Wits is known for developing originators, innovators and critical thinkers who are driven by their curiosity for new knowledge. They are active social citizens who can hold their own anywhere, anytime. The current technological accelerators have had a huge impact on how we live, work, and interact and we now have to think about the future skills and knowledge systems that are needed to manage these changes. We must be at the forefront of developing graduates who will find solutions to the pressing problems of the 21^st Century, some of which are still unknown. This will require us to further promote integration across disciplines and entrench continuous learning.

The pandemic has disrupted how we teach and learn. We must view this as an opportunity to harness digital transformation to be at the cutting-edge of excellence in teaching and learning but also address how we overcome the digital divides of our society.

It is not only our academic programme that produces world-class graduates but also the environment which Wits provides. An approach that is grounded in diversity equips every member of our community to be genuine citizens of the world, each of whom understands the importance of contributing to society. Our graduates must be equipped with both the hard knowledge and soft skills required to make them globally-competitive.

Wits is home to some of the best scholars in the world, who lead globally respected research entities. We are recognised as one of the leading research-intensive universities on the continent, and we have the chance, using our distinct expertise, location, and context, to lead from the perspective of the Global South. It is to our universities and experts that society turns in challenging moments. We are using new technologies to leapfrog through aeons of time, and harnessing our local and global connections to conduct research that ultimately remains ahead of the innovation curve.