As an institution of higher learning, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has a responsibility to prepare its students for a world that is more digital, more immersive, and more complex than ever before.
“A world where purpose, wisdom, and collective strength will define success,” said Prof Vicky Graham, Senior Director: Strategic Initiatives and Administration.
She shared this at the launch of the UJ Library Virtual Reality Lab (VR Lab), which took place at the Bunting Road Campus Library on Wednesday, 11 March 2026
The VR Lab will be used for VR demonstrations and immersive experiences.
The lab will assist with the development of VR and augmented reality (AR) applications for teaching, academic research, and student projects.
Also included are training workshops on VR and AR technologies and immersive content creation, as well as innovation and entrepreneurship support using VR and AR tools.
Giving the keynote address, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi said the most important task before African universities was to cultivate imagination to shape new futures for societies.
“This is what we are doing at UJ. We gather to celebrate the expansion of our intellectual horizons. This represents something deeper than the unveiling of a technological space; it represents a collective commitment to innovation in teaching, research, and societal impact. This reflects a conviction that universities, especially African universities, must remain at the forefront of shaping the future.”
Prof Mpedi said UJ was leading the way in its aspiration to become a future-fit, African-rooted and globally excellent University.
He added that universities have always been shaped by the technologies of their time. Learning is no longer confined to reading about the world; instead, learners can experience knowledge directly through immersive technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality. Students can interact with complex systems, explore distant environments, and simulate real-world scenarios.
Prof Mpedi said libraries now serve as more than places where information is stored; they are dynamic environments where knowledge is created, shared, and experienced.
“African universities must become creators of knowledge and innovation. This Virtual Reality Lab will play an important role in that space. We must continue to invest in spaces that inspire curiosity, and we must continue to ensure that our innovation contributes to building a more just, inclusive, and sustainable society.”
Dr Nkhenso Sibuyi, Acting Executive Director of the Library and Information Centre (LIC), said the VR Lab already had several projects taking place.
Professor Innocent Musonda and Professor Mafor Penn shared how the VR Lab has been useful in their teaching and learning portfolios of engineering and education.
Founder of education technology company Nudle, Duran Moonsamy, explained how the use of VR, AR, and MR (Mixed Reality) can support skills and prepare students for the workplace through simulations.
The VR Lab also functions as a think-tank and collaborative innovation space. On Fridays, students are encouraged to enjoy “Game Days”, where they can relax in the afternoons and play games on the PlayStation 5.
Prof Mpedi concluded: “The launch of the UJ Library Virtual Reality Lab transcends our commitment to innovation, teaching and research and enhances our capacity to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of the future and reinforces our belief that African universities must play a leading role in shaping the global knowledge landscape.”
Watch the highlights:
