University of Johannesburg (UJ) Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi hosted a special graduation luncheon at the STH on Tuesday, 19 May 2026, honouring 14 SRC members. The event celebrated the student leaders’ ability to balance academic excellence with campus governance.
Prof Mpedi emphasised the importance of personal growth and leadership, stressing that true leadership involved self-leadership and the ability to evolve and adapt to different contexts. He encouraged continuous learning and individual growth, beyond acquiring degrees and highlighted the significance of recognising and celebrating success and hard work.
“If you can’t lead yourself, how will you lead others? If you can’t graduate, how will you show others how to graduate? Our aim is to see you excel and thrive academically and become great leaders.”
Senior Executive Director: University Relations, Student Affairs, and UJ Sport, Professor Bongani Ngqulunga highlighted the importance of maintaining excellence in all aspects of university life, from academic performance to administrative functions.
“When you talk about wall-to-wall excellence, this is the demonstration that things are changing.”
SRC President Mr Lehumo said events like the luncheon encouraged students to work harder.
He reflected on the past reputation of SRC leadership across institutions, which was often tainted with negative perceptions.
“As SRC’s across the country, we are not going to maintain that narrative. We have set a standard for those who have prospects of becoming SRC members. They will be working much harder to see themselves being celebrated. We do make time to work on ourselves academically, and today is a reflection of that. Indeed, the leadership in our country is changing for the better, and it shows that in the coming years, more and more dedicated leaders will be at the forefront, making pragmatic and clear decisions.”
Prof Mpedi concluded by reiterating Prof Ngqulunga’s words, calling for a collective effort to ensure the university is consistently excellent.
“This concept that we are driving hard is that we cannot excel in one area and in another be found to be lacking; excellence should be everywhere, and it applies to all of us. Your graduation is part of that excellence. We will all be working hard toward that goal. It can be done and will be done.”
