2016 Annual Report

Wits is also transforming Braamfontein into a young, vibrant precinct for its notable tech-savvy and innovative community. Together with partners in government, business and industry, Wits officially launched the Tshimologong Digital Innovation Precinct in Braamfontein, Johannesburg in September. Setswana for “new beginnings”, Tshimologong is Johannesburg’s newest high-tech address, where the incubation of start-ups, the commercialisation of research and the development of high-level digital skills for students, working professionals and unemployed youth will take place. In Parktown, Wits has played an integral role in the establishment of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital launched on Friday, 2 December 2016.

The hospital will serve as a world-class, highly advanced specialised children’s hospital which will save lives. The University is the lead academic partner that is located on land donated by Wits in Parktown. It will serve as a hospital for specialised training and research. Wits has also made tremendous advances via the Wits Rural Facility which serves as a base for a range of research and teaching programmes across Wits faculties and schools, both within the facility and in surrounding communities. This enables a multidisciplinary approach to learning about, and addressing rural issues.