The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has once again been recognised for its excellence in producing young leaders who are making a difference in South Africa. The 19th edition of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans awards, which was announced on Friday, 28 June 2024, features over 40 UJ alumni, staff, and students.
The awards, which have been taking place annually since 2006, recognise young people who have made significant contributions in a variety of fields, including civil society, health, technology, arts, and entertainment.
UJ Registrar Professor, Bettine van Vuuren, expressed delight at the university’s consistent, strong showing in the awards.
“With the many challenges that South Africa faces, It is encouraging to see the UJ alumni community as well as our staff and students being recognised for their work that invariably contributes towards solving societal problems. These 200 Young South Africans represent the very best of what our country has to offer, and we could not be prouder to see our alumni, staff and students being represented in this group of resilient and dynamic young people. We are immensely proud of their contributions made to South Africa, and how their actions actively and purposefully foreground the UJ and the Vice-Chancellor’s vision of Global Excellence and Stature 4.0 for Societal Impact.”
Says UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi on the recognition: “Since the inception of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans awards almost two decades ago, UJ has consistently featured across various categories through its outstanding alumni, staff members, and students or postdoctoral fellows. This is a testament to the robustness and excellence of our academic programmes and the quality of our research in making a long-lasting impact on our graduates and equipping them to be responsible members of the society. We pride ourselves in creating a community of young people who, through their innovative and resilient spirit, inspire others and contribute towards societal development.”
Among the UJ recipients is:
- Sthabile Kolwa: UJ Lecturer in the Physics Department
- Curwyn Mapaling: UJ senior lecturer and clinical psychologist
- Louis Koen: UJ Law lecturer and convener of the UJ Moot Court programme head
- Edith Phalane: UJ PACER researcher and specialist scientist
- Maipato Caroline Mmako: UJ staff member
Read more about the UJ recipients here:
Aphile Carter | Joy Banele Gemma Sibanyoni | Kevin Ssemwogerere | Komani Dhlamini | Lebogang Thobakgale | Bianca Michaeline Jordan | Rosemary Mokoena | Selaelo Ramahlo | Thato Gaffane | Boitumelo Molete | Dorcas ‘Didi’ Lekganyane | Ntandoyenkosinabadala Makhoba | Bafentse Belinda Mabasa | Curwyn Mapaling | Edith Phalane | Edwin Hlangwani | Khathutshelo Vincent Mphaga | Louis Koen | Shirley Kholofelo Selahle | Sthabile Kolwa | Tshimangadzo Munonde | Ashanti Kutala Mbanga | Bhekani Sibusiso Ntuli | Moma Ngwanapeu Molabe | Ntitiseng Moloi | Shaun Gavin Smith | Anje Yamo Nene | Kgothatso Moloto | Lufuno Rasoesoe | Tamara Magwashu | Nkateko Nkhwashu | Faith Kubeka | Jabulisile Shabalala | Charlene Boitumelo Maila | Ashley Zwelihle Seckel | Lemont Shondlani | Nathan-Ross Adams | Sanele Mntambo | Esrom Sekhu | Mohammed Razaa Sabi | Zanele Nkomo | Dumisani Mthethwa | Celine Meyers | Lorato Ntsie | Nafeesa Alibedi | Tumisi Beiri Jeremiah Molelekoa | Paulina Ngubeni
