Dear UJ community,
Universities in South Africa, like anywhere in the world, face increasing pressure to accommodate a rising number of students. This means some aspiring learners who qualify struggle to secure admissions, leaving them frustrated and disappointed. With the traditional brick-and-mortar model proving unsustainable, we must find innovative and viable solutions to accommodate qualifying students who may be left out.
UJ Digital launch
I am thus delighted to announce that our university, later this month, on Wednesday, 21 May 2025, will launch its transformative UJ Digital. This online initiative positions the institution as Africa’s leader in industry-relevant, flexible, and accessible education. UJ Digital presents a timely solution by providing alternative pathways to higher education through Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) and non-subsidised Whole Programmes (WPs). These programmes, offered in high-demand fields such as communications, business, engineering, health, IT, law, and languages, equip graduates with highly sought-after expertise, enhancing employability and addressing Africa’s critical skills gaps.
In addition, UJ’s free-to-the-public online SLPs offer a range of topics from upskilling in the workplace to enhancing general knowledge in fields such as financial literacy, the sustainable development goals (SDG), and artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative is aligned with UJ’s Strategic Plan 2035 and I am excited for this vision to come to life. Watch this space and our University news website.
UJ celebrates the highest number of NSTF-South32 ‘Science Oscars’ nominees
Our University continues to blaze trails in science, technology, and innovation, with a record 19 nominations for the 2024/2025 NSTF-South32 Awards, otherwise known as South Africa’s ‘Science Oscars’. The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) recently updated its official list of nominees following a submission review. UJ’s researchers, academics, innovators, and communicators now feature prominently across 10 award categories. This recognition places UJ at the forefront of impactful, interdisciplinary research, innovation, and community engagement in South Africa and beyond. Click here to view all the UJ nominees.
UJ Research and Innovation
Still on research and innovation matters, please join me in welcoming Dr Hamilton Mphidi as the new Director of the Technology Transfer Office (TTO) in UJ’s Division of Research and Innovation. With over 20 years in innovation and technology transfer, Dr Mphidi brings experience from institutions such as the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), the University of Pretoria, and entities like Sasol and the U.S. Embassy. He holds a PhD in Information Science and an MBA. He serves on several national innovation bodies, including the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) and the SA Library for the Blind. His appointment aligns with UJ’s 2035 Strategic Objectives, driving innovation, commercialising research, and deepening our impact.
Celebrating Staff Achievements
More good news is that Prof Kathija Yassim, Associate Professor in the Department of Education Leadership and Management, has been appointed to lead a pivotal task team under the United Nations SDG 2030 Agenda. The South-South University Cooperation Network (SUCN) is a joint initiative led by UNESCO IESALC and the UN Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). UJ has been designated as the Lead Institution for Activity 1.2: Sustainability Consciousness Integration within the SUCN Action Plan (2026–2030). In this capacity, Prof Yassim will spearhead efforts to embed sustainability consciousness into educational frameworks, fostering a culture of sustainability in higher education. Prof Yassim’s role will be instrumental in shaping strategies that promote sustainability awareness and action, aligning with the broader objectives of the UN SDG 2030 Agenda.
Inaugural UJ Golf Day
Today marks a significant occasion for the University as our Sport Division hosts its inaugural UJ Golf Day at the prestigious Royal Johannesburg Golf Course. This special event is part of our year-long 20th Anniversary celebrations. Beyond a day of friendly competition on the greens, the Golf Day serves a vital purpose: raising funds to support our academically deserving students who face financial challenges. It also provides a valuable platform for participants to connect and network with our esteemed UJ Alumni Community.
Celebrating UJ Sport Achievements
Finally, I am pleased to announce that the UJ Athletics Club has performed outstandingly at the Athletics South Africa Senior National and the USSA Track and Field Championships. At the Senior Nationals, our athletes secured an impressive 15 medals (7 gold, five silver, and three bronze). Their athletic prowess was further evident at the USSA Championships in Tshwane where UJ amassed a total of 322 points, clinching the championship title with a further 33 medals (10 gold, 11 silver, and 12 bronze).
Lastly, our UJ Senior Men’s Rugby Team successfully navigated a hard-fought promotion/relegation match against Nelson Mandela University this past Monday. UJ won with a 24-21 scoreline, ensuring their continued participation in the esteemed 2026 FNB Varsity Cup tournament. Congratulations to the Clubs and UJ Sport!
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.
