School of Geosciences - University of Witwatersrand

Jul 30

This week’s Geotalk (31.07) has been rescheduled — but don’t miss out! Join us instead for the SAGA Seminar, happening tomorrow at 1pm. Check the poster below for details and QR codes to join.

Jul 30

Join us for the launch of Earth Quest Solutions' first geotourism event, in partnership with Babanango Game Reserve. Our inaugural geoheritage walk through the Matatane Camp in KwaZulu-Natal offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Earth's oldest preserved ecosystems. 🪨 This region boasts exc...Read more

Join us for the launch of Earth Quest Solutions' first geotourism event, in partnership with Babanango Game Reserve. Our inaugural geoheritage walk through the Matatane Camp in KwaZulu-Natal offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Earth's oldest preserved ecosystems. 🪨 This region boasts exceptional geological heritage, including well-preserved stromatolites, providing a glimpse into the Archaean biosphere and early life forms 🪨 Gain hands-on experience in field mapping and interpreting ancient environments by exploring diverse sedimentary and volcanic formations Event details: 🗓️ Date: 5 to 9 September 2025 (bookings close on 5 August 2025) 📌 Location: Babanango Game Reserve Embark on a guided tour along the White Umfolozi River and journey approximately 3 500-million years back in time. Immerse yourself in the unique geology of this area while experiencing a world-class Big Five reserve. For more information and bookings, please visit: https://geotourism.witsevents.co.za We look forward to sharing this incredible geoheritage site with the world.

Jul 29

Join us this week for a Geotalk by Cameron Penn-Clarke titled: "Crisis? What crisis? Extinction events in the South African Devonian and their role in understanding biocrises of the time." 📅 Date: Thursday, 31 July 🕓 Time: 16h00 📍 Venue: G101, Wits Geosciences 💻 Zoom: Join here Meeting ID: 971 ...Read more

Join us this week for a Geotalk by Cameron Penn-Clarke titled: "Crisis? What crisis? Extinction events in the South African Devonian and their role in understanding biocrises of the time." 📅 Date: Thursday, 31 July 🕓 Time: 16h00 📍 Venue: G101, Wits Geosciences 💻 Zoom: Join here Meeting ID: 971 6840 3738 All welcome — on campus or online! #witsgeosciences #wits #scitalks #publiclecture #scicomm #livescience #geotalks

Jul 26

We recently celebrated the hard work and excellence of our honours, master’s and doctoral graduates at a graduation ceremony in the Great Hall at Wits University. We look forward to our graduates paving the way for the future of Geosciences in South Africa. PhD graduates: 🎓 Dr Matthew Paul Hales...Read more

We recently celebrated the hard work and excellence of our honours, master’s and doctoral graduates at a graduation ceremony in the Great Hall at Wits University. We look forward to our graduates paving the way for the future of Geosciences in South Africa. PhD graduates: 🎓 Dr Matthew Paul Hales 🎓 Dr Christopher Harris 🎓 Dr Shalene Manzi 🎓 Dr Nelson Nhamutole – Palaeontology and Chemistry MSc graduates: 🎓 Dimakatso Hlahla – Economic Geology 🎓 Erin Lund (with Distinction) – Palaeontology 🎓 Nicolene Makuwa – Hydrogeology 🎓 Mmatolo Maphutha – Palaeontology 🎓 Bonginkosi Mbatha – Geophysics 🎓 Phuthanang Mooa – Geology 🎓 Enele Twala (with Distinction) – Palaeontology BSc (Hons) graduate: 🎓 Darius Mabunda – Geology

Jul 23

Congratulations to our senior lecturer in Economic Geology, Dr Ben Hayes, on receiving the Friedel Sellschop Fellowship for 2025 to 2027. Presented by the University of the Witwatersrand, this grant, worth up to R145 000 a year over three years, acknowledges and celebrates outstanding early-stage r...Read more

Congratulations to our senior lecturer in Economic Geology, Dr Ben Hayes, on receiving the Friedel Sellschop Fellowship for 2025 to 2027. Presented by the University of the Witwatersrand, this grant, worth up to R145 000 a year over three years, acknowledges and celebrates outstanding early-stage researchers. The grant will fund Hayes’ research into the origin of the enigmatic Okiep copper deposits in the Northern Cape – one of the oldest mining districts in southern Africa. This research will provide insight into how the copper deposits were formed and enhance exploration in a region ripe for new discoveries. #Wits #WitsGeosciences #WitsForGood