The University of Johannesburg marked the end of the academic calendar with the annual celebration of the UJ Council Awards. These awards which are held to honour community builders and outstanding alumni, were hosted by the registrar of the University, Professor Bettine van Vuuren.
As usual, the event had all the hallmarks of a ceremony full of pomp and ceremony, with guests and attendees glowing under the shimmering lights to the soothing melodies of the award-winning UJ Choir.
The Council awards are divided into two; The Ellen Kuzwayo Awards and The Dignitas Alumni Awards.
Named after the revered anti-apartheid activist and community builder Nnoseng Ellen Kuzwayo, the awards honour South Africans for their impactful contributions to the higher education sector. The Dignitas Alumni Awards, meanwhile, recognise UJ alumni whose achievements and dedication have elevated the university’s reputation globally, inspiring future generations of students to dream and achieve big.
The first Ellen Kuzwayo Awards were awarded in 2007. Up to now, the University has awarded 50 recipients. The first Dignitas Award was awarded in 2005. Up to now, the University has awarded 48 recipients.
In her opening and welcoming remarks, acting chair of council Dr Yondela Ndema shared the purpose of the evening: “Tonight is more than a formal gathering. It’s a moment to take stock of where we’ve come from, what we’ve built together and the direction we are determined to take as we mark UJ@20,” she said.
She then reflected on the importance of the council and the university enjoying a healthy working relationship.
“A good relationship between council and the University does not mean we always agree. It means we understand our roles well enough to disagree constructively. It means council provides an independent oversight, without overreach. And management leads boldly without disregarding accountability. That balance, sometimes delicate, sometimes hard won has been one of UJ’s greatest strengths. Our positive working relationship has not only accelerated decision making, but also it has also kept the institution agile, in a sector where slow responses can be fatal. It has given UJ room to grow into the institution we see today,” Dr Ndema said.
Speaking of the awards, she highlighted the importance of these awards on the University’s annual calendar: “Tonight is about people. Individuals whose achievements make the work worthwhile. Honouring the Ellen Khuzwayo award recipients and celebrating our alumni Dignitas, is not a ceremonial add on. It is an essential part of recognising what UJ stands for. These awards remind us that excellence is not abstract, it lives in the stories, contributions and leadership of those who carry UJ’s name into the world,” she said.
2025 Ellen Kuzwayo Recipients:
Dr Nomonde Mabuya
Dr Nomonde Mabuya is a medical doctor, occupational health specialist, and social innovator who has spent over 30 years improving the health, safety, and empowerment of South Africans. She has advised leading organisations on workplace wellness, helped shape national “fitness-for-work” guidelines for the mining sector, and strengthened health and safety standards across industries. She was recognised for her outstanding leadership and lifelong commitment to a healthier, more equitable society.
Dr Madeline Nyamwanza-Makonese
Dr Madeline Nyamwanza Makonese is a trailblazer in Zimbabwean and African medical history, widely celebrated as Zimbabwe’s first female medical doctor. Born and raised on a mission farm in Penhalonga, she overcame hardship, long walks to school, and the gender expectations of the 1950s to pursue an extraordinary dream, one inspired at just nine years old by a visiting medical couple. She stands as a living legend whose resilience, leadership, and groundbreaking achievements have opened doors for countless African women in medicine.
2025 Dignitas Award Recipients:
Dr Nkosinathi Sishi
Dr Nkosinathi Sishi is a highly respected public servant with over 38 years of leadership experience in education, governance, and public administration. He currently serves as the Director-General of the Department of Higher Education and Training and the Accounting Authority of the National Skills Fund. A graduate of the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the University of Johannesburg, he holds a Doctorate in Education Management. Dr Sishi’s visionary leadership and lifelong commitment to education continue to shape South Africa’s post-school system and inspire future generations.
Ms Redi Tlhabi
Redi Tlhabi is an acclaimed South African journalist, author, and broadcaster with a career spanning more than twenty years. She rose to national prominence as the host of The Redi Tlhabi Show on Radio 702, where for over a decade she led influential conversations on governance, social justice, and current affairs. Her broadcasting journey has included Kaya FM, the SABC, eNCA, and international work with Al Jazeera, the BBC, and CNN. She holds a BA in Communications, an Honours degree in Political Economy and English Literature from the University of Johannesburg, and a Master’s in African Literature from the University of Westminster, academic foundations that continue to shape her critical and insightful voice. A proud University of Johannesburg alumna, Redi Tlhabi exemplifies excellence, integrity, and a fearless commitment to truth, using her voice to shape public discourse locally and internationally.
UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal , Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi in his closing remarks highlighted the synergy between the award recipients and the bold vision for the future UJ holds for itself; “ As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we recognise that UJ’s story is really the story of people like our awardees, people who have chosen to be active participants in shaping a better future. Over these two decades, we have built more than an institution, we have built a community of scholars, activists, innovators, and change-makers who understand that knowledge must be put to work in service of humanity. Looking ahead, we know that the next chapter of UJ’s journey will be defined by our continued commitment to societal impact. We aim to educate and to transform. This commitment is woven into our new strategic plan, which emphasises sustainability, societal impact, and our role as active contributors to the communities we serve. To our awardees, I offer my deepest congratulations and profound gratitude. Your work inspires us, challenges us, and reminds us why we do what we do,” he said.
