Dear UJ community,

Yesterday, 1 August 2024, marked the beginning of Women’s Month in South Africa. This is a period when we celebrate women from all walks of life for the vital role they play and continue to in society. Of course, and lest we forget, it honours the more than 20,000 women who, on 9 August 1956, defied the odds to march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in a mass demonstration against unjust Pass Laws.

UJ to launch another book dedicated to women

At UJ, we are privileged to have so many extraordinary women – from our staff, students and alumni. It is because of their contribution and dedication that our University is renowned for the excellence of its academic and research work. In celebration of Women’s Month this year, I am delighted to announce that our University will launch a book titled Women next week on Wednesday, 8 August 2024. It is our second book dedicated to honouring women this year, after the publication of Mama in March. This is a fitting tribute to and a reminder that the journey we have invariably travelled in our lives would not have been possible without the contribution of women.

The struggle for women’s emancipation continues

However, as we celebrate women for their contributions to the liberties and freedoms we enjoy today, we are also deeply cognisant that challenges continue hamper their progress even in a democratic South Africa. Indeed, it is a travesty that many women still do not have access to opportunities that can empower them and their communities. The rampaging pandemic of gender-based violence (GBV) continues unabated in this country. A day hardly passes without us hearing stories about attacks on women with no regard for their rights and dignity.

For this reason, I call on all of us, as the UJ Community, to continue to be steadfast in standing against the scourge of GBV that ravages our communities. We must continue to promote gender equality and justice for all. This means not only condemning acts of violence but also taking proactive steps to create a safe and supportive environment. This is a task that demands action from us all. Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo. Malibongwe!

Congratulations to the first female Chief Justice in South Africa

I also congratulate Chief Justice Mandisa Maya on her historic appointment as South Africa’s first female Chief Justice! This significant milestone is a testament to her dedication and outstanding leadership qualities. Her achievement paves the way for greater gender equality and progress in our legal system. I wish her every success in this vital leadership role. I hope her appointment will inspire many other women to excel in their areas of expertise.

Celebrating academic and research excellence

On Monday, the University’s Executive Leadership Group (ELG), including members of the Management Executive Committee (MEC), took some time off from our usual schedule to celebrate the excellent achievement of our staff in terms of postgraduate student graduations and research outputs. It is because of their work that UJ recently achieved its highest-ever global ranking while consolidating its first position in South Africa and on the African continent. We appreciate the hard work that our academics, students, and administrative and support staff put into making this the great institution that it is!

2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Lastly, I congratulate South Africa’s swimming sensation, Ms Tatjana Smith, for winning gold and silver medals in the 100m and 200m breaststrokes, respectively, at the 2024 Olympic Games currently underway in Paris, France. I also congratulate Ms Alan Hatherly for winning a bronze medal in mountain biking and South Africa’s rugby sevens team, the Blitzboks, who also won a bronze medal. I hope these achievements are a sign of more success to come. As mentioned last week, three UJ athletes and alumni are part of Team South Africa, representing the country in the games. This shows our commitment to sports development. Best of luck to all those still competing!

Ke a leboha, ngiyabonga, thank you, baie dankie!

Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi: Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Times mentioned in this newsletter refer to the South African time zone.