Witsies lead by example
-
Alumni across faculties continue to add value to their professions. Catch up on recent highlights.
FACULTY OF COMMERCE, LAW AND MANAGEMENT
Dr Tracy Ledger (BCom 1989, BCom Hons 1990, PhD 2015), Senior Researcher at Public Affairs Research Institute, shared data that many mothers go hungry for the sake of their children.
Desné Masie (BA 2002), a fellow in international political economy at the Wits School of Governance, hosted Jinny Yan, chief China economist at ICBC Standard Bank, to discuss the effect of COVID-19 on China’s economic and political relationship with Africa in a podcast series.
Odette Geldenhuys - pictured - (LLB 1990) is partner at Webber Wentzel’s pro bono department. She discusses her work fighting for the rights of the Ebenhaeser community as well as making films.
See full list of contributions from Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (COMMERCE July)
ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Professor Barry Dwolatzky (BSc Eng 1975), Emeritus Professor and Director of Joburg Centre for Software Engineering, co-authored an article with Mark Harris arguing South Africa’s education system needs a reset and mass internet access is the only way forward.
Mohammed Raees Dangor (BSc Eng 2015, MSc Eng 2019) participated in Impacts For Good podcast series with Eusebius McKaiser about his research into off-grid renewable energy.
Colin Coleman - pictured - (BArch 1988), Senior fellow at Yale University’s Jackson Institute for Global Affairs and former CEO of Goldman Sachs for Sub Saharan Africa, offered a 10-point action plan for an inclusive economy in South Africa. He discussed it with Business Day TV, as well as Judge Dennis Davis.
See full list of contributions from Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment: (SCIENCEng July)
MEDICINE
Dr Richard Cooke, Senior Physician and Acting head of Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, is volunteering over and above his day job at Nasrec Field Hospital.
Dr Peter Comfort (MBBCh 1959) remembered caring for the injured after Johannesburg station bombing.
Professor Glenda Gray (MBBCh 1986) gave insights into the pandemic in South Africa, its impact and its trajectory.
See full list of contributions from Faculty of Medicine (MEDICINE July)
HUMANITIES
Philanthropist Carolyn Steyn (BA DA 1982) inspired the nation to knit scarves in the annual scarf initiative. She chatted about it briefly in this interview.
Journalist Percy Zvomuya (BA Hons 2005) writes that Linton Kwesi Johnson, recipient of PEN Pinter Prize, gave poetry back to the people.
See full list of contributions from Faculty of Humanities (HUMANITIES July)
SCIENCE
Dr Robert Scholes (BSc 1978, BSc Hon 1979, PhD 1988), Acting Director of Global Change Institute, participated in Impacts For Good podcast series, talks about humanity’s increasing global emergencies.
Fatima Vawda (BSc 1993, BSc Hon 1994, MSc 1995, HdipCompSc 1997) provided an insightful look at the South African financial landscape in a webinar.
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi (MSc 1994, PhD 1998) and Vice-Chancellor designate was introduced to the global alumni community.
See full list of contributions from Faculty of Science (SCIENCEng July)
OBITS
Cherished members of our alumni community passed away during this month. We wish their immediate and extended family comfort and peace during this time of mourning.
Ian McRae (BSc Eng 1954, DSc Eng honoris causa 1989); Dr June Schneider (BMus 1959, PhD 1962);
Pearl Colman (BCom 1937, BA 1959, BA Hons 1960, MA 1963); Marian Laserson (BArch 1975);
Antoinette Murdoch (MA 2010); Read more here.