On a brisk Saturday morning in Auckland Park, more than a thousand people hit the streets for the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) annual Future Fun Run with Discovery Vitality. The event, featuring a vibrant mix of seasoned runners, social walkers, and families, brought the community together to support a crucial cause: fundraising for academically deserving students who are unable to cover their tuition fees, a group often referred to as the “Missing Middle.”
Among the participants was South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, Buti Manamela, who completed the 10km race. “The UJ Future Fun Run has grown in stature and deserves to be supported,” the Minister said, praising the university’s initiative. Clad in a t-shirt, shorts, and takkies, he ran alongside students, staff, and UJ Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, encouraging fellow runners along the scenic route that wove through iconic UJ buildings, from the AW Muller Stadium to the Kingsway Campus.
Minister Manamela, speaking at the finish line, reflected on the university’s significance. “As part of the University’s 20th anniversary, we’re really excited that UJ has come this far. It has become a place that symbolizes transformation and change – it’s one of the best reinventions post-democracy. We really need to protect this brand. It was fun running with students, staff, and the Vice-Chancellor here at UJ. Keep UJ alive,” he urged.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mpedi, echoed this sentiment, donning the famous No. 9 orange UJ football shirt and black tracksuit pants for his 5km run and walk. “This is really important for us, to exercise and live healthier lifestyles,” he stated. “For us at UJ, it is also an extra special event that gives us a good opportunity to raise funds for our ‘Missing Middle’ students.”
Professor Mpedi expressed his gratitude to all who participated. “Thank you to all our sponsors and partners and everyone who took their time to be part of this important initiative. We love you and we will see you again right here at the great University of Johannesburg in the next event,” he said, celebrating the event’s success.
The family-friendly fun run attracted people from across Gauteng, with children enjoying jumping castles and babies in prams joining their parents for a stroll, creating a festive atmosphere at the AW Muller Stadium. The day was a testament to the community’s commitment to supporting education and fostering a healthier, more connected lifestyle.
While raising funds through the event, it was also UJ’s way of celebrating International Day of University Sport (IDUS). IDUS is an initiative through which hundreds of universities worldwide highlight the importance of sport and physical activity for their campus communities.
The 2025 UJ Future Forward Fun Run with Discovery Vitality was supported by Lucky Star, Mentos, and Sealand Gear to advance the UJ #HealthyCampusProgramme, Lucky Star’s #HeartbeatSessions, and Discovery Vitality’s launch of their #VarsityRunSeries.
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