A significant milestone in the University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s publishing journey was achieved on 30 October 2025, with the official signing of contracts establishing UJ Press Pty Ltd as a commercial entity. The ceremony, held at the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, was officiated by Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Internationalisation, and Prof Maria Frahm-Arp, Executive Director of the Library and Information Centre.
This strategic move marks the next chapter in UJ Press’s evolution as it continues to expand its global reach and strengthen its commitment to publishing high-quality, impactful scholarly works. Having operated sustainably over the past four years, UJ Press now enters a new phase of growth aimed at enhancing the visibility and impact of South African and African research on the international stage.
Wikus van Zyl, UJ Press Manager said this move positions them to become a key roleplayer in the African publishing landscape. “The formation of UJ Press Pty Ltd positions us to become a key player in the African publishing landscape, empowering knowledge creation and ensuring that African scholarship is recognised and cited globally,” he said.
The signing ceremony symbolised the formal establishment of UJ Press Pty Ltd, transitioning the press into a fully-fledged commercial arm of the University. The event celebrated UJ’s dedication to fostering innovation in scholarly publishing while ensuring financial sustainability and greater global presence. It brought together members of the university’s leadership, publishing partners, and staff from the UJ Library and Press, reaffirming UJ’s vision of producing accessible, inclusive, and internationally recognised research publications.
The establishment of UJ Press Pty Ltd represents a transformative development for academics, researchers, and the broader scholarly community. It provides an enhanced platform for the dissemination of African scholarship, creating new opportunities for partnerships, open-access initiatives, and digital publishing innovations.
An author published with UJ Press Nume Mashinini said the move is indicative of UJ Press’ efficiency. “It is inspiring to see how much your team has accomplished in such a short time and I’m really impressed by the range and quality of your new titles. I’m so proud to be associated with UJ Press. Congratulations to you and your team for your continued dedication and excellence in publishing.”
For more information on UJ Press visit: https://ujonlinepress.uj.ac.za/index.php/ujp/about
