Dear UJ community,

Universities have considerable potential to contribute towards positive societal impact by addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. Beyond the volume of research published and academic citations, real impact lies outside the lecture halls and laboratories. This is even more the case in a country like ours, which still faces many social, economic, and other challenges.

UJ Societal Impact: Bicycles for Learning  

Yesterday, UJ once again showcased our commitment to societal impact. In partnership with Absa Business Banking and Qhubeka Charity, our University distributed more than 100 bicycles to Grade 11 learners from Hanyani Secondary School. This initiative addresses the challenge learners face in getting to school. The handover arose directly from UJ’s Societal Impact and Sustainability Project at the school and in the villages of Gwakwani, Matatani and Mbodi, where some of the learners are from.

Through this project, dating back to 2014 and launched in October 2024, the University has leveraged technology to address critical infrastructure needs for residents in under-resourced areas, bringing sustainable solutions in energy, water, connectivity, and education. At Hanyani Secondary School, this work includes the installation of solar panels and the development of the Tshumisano Learning Centre equipped with Wi-Fi, computers, books and other learning material. Our partnership with Absa and Qhubeka reflects our shared commitment to empowering youth through mobility and infrastructure development. Click here to read more about this. You can also watch the highlights here.

The Future of Education Summit 2025

Also yesterday, I had the honour of speaking at the eagerly awaited CNBC Future of Education 2025 summit. I featured in the panel Closing the Youth Employment Gap which addressed one of Africa’s biggest challenges. I emphasised the need to rethink higher education through curriculum reform, technology integration, teacher development, infrastructure investment, and sustainable financing. I also highlighted a dual learning approach, combining theory with vocational skills, and a multidisciplinary framework to broaden students’ horizons. The summit explored alternative credentials, the role of AI and virtual reality in learning, digital equity, and stronger industry-academia collaboration. My message was clear: Africa has a chance not just to close the skills gap but to develop human capacity that is globally competitive and future ready.

Combating Corruption Summit 

Corruption and fraud are a menace that continue to erode South Africa’s democracy, economy, and social fabric. In response, UJ, through the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), hosted the second annual Combating Corruption Summit this week. Anchored in the values of our UJ’s Strategic Plan 2035 – Impact, Integrity, Innovation, and Inclusivity – the three-day summit brought together leaders from business, civil society, law enforcement, government, and academia. Delegates engaged in robust discussions about the impact of fraud and corruption, and co-developed strategies to build a more transparent and accountable society.

Among the keynote speakers were high-ranking government officials, including Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Dean Macpherson and his counterparts from Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, and Justice and Constitutional Development, Hon. Mmamoloko Kubayi. Other high-profile speakers included the Auditor General of South Africa, Tsakani Maluleke, former SARS Head of Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions, Ronel van Wyk, and Mr Tebogo Khaas, Chairperson of Public Interest SA and Public Protector, Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka.

I am pleased with the discussions and hope the summit will lead to a lasting impact in tackling corruption, strengthening accountability, and deepening public trust. To this end, delegates signed an anti-corruption pledge that will lead to a policy document to be presented to the Government. To read more about this, click here.

MISTRA Annual Lecture 

Yesterday, UJ, in partnership with MISTRA (Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection), hosted the Annual Mapungubwe Lecture. Dr Naledi Pandor, the Chairperson of the Nelson Mandela Foundation Board of Trustees and former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, delivered the 13th edition of this much-anticipated event. This year’s lecture explored the theme: Has the world moved under our feet? Dr Pandor reflected on the implications of shifting geopolitical dynamics, the evolving nature of US–China relations, and their far-reaching consequences for global peace, political economy, and the future of US–South Africa relations.

I am pleased that the lecture prompted such deep thinking on how emerging global trends affect national sovereignty, development, and the Global South’s role in international relations. Click here to watch the lecture.

Celebrating Staff Excellence

Recently and fittingly during Women’s Month, three women leaders at UJ were honoured with prestigious South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) and the Higher Education Resources Services South Africa (HERS-SA). The winners are as follows:

• SAWiSA: Distinguished Young Woman Researcher in the Natural Sciences and Engineering category – Prof Mahloro Hope Serepa-Dlamini (Bacterial Genomics and Biotechnology and the HOD of Biotechnology and Food Technology, Faculty of Science).
• HERS-SA HEWLA Lifetime Achiever award: Prof Tina Uys (Professor of sociology and a certified clinical sociologist (AACS).
• HERS-SA HEWLA Women in Humanities and Social Sciences Award: Prof. Claude-Hélène Mayer (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Several other UJ staff were amongst the finalists. Hearty congratulations to all you colleagues, you have really done us proud! I hope your work will inspire many of our students and staff members. Click here to read more about this.

VC Campus Engagements

Next week is that time of the year again when members of the University’s Executive Leadership Group (ELG) and I embark on roadshows for the Second Semester VC Campus Engagements. Through these events, staff from our four campuses and other university sites will engage with leadership on the state of our university and strategic matters and other key issues affecting the institution. The events are scheduled as follows:

• Monday, 8 September 2025: Soweto Campus (SWC) – VIP Lounge, Imbizo Hall
• Tuesday, 9 September 2025: Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) – Sanlam Auditorium
• Wednesday, 10 September 2025: Aukland Park Bunting (APB) – Sun International Auditorium, STH.
• Tuesday, 16 September 2025: Doornfontein Campus (DFC) – Exam Centre, Room 2120, John Orr Building.

Please note that these will take place at 12h00, except for the DFC engagement, which will start at 14h00. If there are any specific issues you would like to have addressed or if you have any questions for me, please send an email to bernicem@uj.ac.za.

High Tea with the VC

Lastly, I thank everyone who attended the High Tea with the VC Book Discussion last Friday when I hosted Professor Adekeye Adebajo for his book The Splendid Tapestry of African Life: Essays on a Resilient Continent, its Diaspora, and the World. As expected, it lived up to its expectations as a stimulating conversation about Africa’s past, present, and future. To watch, click here.

Ke a leboha, ngiyabonga, thank you, baie dankie!

Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi
Vice-Chancellor and Principal