Wits says only 9% of staff are international, rejects viral 98% claim

The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) has denied social media claims that most of its staff are foreign nationals, saying international employees make up 9% of its workforce. The university issued the statement on Sunday in response to posts that questioned its hiring of international academics and called for more South Africans to be employed.

University rejects viral figures

Wits said the figures being circulated online were false and urged people not to share misleading information that could “create divisions within the institution and the country.”

“Wits is aware of fake news being shared regarding the number of international staff employed at the University. The total number of international staff is in fact 9%. Please refrain from sharing misinformation which seeks to sow division in our community and our country.”

Debate on hiring and internationalisation

The university also rejected suggestions that its internationalisation approach undermines transformation or the development of South African talent. Wits said its aim is to balance developing South African leadership with “drawing on the very best expertise available globally, where necessary.”

“Our objective is therefore neither localisation nor internationalisation in isolation, but a strategically balanced institution that develops South African leadership while drawing on the very best expertise available globally, where necessary.”

Voices from social media

The university’s response followed criticism from civic activist and law student Jacinta Ngobese, founder of the anti-illegal immigration movement March and March, who questioned why Wits employed international academics when she said South Africans with postgraduate qualifications were available. Ngobese posted a list of Wits lecturers she described as having foreign-sounding names.

Other social media users pushed differing claims. One user, @_Tee__G, alleged they had “investigated” and found that “98% of its staff are allegedly foreign nationals” and urged Wits to publish a breakdown of staff by nationality and employment status.

Defence of international recruitment

Some users defended the university’s recruitment practices. One commentator, appearing as Andile Speaks online, argued that a master’s degree alone does not qualify someone to teach at a university and said Wits required a PhD and a strong publication record for lecturing posts. He also disputed claims of a predominantly foreign academic workforce, saying “over 80% of Wits academics are South African, and foreign staff make up a tiny fraction.”

What Wits is asking the public to do

In its statement, Wits asked the public to refrain from spreading misinformation that could “sow division” and stressed that the actual share of international staff is 9%.