Wits Australia Hosts Inspiring Webinar with Dr Ali Bacher
- Wits
Theme: Memoirs of a South African Cricket Icon and Wits Medico: Madiba, The Don, The Aussies, The Poms and more
The Wits University Australia Chapter hosted an engaging online event featuring one of South Africa’s most iconic sports leaders and Wits alumni, Dr Ali Bacher, under the theme “Memoirs of a South African Cricket Icon and Wits Medico: Madiba, The Don, The Aussies, The Poms and More.”
The webinar celebrated Dr Bacher’s extraordinary career as both a Wits medical graduate and a cricket legend who played a pivotal role in shaping South African sport and its re-emergence on the world stage.
Moderated by Jonathan Shapiro, senior financial markets reporter at the Australian Financial Review, and joined by panellists Harry Dugmore and Des Ger, the event brought together alumni and cricket enthusiasts from across the globe for an hour of rich conversation, reflection, and inspiration.
Dr Bacher reflected on his journey from studying medicine at Wits to captaining the South African cricket team in the country’s last official series before isolation. He shared that his medical training at Wits had instilled in him a deep sense of discipline, leadership, and empathy — qualities that shaped his later success as an administrator and advocate for transformation in sport.
He spoke fondly of the historic 1970 Test series against Australia, where South Africa triumphed 4–0, recalling it as one of the defining moments in his career. “It wasn’t just about cricket — it was about showing the world what we were capable of,” he said.