Wits occupies a particular place in Johannesburg's identity and economy. It anchors Braamfontein, drives research funding into the city, and its graduates shape commerce, law, medicine, and politics across South Africa. The university's scale and research output influence how Johannesburg positions itself nationally—as a knowledge economy, not just a commercial hub. Student mobility, campus safety, and the university's investment in infrastructure matter to the surrounding city. When load shedding hits the country, universities like Wits shift research schedules and negotiate with the power utility. The institution's decisions about fees, accessibility, and which programmes to expand ripple through Johannesburg's job market and social fabric in ways that extend far beyond campus.