University Of The Witwatersrand (Wits) - Johannesburg
The Wits University East Campus © University Of The Witwatersrand (Wits) - Johannesburg
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), located in Johannesburg, South Africa, is one of the country’s top research universities, renowned for its academic excellence and influence in shaping South Africa's history. Established in 1922, Wits originated from the South African School of Mines, founded in 1896 in Kimberley. The institution relocated to Johannesburg in 1904, eventually evolving into the University of the Witwatersrand. It is named after the Witwatersrand, the ridge where Johannesburg was built, and is historically linked to the city’s mining industry.
Wits played a crucial role in South Africa’s fight against apartheid, with many of its students and staff participating in the anti-apartheid movement. Today, it is known for its academic rigor, cutting-edge research, and contribution to various fields, including health sciences, law, engineering, social sciences, and the arts. The university has five campuses and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across numerous faculties.
5 Interesting facts about the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in Johannesburg:
1. Mining Origins: Wits was founded in 1922, but its roots trace back to the South African School of Mines in Kimberley in 1896. It later relocated to Johannesburg, a key mining hub, which influenced its initial focus on mining and engineering.
2. Pioneering Medical Research: Wits is renowned for its contributions to medical science. In 1967, Wits alumnus Dr. Christiaan Barnard performed the world's first human heart transplant. The university continues to be a leader in medical and health sciences research.
3. Anti-Apartheid Activism: Wits was a hotbed of political activism during the apartheid era. It was one of the few universities that openly defied the apartheid government’s segregation policies, and its students and staff played significant roles in the anti-apartheid struggle.
Fossil Finds: Wits is world-renowned for its contributions to paleontology. The university’s Evolutionary Studies Institute has been involved in groundbreaking discoveries of ancient hominids, including the famous Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi fossils, found at the Cradle of Humankind.
5. 4. Global Influence: Wits is consistently ranked among the top universities in Africa and the world, attracting a diverse student population and producing influential alumni, including political leaders like Nelson Mandela, who studied law at Wits.
Contact details for University of the Witwatersrand (Wits):
Phone Number: +27 (0)11 717 1000
Email: see website
Website: https://www.wits.ac.za
Address: 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, Johannesburg, 2000, South Africa
Accommodation Near University Of The Witwatersrand (Wits) - Johannesburg
Forest Town Guest Cottages
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Forest Town
2.1km from University Of The Witwatersrand (Wits) - JohannesburgForest Town Guest Cottages situated in Forest Town in Johannesburg. These attractively and comfortably furnished villas are self-contained, separate and private, 1- and 2-bedroom villas to suit families, the business traveller and tourists. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
7th Street Guest House
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Melville Gap Guest House
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Melville
3.1km from University Of The Witwatersrand (Wits) - JohannesburgMellville Gap Guest House is situated a stone's throw from the Bohemian suburb of Melville's famous 7th Street with its vibe atmosphere, pavement cafes, cozy restaurants, antique/vintage stores and cocktail clubs, we are in the perfect location... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Jack Rose
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4.6km from University Of The Witwatersrand (Wits) - JohannesburgThe The Jack Rose offers the perfect Rosebank accommodation for business and leisure travellers. There are 56 huge rooms and apartments, the beds are comfortable, the WiFi is fast & free and the coffee is GOOD! This perfect location makes getting... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
The Residency Jellicoe
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Johannesburg Area
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Panhandle Place Cottages
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7.1km from University Of The Witwatersrand (Wits) - JohannesburgPanhandle Place Cottages are lovely self-catering units in a beautiful garden setting with views of the Johannesburg city skyline. We are centrally placed in an old Johannesburg suburb with tree-lined streets, safe for walking and jogging. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Apartment at 34 Columbine
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Louhallas
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in Edenvale
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Acacia House Executive Suite
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Grosvenor Inn
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- Braamfontein (0.11km)
- Wanderers View Estate (0.82km)
- Braampark (0.88km)
- Newtown (1.18km)
- Vrededorp (1.24km)
- Pageview (1.42km)
- Parktown (1.49km)
- Sunnyside, Johannesburg (1.51km)
- Fordsburg (1.69km)
- Johannesburg City Centre (1.81km)
- Hillbrow (1.91km)
- Jan Hofmeyer (1.91km)
- City West (1.91km)
- Richmond, Johannesburg (1.92km)
- Westcliff, Johannesburg (1.94km)
- Origins Centre (Wits University) - Johannesburg (0.25km)
- Wits Art Museum - Braamfontein, Johannesburg (0.32km)
- Wits Planetarium - Braamfontein, Johannesburg (0.35km)
- Alexander Theatre - Braamfontein, Johannesburg (0.48km)
- The Playground - Braamfontein, Johannesburg (0.55km)
- Joburg Theatre Complex - Braamfontein, Johannesburg (0.81km)
- Museum Africa - Newtown Cultural Precinct, Johannesburg (1.04km)
- Market Theatre - Newtown, Johannesburg (1.05km)
- Arts Alive Festival - Newtown, Johannesburg (1.06km)
- Newtown Diwali Festival - Newtown, Johannesburg (1.11km)
- Mary Fitzgerald Square - Newtown, Johannesburg (1.11km)
- Workers' Museum - Newtown, Johannesburg (1.20km)
- Sci-Bono Discovery Centre - Johannesburg (1.27km)
- Constitution Hill Human Rights Precinct - Johannesburg (1.30km)
- Oriental Plaza - Fordsburg, Johannesburg (1.30km)
- The Bioscope Independent Cinema - Johannesburg (1.32km)
- Constitutional Court of South Africa - Johannesburg (1.34km)
- SAB World Of Beer - Newtown, Johannesburg (1.38km)
- Nelson Mandela Shadow Boxer Statue - Johannesburg (1.59km)
- Milpark Hospital Netcare - Parktown, Johannesburg (1.73km)
- Joubert Park - Johannesburg, Gauteng (1.73km)
- Gandhi Square Precinct - Johannesburg (2.01km)
- Windybrow Theatre - Hillbrow, Johannesburg (2.06km)
- The Country Club Johannesburg - Auckland Park, Johannesburg (2.11km)
- Westcliff Stairs - Johannesburg, Gauteng (2.17km)
- Johannesburg Art Gallery (JAG) - Johannesburg, Gauteng (2.18km)
- Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital - Parktown (2.22km)
- Adler Museum of Medicine - Wits University (2.23km)
- Lindfield Victorian House Museum - Auckland Park, Johannesburg (2.29km)
- Johannesburg Zoo - Parkview, Johannesburg (2.34km)
