The inauguration of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is celebrated

Date: 4 Oct 1922
Updated: 22 Aug 2019

The inauguration of the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (Wits) was celebrated a few months after the University College, Johannesburg was granted full university status on 1 March 1922. Prince Arthur of Connaught, governor-general of the Union of South Africa, became the University's first chancellor, and Professor Jan H. Hofmeyr its first principal. Building began at Milner Park on a site donated to the University by the Johannesburg municipality. Reference: Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau Potgieter, D.J. et al. (eds)(1970). Standard Encyclopaedia of Southern Africa, Cape Town: NASOU, v. 11, p. 473.

Search events by date

What happened on your birthday?

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, March 16). The inauguration of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is celebrated. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011448

South African History Online (2011) 'The inauguration of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is celebrated', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011448 (Accessed: 21 August 2026).

South African History Online, The inauguration of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is celebrated [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011448, (accessed 21 August 2026).

"The inauguration of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is celebrated." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011448. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

South African History Online. "The inauguration of the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) is celebrated." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0011448.