Latest news with #UniversityoftheWitwatersrand
Time Out
4 days ago
- Time Out
Why should you consider furthering your education in Johannesburg?
Higher education institutions in South Africa are now accepting registrations for those who want to pursue their studies for the 2026 academic year. Matrics are expected to start with their exams on 21 October until 27 November 2025. If you are a learner thinking about where to pursue your studies next year, here are reasons to consider studying at an institution in Johannesburg. Top world-class education Johannesburg has two universities, the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ), both of which offer world-class education. In June, UJ ranked # 23 in the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings globally, and #1 on the African continent. Wits is ranked #291 in QS World University Rankings 2026 and it is #265 in Best Global Universities. The city also has several good colleges. The vibe Johannesburg is a buzzing city. It has a friendly vibe. It is diverse, energetic, and lively, therefore offering great opportunities for academic, social, and personal growth. The province is full of opportunities Gauteng is famous for being a place where dreams are realised. Many people from all over the world come to the city to find opportunities. Studying in the city puts you at a greater likelihood of you getting a job in the city of gold. Affordable student city One of the things to consider before choosing a place to check out the cost of living as a student in that area. Johannesburg made it onto the top 100 QS Best Student Cities 2026 list. There are plenty of free or discounted deals for students. There is also a lot of affordable student accomodations and transportation. Access to diverse cultures Johannesburg is called the New York of Africa. It is a top tourist attraction and home to multiple races and cultures. This is the best place to mingle with people from all over the world and learn their cultures and languages. It offers great networking opportunities which you can use even after college.
The Citizen
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Another one! Dr Musa Mthombeni's Academic Journey
Dr Musa Mthombeni has once again proven that academic brilliance and charisma can coexist. The beloved TV presenter and certified funny guy, already a qualified medical doctor, is now officially Dr Musa Mthombeni, Master of Medicine — and South Africans can't get enough. Juggling hospital corridors, red carpets, and jet-setting with his former Miss SA wife, Liesl Mthombeni, the doctor has just added another academic feather to his already impressive cap. A Doctor with degrees (and then some) Dr Musa Mthombeni. Picture: Instagram Dr Musa began his academic journey at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he earned his MBBCh degree in 2015. Since then, he's seamlessly managed a dual career. He has built a name in the entertainment industry while continuing his work in the medical field. By 2023, he'd passed the notoriously difficult FC Rad Diag SA board exams. Fast-forward to 2025, and Musa proudly walked the graduation stage once again. He received a Master of Medicine in Diagnostic Radiology from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). In true Musa fashion, he marked the moment on social media with a hilarious caption: 'What do Masters of Medicine graduates eat for breakfast again? Speak fast, the queue marshal looks mean and is about to call my number. NQF level what-what Daddies are up!' He also shared his latest honour: being elected to the Young Specialist Forum in the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa. It is a platform representing newly qualified medical specialists. ALSO READ:Nay Maps to host Simon Mabhunu Sabela Film and Television Awards this weekend Of flights, fame, and fluoroscopy Dr Musa Mthombeni and Liesl Mthombeni. Picture: Instagram When he's not saving lives or mastering the human vascular system, Musa lights up social media timelines. He shares his goofy humour, travel reels, and swoon-worthy posts about his wife, former Miss South Africa Liesl. The couple has built a fan base around their love, playfulness, and infectious joy. But behind the jokes is a serious professional who regularly spends hours in the theatre. In one post, Musa gave followers a peek into his high-pressure world: 'The end of a great week learning about all things Arteriovenous Malformations and how to cure them from some of the best in the world… When it feels like a lot, let's remember that we prayed for these moments! 2025 We Build! Phez'kwabo!' What it takes to earn a Master of Medicine in Radiology in Mzansi A Master of Medicine (MMed) in Diagnostic Radiology is no walk in the park. It's one of the most challenging postgraduate paths in medicine, requiring years of study, clinical practice, and research. Candidates must first complete their MBChB (like Musa did in 2015). They should then register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Key features of the MMed programme include: Rigorous clinical training: In advanced imaging like CT scans, MRI, ultrasound, and interventional procedures. Academic coursework and exams: Including journal discussions, formal lectures, and departmental meetings. Research dissertation: A crucial requirement for the degree. Specialist status: Upon completion, graduates register as diagnostic radiologists, highly sought after in both public and private sectors. Wits and Stellenbosch are among the South African universities offering the programme. It is aligned with the College of Radiologists of SA curriculum. From scrubs to spotlight, and still rising With his passion for medicine, cheeky humour, and unmatched work ethic, Dr Musa Mthombeni is the embodiment of excellence. He is a man who brings his dreams to life both on stage and on television. As he continues to stack up accolades, fans are cheering him on every step of the way.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Incoming Police Minister Cachalia to address explosive allegations with Mkhwanazi
Prof. Firoz Cachalia, set to take over the Police Ministry in August, says Lt-Gen Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi may have had no choice but to go public with serious allegations involving the dismantling of a political killings task team. Image: Bongiwe Mchunu / Independent Media Soon-to-be acting Police Minister Professor Firoz Cachalia says he will meet with KZN police commissioner Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi to discuss his "unusual" but 'serious' allegations of political interference in police operations and protection of criminals. Cachalia, who is set to take over the Police Ministry in August after retiring from the University of the Witwatersrand, made these remarks during an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika. On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa appointed Gwede Mantashe as acting Minister of Police, while he retains his role in Mineral and Petroleum Resources. This follows explosive allegations in which Mkhwanazi accused Deputy Police Commissioner Lieutenant General Shadrack Sibiya of colluding with information dealer Brown Mogotsi and Mchunu to dismantle the KwaZulu-Natal political killings task team. He claimed Mchunu disbanded the unit in March, halting 121 active dockets tied to political murders. Mkhwanazi presented WhatsApp messages, SAPS documents, and cellphone records as evidence. Mchunu, in a December 2024 letter to Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola, stated that the unit had 'outlived its usefulness.' However, Masemola has since denied dissolving the unit. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading In response to the scandal, President Ramaphosa placed Mchunu on special leave and established a Judicial Commission of Inquiry. Sibiya was also placed on special leave by Masemola while an internal police investigation proceeds. When asked whether Mkhwanazi overstepped his role by publicly airing the allegations, Cachalia acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. 'I think when I meet him, I will say to him, I will ask him, because his decision to call that press conference was highly unusual.' 'Certainly, in the ordinary course of his duties and responsibilities, a person in his position should not act in that way,' he said. 'But in the circumstances that he found himself in, he decided that he needed to make these allegations public.' 'They're very serious…and if it turns out that there was merit to these allegations, then we will be able to see in retrospect that he was perfectly justified in doing what he did,' he added. IOL News previously reported that Cachalia said he could hear his mobile phone ringing, but he ignored the incessant incoming calls as he was glued to the television, watching the Wimbledon final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday. On Tuesday, Cachalia relived the time he finally answered the phone call by the Presidency, and Ramaphosa informed him about the epic appointment into Cabinet. "It was Sunday. I was relaxing, watching sport, Wimbledon, and I was looking forward to football. I have a loft upstairs where the phone was being charged and it has a very slight ring tone. I heard the ringtone from time to time but I ignored the call because I was charging the phone. It turns out that the Presidency had been trying to get hold of me for much of the day," Cachalia spoke to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika. "Eventually, they got hold of my brother, Justice Cachalia, he called, but I was ignoring the phone actually. I am not gonna be able to do that anymore. Then they got hold of my wife, and my wife happened to be sitting with me in the lounge, watching the tennis with me. From then on, we were able to understand that the president was trying to get hold of me. 'I believe at around 6 or 6:30 (pm) he got hold of me and explained to me that he was going to appoint me in this portfolio. I had to explain to him that in fact I am currently the director of the Mandela Institute at Wits in the law school, and that I was retiring in the institute at the end of this month, which is why he had to make the appointment effective from August," he said. The 66-year-old said once Ramaphosa informed him of the appointment, there was no hint of hesitation on taking up the new challenge. 'It was a surprise of course, I didn't expect something like this. I have been an academic for, I think, 15 years or so, after serving about 15 years in the Gauteng government. Before that, from a very young age, I gave my all really to the priority which was always political change in the country. "To be appointed in this portfolio is a great honour for me. I am very appreciative that the president has expressed some confidence in my ability. I do feel humbled, slightly daunted, but I am going to tackle the challenge with all my energy,' Cachalia said. IOL Politics
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Kaizer Motaung honoured with second doctorate for his impact on society and sport
Kaizer Chiefs founder Kaizer Motaung received an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce from the University of the Witwatersrand in recognition of his role in football, youth development, and nation-building. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix In a country where many are only truly honoured after death, the recognition of Kaizer Motaung while still alive is something to be celebrated. On Tuesday, the University of the Witwatersrand conferred an Honorary Doctorate in Commerce upon the Kaizer Chiefs founder and owner. It marks the second such accolade for Motaung, who was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Social Sciences by the University of Cape Town in 2022. This latest honour acknowledges 'Chincha Guluva's' immense role in uplifting disadvantaged youth, promoting social cohesion, and developing football as both a sport and a unifying force in South Africa. Wits University awarded an Honorary Doctorate to football legend, entrepreneur and philanthropist Kaizer Motaung. In his address, he said: "My love for Wits runs deep. It is an honour to be recognised by this great institution, and I hope that my contributions to society have… — Wits University (@WitsUniversity) July 16, 2025 Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Speaking at the Wits Great Hall during the university's graduation ceremony, Motaung shared words of encouragement and wisdom with the Wits Class of 2025. 'Be pioneers in your own right, pushing boundaries and breaking down barriers. Use your talents and skills to make a positive impact on our society,' he said. 'Nelson Mandela taught us that education is the most powerful tool which you can use to change the world. I urge you to get involved in initiatives that promote sports development, education, and economic empowerment. Use your knowledge and skills to empower others and to create a brighter future for our country.' A lifelong team player, Motaung said the recognition was not only a tribute to his personal journey but also to the game that shaped his life. 'This honour is not just about me,' he said. 'It is a tribute to the beautiful game of football that has given me so much.' He also credited the club's supporters, acknowledging that Kaizer Chiefs' success would not have been possible without their unwavering loyalty and belief. Reflecting on his relationship with the university, Motaung revealed that his connection to Wits dates back to the apartheid era, forged on the football pitch. 'My love for Wits runs deep,' he said, alluding to past ties that transcended the sporting arena during a time of division and struggle.
The South African
14-07-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Firoz Cachalia: From Benoni to Wits, to Acting Police Minister
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the appointment of Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police on Sunday, 13 July. Cachalia is a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). However, he is expected to retire from the position at the end of July. He also chairs the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council (NACAC). Ramaphosa's announcement of Cachalia's appointment surprised citizens, with many questioning the reasons behind it and whether he is the most suitable person for the job. He was born on 22 July 1958 in Benoni, and his political journey began at a young age. While at university, Cachalia, along with his brother, Azhar, were arrested for distributing pamphlets to commemorate the Soweto Uprising. Both were severely assaulted and tortured during the arrest. Just three years later, the brothers were again arrested for political activities and detained for several weeks. They were banned under the Internal Security Act and prohibited from participating in any organisations. Despite this, Cachalia remained steadfast in the fight against apartheid. According to South African History Online , he held various leadership positions in anti-apartheid organisations. He played a leading role in the Convention for a Democratic South Africa negotiations. Cachalia also worked with the committee that drafted the first versions of the country's constitution. In addition, he held leadership positions in the United Democratic Front (UDF), African National Congress (ANC) and the South African Communist Party (SACP) and private sectors. In 2022, Ramaphosa appointed a nine-member council led by Cachalia. The Presidency described the NACAC as a multi-sectoral partnership to fight against corruption, fraud and other criminality. Last year, the NACAC chairperson released some of the council's proposals for Ramaphosa. These included the ability to investigate criminal corruption when it is discovered. While the road ahead seems bumpy, the NACAC chairperson has garnered some support. Chairperson of the National Assembly's Portfolio Committee on Police, Ian Cameron, described Cachalia's appointment as a commendable move. He said it was a step forward in restoring public trust, adding that Cachalia is competent, credible, and serious about good governance. Cachalia will serve as Acting Police Minister from 1 August. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news
