PRESS OFFICE
LISTING
Homenewsabout usContact UsWebsite
Welcome to the
Wits Plus Press Office
If life and your career is a full-time job and you can't study full-time but you need to learn more to earn more or advance yourself then Wits Plus is definitely for you.
Follow us:
 
News
Upgrade your copy-editing and proofreading skills!
Do you know the difference between 'FAQ's' and 'FAQs' or 'less oranges' and 'fewer oranges'? Do you cringe when you see things like 'all major credit cards excepted' or ‘hope you well’? 11 Mar 2024 Read more

Your challenge: Learn a new language
It takes a lot of dedication, practice and time to learn a new language but all of that pays off when you are able to express yourself in a new and exciting way! 19 Feb 2024 Read more

Enhanced learning and training in 2024
Wits Plus can help you to create an effective training strategy for 2024. 22 Jan 2024 Read more

The reasons why you should study corporate governance
Guidance for aspiring corporate governance professionals. 8 Jan 2024 Read more

Making informed decisions
The last month of the year – the eve of a new year – seems to be an appropriate time to reflect on decision-making. 4 Dec 2023 Read more

Invest in tailored adult education
Lifelong learning has become essential to stay current, adapt to change, and to acquire new skills throughout one's working career. 13 Nov 2023 Read more

Are you studying an accredited TEFL course?
Make sure you understand the role of accreditation to receive the best TEFL training and opportunities. 23 Oct 2023 Read more

Make informed choices about TEFL
Prospective TEFL candidates should research their options thoroughly - learn what to look for in a quality TEFL course 9 Oct 2023 Read more

Wits Language School
Wits Language School TEFL accreditation - interview on Radio 786
Sarah-Jayne Coutts, programme coordinator at the Wits Language School, recently spoke to Radio 786 about TEFL accreditation. 15 Sep 2023 Read more

Here's why you should learn sign language
Did you know that sign language is now recognised as South Africa's twelfth official language? President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the South African Sign Language Bill into law on 19 July 2023. 30 Aug 2023 Read more

Self-awareness as a workplace tool
When we see ourselves more clearly, we are more confident, we make sounder decisions and communicate more effectively, which can result in more effective leaders with more satisfied employees in the workplace. 14 Aug 2023 Read more

The continuous evolution of learning and development
The most important role of organisational learning and development is to build training programmes that will make employees realise their true potential and ultimately benefit the entire organisation. 24 Jul 2023 Read more

It's time to invest in professional communication
"There is no quick fix for developing professional communication skills." 10 Jul 2023 Read more

LISTEN: Managing your part-time studies and motivation
Wits Plus alumna, Romilla Khandoo, completed a BCom degree with Accounting and Management on a part-time basis through Wits Plus. 20 Jun 2023 Read more

Fitting your studies into your lifestyle
Many things have changed since March 2020 but the need for professional skills development and employee training has not changed. 12 Jun 2023 Read more

Part-time study towards Honours in Quantity Surveying and Construction Management
The School of Construction Economics and Management at Wits University, in partnership with Wits Plus, offer various short courses which are credit-bearing towards BSc Honours degrees in Quantity Surveying and Construction Management. 29 May 2023 Read more

LISTEN: Alumni tips for part-time students
Wits Plus alumna, Romilla Khandoo, completed a BCom degree with Accounting and Management on a part-time basis through Wits Plus. 23 May 2023 Read more

A good time to study corporate governance?
Corporate governance is the structure of rules, relationships, systems and processes through which authority is exercised and controlled in corporations. It covers the mechanisms by which companies and those who control them are held accountable. 15 May 2023 Read more

Communication skills for workplace success
A blog in the Scientific American magazine argues that we can learn to be successful by reading about successful people and it also emphasises the role of luck in success: 17 Apr 2023 Read more

Study a language course in 2023 at the 2022 price!
The Language School at Wits Plus offers a range of courses that cater for individuals who wish to learn a new language, professionals who want to improve their ability to communicate at a high level as well as for organisations that invest in the development of their employees. 21 Nov 2022 Read more

How do adults learn?
Most adults will do some form of learning after secondary school, whether it's on-the-job training, workshops, informal classes, or formal education. That learning tends to follow the same approach as what we're exposed to as children. While a chalkboard, worksheets, and a person talking at the front of the room may be what many of us experienced in school, the question is if this is an appropriate approach to adult learning. 7 Nov 2022 Read more

Flexible learning is critical in professional development
Many things have changed over the last two and a half years. 17 Oct 2022 Read more

Deaf awareness in South Africa
September is the International Month for Deaf People but how much do you know about the deaf community in South Africa? 19 Sep 2022 Read more

How do you make a good impression?
Few things in the business world are scarier than delivering a presentation, yet that is one of the most important skills to have. 29 Aug 2022 Read more

How can you successfully learn new languages?
Learning any new language takes a lot of dedication, practice and time, but all of that pays off when you are able to express yourself in a new and exciting way. 8 Aug 2022 Read more

Are your language skills holding you back?
Imagine that English is not your first language, that you were taught English through your mother tongue, but that your company or clients expect you to be a proficient English speaker. Imagine that you have to write emails, proposals and reports or do presentations in English, and that your message and tone are misinterpreted - or even called unprofessional - because your writing and speaking skills lack some of the nuances of a first language speaker. 11 Jul 2022 Read more

How short courses align with businesses needs
Formal education has long been considered as essential for growth and opportunity and many individuals opted (and still do) for degrees and postgraduate programmes as a measure of credibility and to ensure affirmative career paths. 13 Jun 2022 Read more

The dynamic 21st century workplace
Many of the changes in the workplace are driven by technological advances, which means that the ongoing evolution of workplaces and the workforce will continue to be the new norm for the foreseeable future. What are the different factors that play a role in this evolution? 23 May 2022 Read more

Manage your time for part-time success
Finding the time (and budget) to study is a great challenge for most people and often means that reaching their full personal and business potential have to take a back seat. 9 May 2022 Read more

Need to develop your copy-editing and proofreading skills?
Do you know the difference between 'FAQ's' and 'FAQs' or 'less oranges' and 'fewer oranges'? Do you cringe when you see things like 'all major credit cards excepted' or 'your in charge'? 25 Apr 2022 Read more

The importance of English communication skills to succeed in the workplace for 2022
A Scientific American blog about the role of luck in success mentions the popularity of magazines such as Success, Forbes, Inc., and Entrepreneur and argues that we can learn to be successful by reading about successful people: 8 Dec 2021 Read more

Fingerspelling
Fingerspelling is the way letters of the alphabet are shown in signed languages. It is commonly used to supplement a signed language, which is visual in nature. There are three main types of fingerspelling used in South African Sign Language (SASL): initialised, lexicalised, and neutral fingerspelling. 29 Nov 2021 Read more

Reasons you should enrol for a workshop
We live in a rapidly changing world where new skills and knowledge are constantly required to work effectively, efficiently, and smartly. This has never been more apparent than when the pandemic drastically changed how we work; rapid changes were made to traditional workplaces, employees and employers were suddenly faced with the new challenges of remote work, and meetings and the increased workload and responsibilities made workplace training even more essential. However, the amount of time in a day remains constant, and it sometimes seems like training is too inconvenient and time-consuming. 25 Nov 2021 Read more

Make time work for you
Wits Plus was established as the Centre for Part-time Studies at the University of the Witwatersrand in 1999 and has since undergone a number of changes. 1 Sep 2021 Read more

3 reasons businesses need to prioritise SASL training among staff
I've arrived for my Covid vaccination. The woman in front of me is talking to me. I can't even lip read at the moment because everyone wears face masks. I point to my ears and try to communicate that I'm deaf. There are at least 100 people here, but no interpreter. People are reluctant to write down their message. Instead, they get angry because I should try to speak. It's not a new experience. It's my daily reality. I do speak, though: my language is South African Sign Language (SASL). 30 Aug 2021 Read more

Looking to develop your copy-editing and proofreading skills?
Do you know the difference between 'FAQ's' and 'FAQs' or 'less oranges' and 'fewer oranges'? Do you cringe when you see things like 'all major credit cards excepted' or 'your in charge'? 11 Aug 2021 Read more

Workplace evolution 2.0
Much of workplace change is driven by technological advances and ongoing evolution of workplaces and the workforce will continue to be the new norm for the foreseeable future. Let's examine some of the factors that play a role in this evolution. 14 Jul 2021 Read more

You can learn how to be a successful student
Adopt these tried and tested strategies to help you to develop efficient study skills and boost your success as a part-time student. 26 May 2021 Read more

How online study can be a solution for you
The idea that online students are 'not smart enough' or 'lazy' or that they don't get 'real' degrees discourage many people from taking online courses, making them feel that they need to opt for traditional education that costs a lot of money, and time that they simply don't have. 14 Apr 2021 Read more

Teaching English abroad for South Africans in 2021: Is this still possible?
As Covid-19 continues to send parts of the world into various states of lockdown, many prospective EFL (English as a foreign language) teachers eager to teach abroad seem to be asking themselves the same question: "Is teaching English abroad still possible in 2021?" 30 Mar 2021 Read more

Invest in knowledge in 2021
Most people spend their lives collecting, spending and worrying about money - so much, in fact, that they 'don't have time' to learn something new. 15 Mar 2021 Read more

Rethinking entrepreneurship in 2021
Growing pains and challenges 27 Jan 2021 Read more

The true value of a face-to-face Tefl course
Cost is one of the biggest determiners when choosing a Tefl course. It's understandable - getting Tefl certified is just a means to an end for many candidates and that end is usually to go overseas and make money. The reality is that online courses are cheaper than contact courses, which makes them a popular choice for most people. But, that doesn't necessarily mean that they're the best choice. 7 Dec 2020 Read more

The cost of online courses
Although Covid-19 forced many institutions and schools to change the method of delivery of lessons and courses, online learning had been growing in popularity. In December 2019, Inside Higher Ed revealed that approximately 35% of all tertiary students in 2018 were enrolled in at least one online course. 30 Nov 2020 Read more

The business case for investing properly in professional communication skills development
"So sorry, but there is no quick fix for developing professional communication skills." This statement is not music to any organisation or entrepreneur's ears. When a skills gap is recognised, most of us want it fixed - fast. 25 Nov 2020 Read more

10 countries where you can teach English without a degree
Being an EFL teacher is already a reward, but it doesn't hurt to have a few extra perks sprinkled on top. Teaching English abroad is a great way to meet new people, explore new places and experience diverse cultures - all while earning a good salary. 2 Nov 2020 Read more

Organisational learning and development: Who trains the trainers?
People are the new competitive edge in business. Products or services can be duplicated and emulated by competitors but nobody can copy and paste the rich intangible assets of talented employees that perform in an exemplary manner. 19 Oct 2020 Read more

Lifelong learning and career choices
Some young people know from an early age exactly what they want to do when they grow up. 14 Aug 2020 Read more

Why boost your English language skills
Your language skills might be holding you back. 11 May 2020 Read more

Learning for personal development
Living and working in a knowledge-driven society is the challenging reality that most of us face these days. Jobs change quickly and there seems to be a continuous demand for new skills, more knowledge and higher levels of functioning. 4 May 2020 Read more

Get ready for the challenge of combining work and study
Finding the time (and budget) to study is a challenge for most working people and busy entrepreneurs. It often means that reaching your full personal and business potential have to take a back seat. We offer some pointers on how to tackle this challenge. 20 Apr 2020 Read more

Wits Language School
How quickly can I get a TEFL and go abroad?
There are a 5 things that determine how quickly you can get your TEFL certification before riding (flying!) off to your new job. 4 Dec 2019 Read more

Wits Language School
Business English proficiency is not a soft skill
Business is fast. And it's getting faster. In the Information Age human beings are required to process voluminous amounts of information in an instant. In the globalised, Fourth Industrial Revolution epoch, business is also diverse with multicultural teams across continents needing to collaborate and deliver shareholder and customer value. Cohesive, coherent and succinct communication is a key factor for business success. 3 Dec 2019 Read more

Wits Language School
The professional translator
Translation is a much more complex process that simply rewriting words in a different language. You may know two languages, you may even know them well, but that is not enough to be a translator. A good analogy is that of a pianist: Simply because you have two hands does not make you a pianist. There are skills you need to acquire and practice that must go into it, before you can call yourself a pianist. Similarly, in order to be a translator, you need to learn certain skills and practice, before you can truly call yourself a translator. 3 Dec 2019 Read more

Wits Language School
6 reasons you should do a TEFL course
Are you looking for an exciting career change that involves working with people? As a bonus, you'd like something that includes travel and the opportunity to save some money. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) allows you to do exactly this! TEFL, TEFL, CELTA - the name may differ, but the qualification is the same. Here are 6 reasons you should do a TEFL course: 23 Oct 2019 Read more

Wits Language School
Recipes for successful language learning
Learning any new language takes a lot of dedication, practice and time, but all of that pays off when you are able to express yourself in a new and exciting way. 21 Oct 2019 Read more

Wits Language School
Your language skills might be holding you back
Imagine that English is not your first language, that you were taught English through your mother tongue, and that your company or clients expect you to be a proficient English speaker. Imagine that you have to write emails, proposals and reports or do presentations in English, and that your message and tone are misinterpreted - or even called unprofessional - because your writing and speaking skills do not have those slight nuances of a first language speaker. 16 Oct 2019 Read more

Wits Language School
Regulated and accredited TEFL courses: What does it all mean?
You've likely seen the terms while looking for a suitable TEFL provider. Regulated. Accredited provider. 350-hour Master TEFL vs a mere 120-hour TEFL? There are so many questions - and so many different answers. Let's cut through the jargon and clarify the issues. 14 Oct 2019 Read more

Wits Language School
Recipes for successful language learning
Learning any new language takes a lot of dedication, practice and time, but all of that pays off when you are able to express yourself in a new and exciting way. 6 May 2019 Read more

Wits Language School
The benefits of learning an additional language
Language affects the daily lives of everyone around the world. It helps express our feelings and desires, and ensures that we are able to communicate with those around us. The importance of communication is often overlooked. In order to travel the world, whether for business or pleasure, a willingness to adapt to new cultures and ways of life is essential. This adaptability includes being ready to communicate with new people in various languages. Being unable to communicate in a country makes it extremely difficult to adapt and get along with those you meet. 24 Apr 2019 Read more

Wits Language School
Eliminate your fears and doubts about teaching English to children
The idea of teaching English to non-native English speakers can be daunting - doing this with students aged 3-16 years seems impossible. That's why Wits Language School offers a specialised course in Teaching English to Young Learners. The course is ideal for pre-school, primary and EFL teachers no matter where you teach. 11 Mar 2019 Read more

Wits Language School
English: The language of oppression or opportunity?
Having to communicate professionally in English sometimes strikes fear into the hearts of many South Africans irrespective of their gender, age or business field; the mere thought of presenting to a group of colleagues in English or submitting a report to your manager is daunting and nerve wracking. If you are one of the many, do not be embarrassed; you are in good company. 26 Nov 2018 Read more

Wits Language School
3 reasons to do your TESOL at Wits Language School
Are you looking for an exciting career change that involves working with people? As a bonus, you'd like something that includes travel and the opportunity to save some money? Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) allows you to do exactly this! TEFL, TESOL, CELTA - the name may differ, but the qualification is the same. 7 Nov 2018 Read more

Wits Language School
'Free' online courses versus interactive classroom courses
The internet is currently abuzz with advertisements for "free" online language courses and online education. While developments in technology have undoubtedly created opportunities for more people to access education, the question still remains as to whether it is actually possible to learn a language solely with the use of an online platform. Whilst there are numerous advantages to using online platforms, there are equally as many disadvantages. 22 Oct 2018 Read more

Wits Language School
6 reasons you should do a TESOL course
Are you looking for an exciting career change that involves working with people? As a bonus, you'd like something that includes travel and the opportunity to save some money. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) allows you to do exactly this! TEFL, TESOL, CELTA - the name may differ, but the qualification is the same. Here are 6 reasons you should do a TESOL course: 8 Aug 2018 Read more

Wits Language School
Knowing the basics is not good enough anymore
Being able to confidently speak and write in English has never been so important. Using the right words in the right way can make a massive difference to any company. 8 Aug 2018 Read more

Wits Language School
Learning South African Sign Language will make you a better communicator
Wits Language School is offering a unique language course, which will soon be an official language, the South African Sign Language (SASL)! The upcoming course, will run from 29 September till 1 December 2018. This language will expose you to a new cultural and linguistic community, whilst at the same time helping you realise the importance of being able to communicate and understand people of the deaf community. Register for the SASL course now and start your journey to becoming a better communicator! 25 Jul 2018 Read more

Wits Language School
Learn how to express yourself in an African, Asian or European language
Living in a country with 11 official languages, it's important to be open to learning new languages and how to communicate with those around us, and why stop there? Learning a new language will open you up to a new world of opportunities and experiences, whether you want to enhance your career, travel, or if you are purely after personal enrichment, Wits African, Asian or European (AAE) language short courses focus on teaching you how to communicate in real-life situations. Course modules also cover the cultural aspects of the languages and will help you feel at ease when speaking to others in their native language. Start learning a new language today! 23 Jul 2018 Read more

Wits Language School
The ultimate TESOL course to launch your English teaching career
Anyone interested in launching a career in teaching English to speakers of other languages should complete this 120-hour TESOL course with Wits Language School (WLS) - from students taking a gap year, to long-term travellers, to those who have decided to change their careers (and their lifestyles) and those who have retired - with full-time (four weeks), part-time (12 weeks) and blended-learning (12 weeks) options available as of 2 July 2018. 27 Jun 2018 Read more

Wits Language School
Wits Language School's EFL course - Learning English in South Africa
English not your first language? The English as a Foreign Language (EFL) course, brought to you by Wits Language School (WLS), is guaranteed to build your competence and confidence when using English to communicate in all aspects of the academic and business worlds. Register now and start improving your English skills! 27 Jun 2018 Read more

Wits Language School
A business lens for learning and development
In a 1998 Harvard Business Review article, Professor Dave Ulrich controversially called the business human resource function "ineffective, incompetent, and costly". He also accused HR professionals of lacking knowledge or experience with empirical assessments. 29 May 2018 Read more

Wits Language School
Transform your English communication capabilities
The need for communication skills is important in virtually every career. Whether you are competing to get the job you want or to win the customers your company needs, your success or failure depends to a large degree on your ability to communicate. If you learn to write well, speak well, listen well and recognise the appropriate way to communicate in various business contexts, you'll gain a major advantage that will serve you throughout your career. Moreover, because your communication plays a key role in efforts to improve efficiency, quality, responsiveness and innovation, your communication affects your company's success. 29 Aug 2016 Read more

Wits Language School
Transform your English communication capabilities
The need for communication skills is important in virtually every career. Whether you are competing to get the job you want or to win the customers your company needs, your success or failure depends to a large degree on your ability to communicate. 23 May 2016 Read more

Wits Language School
Celebration of language diversity in Africa at Wits Language School Africa Week
This week is Africa Week at Wits University, part of the celebrations around Africa Day on 25 May which commemorates the founding of the Organisation for African Unity (OAU), which then became the African Union (AU). 12 May 2016 Read more

Wits Language School
English for Professional Development Certificate Ceremony 2014
On Friday, 31 October 2014, the English for Professional Development (EPD) unit hosted its annual certificate ceremony. It was a glamorous affair. Students and facilitators dressed up for the occasion. It was clear that people who enjoy studying English also have a good sense of fashion. 9 Dec 2014 Read more

Wits Language School
English for Professional Development Certificate Ceremony
The English for Professional Development (EPD) unit held their 4th annual Certificate Ceremony on Friday evening, 1st November 2013. 1 Nov 2013 Read more

Wits Language School
English for Professional Development Open Day in Pretoria
Expanding the accessibility of the English for Professional Development (EPD) courses, Wits Language School recently held the first ever English for Professional Development Open Day in Pretoria on 18 May 2013. 20 May 2013 Read more

Wits Language School
2012 Wits Language School EPD Certificate Ceremony
A cool summer's evening and a celebratory atmosphere greeted the English for Professional Development (EPD) students as they arrived for the annual EPD Certificate Ceremony on the 18th of October 2012. 19 Oct 2012 Read more

Wits Language School
Commending the academic success of our leaners
The English improvement Certificate Ceremony that took place on 21 October 2011 at the Professional Development Hub (PDH) paid tribute to the learners that have worked hard to achieve competence in their respective levels. 21 Oct 2011 Read more