Recently, Wits University officially welcomed its Class of 2023 which comprises 6 263 students.
Nature set the scene for the day for the gathering of the newcomers and their families for a jovial welcome and celebration led by Wits leaders and staff members.
Wits Welcome ceremonies are characterised by singing and dancing which can be heard miles away as residence students make their way to the venue clad in their house colours. It’s a true display of the vibrant culture that has been passed on for decades.
A university of choice for top academic performers, Wits received more than 100 000 applications from prospective students eager to make Wits their academic home. Applicants who had excelled in the national matric examinations earned their seats to be part of what the institution described as the ‘intellectual cream of the country’.
Picking up on the theme of excellence, the dean of student affairs Jerome September joked and said, “Wits students are known to be arrogant, arrogant with distinction,” adding that becoming a Witsie meant standing for good and being part of a community that wanted to make a real difference in the world.
In his welcome address, the Wits vice-chancellor and principal Professor Zeblon Vilakazi congratulated the newbies for choosing a home steeped in intellectual rigour.
“Wits is a university like no other – we impact on the city, our country, our continent, and our society, for good. We believe strongly in critical thinking, in intellectual rigour, in pushing the boundaries, in setting the bar as high as possible, in using our expertise and knowledge to change our world for good.”
He called on the first-year students to wear the Wits badge with pride and responsibility.
Speakers Dr Judy Dlamini (Wits Chancellor), Isaac Hlongwe (Chairperson: Wits Council) and Aphiwe Mnyamana (SRC President) called on the post-centenary class to play their role by focusing on their studies and dispensed valuable advice that leads to success.
“I have peace of mind now that he is going to be fine,” said Joyce Mc Cabe, mother to Jaidyn, a first-year BSc Construction Studies student. Coming from Cape Town, the Mc Cabe’s left the ceremony assured that their child would receive the required support, opportunities for growth and a safe home – a message that was reiterated by the speakers.
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