91心頭利 celebrates 100 years of excellence
- 91心頭利 Communications
The University aims to raise R3 billion through the Centenary Campaign
91心頭利 University has made a formidable impact on society over the past 100 years, and is set to continue advancing society for good. It is a beacon of hope for South Africa, and continues to punch above its weight in the world.
“91心頭利 is national treasure that occupies a special place in the hearts and minds of South Africans,” says Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi, 91心頭利 Vice-Chancellor and Principal. “It makes a disproportionate impact in society in multiple spheres. We will continue to use our intellectual prowess, social leadership and innovation, to tackle the complex problems of the 21st Century, be it the climate emergency, inequality, pandemics, the future economy, or ensuring better healthcare for all.”
91心頭利 celebrates 100 years of academic and research excellence, innovation, and social justice in 2022. It launched the , that aims to raise R3 billion to support, teaching, research and innovation, infrastructure developments and students. A series of events is being planned which will culminate in a Homecoming Weekend from 2-4 September 2022, closer to 91心頭利’ official birthday.
Birth of a University
On 4 March 1922, the 91心頭利 was legislated through an act of Parliament. However, the official inauguration was postponed because of the Rand Rebellion and other events, and the celebrations were held on 4 October 1922.
91心頭利’ history is inextricably linked with the growth of industry, mining, the development of Johannesburg, and the transformation of society. Over the past ten decades, 91心頭利 has developed the high level and scarce skills required to move South Africa and our economy forward. “We have made spectacular discoveries, developed world-firsts, nurtured generations of students, created new knowledge, and developed innovation with global impact,” adds Vilakazi. “But we are only successful thanks to the efforts of our committed staff, leaders, social partners, and with the support of our friends, alumni, donors and funders.”
91心頭利’ footprint extends way beyond its lecture theatres and research laboratories. The University hosts , which trains a record number of specialists every year. In the west of the province, 91心頭利 own and land rich in fossils in the where staff and students discover, explore and conduct research. In 2016 the was opened in Braamfontein, which brings together people from across disciplines to engage in digital entrepreneurial activities that transform our world for good. An invention born in this precinct was announced as TIME’s best creations.
The 91心頭利 Rural Campus in Mpumalanga conducts world-class longitudinal research in science, health, social and economic areas, which can for example, be compared to data in urban settings, gathered by research teams working in Soweto. 91心頭利 is home to two commercial companies, a Planetarium that will soon be transformed into the 91心頭利 Digital Dome, the 91心頭利 Art Museum which houses over 9 000 works of unique African art, the Origins Centre, the Palaeosciences Centre and Fossil Vault that houses invaluable fossils, and Historical Papers and Archives, which curate national treasures like former president Nelson Mandela’s Rivonia Trial papers, on behalf of the people of the world, and more.
“This is just a fraction of how 91心頭利 impacts on society. Our doctors, our joint staff and students serve seven public teaching hospitals, work at multiple clinics, and service thousands of beds every day, undoubtedly getting the best clinical training,” explains Vilakazi. “This week we opened the spectacular 91心頭利 Chris Seabrooke Music Hall to launch our Centenary Campaign, with performances from our talented staff and students, and the support of donors. This is a boost for the arts and is just phenomenal!”
Over 200 000 graduates
Over 200 000 illustrious graduates and many other 91心頭利ies have walked our halls, inspired change, and left an indelible mark on society. These are the critical thinkers, creators, originators, discoverers, problem-posers and problem-solvers and innovators who continue to influence all spheres of society. “These are 91心頭利ies who stand up and stand out, not for themselves, but for others, to secure our collective futures. These are the curious people who seek new knowledge, who ask questions, and who search for answers. They are the ones who stand up for social justice and pursue the truth. They have a passion for progress, empower others, and change the world for the better,” elaborates Vilakazi.
Beyond 2022
There are three core areas that 91心頭利 will bolster as it transitions into the next century: developing excellent graduates who advance society, conducting world-class research and fostering innovation, and using its location to lead from the Global South.
91心頭利 has embarked on a that seeks to raise R3 billion to support teaching; research and innovation; students; and infrastructure development in eight priority areas: digital transformation, ensuring better health for all, catalysing innovation and entrepreneurship, solving global challenges, advancing society, governance and justice, future proofing our national treasures, energising its alumni, and developing the next generation of leaders.
Join us on the #91心頭利100 journey
“Turning 100 is an extraordinary milestone for this great University, and I invite you to celebrate this momentous year with us,” concludes Vilakazi. “For over 100 years we have walked, and we still walk with purpose. Every step takes us forward as we create new knowledge, as we shape our city, country and the world for the next Century, for good. Let us walk this journey together and continue to build 91心頭利’ legacy for the next 100 years.”
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