Wits University is located in Johannesburg, South Africa – a vibrant, leading commercial city on the African continent. The history of Wits is linked with mining, academic excellence, and political and civic activism. The origins of Wits University lie in the South African School of Mines, established in Kimberley in 1896 and transferred to Johannesburg as the Transvaal Technical Institute in 1904, becoming the Transvaal University College in 1906 and renamed the South African School of Mines and Technology four years later. Other departments were added as Johannesburg grew, and in 1920 the name was changed to the University College, Johannesburg.

Over the years, the University of the Witwatersrand became internationally recognized for academic excellence and extensive research activities. The University established the country’s first dental hospital and school. It was also a local first in physio- and occupational therapy and the first South African institution to open a clinic to treat speech defects. In addition, the first blood transfusion service in the Union of South Africa was started by Wits medical students. The University’s scholars have also significantly advanced the theory of human origin and evolution.

Witwatersrand will strengthen research and utilization capacity with the focus on individual and community agency, innovative approaches and capacities.