“The chant of ‘UJ All the Way!’ echoed across the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus (APK) on 23 May 2025, capturing the unstoppable energy of a university that continues to lead, evolve, and inspire,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi as the University of Johannesburg (UJ) marked a historic triple milestone on Friday, 23 May 2025.
In a jubilant celebration filled with music, symbolism, and unity, UJ honoured three significant moments in its history: 50 years of the APK campus, 20 years since its transformation into a unified institution, and the launch of revitalised core values – Impact, Innovation, Inclusivity, and Integrity.
A values-driven future
The heart of the celebration was a striking visual display. Towering billboards draped in black cloth were unveiled to reveal UJ’s renewed values, anchoring the institution’s vision for the future. These are not just aspirational words – they are the living heartbeat of UJ’s mission.
In a powerful gesture of solidarity, senior leadership team members signed the Core Values Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to a university culture guided by principle and purpose.
“Our values are our promise to society,” said Prof Mpedi. “They guide how we teach, research, lead and serve. Impact ensures we change lives; Innovation drives us into the future; Inclusivity reflects who we are as a people; and Integrity keeps us accountable to our mission.”
The event also paid tribute to the origins of the APK campus, which has stood since 1975 as a beacon of academic excellence and social transformation. From its legacy of student activism to groundbreaking research and community engagement, APK has grown into a thriving hub of knowledge and progress. Fifty orange biodegradable balloons were released into the sky – each one symbolising the campus’s resilient past and hopeful future.
Equally important was the commemoration of 20 years of institutional unity. Formed in 2005 through the merger of several academic entities, UJ has since emerged as a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with research stretching across smart cities, artificial intelligence, and health innovation.
A special tribute was delivered by Mathapelo Chiliza, who represented UJ’s workers through Nehawu. She offered heartfelt recognition to the dedicated support staff whose daily contributions often go unseen.
Honouring legacy, unity and the people behind UJ’s success
“The University did not build itself. It is our sweat, our service, and our commitment to its values that shape the daily experience of generations who pass through these halls. We are proud to contribute to UJ’s success,” she said.
The celebration reached its peak with an explosion of orange confetti, streamers, and smoke coloured the skies, while a giant UJ birthday cake, performances by UJ FM, residence war cries, and a Drum Café session added rhythm and vibrancy to the day.
“This is a defining moment,” concluded Prof Mpedi. “Our past grounds us. Our values guide us. Our people drive us. And our future? It’s already in motion.”
Watch the highlights below:
