Dear UJ community,

As one of the fastest growing and leading universities on the African continent, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) recognises the importance of strategic partnerships, especially those built around research and innovation as well as societal impact and sustainability. Our collaborations in the research space and other areas of knowledge exchange reach far beyond South Africa and on the continent. Connecting with other universities, government institutions, and the private sector is important if we are to sustain our flourishing innovation ecosystem.

Second Primary Health Care Congress

This week, I led a UJ delegation to the 2nd Primary Health Care (PHC) Congress at Amref International University in Nairobi, Kenya, where I also had the honour of delivering a keynote address. The congress was held in collaboration with, amongst others, the UJ Faculty of Health Sciences, under the theme Redesigning Primary Healthcare: Building Resilience Amidst Global Uncertainty. During our visit to Kenya, we had a productive meeting with the Equity Group, and Partner Universities (Karatina University, Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, The Open University of Kenya). We explored potential areas of collaboration, including higher education and leadership development, research, innovation, and technology partnerships and exchange programmes, as well as sustainability and development impact initiatives.

In addition, the UJ delegation had a courtesy call with the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) team to discuss areas of mutual interest and collaboration. The AAS team was led by the Executive Director, Professor Catherine Ngila.

Furthermore, the UJ-Kenya Alumni event will take place later this evening. The aim of this exclusive event is to provide UJ Kenyan alumni with an opportunity to reconnect, network, and engage with one another and with members of the Management Executive Committee (MEC) of their alma mater. This visit has been a resounding success, further cementing UJ’s recognition and influence on the African continent and across other parts of the world.

International Antarctic Institute Secretariat Relaunched in Monaco  

Last week, UJ was among the esteemed institutions from across the globe that were invited to the 3rd Monaco Polar Symposium in France, for the relaunch of the International Antarctic Institute (IAI) Secretariat. The event, which was held under the theme From Arctic to Antarctic: Enabling the Legacy: Translating Polar Research into Action, followed a pre-event in February, also in Monaco last month. This event was organised by the University of the Arctic (UArctic) in collaboration with the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) and the Oceanographic Institute, Prince Albert I of Monaco Foundation. Representatives from universities, scientific bodies, and research foundations discussed ways to improve the future of Antarctic academic cooperation.

The IAI was originally established during the 4th International Polar Year as a structure for supporting international academic engagement with Antarctica. The re-launch of the IAI Secretariat is intended to establish collaborative structures and identify ways to strengthen Antarctic academic cooperation ahead of the 5th International Polar Year (IPY) and beyond. The relaunch signals a renewed commitment to that mission as the polar research community prepares for the next IPY. The Secretariat, earlier hosted by the University of Canterbury, will now be operated by the Ocean University of China.

Sexual and Reproductive Health Webinar

Yesterday, at the Johannesburg Business School (JBS), the School’s Centre for Public Policy and African Studies hosted a webinar on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) at the Heart of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Facilitated by our Executive Dean, Professor Alistair Mokoena, the session brought together global practitioners, academics, civil society members, and development partners for an important conversation on how SRH can be protected and prioritised within evolving UHC reforms. Throughout the discussion, it was made clear that SRH is not a peripheral component of health systems; it is a central test of whether UHC truly delivers equity, financial protection, and high-quality primary health care. While many countries have made progress toward UHC, essential SRH services remain inconsistently integrated into benefit packages. This creates gaps in access, affordability, and service quality, particularly for women, adolescents, and marginalised communities.

Thrills and Tears as the Autumn Graduations Start

Since Monday this week, an air of excitement has filled the Sanlam Auditorium at the Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus as hundreds of our students have crossed the stage to receive their qualifications. This marked the start of the Autumn Graduation Season, which will see a total 13 125 students walking across the stage. Joined by their families, friends and loved ones, the graduates screamed, waved and danced in celebration. The jubilant scenes continued outside the auditorium and across the iconic Madibeng Building, adorned with the UJ core values of impact, innovation, inclusivity, and integrity.

This week’s graduations were the first of the 61 ceremonies and seven additional graduations scheduled for this season. Additionally, this year, we will also recognise nine extraordinary leaders by conferring honorary doctorates upon them. Their conferral affirms the University’s commitment to honouring influence that transcends professions, borders and disciplines. For a full list of distinguished individuals to be conferred with honorary doctorates, click here.

Balancing Rights and Responsibilities in the Modern African Workplace

Last week, I had the honour of addressing the 7th African Labour Law Society in Gaborone, Botswana, on a pressing issue of the seismic shifts in the world of work driven by technology. I shared insights on topics such as Adapting to Change (the rhythm of work has changed dramatically with advancements in digital platforms, AI, and automation) and Job Transformation, Not Elimination (technological changes often restructure jobs rather than eliminate them entirely).

Another topic was Worker Transition is Crucial (as middle-skill routine jobs shrink, we see employment growth at the extremes of the labour market, but not all displaced workers can seamlessly transition to higher-skilled roles). The overriding message was that as we navigate the future of work, let’s ensure that our legal, institutional, and social protection systems evolve in tandem with technological progress. We have an opportunity to build a fairer, more inclusive labour market where rights and responsibilities are balanced for everyone.

Not all Disabilities are Visible – So, Reach Out.

Still on rights and responsibility issues at the workplace, disability is an aspect that is often overlooked across sectors. An invisible, non-visible, hidden, non-apparent, or unseen disability can be any physical, mental, sensory or intellectual impairment that goes largely unnoticed. We’re here to help. There are thousands of illnesses, disorders, diseases, dysfunctions, congenital disabilities, impairments, and injuries that can be debilitating. Therefore, all conditions that are debilitating are taken into consideration when we talk about invisible disabilities.

Employees with invisible disabilities typically do not disclose their disability because they are worried about being stigmatised, discriminated against, or excluded. In conjunction with not disclosing their invisible disabilities, employees are not asking for reasonable accommodation to help them be more engaged and effective in the workplace. We are here to help. For confidential consultation or disclosure, please contact: Ms Pearl Ramafola X4032 and Ms Bhengu Shongwe X2523

Advancing Student Wellbeing through the UJ Meal Assistance Programme

At UJ, student well-being is our prime concern. Our Meal Assistance Programme continues to provide support to students experiencing financial hardship. Designed to safeguard dignity while addressing food insecurity, the programme ensures that vulnerable students can focus on their studies without the added burden of unmet basic needs. Each grocery pack contains about 18 essential items, including toiletries (such as sanitary pads), canned goods, cereals, and staple foods such as maize meal. In 2025 alone, a total of 13 000 grocery packs were distributed across our four campuses, reflecting the scale and impact of the initiative.

This year, the first distribution took place last week, with as many as 1 800 grocery packs supplied across all campuses. This year also marks the introduction of the Meal Mate App, a digital platform designed to enhance both distribution and inventory management. Beyond improving operational efficiency, the app supports a more dignified experience for students by reducing the need for queues and enabling a more discreet and streamlined collection process.

First Semester VC Campus Engagements

I thank all our staff members from the Auckland Park Bunting (APB) Campus and other neighbouring University sites who attended the VC Campus Engagements on Monday. Special thanks to colleagues from the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) for being such gracious hosts. Interacting with many of you in person was wonderful, and we appreciate your contributions. Next week Monday, 9 March 2026, is the turn of our colleagues at the APK Campus (UJ Arts Centre) at the usual time of 12h00 to 13h30. As usual, I will be joined by members of the Management Executive Committee (MEC) and the Executive Leadership Group (ELG). If there are any specific issues you would like to have addressed or have a question for me, please send these to bernicem@uj.ac.za.

High Tea with the VC

I also wish to thank everyone who attended the High Tea with the VC hybrid book discussion, last week  when we discussed my latest book, From Predator to Prey: Leadership Lessons from the African Wild and Beyond.  It was indeed an engaging and lively conversation. If the discussions were anything to go by, it was clear that many of those in attendance had already read the book. Remember that proceeds from the book sales go towards the Mpedi Family Scholarship for Neurodiversity Studies. Get your copy to support this noble cause.

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

Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi: Vice Chancellor and Principal

Times mentioned in this newsletter refer to the South African time zone.