Dear UJ community,
It is an important marker of progress for leaders to gather and reflect on the year that has been. This is a task we take seriously at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). This week, our Executive Leadership Group (ELG) gathered to take stock of the year that has been. In doing so, we celebrated our achievements and confronted our challenges while reaffirming our commitment to shaping a more just and equitable future. While the road ahead remains complex, characterised by various socio-economic uncertainties, we move forward with a shared sense of purpose and pride. Indeed, our progress is marked by our commitment to excellence, innovation and forging ahead with societal impact and we look forward to a valuable journey ahead.
Celebrating 20 Years of UJ with unveils of Core Values
I was delighted to see our Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus engulfed by a carnival atmosphere on Friday, 23 May 2025 as we unveiled the UJ Core Values of Impact, Innovation, Inclusivity and Integrity. These values reflect our ongoing commitment to Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships and Technology for the Future, echoing our guiding ethos of Our Future. Reimagined. Hundreds of our students, including the Student Representative Council (SRC) leadership, filled the grand lawns in front of our iconic ring-shaped campus buildings to witness the unveiling ceremony. The values, draped across some of our buildings, serve as our institution’s moral compass, shaping our role in addressing global and African challenges through cutting-edge research, inclusion, and ethical leadership. The ceremony coincided with half a century since the founding of the APK campus in 1975 and UJ’s 20th anniversary. To read more about this, click here.
UJ hosts second annual Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture
Yesterday, we hosted the Second Annual Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture in honour of one of South Africa’s most influential labour leaders. The lecture was hosted in collaboration with the Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms. Nomakhosazana Meth. Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Hon. Gwede Mantashe, a former trade union leader himself, delivered the lecture. He reflected on Barayi’s enduring impact, especially his contribution to the fight for workers’ rights. Among the high-profile attendees were Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nobuhle Nkabane, Deputy Minister of Employment and Labour, Ms. Judith Nemadzinga-Tshabalala Gauteng Premier, Hon. Panyaza Lesufi and the Mayor of Johannesburg, Hon. Dada Morero. The inaugural Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture, held in May 2024, featured a keynote by President Cyril Ramaphosa. As a voice against apartheid and a fighter for worker rights in South Africa, Barayi’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of activists. Click here to read more about this.
Media and Publicity
To read my latest (co)-authored article, titled Twin disruptors at work — tariffs, AI and the future of employment, click here. In it, we highlight the fact that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and tariffs are intrinsically transnational phenomena, demanding regulatory responses that transcend national borders. We argue that as these “twin disruptors” change the world of work, reshape trade dynamics, recalibrate labour markets and challenge the social contract that underpins modern societies, this presents a profound double disruption. This compels workers, employers, legislators and policymakers to confront urgent legal questions concerning rights, protections and regulatory obligations.
UJ Future Walk 2025
I am delighted to share the incredible success of our recent UJ Future Walk this past Saturday, the first of two events this year. More than 700 Joburg residents braved the winter chill to fill the streets of Auckland Park with a vibrant wave of orange. For the first time, this event connected our Auckland Park Bunting Road and APK campuses, creating a picturesque trail for participants. It was truly heartwarming to see everyone, from UJ’s senior executives to young people, enjoying the jumping castles, walking and running in support of UJ students facing financial challenges with their tuition fees. A huge congratulations to our UJ Sport division and our sponsors Lucky Star, Spar, Mentos and Aquelle for such a successful fundraiser! Please get your tickets to support the next UJ Future Walk event on 20 September 2025. Click here to read more about this.
Celebrating UJ Sport Achievements
Our Sport Division continues to make us proud, with 14 of our talented student-athletes and three coaches from the Athletics and Basketball Clubs set to represent both UJ and Team South Africa at the upcoming FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany, from 16 to 27 July 2025. This prestigious international student competition will showcase 18 sporting codes across 23 venues, celebrating sport, science, and culture. Our students will compete in various events, and I extend my warmest wishes to Team UJ and Team South Africa for a truly successful and memorable experience!
I also congratulate our student and cricket player, Matthew Hollard, who has been invited to join Ireland’s Senior Men’s National Cricket Team training camp ahead of the recent Irish Test Series against the West Indies. This call came just after Hollard signed a professional contract with the Limpopo Impalas Cricket Club. I wish you well, Matthew!
High Tea with the VC
I again invite you to our High Tea with the VC reading conversation later this afternoon. This session will be hosted as part of our Youth Month commemorations. To celebrate the spirit of youth leadership, student voices, and the power of mentorship, Dr Boitumelo Phetla will join us to discuss the anthology, Peer-to-Peer Youth Mentorship, a collection of essays by university students based in South Africa. For in-person attendance, and as usual, we will meet at the UJ Library, Chinua Achebe Auditorium, Level 6, APK Campus, at 14h00 (CAT). For virtual attendance, RSVP here.
A Call to Action Against GBV
Finally, this has been a sombre week for South Africans as we have been confronted once again by the scourge of gender-based violence. While it is important to note that many cases do not make the news, the untimely and tragic death of Olorato Mongale reminds us once again that this is a persistent issue that we have not yet managed to tackle. This is a painful reminder that much more needs to be done. 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 requires outrage and support from us all. Our deepest condolences go out to Olorato’s family, friends and colleagues as well as all South Africans who have collectively mourned her loss. May she rest in peace.
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.
