“We are not just celebrating grades. We honour your resilience and the contributions you’ve made to the broader UJ community.” These powerful words by Professor Suzy Graham, Senior Director of the Division of Academic Development and Support (ADS), University of Johannesburg (UJ), captured the essence of the UJenius Club Gala Dinner, held on Thursday, 16 October 2025.
The notable annual event celebrated UJ’s top-performing undergraduate students, the Top 50 achievers from 2024 and the first semester of 2025, for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to making a difference.
Organised by ADS and proudly sponsored by the UJ Alumni Office in partnership with RMB Private Bank, the event recognised more than just exceptional marks. It honoured perseverance, creativity, and community spirit, all the qualities that define the UJ student experience and underpin the University’s vision of Global Excellence and Stature for Societal Impact.
As the University celebrates its 20th anniversary, the UJenius Club continues to exemplify the institution’s dedication to developing well-rounded, future-focused graduates.
“Each of you here tonight represents what happens when talent meets perseverance,” said Prof Graham. “You showed grit, creativity, and excellence. It was not only in your marks, but in your commitment to growth, curiosity, and contribution. Your success uplifts your peers, inspires your lecturers, and strengthens our UJ family.”
The UJenius Club, established in 2011, brings together students who embody UJ’s values of Imagination, Integrity, Inclusivity, and Innovation. Through mentorship, professional development, and interdisciplinary collaboration, members are encouraged to extend their academic success into impactful leadership.
For Muano Makumbane, the 2024 Top student and a BCom Accounting graduate currently pursuing further studies at UJ, the recognition marked a milestone in a journey built on purpose and faith. “My 4Ps (Prayer, Planning, Positivity, and Perseverance) guided me through my studies,” she reflected. “UJ has given me the platform to thrive. The support from my lecturers and tutors has been incredible, and I’m proud to study at one of the country’s top-ranking and most innovative universities.”
Keegan Gernard, a Top 10 achiever for 2024 and an Accountancy student, described the UJenius Club as both motivating and transformative. “I’d encourage any prospective student to consider UJ,” he said. “It’s an innovative university with a great global reputation and incredible opportunities. Being part of the UJenius Club reminds me that excellence is a mindset and one that UJ helps you build every day.”
UJ’s continued collaboration with RMB Private Bank reflects a shared commitment to nurturing South Africa’s next generation of leaders. Addressing the audience, Gareth Matthews, Executive Head of RMB Private Bank and a proud UJ alumnus, reminded students that success is about more than intelligence and stressed that it’s about resilience, balance, and ambition.
“You all have a high probability of being really successful,” he said. “True success is health, wealth, happiness, and the freedom to choose. Take your time with the opportunities ahead and let your ambition guide you.”
He added that through this partnership, RMB supports UJ’s mission of empowering young professionals with financial literacy, career insight, and long-term vision, ensuring the students are not just achievers but changemakers in their fields.
The evening was more than an event, it was a statement of intent. It showcased how strategic partnerships can unlock opportunities for UJ’s brightest minds. RMB Private Bank has amplified its commitment to developing young talent through its Young Professionals solutions, designed to help graduates turn ambition into achievement.
Together with Profmed, another advocate for young professionals, they have introduced an exclusive dual-benefit offering: comprehensive healthcare from Profmed paired with RMB Private Bank’s financial solutions, rewards, and advice via the RMB Private Bank Credit Card.
This unique proposition goes beyond medical cover; it empowers early-career achievers with financial advantages such as reduced account fees, sign-up contributions, preferential interest rates, and automatic lifestyle rewards. It’s a tangible way to support the transition from academic success to professional impact.
Prof Graham added that the event is more than a celebration, but a reaffirmation of UJ’s core belief that education should inspire leadership, innovation, and societal contribution.
“Excellence is not a destination, it’s a mindset and a way of moving through the world,” concluded Prof Graham. “Tonight, we celebrate your brilliance and your potential to shape the future. You are the embodiment of UJ’s spirit of global excellence and stature for societal impact.”
Together, the UJ Alumni Office, RMB Private Bank, and Profmed are building a bridge between academic excellence and professional empowerment, ensuring that tomorrow’s leaders have the confidence, resources, and support to reach their ambitions.
The evening was an ode to UJ’s exceptional students, individuals who have excelled academically while demonstrating resilience, leadership, and the promise of shaping South Africa’s future. These partnerships exist for one reason: to back those bright minds and help them soar.
