The University of Johannesburg (UJ) recently held its 2025 Long Service Awards, a glamorous event dedicated to celebrating the commitment and enduring contributions of its staff. The ceremony recognized 121 employees who have served the institution for 20 years or more, underscoring their pivotal roles in UJ’s journey of growth and transformation.
Organised by the university’s Human Capital Management (HCM) division, the event brought together staff members and their loved ones to acknowledge their unwavering dedication. The University celebrated staff across several categories: 49 members in the 20-year group, 22 in the 25-year group, 21 in the 30-year group, 18 in the 35-year group, and seven in the impressive 40-year group. Four members of the University’s Executive Leadership Group were also honoured.
Tokoza Kwinana, HCM Director and event MC, opened the proceedings by highlighting the deep significance of the awards. “We gather not only to celebrate the commitment, loyalty and excellence of our long serving colleagues, but to also reflect on the extraordinary journey of our beloved University as we proudly celebrate 20 years of impact, innovation and transformation,” Kwinana said. “This event is not just another event on our calendars, but it is a heartfelt gesture where we show gratitude and recognition to our colleagues.”
UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi praised the honourees for being instrumental in shaping the institution’s identity. He noted that their impact extended beyond measurable metrics.
“Each of you has shaped the character of the University of Johannesburg through your daily contributions, your interactions with colleagues and students, and your unwavering commitment to our shared mission. You have created an institutional culture that extends far beyond what can be measured in outputs or rankings,” Prof Mpedi said.
As UJ wraps up celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, Prof Mpedi reflected on the challenging transition period that created the modern institution from its three founding bodies. He acknowledged the honourees for trusting the vision, even through times of uncertainty.
“Today, as we celebrate your long service, we also celebrate the enduring success of that bold vision. Many of you carry within you the memories and traditions of those founding institutions. You have been the bridge between past and present, ensuring that the best of each legacy continues to enrich who we are today,” Prof Mpedi stated. “This 20th anniversary is not just UJ’s milestone. It belongs equally to you, the very people who transformed that vision into reality through your daily dedication and excellence.”
Among those celebrating four decades of service was Christa Haman, Personal Assistant to the Registrar. Haman, who began her career during the days of the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), shared that her longevity was due to a positive, mutually beneficial relationship with the institution.
“I have worked for both RAU and UJ. I didn’t feel the need to leave because its been a good working relationship. I gave my all from the beginning, right until now, the end,” she shared candidly.
Haman fondly recalled the special working relationships with her colleagues but noted that periods like the 2015/16 Fees Must Fall protests and the COVID-19 pandemic stood out as particularly memorable challenges: “Fees Must Fall was a challenging period for the University. This and COVID certainly stand out,” she said.
When asked for the secret to her long-term success, Haman emphasised the importance of respect and loyalty, and treating people with empathy. “To get to 40 years, you must be loyal and respectful. You must treat everyone in the worklplace fairly and remember to make space for people’s humanity. A preacher told me once, ‘Everyone sits besides their own pool of tears’, this has always reminded me to treat people with empathy at all times,” she explained.
Also honoured for 40 years of service was Thandi Koza, a technical assistant in UJ’s Fashion Design department. Koza started at the Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR), one of UJ’s predecessor institutions, in 1987 at the age of 24 as a general assistant making tea. She credits the University for changing her life.
“My then manager recognized my potential and gave me the opportunity to study with the Clothing Industrial Training Board (CITB). I could, after the training now assist with the hands-on practical training of students, something I still do today as a technical assistant,” she said.
Koza highlighted that being at TWR and later UJ opened a world of possibilities, which was a core reason for her long tenure. Her advice to new professionals is simple: respect and hard work are key. “Respect in the workplace is important-equally important is that it’s a two-way street. Today, I have a skill that I can use beyond my time at UJ. This has been in part my recipe for success. Teamwork is also vital,” she added. Her child is also a proud graduate of the University of Johannesburg, an opportunity made possible by her employment.
UJ Chief Operating Officer Dr Mpoti Ralephata closed the ceremony, echoing the deep appreciation for the staff’s dedication. “Whenever we come to this ceremony, it often strikes me that we are gathered to celebrate something that is rare these days. We are celebrating the spirit of service, loyalty which is even rarer,” Dr Ralephata said. “The VC often speaks of how UJ is the university for South Africa, Africa and the world. It is this service that you colleagues render, that makes us a University of choice.”
