The University of Johannesburg (UJ) celebrated the lifeblood of the institution at the 2025 Vice-Chancellor and Supervisor Appreciation event.

Hosted at the Arts Centre on the Auckland Park Kingsway campus, the celebration applauded researchers who have made their mark through their work on various platforms.

Hosting the event was Professor Vicky Graham, Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives and Acting Director Research, Development and Support (RDS).

Prof Graham used her welcome remarks to briefly highlight the importance of the gathering.

“It’s my great pleasure to welcome you all to this special occasion, where we gather to celebrate excellence, mentorship and the spirit of research at the GREAT University of Johannesburg.  As acting director, I am honoured to open today’s programme to reflect on the vibrant academic community we are all privileged to be a part of. Let us enjoy this morning as we celebrate, reflect and look ahead with renewed purpose”.

The celebration honoured researchers from across the University who were top researchers in their faculties, top supervisors, newly elected members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAF), 2024/2025 NSTF-South32 award recipients, 2025 National Research Foundation (NRF) award recipients and researchers rated in 2025 by the NRF.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation, Professor Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya spoke about the importance of mentorship and creating an enabling environment for research.

“Let me first begin by congratulating the VC for this beautiful celebration. It’s very important that we take a moment to pause, to reflect and celebrate the hard work and commitment of our researchers.”

Prof Phaswana-Mafuya who was also one of the awardees (she received an award as one of the top researchers in the Faculty of Health Sciences) shared personal anecdotes about the power of research mentorship.

“As a researcher that came from a humble background, who is a double bind minority, being Black, and a woman with unique intersectional needs, my career path was not a linear one. It was filled with many struggles, it did not follow a scripted, algorithmic pattern. It was unpredictable, where the prospects of access and success, seemed delusional. But I stand here today because of the transformative power of mentorship. I am living proof of the fact that mentorship works. I was developed and sustained through mentorship networks. Through mentorship, I found myself being elevated to bigger spaces and platforms”.

She ended her talk by acknowledging the strong UJ research ecosystem that allows researchers to do their work. “At our University, research mentorship is not an afterthought. We have seen this in action. We celebrate today, these researchers of who contribute to the future through mentorship,” Prof Phaswana-Mafuya said.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi shared that this celebration, now in its second year, is important as it acknowledges the outstanding work of researchers who actively contribute to the success of UJ and inspires others.

“It is a true honour and privilege to be able to address you today with words of appreciation at this special event where we come together to express our appreciation for the outstanding contributions of our research community, our top researchers, dedicated supervisors and scholars whose work continues to elevate the GREAT UJ.”

The VC said this occasion was not only a moment of celebration to recognize 20 years of research growth at UJ, but also a reaffirmation of the UJ research community’s collective commitment to academic excellence, knowledge generation and societal impact.

“Let us begin with a simple yet powerful truth, Research Matters. It matters for our students, our communities, our country, our continent and for the world. And none of this would be possible without the efforts of the individuals gathered here today, “ he said.

Prof Mpedi reflected on his own journey as a researcher and the vital role played by mentorship and support for researchers.

“At UJ, we have inculcated a culture of mentorship and development. Where we notice the potential and talent of a researcher and enable them to become the best they can be, a leader in their field. I am one such example. I am here today because I was supported by men and women who believed in me, who didn’t know me. I came here from Hammanskraal, worked as a researcher and people supported me all the way to where I am today as the Vice-Chancellor. We will not stop. We will support many other young people. These are the things we must reflect on and renew our commitment to supporting young and emerging researchers,” he said.

Prof Mpedi ended his keynote address by sharing that his hope for the future of the University is that it becomes a “University for the world”. One that is in touch with the communities it operates in and uses its resources and research prowess for good.

Researchers were then called up one by one to receive certificates of recognition. At the end of the event, a cake cutting ceremony was held to close off a poignant celebration of the intellectual muscle of UJ.

Interesting facts about UJ research:

• UJ ranked top producer for research outputs by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for the third consecutive year. Between 2005 and 2023, UJ’s DHET accredited publications outputs increased by a factor of 9.8. From 326 units in 2005, to 3195 units in 2023. An average growth rate of 14% per annum.
• UJ has 365 NRF rated researchers recognized for their scholarly excellence and international standing.
• UJ researchers have been awarded with NSTF and NRF awards, industry awards that recognise excellence and impact in research.