Dear UJ community,
This week on Tuesday, as the Women’s Month commemorations continue in South Africa, our University hosted the twelfth edition of the annual Mapungubwe Annual Lecture, in partnership with the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA). Since its inception in 2012, the lecture has continued to occupy a prestigious place in the intellectual landscape of South Africa, attracting wide audiences, nationally, continentally and globally.
This year’s lecture, held under the theme Critiques of Constitutionalism 30 Years On, was delivered by the renowned lawyer and author, Advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi SC. To say that the lecture lived up to its expectations is an understatement, as Adv Ngcukaitobi delivered one of the most riveting and thought-provoking addresses in recent times. Just to share some snippets, the lecture delved into constitutionalism, with special focus on the Bill of Rights, which is a statement to safeguard civil liberties, equality and other freedoms. Adv Ngcukaitobi suggested that democracy can only be meaningful when there are tangible efforts to end inequality and discrimination, which manifest in different forms, including race, gender, economic, social and cultural.
Supremacy of the Constitution, enforced by an independent judiciary
Despite these rights being guaranteed in the Constitution, Adv Ngcukaitobi said South Africa still has a crisis of inequality. “We have a Constitution which promotes equality, but a society which has produced inequality,” he said, citing race, gender and income disparity, “which explained the depth of South Africa’s inequality”. He suggested that what was required was the supremacy of the Constitution, enforced by an independent judiciary. “It is as if the economy operates outside of the framework of the Constitution. An equal society cannot be founded on economic injustice. That is simply a contradiction in terms. There are many things that can be done to resolve the crisis of economic injustice.”
UJ launches another book on women
Against the backdrop of the lecture on Constitutionalism, our University launched a book titled Women on Wednesday, 8 August 2024. This is a period when we celebrate women from all walks of life for the vital role they play and continue to play in society. Lest we forget, it is a period dedicated to honouring the more than 20,000 women who, on 9 August 1956, defied the odds to march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria in a mass demonstration against unjust Pass Laws.
It is our second book dedicated to honouring women this year, after the publication of Mama in May. This is a fitting tribute to and a reminder that the journey we have invariably travelled in our lives would not have been possible without the contribution of women. As Adv Ngcukaitobi said in his lecture, gender, along with race and income disparity, explain the depths of South Africa’s inequality. At UJ, we are privileged to have so many extraordinary women– from our staff, students and alumni. Because of their contribution and dedication, our University is renowned for the excellence of its academic and research work.
I reiterate my call to all of us, as the UJ Community, to continue to be steadfast in standing against the injustices against women. We must continue to promote gender equality and justice for all. This means condemning acts of violence and taking proactive steps to create a safe and supportive environment. This is a task that demands action from us all. Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo. Malibongwe!
Olympic and Paralympic Games
On the sporting front, I congratulate Team South Africa for winning 6 medals in the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris, France. The medals include one gold (Tatjana Smith in women’s 200m breaststroke) and three silvers (Tatjana Smith in women’s 100m breaststroke amongst others) competitions. As previously mentioned, three UJ athletes and alumni are part of Team South Africa representing the country in the games. This shows our commitment to sports development. Best of luck to all those still competing!
UJ Future Walk
Still on sport matters, we are gearing up to the 5th UJ Future Walk at the AW Muller Stadium, scheduled for Saturday, 28 September 2024. This is as the UJ Sport Division, in collaboration with other UJ departments, continues its quest to bridge the gap in funding underprivileged students at the University. Through the UJ Future Walk, staff, students, alumni and residents of the Johannesburg metropolis have the power to change people’s lives by participating in the walk. Please register in large numbers to support this important initiative to make an indelible impact on the lives of our students and your own wellness. Click here to buy ticket to the UJ Future Walk.
Thank you for being part of the UJ community that is consistently making a lasting impact on students’ lives. Your support has also helped us provide meal packs to close to 4000 students monthly through our Meals Assistance Project. Give to the UJ Meals Assistance Project today!
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.
