The University of Johannesburg, with its recognition as a leading institution in Africa across multiple global rankings, is strengthening its partnerships with international universities. At a meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Haiti to South Africa, His Excellency Mr. Jean Robert Pillard, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, expressed his excitement at the opportunities to strengthen ties between UJ and universities in Haiti. The courtesy visit by Ambassador Pillard took place on Thursday, 19 February 2026, at the Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) campus, Johannesburg.
Prof. Mpedi and Ambassador Pillard identified several areas of collaboration between UJ and Haitian universities and society. Ambassador Pillard expressed a strong interest in the UJ Rescue Simulation Centre’s groundbreaking work. Members of the Rescue Simulation Centre were part of the team of rescuers that joined the rescue mission in Haiti after the devastating earthquake, which led to the death of about 200,000 people in 2010. The team was recently deployed to Mozambique during the recent floods.
There are other areas in which UJ scholars and researchers are involved in world-class research that is changing lives. These include 3D-printed houses, transforming hemp into hempcrete, and using digital education to expand access to university education. UJ is a leader in digital education through UJ Digital, a twin to its brick-and-mortar campuses.
Commenting on the courtesy visit by Ambassador. Pillard, Prof. Mpedi said: “I am very excited that the Ambassador chose UJ as one of the first institutions to visit so soon after his appointment as Ambassador to South Africa. Haiti and South Africa enjoy strong bilateral relations and share a similar history.”
He added: “Our strategic goal is to strengthen our partnerships with universities in the African continent and the Global South. This falls under the strategic theme ‘Global Footprint and Partnerships in our Strategic Plan 2035. I see valuable opportunities for educational partnerships and cultural exchanges between staff and students from UJ and institutions of higher education in Haiti.’
Ambassador Pillard agreed with Prof. Mpedi and said: “One of the first persons I reached out to when I got appointed as the Haitian Ambassador to South Africa was Prof. Mpedi. We at Haiti are inspired by the great work being done at UJ. As the ambassador, I want to forge close ties between UJ and other universities in Haiti.
“I am excited by the groundbreaking research being done at UJ and already see a lot of opportunities for educational collaboration and cultural exchanges. Our teams will meet soon to implement the decisions we took at the meeting today.”
