Dear UJ community,
Today marks the end of the first semester. This means that most of our students and academic staff will be on winter recess from tomorrow until the 14th of July. As usual, we have had an exciting first semester, full of successes and achievements. It is not coincidental that we end this semester on a high note.
UJ ranked number #1 in SA and Africa in 2025 THE Impact Rankings
On Wednesday, 18 June 2025, as I was celebrating my birthday, news broke that UJ had reaffirmed its global leadership by retaining a remarkable position #1 in South Africa and on the African continent. This is according to the latest the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. UJ has also achieved its best-ever performance in these rankings, climbing 13 places from its 2024 position of 36th to an outstanding 23rd place globally. How gratifying is it to know that the great University of Johannesburg is now ranked among the top 30 universities in the world? This is out of 2,318 institutions evaluated.
In a separate global ranking released on Tuesday, 17 June 2025, UJ was named the third-highest ranked university in South Africa. Together, the two results signal UJ’s consistent excellence and reputation across multiple global performance metrics. Another highlight this semester is the launch of UJ Digital, our transformative digital learning platform that makes higher education accessible to all. This initiative is not just an alternative; it ensures that learners from diverse backgrounds can access high-quality education that aligns with industry needs and global standards. Most importantly, UJ Digital aligns with our Strategic Plan 2035, addressing the growing demand for innovative learning solutions. Watch the End-of-First Semester message below:
Reaping the rewards of UJ Values
It was only fitting that we launched this strategic initiative in a year when UJ celebrates its 20th anniversary, a landmark period in the University’s illustrious history. We remain modest in our commitment to the cause, allowing our work to speak for itself. Lest we forget, UJ remains South Africa’s number 1 producer of funded research outputs for the second year running. All of this is a demonstration of our strong work ethic and the communal fabric that hold us together. We were reminded of this recently, when we unveiled the UJ Core Values, a powerful gesture of solidarity that reaffirms our commitment to a university culture guided by unity and purpose. To everyone who contributed to our successes, I can never thank you enough. I wish you a restful recess.
UJ Brand Shop now open
I am proud to announce the official launch of the new UJ Brand Shop website, a vibrant and accessible digital platform offering a curated selection of UJ-branded merchandise. This initiative reflects our commitment to fostering a strong and unified institutional identity, while providing students, staff, alumni, and friends of UJ with a convenient way to show their university pride. The online shop features a diverse range of high-quality apparel, accessories, stationery, and gifts that celebrate the bold spirit, values, and visual identity of UJ. Whether you are on campus or across the globe, the Brand Shop merchandise allows you to stay connected to the UJ community. We invite you to explore the new site, wear the brand with pride, and continue championing the orange spirit that makes UJ truly exceptional. Click here to visit the shop.
High Tea with the VC
You will recall that recently, on 30 May 2025, I hosted Dr Boitumelo Phetla for discussion of her anthology, Peer-to-Peer Youth Mentorship, a collection of essays by university students based in South Africa. The event was part of our Youth Month to celebrate the spirit of youth leadership, student voices, and the power of mentorship. Click here to watch this exciting discussion.
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.
