Dear UJ community,
Universities across the world are confronting difficult questions about artificial intelligence (AI), some of which relate to curricula, teaching and assessments and the future of work. One of the most pressing questions is: Are education systems adapting quickly enough to technological changes driven by AI to create a dynamic, engaging learning ecosystem tailored to students’ needs?
World Economic Forum Founder to Deliver a Distinguished Lecture at UJ
I am delighted to share that our university will host the founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Professor Klaus Schwab, for a distinguished public lecture on AI this afternoon. The much-anticipated lecture will examine how AI and accelerating technological change are reshaping universities, economies and society itself. Prof Schwab, who led the WEF for more than five decades before stepping down from executive leadership in 2025, will speak on what he describes as the “Intelligent Age” and why current education systems are no longer equipped to handle the scale and speed of global transformation.
The lecture draws on his latest book, Universities, Professors, and Students in the Intelligent Age: A Call for Systems Change, which forms part of a broader international project exploring the future of leadership, work, trust and human capability in an AI-driven world. Schwab argues that higher education faces a fundamental turning point. Universities, he says, can no longer operate as institutions that simply transfer knowledge. Instead, they must prepare students for continuous adaptation in a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, quantum computing and rapid economic disruption. The lecture will be held at the Auckland Park Bunting (APB) Campus and will start at 16h00. Click here to watch online.
Honorary Doctorates
Today, UJ, through the Faculty of Science, will confer an honorary doctorate on Professor Loyiso Nongxa, a distinguished mathematician and the first black South African Rhodes Scholar. Prof Nongxa has combined scholarly excellence with visionary institutional leadership. As a past Chair of the National Research Foundation, he strengthened research capacity and elevated mathematical sciences across Africa, reinforcing the central role of science in driving innovation and economic progress. He is among the distinguished individuals to be recognised with honorary doctorates this year.
The distinguished individuals are as follows:
- Monica Geingos (Faculty of Health Sciences): A lawyer, entrepreneur and globally recognised advocate for health equity who has transformed public leadership into a platform for action.
- Francois Pienaar (Faculty of Health Sciences): As captain of the Springboks during the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup victory, Mr Pienaar embodied reconciliation in action.
- Tryphosa Ramano (College of Business and Economics): A Chartered Accountant and transformative financial leader, Ramano has shaped South Africa’s fiscal governance architecture across public and private sectors.
- Prof Njabulo Ndebele (Faculty of Humanities): The former Chancellor of our University and one of South Africa’s foremost literary and academic figures, Prof Ndebele has reshaped South African intellectual discourse by illuminating the depth and dignity of ordinary lives.
- John Samuel (Faculty of Education): One of South Africa’s most influential education policy architects who played a pivotal role in shaping a unified, democratic education system to replace apartheid-era fragmentation and inequality.
Beyond the Autumn ceremonies, additional honorary doctorates will be conferred later in 2026 during the University’s Spring graduation season. The three are Justice Sisi Khampepe, former First Lady of South Africa Ms Zanele Mbeki, and Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser Al Missned, who has been actively engaged in education and other social reforms in Qatar for many years.
Annual Executive Leadership Group Meeting
Following a consultation session with members of the Senior Leadership Group (SLG) last week, we held the annual Executive Leadership Group (Group) this week. This was to take stock of the 2025 Academic Year, with leaders from various faculties, divisions and institutes reporting on their achievements and challenges. I am pleased with the progress we have made over the past year. The year 2025 was a milestone for our University as we celebrated our 20th anniversary, something which was also reflected in most of the reports.
We also reaffirmed our commitment to working even harder as we strengthen UJ’s position as a leader on the African continent and firmly place it on the global stage. While the road ahead remains complex, characterised by geo-political tensions and socio-economic uncertainties, we move forward with a shared sense of purpose and pride. My sincere appreciation to our academic and support/administrative staff for your continued commitment to institutional excellence and strategic alignment in what we do.
UJ Choir selected to open prestigious World Choral Symposium in China
It is with immense pride that I share that the UJ Choir has been selected to perform at the prestigious World Symposium on Choral Music 2026 from 23 to 28 August 2026. The choir has also been invited to officially open the symposium programme, a rare honour reserved for some of the world’s leading choral ensembles. The selection is quite a feat as it means the Choir will place South Africa and the African continent at the centre of the global cultural spotlight. Hosted every three years by the International Federation for Choral Music, the symposium is widely regarded as the highest global platform for choral excellence, innovation and cultural exchange. Only 13 choirs from around the world were selected for the 2026 gathering in Macau, with the UJ Choir emerging as the sole representative from Africa. The symposium’s 2026 theme, Reimagining the Future, which aligns strongly with UJ’s own vision of innovation, African excellence and future focused creativity through the arts. To read more about this exciting news, click here.
Annual UJ Fundraising Road Runs
Tomorrow (Saturday, 30 May 2026), UJ, through its Sport division, will host 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 with the number of people who have registered to participate in the event. This shows that many have heeded the calls to support this noble cause to support those who do not qualify for government subsidies but lack the personal financial means to cover tuition fees. By participating in the event, you will also contribute to your own good health. Click here to purchase your tickets.
High Tea with the VC
Lastly, I thank everyone who attended the High Tea event with the VC book discussion last week on Friday, when I was joined by Professor Bongani Ngqulunga (Senior Executive Director of University Relations, Student Affairs, and UJ Sport). We delved into his latest work, Under Smuts’s Rule: Jan Smuts and His Impact on Black South Africans, which examines Jan Smuts’s involvement in the treaty that concluded the Anglo-Boer War and his role in establishing the Union of South Africa, with special focus on the implications for the rights of Black South Africans. The venue was filled to capacity, with many more joining us online, bringing the total to over 70 participants for this important HYBRID conversation. It was a remarkable gathering of intellectual engagement, historical reflection, and intergenerational dialogue.
Kea leboha, ngiyabonga, baie dankie, thank you!
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi: Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Times mentioned in this newsletter refer to the South African time-zone.
