Witsie Shop Opens
- Wits University
Wearing the Brand. Living the Legacy. For Good
The Witsie Shop officially opened its doors amidst much fanfare on the Concourse of Solomon Mahlangu House. This was not simply a retail launch. It was a revitalisation of the brand - an extension of the brand and a reflection of how the University expresses itself.
The reimagined Witsie Shop has something for everyone - every hoodie, cap, notebook and jacket is designed to represent Wits and Witsies - bold thinking, intellectual edge and purpose driven excellence, for good.
“The refreshed offering is contemporary, design led and unapologetically proud,” says Reshma Lakha-Singh, the Head of Marketing at Wits University, who has been spearheading this project for over two years. “It reflects a University that is globally respected and culturally aware. Edgy without losing its gravitas. Stylish without losing its substance. This is about wearing Wits not out of obligation, but out of genuine pride.”
From the outset, the ambition was to make Wits merchandise something people genuinely want to wear and collect. “The merchandise is not separate from the brand. It is the brand in motion. When you put on a Wits jacket or carry a Wits tote, you are not just wearing a logo. You are living the values of Wits. For Good. It is about pride, belonging and being part of something bigger than yourself,” she adds.
The new Witsie Shop offers a curated range that speaks to different expressions of that pride. From everyday campus essentials to premium pieces, collectible items and thoughtful gifts, the collections are designed for students, staff, alumni and visitors alike.
The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi FRS adds: “Today marks an important moment for Wits. The opening of the Witsie Shop reflects a deliberate shift in how we think about our brand, our community, and how the University shows up in the world. What opens today is something reimagined – a shop designed to serve our students, staff, alumni and visitors, and one that reflects the quality and values of a worldclass institution. Most importantly, this shop belongs to the Wits community. When you wear the Wits brand, you carry our story, our reputation and our pride into the world with confidence.”
The online store extends the experience beyond campus. The full range is available at https://witsshop.co.za/ making it easy to browse, shop and ship from anywhere. The platform also caters for bulk orders for faculties, departments and events, and offers gift cards for those who want to share the Wits spirit with others. Whether it is graduation season, conference hosting or corporate gifting, the Witsie Shop is open for business.
This reopening is the result of vision, partnership and persistence.
Professor Ian Jandrell, DVC: Systems and Operations, expressed his appreciation to the teams who supported the project. He thanked staff across the University, ICT, OFMD, Advancement, Finance, Legal, Procurement, the School of Accountancy and the Senior Executive Team for their collaboration and commitment in bringing the reimagined shop to life. “Your collective efforts ensured that the project moved from concept to reality with strength and integrity,” he says.
The doors on the Concourse of Solomon Mahlangu House are now open. You can also visit the Witsie Shop online at https://witsshop.co.za/.