University of the Witwatersrand
The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits University) was formally established in 1922, making it one of South Africa’s oldest and most prestigious universities. Its origins can be traced to the South African School of Mines, founded in Kimberley in 1896 during the Witwatersrand gold rush. The institution later relocated to Johannesburg and evolved through several stages before becoming the University of the Witwatersrand. Throughout its history, Wits has played a significant role in advancing higher education, research excellence, and social transformation in South Africa. During the apartheid era, the university became known for defending academic freedom and promoting access to education irrespective of race, establishing a legacy that continues to shape its identity today.
Located in Johannesburg, the economic hub of South Africa and one of the largest cities on the African continent, Wits has developed into a globally recognised research-intensive university. The institution comprises five faculties: Commerce, Law and Management; Engineering and the Built Environment; Health Sciences; Humanities; and Science. Wits consistently ranks among the leading universities in Africa and is internationally recognised for its contributions to research, innovation, and postgraduate education. The university’s vision is centred on generating knowledge that contributes to societal development while addressing local, national, and global challenges.
The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) at Wits is widely recognised for producing highly skilled engineering graduates and conducting impactful research across multiple disciplines. Through strong partnerships with industry, government, and international collaborators, the faculty contributes to technological advancement and economic development in South Africa. Research activities span traditional engineering disciplines as well as emerging fields such as advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, energy systems, and materials engineering.
The Wits Additive Manufacturing Laboratory (Wits AM Lab) forms part of the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering and serves as a leading research and development facility for additive manufacturing technologies. The laboratory supports research, education, and industrial collaboration in advanced manufacturing processes, including metal and polymer additive manufacturing. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for powder bed fusion, materials characterisation, process optimisation, and product development, enabling researchers and industry partners to investigate innovative manufacturing solutions.
The laboratory actively supports South African industry through applied research, technology development, postgraduate training, and specialist testing services. Areas of focus include aerospace, mining, medical devices, energy, tooling, and advanced engineering applications. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the Wits AM Lab contributes to the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies and the growth of advanced manufacturing capabilities within South Africa.
As a centre for innovation and skills development, the Wits AM Lab is committed to developing the next generation of engineers, researchers, and manufacturing specialists. Through postgraduate research projects, industry partnerships, and specialised training programmes, the laboratory plays an important role in strengthening South Africa’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem and supporting the country’s transition towards knowledge-based industrial growth.