Dear UJ Community
At the great University of Johannesburg (UJ), we have made a simple but demanding promise: that everything we do must matter beyond our campuses. We want to be the best University for the world – an institution that transforms and serves humanity through the collaborative pursuit of knowledge. Societal impact and sustainability, global footprint and partnerships, and technology for the future are what our 2035 Strategic Plan is built on.
Advancing Global Footprint and Partnerships: Historic Haiti Flag commemoration
As part of South Africa’s Africa Month commemorations and ahead of Africa Day celebrations, UJ hosted a historic commemoration of the 223rd anniversary of the Haitian Flag on 18 May 2026. This event, which forms part of our advancement of global footprint and sustainability, followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on 14 May 2026 between UJ and the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti to South Africa. Haitian Flag Day, observed annually on 18 May, is regarded as the symbol of the first free Black republic in the world and the first independent state in the Caribbean. The flag, a powerful emblem of the first free Black republic in the world, finds a kindred spirit in UJ’s commitment to academic excellence and societal impact.
The commemorative event, held under the theme Lòt Bò Dlo, which means “On the Other Side of the Water,” brought together no more than 15 diplomats from across African countries, as well as academics, students and cultural leaders in a ceremony that blended history, scholarship and cultural diplomacy. It highlighted the growing role of UJ in reconnecting Africa with its diaspora through higher education, intellectual exchange and collaborative development rooted in shared histories and futures. At UJ, we believe that Africa’s story cannot be told without acknowledging the courage of her children, wherever they may be in the world. I express my sincere gratitude to the Ambassador of Haiti, His Excellency Mr. Jean Robert Pillard and his colleagues at the Embassy for this exciting collaboration. To read more about the commemoration event, click here. You can also watch here.
UJ Digital Turns One: A Year of Learning Without Limits
One year ago, we launched UJ Digital to bring the University’s online learning opportunities beyond the traditional campus experience into an accessible digital space. Rooted in an Africa-centred approach, and globally recognised for excellence, UJ Digital brings together a growing range of online learning opportunities. These include free short learning programmes, higher certificates, diplomas, honours degrees, and master’s qualifications across faculties and fields of study. With flexible options such as pay-per-module learning and free short learning programmes, UJ Digital continues to make quality education more visible, reachable, and responsive to today’s learners and professionals.
Since the launch, UJ Digital has grown into more than just a platform. It has become a digital gateway to a flexible, accessible, and industry-relevant learning platform – making it easier for prospective students, working professionals, alumni, and lifelong learners to explore flexible learning options that meet them where they are. As we celebrate this first-year milestone, we also acknowledge the people, partnerships, programmes, and possibilities that have shaped UJ Digital’s journey so far.
Message of Congratulations: 2026 UJSRC Graduates
Earlier this week, I hosted a special graduation luncheon in honour of 14 UJ Student Representative Council (SRC) members, in celebration of our student leaders’ ability to balance academic excellence with campus governance. Leading from the front is the SRC President, Lehumo Dibakoane and his deputy, Mzwandile Nxumalo. Dibakoane graduated with a Bachelor of Education last month, while Nxumalo is due to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree next month. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of this achievement. Graduating while serving on the SRC is no small feat; it validates their leadership, demonstrates their resilience, and sets a powerful example for their fellow students. To read more about this, click here.
VC Consultation with Senior Leadership Group (SLG)
On Wednesday, during a consultation session with members of the Senior Leadership Group (SLG) held at the FADA Auditorium, APB Campus, I reiterated the importance of UJ’s 2035 Strategic Plan, anchored on four key pillars: Impact, Innovation, Inclusivity, and Integrity. These values continue to guide our institutional vision as we collectively work towards shaping a sustainable future for our students, staff, communities, and society at large.
My sincere appreciation goes to Dr Denyse Webbstock, Senior Director: Institutional Planning, Evaluation and Monitoring, for ensuring the success of today’s session through her continued commitment to institutional excellence, strategic alignment, and effective organisational planning at UJ.
I also wish to acknowledge Dr Mpoti Ralephata, Chief Operating Officer (COO), for the important leadership role played in strengthening operational efficiency and advancing the strategic priorities of the University. A special word of appreciation to Ms Nolwazi Mamorare, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), for the stewardship and financial leadership that continue to support the sustainability and growth of our institution.
Thank you to Prof Bongani Ngqulunga (SED), Senior Executive Director: University Relations, Student Affairs and UJ Sport, Mr Anathi Sidali, Senior Manager:UJ Broadcasting, and Ms Michelle Radikariki, Senior Manager: Marketing and Brand for their insightful presentations and contributions on the University’s Corporate Identity (CI), branding, and marketing guidelines. Their presentations reaffirmed the importance of maintaining a strong, consistent, and values-driven institutional identity across all our platforms and engagements.
The engagement demonstrated the importance of collaboration, strategic communication, and collective leadership in shaping the University of Johannesburg’s future. As an institution anchored in excellence and innovation, we remain committed to ensuring that every aspect of our work reflects the values, vision, and identity of UJ.
Message of Gratitude: Fundi Donation
Funding is the lifeblood of any university, as it drives research, shapes student success, and fosters institutional excellence. To this end, I am delighted to announce that UJ has received a R20 000 donation from Fundi in support of the UJ Food Bank. The donation follows the recent Fundi Summit, where important and thought-provoking conversations took place around the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Higher Education. This contribution will help the UJ Food Bank support students facing food insecurity, ensuring they can continue their academic journey with dignity and care. The donation demonstrates Fundi’s continued commitment to empowering students and contributing meaningfully to the higher education sector. UJ extends its sincere appreciation to Fundi for its generous donation.
Annual UJ Fundraising Road Runs
Today marks exactly a week before the first of two of our annual fundraising road runs. The Steps 2 UJ Future Forward Fun Run takes place on Saturday, 30 May 2026. I am pleased to report that participation numbers continue to rise, which is a sign that you have heeded the calls to support this cause. To those of you who have not secured your entries yet, please take this opportunity to purchase your tickets, as entries close next Thursday, 28 May 2026, at midnight. I urge especially those who have not participated in past events to register in numbers to enjoy a fun, crisp morning jog with our University community. You would be doing this for your own good health and to support those who do not qualify for government subsidies but lack the personal financial means to cover tuition fees. Click here to purchase your tickets.
UJ Alumnus and Grammy winner receives Order of Ikhamanga
In case you missed the exciting news, UJ alumnus and internationally acclaimed flautist, composer and producer, Wouter Kellerman, has been awarded the prestigious Order of Ikhamanga in Gold by President Cyril Ramaphosa. This was in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to music, cultural diplomacy and community development. Kellerman, who graduated in Electrical Engineering from the former Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), now part of UJ, received the honour during the national investiture ceremony held on 19 May 2026 at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria. The award places Kellerman among South Africa’s most celebrated cultural figures and reflects the growing global influence of UJ alumni across the arts, science, business and public life. In 2024, UJ recognised Kellerman with its prestigious Dignitas Alumni Award. To read more about the awarding of the Order of Ikhamanga, click here.
Celebrating UJ Sport Achievement
Please also join me in congratulating our Athletics Club student-athlete, Aiden Smith, for winning a gold medal with a 20.01m throw in the men’s shot put at the recent Senior African Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana. Following right behind Smith was our club member Leandri Holtzhausen, winning a bronze medal in the women’s hammer throw. Well done and thank you for representing our university and the country with excellence on the international stage!
Empowering Future Leaders: A Morning with MAD Foundation
Yesterday morning, I had the privilege of meeting with some of the remarkable young leaders who are beneficiaries of the Make a Difference (MAD) Leadership Foundation. What a powerful and inspiring conversation it was.
The room was filled with energy, hope, ambition and smiles. It was a reminder that South Africa’s future is bright when young people are given access to opportunities that allow them to dream beyond their circumstances. The MAD Leadership Foundation plays an important role in transforming lives through education, mentorship and leadership development.
This conversation resonated with me deeply. I understand the importance of being given an opportunity and the responsibility that comes with it. Many young people are talented and capable but often limited by circumstance. One of the key messages we shared this morning was simple: when you receive an opportunity to study, grow and lead, make full use of it. Education remains one of the most powerful tools for changing lives, families and communities.
My sincere appreciation to Prof Bettine van Vuuren, UJ Registrar, for facilitating this meaningful engagement, and special thanks to the MAD Leadership Foundation for the incredible work they continue to do in empowering the next generation of leaders. The future belongs to young people who are prepared to learn, lead and make a difference.
High Tea with the VC
Lastly, I remind you to join me for the High Tea with the VC book discussion later this afternoon. I will be joined by Professor Bongani Ngqulunga (Senior Executive Director of University Relations, Student Affairs, and UJ Sport) to delve into his latest work, Under Smuts’s Rule: Jan Smuts and His Impact on Black South Africans. This book examines Jan Smuts’s involvement in the treaty that concluded the Anglo-Boer War and his role in establishing the Union of South Africa, focusing on the implications for the rights of Black South Africans. Professor Ngqulunga is a distinguished author with several notable publications, including The Man Who Founded the ANC: A Biography of Pixley ka Isaka Seme, which won the prestigious Alan Paton Award. As always, we will gather at the UJ Library, in the Chinua Achebe Auditorium, Level 6, Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus, at 14h00 (CAT). I invite you to join us for what promises to be an enlightening conversation.
Ke a leboha, ngiyabonga, thank you, baie dankie!
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi: Vice Chancellor and Principal
Times mentioned in this newsletter refer to the South African time zone.
