJay
GOPICHAND, Sumith
GOVENDER,Nicara
GQWABAZA,Unako
GREEFF, Klara
GROBBELAAR, CarelGerhardus
GROBBELAAR, Chrisjan
GULWA, Sisamkele
HIRALAL, ShehaanVirek
HLUNGWANI,HopeNoxolo
HORNER,Jadyn-Lee
ISAACS, AaliyahLeila
JABANE, Yusuf
JANSEN, Danica
JAXA, KonkeOkuhle Lwandisa
KALENI, Siphesihle ParousiaAmour
KGOMONGWE, NeoBonisa
KHAN, Aaliyah
KHAN,Nurin
KHERU, Juhi
KHOZA,OmphileJoy
KHUBISA, Aphile
KING,AquellaTarynMichaella
KOBE, BoitumeloEster
KOLISI, Sisanda
KUBHEKA, AyandaThobani
LATEGAN, Marike
LEGRANGE,Mishon
LEHAU, Paballo Sunny
LEKORO,Mapaseka Carly
LEVY,CodyJordan (with Distinction)
LOONAT,Radiyah
LUTHULI,NomathuliZafika
MABENA,LuyandaLucius
MABIKA, Lindokuhle
MABUZA, Sphesihle Slindile
MACHINGA, JessicaRudzani
MADDOX,Thomas William
MADZENA,Mulweli
MAGARA,Delma Muofhe
MAGUDU,Nomfundo Salaminah
MAHLANGU, Mamello
MAHLANGU, NoxoloLerato
MAISE, LindelaniAngel
MAIWASHE,DzangaHappy
MALINGA, SimiseloNonzulu
MALULEKA,Ntsako Cheride (with Distinction)
MALULEKE,Ndzalama MasanaMvakachi
MAMADU,BongiweLucia
MAMAFHA,OmpfaIrvin
MAMPANE,Kgaugelo Palesa
MANO, Sihle Musawenkosi
MANYATI, Khanya
MAPHISA, Sibongile Susan
MAQANDA, Ntandokazi Lusenathi
MARITZ, Kalakgosi
MARITZ,Michaela
MASHIGO,Lethabo
MASITENG, Makgotso Ntwenhle
MATHUNYANE,Medupi
MATLALA,Nkwe Mahlatse
MATUBA, LeratoLebohang
MAURITZ, Athena Dominique
MAVIMBELA, Sanele Makhosonke Makhosonke
MAXHAM, Luyolo
MBOBO,UnathiKhanya
MBOWENI, Kegomoditswe Precious
MCMASTER,SaraJayne Marlene (with Distinction)
MDLULI, Kwaziwe Sazinkosi
MHLANGA,Rose
MHLONGO,Ayanda
MKHIZE,HolisizweBriliant
MKULISI,Aphiwe Sibongakonke
MNEMBE,Simanye
MNGONYAMA, Sisanda
MNTAMBO,OwethuNomzamo
MOACWIEMANG,Tshiamo
MOGANOE, Kelebogile
MOHAMED, Abditrik Mohamed Ahmed
MOHANLAL,Neantha Rahani
MOKGOTHU,Letlhogonolo
MOLEKWA, KgolaganoNicole
MOLELEKENG, KelebogileSelina
MOLEPO, Moseka Nicklacious
MONCHONYANE,Omphile
MORAILA, VanessaNgwanamampa
MORAKE,KewameTiroyamodimo Yolande
MOREIRA,KianaDaSilva
MOSHOBANE, SelabalediTryphina
MOTEMEKOANE,Thabelang
MOTLOUTSI,MokitiTshegofatjo
MTSWENI,Jesica Eli
MUFAMADI, Adivhaho
MUNDHOSS, RaulJed
MURUGAN, Rasika
MUVHANGO,Mbuelo
NAICKER, Seyuri
NAIDOO,Ethan Claude (with Distinction)
NAIDOO,Samia
NCUBE, UnathiZibuyile (with Distinction)
NDLOVU, Kelebogile Judith
NDLOVU, KhanyisileThato
NEEDHI,Neha
NETSHIUNGANI, Mannda
NGOZO,UnothandoOlinda
NGUEKENG,Belva BronwynT
NKWANA,Carron
NOGUBAZA,Nqobile
NORUKA,Imitha
NTULI,LondokuhleSethabile
OBERHOLZER,PascaleFelix
OKAH,EdesereChimnonsoPrincessAndrea
PARKER, Kyle
PASIPAMIRE,ChidadisoChelsea
PATHER,Liam
PEETE, ThatoThabangLebo
PENTIA, Keera
PEREIRA,BiankaBarros (with Distinction)
PHOSA,Vhutshilo
PILLAY, ThamaraIvory
PITSO,Thabang
RADEBE,Tokyo
REID, ShannonJane
SADINDI,RufaroDonna-Leigh (with Distinction)
SAMBO, Bonolo
SCOTT,BrittanyErin
SEEMA,Tshiamo
SELIKANE,Reneilwe Mpho
SENNE, Nteboheleng
SEOLWANE,Dimakatso Charmaine
SEROPE,MmaselaeloNicole
SHABALALA,Tebatso
SHAIKH,SafiraMohammadImran
SIBANDA,JuniorThembelihle
SIBEKO,OluhleVuyiAphelele
SINGH,JasonMichael
SINGH,JoshuaChristian
SINGH, Shreya
SITHOLE, LeratoThembelehle
SITHOLE, Mbalenhle
SKOSANA,ReleabetsweLesedi
SKOSANA,ThandoVuyolethu
SLEDGE, EthanJohn (with Distinction)
SMAL, Cara Leila
TALAKGALE, ModikoaTshegofatso
THAMBIRAN,Diantha
THUBELA, Katleho MolebohengRefilwe
TLOMATSANE,TshegofatsoPuleng
TOFFIE,TurshlenNazeera Kiara
TONDO,Kaela Natasha
TRUTER,Raquel Sarah
TSHABALALA,Mandisa
VANBLERK,Zoë
VANDER MERWE,CleodineShantonic
VAWDA, Abdullah Dawood (with Distinction)
WAITES,Jordan Hannah
WEBB,Matthew Brian
WILLIAMS,ThandoJoy
XIVURI, Eltricia Nkhaviso
YOUNG, Blake Kyle
ZINI,NedeshaT'kea
PostgraduateDiplomainScience
HLAHANE,Yaseen Mohashudi Innovation and Entrepreneurship
MAGOBEYA,Tinotenda Kudakwashe Innovation and Entrepreneurship
MASIMOLA,GabrielKarabo Innovation and Entrepreneurship
MAVHUNGA,FunananiNkosinathi Innovation and Entrepreneurship
RAMELA,MasechabaKamohelo Innovation and Entrepreneurship
GRADUATIONAWARDS
FACULTYOFSCIENCE
Prizetobe presentedattheGraduationCeremony
WilliamCullenMedal:
Thissilver medalisawardedannuallytothemostdistinguished Bachelorof Sciencegraduate in theFaculty of Science. It wasendowed in1929by WilliamCullen, HonLLD(Witwatersrand). Itispresented attheUniversity Graduation CeremonyforSciencestudents.
Abdullah Dawood Vawda
Prizestobepresented at theFaculty’s prizegiving ceremony
Biochemistryand Cell BiologyBookPrize:
Thisprizehasbeenestablishedforthepurchaseofbooksandisawardedannuallytothemostoutstandingstudent in Biochemistryand CellBiologyIII.
Cody Jordan Levy
Biochemistryand Cell BiologyTopAchiever Award:
Thisprize isawarded annuallytothemostdistinguishedBiochemistryandCellBiologyHonoursstudent inthe Schoolof MolecularandCell Biology.
Shalom Sarah Mvula
BorisIvanBalinskyAward:
ThisprizeisinmemoryofProfessorBIBalinskyandisawardedannuallytothemostoutstandingHonoursstudent inZoology.
Brittany Alice Pearson
Entomological Societyof SouthernAfricaAward:
Thiscertificate ofmerit fromthe EntomologicalSocietyofSouthernAfricaandfreemembershiptothesocietyfor oneyearisawardedannuallyto the bestHonours student in Entomology.
Brittany Alice Pearson
Genetics andDevelopmentalBiologyBook Prize:
Thisprizehasbeenestablishedforthepurchaseofbooksandisawardedannuallytothemostoutstandingstudent inGeneticsandDevelopmentalBiologyIII.
Laetitia Corine de Beer
GrasslandSocietyof SouthernAfricaPrize:
Thiscertificate fromthe Grassland Societyof SouthernAfricaandoneyear membership tothesocietyisawarded forthe most outstandingservicetoan undergraduatestudentintheSchoolof Animal, PlantandEnvironmental Sciences.
Pascale Felix Oberholzer
IntroductiontoBioinformaticsIIIPrize:
TheSydneyBrennerInstituteforMolecularBiosciencesawardsthisprizetothebeststudentinApplied BioinformaticsIII.
Raquel Sarah Truter
IsaacGreenberg Award:
ThisawardispresentedannuallytoagraduateinBotanyforthepurposeofcarryingoutresearchinsomeaspectof Plant Ecology.
Aaliyah Leila Isaacs
JanLoubserMemorialPrize:
Thisprize isawarded tothe studentwiththebestHonours projectin Physics.
Julian Michael Anderson-Webbstock
Merck AchievementAwardforBestHonours Project:
Thisprize isawarded forthebestHonours projectsin Chemistry.
Olwethu Mathe
MicrobiologyandBiotechnologyTopAchieverAward:
Thisprize isawarded annuallytothemostoutstanding studentinMicrobiologyandBiotechnologyHonours. Zakithi Penelope Maseko
Peter ThompsonPrizeIII:
Thisprize hasbeen establishedinmemory ofPeterThompsonbytheTreeSocietyofSouthern Africafrom donationsmade byPeterThompson'sfriends,relativesandbusinessassociates. Itisawardedannuallytothe student who performs best in BiogeographyIIIor Biosystematicsand EvolutionIII.
Eve Cuyler
RebeccaLurieBrownAward:
Thisawardispresentedannuallyto an academically deservingstudentinthesecond, third orHonours year of study,on thestandardattainedtogetherwith promise shownofabilityin,and potentialfor, Botanicalstudies. De Wet Nico Meyer
SAGenetics Society/Hofmeyr - Van Schaik Medal:
Thismedalandvoucherareawardedtothemostdistinguished Honoursstudent inthe field ofGenetics. Liyah Yasmin Mayet
SchoolofPhysics PrizeinHonours:
Thisprize isawarded annuallyforoutstandingperformanceintheHonours year ofstudyinPhysics.
Nikisha Baboolal
SeparationScientific SA(Pty)Ltd:
Thisprize isawarded annuallytothemostoutstanding studentinMicrobiologyandBiotechnologyIII.
Katelin Drinkwater
TheChembiz&Ohaus Award:
Thisprize isawarded tothe mostoutstandingor deservingChemistryIIIstudent proceeding intotheChemistry Honours course.
Junior Thembelihle Sibanda
TheFrank Nabarro Memorial Prize:
Thisprize isawarded tothe studentwiththebestprojectin PhysicsIII. Ethan John Sledge
Wyndham Prizefor PhysiologyIII:
ThisprizeisawardedtothemostdistinguishedstudentcompletingaPhysiologyIIIcourseintheFacultyofScience. Theprize isinmemory ofProfessorCyrilWyndham, formerHeadof the Departmentof Physiology. Kelebogile Moganoe
ZoologicalSocietyof SouthernAfricaAward:
Thiscertificate ofmeritfromthe ZoologicalSocietyof Southern Africaanda monetary prizefunded bythe School ofAnimal,Plantand EnvironmentalSciencesare awarded annuallyto the bestfinalyearstudentinZoology.
Eve Cuyler
ZoologicalSocietyof SouthernAricanAward:
ThiscertificateofmeritfromtheZoologicalSocietyofSouthernAfricaandamonetaryprizefundedbytheSchoolof Animal, Plant and EnvironmentalSciencesare awardedannuallytothebestHonoursstudentinZoology. Taweni Reabetsoe Nkosi
OFFICERSOFTHEUNIVERSITY
Chancellor
DRNJ DLAMINIMBChB(Natal)DOH(Free State)MBA(Witwatersrand)DBL(Unisa)PGCE(Witwatersrand)IEC (Stanford-USA)
Vice-Chancellorand Principal
PROFESSORZ VILAKAZI BSc(Manchester)MScPhD(Witwatersrand)FRS, FAAS, MASSAf
Chairman of Council
MRTNOMBEMBE BCom(UNITRA) BCompt Hons(UNISA)CA SA
Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
PROFESSOR ROSMAN BA(Witwatersrand)HDipEd BEd(Unisa)MEd PhD(Witwatersrand) MASSAf
DeputyVice-Chancellor (Research andInnovation)
PROFESSOR LMORRIS BSc(Hons)(Witwatersrand)DPhil(Oxford)FRSSAFAAS MASSAf
DeputyVice-Chancellor (SystemsandOperations)
PROFESSOR IRJANDRELLBSc(Eng)GDE PhD(Witwatersrand)IntPE(SA) PrEngFSAAEFSAIEESMIEEE
DeputyVice-Chancellor (People Developmentand Culture)
PROFESSORG STEVENS BA(Cape Town) BA (Hons)PsychMPsych(Western Cape)DLittet Phil(UNISA), MASSAf
Registrar
MSCG CROSLEYBAHDipEd(Witwatersrand)BEd Hons(Unisa)MEd(Witwatersrand)
ChiefFinancialOfficer
MSMMMANYAMACA(SA)BComAccounting(CapeTown)BComptHons(Unisa)BComHonsTaxation(Pretoria) MBA(GIBS)
DeanofStudentAffairs
MRJAPSEPTEMBER BA MPhil (CapeTown)
DEANSOFTHE FACULTIES
FacultyofCommerce,LawandManagement
PROFESSORJCOHEN BComHonsPhD(Witwatersrand)
(Acting)FacultyofEngineering andtheBuilt Environment
PROFESSOR CMUSINGWINI BSc(Hons)(Eng)(UZ)MSc(Eng)(Wits)PhD(Wits)PrEngFSAIMM
FacultyofHealthSciences
PROFESSOR SAMADHI MBBCh MMed PhD(Witwatersrand)FCPaeds(SA)MASSAfRSSAfTWASCBE
FacultyofHumanities
PROFESSOR MMUSEMWA BAHons(Zimbabwe) MA(CapeTown) PhD(Minnesota, USA)MASSAf
FacultyofScience
PROFESSOR NCHETTY BScHons(Natal)MS PhD (U.IllinoisUrbana-Champaign) MASSAf MSAIPMRSSA
President of Convocation
MSKMUFAMADI BALLBLLM(Witwatersrand)
FACULTYOFSCIENCE…AMESSAGETOOURGRADUATES
The mission of the Faculty of Science is to graduate excellent students who are equipped to make a meaningful contributionbroadlytosocietyandarereadytoundertakepostgraduatestudiesatWitsoranyothertopuniversityin the world. A hallmark of our graduates is their independent, critical, creative and entrepreneurial thinking in the sciences,andacommitmentto makethisworld abetterplace forall.
We strongly encourage you to continue your studies as a postgraduate student in the Faculty. We offer excellent postgraduate coursework and research programmes in a range of diverse areas from Astronomy to Zoology. The MSc in Science Communication, the PGDip in Data Science and the PGDip in Innovation offer very new avenues forpostgraduatetrainingandvaluableskillsdevelopment.TheFacultyofScienceishometothreeoutoftheseven DSI/NRF funded Centres of Excellence at Wits, known for their cutting-edge research in their respective focus areas.Inaddition,theFacultyhasbeenchosenastheleadinstitutionbytheDepartmentofScienceandInnovation to host the National eScience Postgraduate Teaching and Training Platform in the data sciences. The Faculty of Science isalsohome tothe WitsAngloAmerican DigitalDome, andthe Wits SterkfonteinCaves.
Academic staff in the Faculty collaborate with leading universities and laboratories around the world. Many of our postgraduate students spend time in overseas institutions as part of their postgraduate degrees and participate in nationalandinternationalconferences.Ourresearchersareactiveparticipantsinsomeofthelarge globalscience experimentssuch asatCERNandtheSKA, and publishtheirwork in some ofthe bestinternationaljournals.
Witsiscommittedtomaintainingitsstandingasaleadinginternationallyrenowneduniversityproducingworkthatis visibleto the entireworld, andpositivelyimpactfulonthewaysinwhichweliveourlives inthe 21st century.I hope youwilljoin usin thisexcitingendeavour!
NithayaChetty Dean: Faculty of Science
EmergencyandFirePlansduringGraduations
1.Intheeventof anemergencyand/orfire:
• The presiding official (Chancellor/Vice-Chancellor/Deputy Vice-Chancellor) will make an announcement requesting guests, graduandsandstaff tokeepcalm andremainseated;
• TheUsherswillassistgueststoproceedtothenearestEmergencyexitsinordertoevacuatetheGreatHall inanorderlyfashion;
• Emergencyexitsignsarevisibleinredaboveallexitdoorssituatedonyourleftandrighthandsidesaswell asthe backoftheHall;
• TheUsherswillassisttheelderly and disabledguests outofthebuilding;
• Theacademicprocessiononstage must exitthroughthebackstagedoor;
• OnceoutsidetheGreatHallallguests,graduandsandstaffmustproceedtothemainassemblypointonthe piazza.
2.Intheeventof a Bomb threat
All bomb threats will be treated as real in order to protect lives and property and the premises will be evacuated immediately.
