THE Council of the University of the Witwatersrand unanimously agreed to appoint Professor Zeblon Vilakazi for a second and final term of five years from January 1 2026 to December 31, 2030. This follows a comprehensive consultation process with various constituencies that make up the Wits community.

“On behalf of the Council, we would like to congratulate Professor Vilakazi on his appointment, and we are confident that under his leadership, Wits will grow from strength to strength over the next five years,” said Isaac Shongwe, Chairperson of the Wits University Council.

“I am honoured and grateful to the University community for the confidence and trust that they have placed in me to continue to lead this great institution, a national treasure, that makes a real difference in society. Over the next few years, we will continue to work towards our 2033 goals, to invest in the academic project, to create an environment that fosters innovation, and to ensure the wellbeing of staff, students, and members of the Wits community,” said Vilakazi.

During his first term, Vilakazi and his Senior Executive Team, ably led the University through the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, stewarded the development of the Wits 2033 Strategic Framework, and built a strong and coherent Senior Executive Team, one of the most dynamic in the sector. He has also advised on and supported the development of the Wits Innovation Strategy, the establishment of the Wits Innovation Centre, as well as the development of the Teaching and Learning Plan.

The Vice-Chancellor’s role in fundraising has enabled the University to compete for resources both globally and locally in an environment that is becoming increasingly constrained. Under his leadership, Wits exceeded its R3 billion centenary campaign target, with major infrastructure projects receiving significant funding for implementation. This includes the opening of the Wits Anglo American Digital Dome, breaking ground on the new Brian and Dorothy Zylstra Sports Complex, the launch of the Wits Machine Intelligence and Neural Development Institute, the opening of the Roy McAlpine Burns Unit at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, and a major donation to fund students through the naming of the Margo Steele School of Accountancy. The realisation of the Frankenwald development in the last year has also contributed towards growing the University’s endowment.

Through his engagement with donors, alumni and Wits’ global offices and partners, the Vice-Chancellor has ensured that the narrative around Wits is a positive one. His personal stature as an expert in the field of nuclear physics has also enhanced the Wits brand, as has his Fellowship of the Royal Society of London.

The Vice-Chancellor also spearheaded Wits’ involvement in several initiatives including the JoziMyJozi initiative to ensure that Braamfontein and its surrounds is a safer environment for staff and students to work, live and play.

“Wits University is well-placed to address the key challenges of the 21st Century, through creating new knowledge and developing the high level skills needed to advance our economy. Together with our partners in the public and private sectors, civil society, our donors and alumni, and staff and students, can undoubtedly impact our society, for good,” said Shongwe.

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Professor Zeblon Vilakazi to lead Wits for a second term