Dear UJ community,
As we welcome the warmer days of spring, I am delighted to share several exciting developments and achievements across our University community.
Celebrating Academic Excellence at Spring Graduations
It is with immense pride that I announce the commencement of our Spring/Summer Graduation ceremonies. Over the coming weeks, we will celebrate thousands of graduates across all our campuses as they embark on new journeys armed with knowledge, skills, and the UJ spirit of innovation. These ceremonies represent not only personal triumphs but also our collective commitment to academic excellence and transformation.
I am particularly honoured to announce that acclaimed poet, author, and journalist Ms Antjie Krog will receive an honorary doctorate at next week’s ceremony. Through her poetry, translations, and groundbreaking journalism—including her reporting on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission—she has profoundly shaped South Africa’s literary and socio-political landscape. Her commitment to breaking linguistic and cultural barriers and fostering critical discourse on identity, justice, and transformation makes her a most deserving recipient of this honour.
I congratulate our graduating class and thank the dedicated academic and support staff who have guided them throughout their studies. To our graduates: you carry with you the responsibility of being global citizens and leaders who will shape a better future for all.
AI Innovation: UJ students take top spots at G20 Tourism hackathon
While we celebrate our graduates’ accomplishments, our current students continue to excel on the global stage. UJ has cemented its status as a leader in applied innovation, with students from the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) clinching both first and second place at the highly competitive G20 Tourism Hackathon. UJ stood out as the only university with students in the top two teams out of 46 youth participants representing 21 institutions—a remarkable achievement.
Third-year Bachelor of Tourism Management and Development student Teagon Spykerman was part of The Catalysts team, which secured first place and R175,000 for Hologram Hub, a digital platform empowering rural communities to preserve their cultural heritage and attract tourists.
Inganathi Zimela’s team secured second place and R140,000 for Map My Biz, combining offline learning with AI-driven support to make rural entrepreneurs visible and accessible to tourists.
Both teams will present their solutions at the G20 Ministerial Summit to Tourism Ministers from G20 countries. These student achievements reflect not only exceptional talent but also the strength of our institutional leadership.
I extend heartfelt congratulations to Teagon, Inganathi, their mentor Akhona Melani, and Professor Diane Abrahams, Director of the STH. Read more here.
Hospitality Internship Programme: Building pathways to employment
Continuing our School of Tourism and Hospitality’s momentum, I am pleased to announce a novel internship programme unveiled yesterday by Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube, in partnership with Diageo, the University of Johannesburg’s School of Tourism & Hospitality, and the Youth Employment Service (YES). This partnership is focused on equipping youth with skills, creating pathways to employment, and shaping brighter futures within one of the nation’s fastest-growing industries. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that academic excellence translates into meaningful employment opportunities for our young people.
Welcoming new leadership at the Johannesburg Business School
I am delighted to welcome Professor Alistair Mokoena as the new Dean of the Johannesburg Business School (JBS). Professor Mokoena brings over 25 years of leadership experience from global corporations and academia, including executive roles at Google South Africa, Ogilvy South Africa, and Foote, Cone & Belding South Africa.
A published author and Chartered Marketer (SA) with a PhD from North-West University, he has received Distinguished Alumni Awards from North-West University (2023) and Rhodes University (2024). He is also the founder of the Alistair Mokoena Education Fund, supporting students at UJ, Rhodes, and North-West Universities.
His wealth of leadership experience and passion for education will add great strength to the Orange Army, and I look forward to his vision in shaping JBS’s bold future.
Prioritising mental wellness during Spring Examination period
Whilst we strengthen our leadership and celebrate our students’ achievements, we remain equally committed to supporting their wellbeing. As we enter the spring examination period, I emphasise the importance of mental health and wellbeing for our entire community. I encourage all students to use our comprehensive support services, including Student Wellness Centres across all campuses, which offer counselling, stress management workshops, and peer support programmes. Academic staff have also arranged revision sessions and consultation hours.
To our staff, remain vigilant and compassionate, creating spaces where students feel comfortable discussing their challenges. Mental wellness is fundamental to academic success and personal growth. Please reach out to PsyCaD and/or our Centre for Student Health and Wellness for any assistance. The 24-hour number is 082 054 1137.
Applications Open: Beware of Scams
As we support our current community, we also look ahead to welcoming future students. As the application season continues for the 2026 academic year, remain alert to scams targeting prospective students. Fraudsters often pose as universities or agents, promising guaranteed admission in exchange for money. For authentic information about UJ admissions, visit our official website or contact our official admissions offices directly. Please take a moment to watch this short video with practical tips to help you spot and avoid these scams.
Ke a leboha, ngiyabonga, thank you, baie dankie!
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
