University of the Witwatersrand

Wits is internationally distinguished for its excellent research, high academic standards and its commitment to social justice in Africa and beyond.

Wits University is taking the lead in reimagining trendy Braamfontein to further our contribution in delivering high level scarce skills for the global knowledge economy. Our location in Johannesburg, the economic and industrial heartland of the African continent, places us in good stead to interact with the public and private sectors, civil society and other social agents to effect meaningful change in society.

Wits University is situated in Johannesburg, South Africa – a vibrant, leading commercial city on the African continent. The history of Wits is inextricably linked with mining, academic excellence, and with political and civic activism.

In 1923, the University gradually vacated its premises in Eloff Street to move to the first completed teaching buildings at Milner Park (the Botany and Zoology block – housing the departments of Geology, Botany, Zoology and Applied Mathematics). The University had, at that stage, 6 faculties (Arts, Science, Medicine, Engineering, Law and Commerce), 37 departments, 73 members of academic staff and little more than 1 000 students. In 1925 the Prince of Wales officially opened the Central Block.

During the period between the two world wars, severe financial restrictions were imposed upon the University. Nevertheless, student numbers were quite impressive – in 1939 2 544 students enrolled; that grew to 3 100 in 1945. The sudden increase in student enrolment after the Second World War led to accommodation problems, which were temporarily resolved by the construction of wood and galvanised-iron hutments in the centre of the campus. These huts remained in use until 1972.

  • Listing ID: 9612
Contact details

1 Jan Smuts Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000, South AfricaAfrica,Global,2000 Show phone number ***** https://wits.ac.za

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