The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has once again affirmed its leadership in marketing, communication and creative excellence, securing 14 awards at the 2025 MACE Excellence Awards, on 13 November 2025.

The recognition spans four major divisions, Campaigns, Media, Channels and Skills, and also includes a win for UJ Arts & Culture.

The MACE Excellence Awards honour outstanding achievements in higher education communication and marketing, recognising the innovative work that enhances institutional reputation, stakeholder engagement and creative storytelling.

UJ’s 2025 MACE Excellence Award wins

Division 1: Campaigns

• Silver – Stories that inspire (Grads, Category 18)
• Silver – Trends that share a message (Stakeholder Engagement Campaigns, Category 3)
• Bronze –  POPIA – Use social media responsibly (Category 4)

Division 2: Media

• Bronze –  From Campus to Parliament: UJ PhD Milestones (Becoming Dr., Category 18)
• Bronze –  Connect, create and collaborate: your voice, our campus! (TikTok, Category 18)
• Bronze –  Campus hopping on TikTok (Campus Tours, Category 8)
• Bronze – The Picture of Dorian Gray — UJ Arts & Culture Centre

Division 2: Channels

• Bronze — UJourneys (Category 17)

Division 3: Skills

• Silver – Videography (UJ-led research project brings water security to Limpopo’s Buysdorp village, Category 29)
• Bronze –  Design for Printed Channels (UJ Insights Magazine, Category 21)
• Bronze – Printed External Magazine & Newsletters (UJ Insights Magazine, Category 10)
• Bronze –  Writing for the Web (UJ secures clean water for Limpopo’s Buysdorp village, Category 27)
• Bronze –  Photography: News, Features & Documentaries (UJ for Societal Impact / Gwakwane / The Forgotten, Category 28)

These achievements highlight the skill, dedication and creativity of UJ’s marketing, communication, arts, design and digital teams, whose work continues to elevate the University’s presence locally and internationally. In addition, the bronze award for The Picture of Dorian Gray highlights the strength of UJ Arts and Culture’s creative productions, adding an important cultural dimension to UJ’s overall recognition.

Said Professor Bongani Ngqulunga, Senior Executive Director: University Relations, Student Affairs and UJ Sport: “This has truly been a year of creative and strategic excellence for the University. Winning 14 awards is a testament to the remarkable work of our teams across the institution. From strategic campaigns that inspire and mobilise our audiences, to compelling research storytelling and vibrant digital engagement, our staff continue to set a high standard.

“I am equally pleased of the impactful photographic and video storytelling, the outstanding design and publication work, and the exceptional creative output in our arts sector. These achievements reflect the depth of talent at UJ and the collective commitment to telling our story with purpose and imagination.”