University Archives

Established in 1967, the University of the Witwatersrand Archives is the oldest university archives in South Africa. Together with Student and Central Registry it forms part of the Central Records Office. The Archives selects, preserves and make available, for administrative or research purposes, records documenting the origin, development and achievements of the University, as well the activities of its officials, academic staff and students. Archival records dates back to the establishment of the School of Mines in Kimberley in 1896. This was the forerunner of the present University. The School of Mines moved to Johannesburg in 1904 and became the Transvaal Technical Institute. For more information go to historical overview. Archival holdings include records of the University administration, printed materials about the University and the personal and professional papers of many academics and persons closely associated with the University. Unfortunately, the University has had no policy of compulsory deposit, so coverage is limited in some areas and at certain times totally unrepresented. The University Archives is in Room 4015 on the 4th floor of Senate House, the University's main administrative building, situated on the East Campus. The reading room is open to the public from 08:00 - 13:00 weekdays. It is advisable to make an appointment to visit the Archives, as the Archives do not operate as a general information centre. A small exhibition of University memorabilia, photographs and archival documents are on permanent display in the reading room of the Archives. Microfilming Unit The University's microfilming unit is attached to the Archives. Records of central administration and student records are filmed for preservation purposes. Enquiries can be directed to: Phone: +27 11 717 1251/3 Fax: +27 11 717 1259 E-mail: Lesego.phachane@wits.ac.za Postal address: Wits University Archives Private Bag 3 Wits 2050 South Africa

Students protesting against the closure of Jan Smuts Library 1992

Student's room, 1927 (College House) Ms T Nxumalo, the first Black woman to qualify in Dentistry in South Africa, 1977