The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi honoured some of the institution’s top performers in the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Awards for Teaching, Research, Innovation and Service 2023.

The hybrid ceremony, held on Wednesday, 22 November 2023, at the Ubuntu Chambers on the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, recognised eleven exceptional contributors from diverse faculties and support staff for their exemplary efforts throughout the year.

The evening’s programme director, Prof Kirti Menon, Senior Director of the Division for Teaching Excellence, guided the proceedings. In his address, Professor Mpedi commended the awardees for their resilience in the face of challenges arising from the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, acknowledging their ability to not only endure but to excel.

“UJ has risen to heights untold because of your efforts – you are the proverbial wind. As we draw close to the end of my first year as Vice-Chancellor, I have been cognisant of what an incredible institution I have inherited. It is not lost on me that it takes the people of an institution to make it great. This year has been defined by great change – globally, our experience has been harrowing, locally, we have grappled with rebuilding in the aftermath of the pandemic and as a University, there has been sweeping senior management changes. It has been truly remarkable to see you not only persevere against these competing contexts but demonstrate excellence. This is really what we are gathered here this evening to celebrate,” he said.

Prof Mpedi extended his appreciation to the recipients, noting that this celebration of their excellence acknowledged the myriad of challenges they faced while also expressing his sincere gratitude for their steadfast commitment to the University.

He further reflected on how each year, the work of selecting winners for these awards becomes increasingly difficult-this is largely due to the culture of excellence that prevails at UJ. He thanked them for their contributions to UJ’s excellence.

“We often speak of UJ’s extraordinary rise in recent years but what has really characterised this rise is your commitment and dedication to the University. You are the very personification of our success. The philosopher Sophocles argued that success is dependent on effort. Your efforts have been an incredible feat,” he said.

See the full list of award recipients below:

MOST PROMISING YOUNG TEACHER OF THE YEAR

• Dr Fatima Ismail – Faculty of Health Sciences
• Dr Thulane Paepae – Faculty of Science

TEACHER EXCELLENCE

• Prof Thembisa Waetjen – Faculty of Humanities
• Dr Philip Baron – Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment
• Prof Michele van Eck – Faculty of Law

MOST PROMISING YOUNG RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR

• Dr Nastassia Thandiwe Sithole – Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

OUTSTANDING RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR

• Prof Samuel Oluwafemi – Faculty of Science

GLOBAL EXCELLENCE AND STATURE 4.0

• Prof Sabu Thomas – Distinguished Visiting Professor, Department of Chemical Sciences

HIGHEST CITED RESEARCHER

• Prof Arnold Bakker – Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Department of Industrial Psychology & People Management, College of Business and Economics (CBE)

SERVICE BEYOND THE NORMAL CALL OF DUTY

• Ms Diana Faseka – Faculty of Science
• Mr Mohau Ernest Kabi – Protection Services

Watch the full ceremony here: