Wits campaign

Wits University is located in the heart of South Africa’s extractive economy. The Wits Divestment campaign was initially spearheaded by academics, launched with a position statement on WITS and the climate crisis. The statement was in response to a request for inputs from staff and students on the new 10 year strategy. 

Since 2020, we’ve been liaising with and supporting Wits stakeholders in efforts to advance divestment by this key institution. Now the campaign is finding ways to continue within the student body.

Our most recent updates and detailed history of our campaign, going back to 2013, can be viewed on our campaign timeline overview here. Below, find news, events, a timeline of pictures and Frequently Asked Questions.

DIVEST FROM FOSSIL FUELS

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INVEST IN THE FUTURE

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DIVEST FROM FOSSIL FUELS · INVEST IN THE FUTURE ·

Background

We want to expand social leadership by Wits to addressing the global climate emergency and the now-disastrous impacts of continued fossil fuel use on human health, human rights and human development. There is no context in which this mission is more urgent than the global climate emergency.

take action now!

Get your department, faculty, institute or student society to sign on to our call for expanded public leadership on climate change by all our universities. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns, or would like to have our divestment team present to your team.

Calling on WITS University to embrace climate justice

  • Divest from fossil fuels.

  • Decarbonise campus.

  • Offer fossil fuel-free pension options .

  • Focus on climate in teaching and research.

News

Your questions answered

Wow – we still haven’t answered your question? Get in touch or see our divestment uber-FAQ here.