School of Geosciences - University of Witwatersrand

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

Jul 23

Are you curious about where your degree can take you? Join us at the Wits Geosciences Career Fair to explore a wide range of exciting career paths in geoscience! 💬 Connect with top industry professionals 🎯 Get practical advice on shaping your academic and career journey 📍 Venue: GLT Geosciences ...Read more

Are you curious about where your degree can take you? Join us at the Wits Geosciences Career Fair to explore a wide range of exciting career paths in geoscience! 💬 Connect with top industry professionals 🎯 Get practical advice on shaping your academic and career journey 📍 Venue: GLT Geosciences Building, Wits University 📅 Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025 🔗 Scan the QR code in the poster to RSVP — don’t miss out! #WitsGeosciences #CareerFair2025 #GeoscienceCareers #WitsForGood #FutureGeoscientists #BridgeTheGap

Jul 23

📢 Upcoming Geotalk – Thurs 24 July Join the Wits Geosciences Honours Class of 2025 as they present insights from their recent field excursion to the Barberton Greenstone Belt and Bushveld Complex. 🌍 Topic: Archaean and Proterozoic Metallogenesis in South Africa 📅 Date: Thursday, 24 July 🕓 Time...Read more

📢 Upcoming Geotalk – Thurs 24 July Join the Wits Geosciences Honours Class of 2025 as they present insights from their recent field excursion to the Barberton Greenstone Belt and Bushveld Complex. 🌍 Topic: Archaean and Proterozoic Metallogenesis in South Africa 📅 Date: Thursday, 24 July 🕓 Time: 16h00 📍 Venue: G101, Wits Geosciences Building Come support the Honours class and hear firsthand how some of South Africa’s most important geological terranes reveal their mineral stories! #Geotalk #WitsGeosciences #BarbertonGreenstoneBelt #BushveldComplex #FieldGeology #HonoursClass2025 #SouthAfricanGeology

Jul 19

Congratulations to Wits School of Geosciences geology and geochemistry honours alumna Nomonde Miya on receiving the 2025 Haughton Award at the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) awards ceremony on 17 July 2025. The GSSA presents the Haughton Award annually, which recognises the most outstan...Read more

Congratulations to Wits School of Geosciences geology and geochemistry honours alumna Nomonde Miya on receiving the 2025 Haughton Award at the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) awards ceremony on 17 July 2025. The GSSA presents the Haughton Award annually, which recognises the most outstanding BSc Honours research thesis in Earth Sciences from a South African university. Nomonde received this award for her honours thesis, titled “Tectonomagmatic History of Anorthosite and Orthogneiss in the Qaqortorsuaq Anorthosite Mine, Southern West Greenland: Constraints from Zircon U-Pb Geochronology”, which was recognised as the best thesis countrywide. “Receiving the Haughton Award means so much to me – it’s a reflection of hard work, perseverance, countless late nights and a deep love for geosciences. I’m grateful to the Wits School of Geosciences and everyone who’s supported me along the way,” Nomonde says. Congratulations, Nomonde. Your success is a genuine motivation to other students in the scientific community.