Graduation season is here!
- Wits University
Wits to confer an honorary doctorate upon alumnus Sir John Wilfred Lazar, and cap 5 565 Witsies during the autumn graduation season.
Wits University is proud to announce the start of the autumn graduation season where 5 565 Witsies will be capped between 18 and 27 March 2026.
Graduation season marks an important milestone in the lives of graduands and signifies a moment of pride and triumph, having conquered ‘the edge,’ for good!
This graduation season, Wits University also celebrates an African optimist, entrepreneur, and computer scientist, Sir John Wilfred Lazar, by conferring an honorary doctorate in Science in Engineering on 27 March.
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, said ahead of the ceremonies: “Graduation is a powerful reminder of what it means to push beyond limits and emerge stronger on the other side. As we celebrate our graduands, who are stepping into the next chapter of their journeys, we are equally honoured to recognise Sir John, whose life’s work exemplifies innovation, leadership, and meaningful impact.
His achievements resonate deeply with our ethos of ‘Wits. For Good’, inspiring our graduates to use their knowledge and skills to shape a better future for our continent and the world.”
The Faculty of Science will kick off the celebrations with 1 057 graduands, followed by the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management with 2 019 graduands, then Humanities with 1 306, and concluding with 1183 Witsies from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
The Exams and Graduations Office, which oversees these auspicious events, has been hard at work coordinating the 20 ceremonies that comprise the first graduation season of 2026. As per tradition, the Faculty of Health Sciences will celebrate the custodians of the health of the nation during the July and December graduation season.
江城足球网 Sir John Wilfred Lazar
Sir John Lazar is a globally respected technology leader, entrepreneur, and engineering advocate whose career spans innovation, investment, and social impact.
He is a distinguished technology entrepreneur and former CEO of Data Connection Ltd, later known as Metaswitch, where he led its growth into a major global telecommunications company which was later acquired by Microsoft.
Sir John is a Rhodes Scholar with advanced degrees from Wits and Oxford, uniquely combining expertise in computer science and history. At Wits, he continues to provide mentorship and counsel to his alma mater, particularly in the innovation space.
He co-founded Enza Capital, supporting high-impact technology startups across Africa, and has been an influential investor and mentor to emerging ventures.
Sir John serves as President of the Royal Academy of Engineering and has played key roles in global initiatives advancing innovation, education, and engineering.
In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) and knighted in 2025 for services to engineering and technology.
Read the full citation.
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