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Achieving social impact

Throughout Wits’ history, we have harnessed our knowledge for social good and have been the University at the forefront of addressing the challenges faced by South Africa. Wits must continue to be a catalyst for change and play an active role in our society, particularly in addressing climate change, inequality, public health, and social justice.

Active Citizenship and Advocacy

Wits is a microcosm of the society we live in. Our University is situated in a society characterised by wide and frequently unjust divisions and many of the world’s greatest humanitarian and existential challenges exist right on our doorstep. Our diverse campuses can act as an incubator for change in our community by using our knowledge and expertise to experiment, innovate, and debate the solutions to current and future big challenges including climate change, inequality, public health, and social justice. This requires promoting active citizenship, leadership, and public engagement amongst our staff and students.

We commit to:

  • Teaching and research for the good of society and sustainability;
  • Promoting civic engagement by students and staff;
  • Using our knowledge and expertise to advocate for a just and sustainable society for all; and
  • Driving critical thought, reason, and open debate in all discourse and public engagement.
Strengthening Democracy and Governance in South Africa

Wits’ leadership and academics can play a vital role in strengthening democracy and governance in South Africa through public thought leadership but also by playing an active role in contributing to policy development.

We commit to:

  • Using our intellectual and human capital to make a purposeful impact on evidence-based policy decision-making; and
  • Leading assertively from a position of values-based integrity with government and civil society stakeholders.
Climate Change and Inequality

Climate change and inequality are two pressing crises facing society today, and they have implications for the global economy, for South Africa and for our University. There is increasing evidence that the joint crises of climate sustainability and inequality are mutually reinforcing and require a coordinated response. In the South African context, dealing with climate change and inequality while ensuring our energy security is particularly complex and requires integrated solutions. South Africa, and Wits in particular, has the opportunity to lead in this respect and offer new insights in managing this transition that would not only serve as a basis for a sustainable and equitable transition in the country, but also as an exemplar for other developing countries.

We commit to:

  • Developing a multifaceted approach to deal with climate change and inequality that goes beyond teaching and research and includes integration into national and international policy networks, social activism, and the internal management of the transition within the University.
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