The University of Johannesburg (UJ) marked a major milestone yesterday, celebrating the 20th anniversary of its establishment in 2005 with a spectacular gala event. This celebration was more than just a party; it was a testament to the success of a bold transformation since the historic merger of Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR), and Vista University Soweto campus.
Born from a moment of profound restructuring in South African higher education, UJ was founded on the principles of inclusivity, transformation, and diversity. The merger was a bold step, aimed at ensuring students from all backgrounds could access quality education.
The anniversary ceremony, expertly directed by Vice-Chancellor: Academic, Professor Sehaam Khan, was graced by an array of high-profile attendees. Among the distinguished guests was Former President Kgalema Motlanthe, a UJ Honorary Doctorate recipient, who attended with his wife, Gugu Mtshali. The Minister of Higher Education and Training, Hon. Buti Manamela, who delivered the keynote address, and the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Dr Nomusa Dube Ncube. Also in attendance were the Premier of Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi, UJ’s first Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Ihron Rensburg, alongside his wife, Dr Sizeka Rensburg, and musicians including RAU alumni and award-winning Wouter Kellerman, and friend of UJ, the legendary Sipho ‘Hotsticks’ Mabuse. Vice-Chancellors from sister institutions, Professor Francis Petersen (UP) and Professor Tinyiko Maluleke (TUT), were present, along with UJ Hon. Honorary doctorate recipients Thebe Ikalafeng, Pitso Mosimane, and Barbra Masekela. Adding to the messages of support, video tributes were shared by Deputy President of South Africa, Hon Paul Mashatile, and UJ’s Chancellor, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
The anniversary was particularly meaningful for the incumbent Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi. Holding degrees from UJ predecessors, Vista and RAU, Prof Mpedi’s journey represented a “full circle moment.” In his remarks, Prof Mpedi candidly recalled the anxiety that accompanied UJ’s birth. He stated that his inception as a young academic was characterized by great uncertainty and real, palpable fear among staff, students, and alumni regarding jobs, qualifications, and institutional identity. He then shared the “secret” behind UJ’s current success: selfless leadership that prioritizes the institution, and a culture of hard work and excellence. He paid tribute to his predecessors, Professors Rensburg and Tshilidzi Marwala, for their visionary leadership.
Minister Manamela offered a personal reflection, acknowledging the initial opposition to the merger when he was the deputy president of the South African Students Congress (SASCO). He noted that at the time, they were “vehemently opposed to the merger of RAU and Vista, believing Vista needed protection to accomplish its goal of serving Black communities. However, the Minister praised the transformation, stating that walking around the campuses today, he does not recognize the former RAU or Vista, because “Hard work and major development have created a new, democratic identity for this institution,” one that is now a ‘first choice’ for many young people. He concluded by outlining a bold vision to improve access to higher education nationwide.
Acting Chair of Council, Dr Yondela Ndema, paid an emotional tribute to Chair, Ms Xoliswa Kakana, who passed away earlier this week. Dr Ndema noted the celebration was “bittersweet” without her dedication. Dr Ndema concluded by congratulating Prof Mpedi and commending the entire UJ community for their hard work and dedication that has brought the institution this far, encouraging them as they embrace the next chapter.
The ceremony was marked by poignant performances by the UJ Arts and Culture, as well as the award winning UJ Choir. It was a fitting testament to a university that has defied the odds to become a model of transformation. As UJ steps into its third decade, it looks forward with a commitment to shaping the future of education and research, defined by societal impact.
Watch the full event below:
