University of the Witwatersrand

Also known as Wits University, University of Witwatersrand, Witwatersrand University, wits.ac.za, Wits, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg

public research university in Johannesburg, South Africa

Key facts

Former names: South African School of Mines (1896–1904), Transvaal Technical Institute (1904–1906), Transvaal University College (1906–1910), South African School of Mines and Technology (1910–1920), University College, Johannesburg (1920–1922)
Motto: Scientia et Labore ( Latin )
Type: Public university
Established: 1922 ; 104 years ago ( 1922 )
Affiliation: AAU , ACU , FOTIM , HESA , IAU
Chancellor: Judy Dlamini
Vice chancellor: Zeblon Vilakazi
Chairman of council: Isaac Shongwe
Academic staff: 1,112 (Full-time, Permanent)
Students: 40,259
Undergraduates: 25,352
Postgraduates

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Article

The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (/vətˈvɑːtəsrɑːnt/), commonly known as Wits University or Wits, is a leading multi-campus public research university situated in the economic hub of Johannesburg, South Africa. It is known for its academic and research excellence, commitment to social justice, and the advancement of the public good. Wits University has been recognised as the top-ranked university in sub-Saharan Africa for innovation performance in the 2025 Global Innovation Index.

The university has its roots in the mining industry, as do Johannesburg and the Witwatersrand in general. Founded in 1896 as the South African School of Mines in Kimberley, it is the third oldest South African university in continuous operation.