Wits rejects claims over number of international staff

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) firmly denied claims circulating on social media regarding the number of international staff employed at the institution, stating that international staff constitute only 9% of its workforce. In response to social media users questioning the university's hiring practices and calling for greater employment of South Africans, Wits warned against the dissemination of information that could create divisions within the institution and the country.

The university defended its approach to internationalisation, emphasizing that it does not compromise the development of South African talent and aims to strike a balance between local and global expertise. Activist Jacinta Ngobese criticized Wits for employing international academics when qualified South Africans were available, posting a list of lecturers with foreign-sounding names.

Another user accused Wits of misleading the public and called for prioritizing South African employees. Some users defended the university's international recruitment, asserting that highly specialized fields require internationally qualified academics and that foreign experts contribute to research funding, global rankings, and international partnerships.

They also disputed claims of a predominantly foreign academic workforce, noting that over 80% of Wits academics are South African.