Despite fielding one of the smallest contingents at the 12th All Africa University Games, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) punched above its weight in athletic excellence, capturing an astounding 27 medals to secure second place overall at one of Africa’s premier university sports events at The American University in Cairo in Egypt.
Held from 8 to 16 September 2026, the Games brought together nine elite continental institutions, including the host institution, the University of Ghana, the University of Algeria, and Ain Shams University, among others.
UJ dispatched a compact delegation of 50 student-athletes and support staff. Competing in squash, table tennis, basketball, and track and field, the Orange Army punched far above their weight class, finishing behind AUC who had 46 medals in total.
The spotlight belonged overwhelmingly to UJ’s track and field powerhouse, which dominated the athletics programme – most notably sweeping key events in the sprints, hurdles, middle distance, and field disciplines.
UJ athletes mounted the top step of the podium (gold medals) 15 times during the Games, demonstrating exceptional speed, stamina, and technical prowess:
- Tshepo Tyantini – Men’s 100m Sprint & Men’s 200m Sprint
- Penelope Shipalana – Women’s 100m Hurdles & Women’s 400m Hurdles
- Atang Naane – Women’s 100m Sprint
- Precious Molepo – Women’s 400m Sprint
- Paballo Radebe – Women’s 800m Run
- Kgopotso Shokane – Women’s 3000m Steeplechase
- Dawid Afrikaner – Men’s Triple Jump
- Martha Nkosi – Women’s High Jump
- Mignon La Grange – Women’s Shot Put
- Women’s 4x100m Relay Team
Adding to the tally, UJ claimed seven silver medals, showcasing the squad’s impressive depth:
- Emma Germishuysen – Women’s 100m Sprint
- Atang Naane – Women’s 200m Sprint
- Lehlohonolo Dyasi – Men’s 200m Sprint
- Martha Nkosi – Women’s 100m Hurdles
- Rasheed Gardi – Men’s 400m Hurdles
- Nolwazi Mashaba – Women’s Triple Jump
- Women’s 4x400m Relay Team
Five bronze medals rounded out the historic campaign:
- Tumelo Lerumo – Men’s 1500m Run
- Phemelo Ntoe – Men’s 5000m Run
- UJ Squash Team
Reflecting on the remarkable campaign in his weekly newsletter, UJ Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi lauded the delegation’s spirit and praised the management behind the success.
“Special commendations go to Ms. Nomsa Mahlangu and the entire club management team for their outstanding leadership in guiding the student-athletes to represent both the institution and the nation with distinction,” wrote Prof. Mpedi.
UJ’s performance in Cairo reinforces its reputation as a powerhouse of African university sport, proving that quality and elite preparation overcome sheer numerical advantage on the grandest stage.
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