Universities have a critical role to play in capacitating the state through their expertise in Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies in order to improve service delivery and improve the livelihoods of citizens. This was the message of Professor Somadoda Fikeni, the Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, yesterday, when he delivered a keynote address at the University of Johannesburg (UJ).
The occasion was the 2025 Stakeholder Report, an annual event to provide a comprehensive overview of the University’s achievements and progress across the institution in the past year. Held under the theme, The Role of the University in Building State Capacity’, the event was attended by representatives from the government, industry leaders and members of the UJ’s executive leadership.
In his address, Prof Fikeni painted a picture of an ailing state that was incapable of improving service delivery even during the modern era characterised by advanced technologies. “It won’t take the private sector, even if they wanted to, because they are not structured to do that. It won’t take civil society alone, but the university should come forward and begin to reimagine the future that we ought to have,” said Prof Fikeni.
Taking the audience through some of the enduring challenges faced by the public service in the country, he called on the UJ and the broader higher education sector to be the drivers of change and empowerment that the state needs. “UJ would assist in focusing on one thing before we go to others, bring a national conference to focus on why implementation has become such a crisis in this country. You’ll begin to reveal the anatomy and the functioning of a state that has mastered in the art of dysfunction,” he said.
Chairperson of the UJ Council, Dr Yondela Ndema, provided a frank assessment of UJ’s performance, reminding audiences of the achievements and progress the University made last year but also highlighting some of the challenges. She mentioned the recognition of UJ by various global rankings, as a leading institution of higher learning in South Africa and on the African continent across various disciplines. Through strategic partnerships, research collaboration, and international engagement, UJ continues to enhance its standing while remaining firmly rooted in the African context. “UJ has matured with resilience and ambition, moving from a focus on stabilisation and identity formation to one of strategic differentiation, global competitiveness, and meaningful societal engagement.”
“We are encouraged by the university’s continued investment in the infrastructure and digital capabilities necessary for future growth,” she said, adding that Council would continue to prioritise effective implementation of UJ’s Strategic Plan 2035, an ambitious roadmap designed to navigate the future of education while deepening its societal impact. “As we look forward towards the future, Council’s responsibility is clear: to ensure that strategic ambition is met by effective implementation, measurable outcomes, and institutional accountability. The next chapter of UJ’s journey must be defined not simply by how highly we rank, but by the lives we transform, the opportunities we create and the contribution we will make to society.”
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, presented a comprehensive overview of achievements and progress of the last year. “If I could be the first one to judge, 2025 was a very successful year. The 2026 Stakeholder Report will tell the story of an institution that has grown from one year, to the next.” He said, attributing the success to the staff and students. “It (success) is because of the hard work of the many men and women here at UJ who work hard day and night. They are committed to the University’s vision. When we face a challenge, we all get together and we give it our all.”
