Dear UJ community,
Every year, on the second Sunday of May, countries worldwide celebrate Mother’s Day in honour of the profound role that mothers play in the lives of children, families, communities and the broader society. Although the day is not a public holiday in South Africa, it remains a special occasion when we salute our heroines and guardian angels who have shaped our lives through love, support and guidance, often under the most trying of conditions.
Celebrating ‘Mama’.
To celebrate Mother’s Day this year, UJ will launch a book titled ‘Mama’ today, a collection of stories written by our staff members paying tributes to their mothers and mother figures who, through their love, strength and resilience, have left an indelible mark on our lives. Most importantly, the book is published by our very own UJ Press. The event will be held at the Art Centre, Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) campus between 12h30 noon and 14h00.
Second Annual Shireen Abu Akleh Memorial Lecture
Universities, as the centres of knowledge and critical thinking, have an important role in shaping democracy and peace-making initiatives. Last year, our University expressed its stance on the ongoing Israeli-Palestine conflict, highlighting our support for the upholding, preservation, and protection of human rights.
On Wednesday, 8 May 2024, Dr Naledi Pandor, shared her insights into the conflict, when she visited our University. Delivering a keynote address at the second annual Shireen Abu Akleh Memorial Lecture, Dr Pandor highlighted the unique responsibility of South African institutions of higher learning in that conflict-torn region, given our country’s history and track record in conflict resolution initiatives. To read more about this, click here.
Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture
Next week, on Wednesday, 15 May 2024, our University will, in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour, host the Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture. The lecture is a tribute to Mr Barayi, a trade union leader who sacrificed his life in the struggle for peace, freedom, and building a non-racial, non-sexist, democratic society in South Africa. He was one of the founding leaders of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM). He would later become the Congress of South African Trade Union (Cosatu) President at its launch in 1985.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the keynote address at the memorial lecture, which is scheduled between 10:00 and 12:30 at the Imbizo Hall at our Soweto Campus. You can also catch the lecture live on our official YouTube channel and major television and radio stations in the country. Our very own UJTV and UJFM will also be on-site to capture the lecture.
VC Industry Leaders Appreciation
In the last 19 years, since its inception, our University has built a sustainable business model through partnerships with the mainstream industry and other interest groups. Through such partnerships, we have ensured that our University remains an institution that consistently maintains its academic stature of world-class research and is a vehicle of innovation through the lens of societal impact.
On Tuesday evening, I hosted the VC Industry Leaders Appreciation event to show gratitude to our donors and funders for their acts of goodwill and benevolence. Among the industry leaders who graced our event were Dr Amuzweni Ngoma, Director at the Gauteng City Region (GCRA) and Ms Vuyo Mwase, Chief Executive at the Energy Mobility Education Trust (EMET), both of whom delivered keynote addresses. They shared their satisfaction with the immense impact collaborating with UJ has had on students and in skills development, which is indispensable in driving South Africa’s transformation agenda and economic development. To read more about this, click here.
Disability Forum launch
On a different note, I am excited to announce the launch of the UJ Disability Forum, a new initiative aimed at inclusivity within our University Community. Building upon our commitment to diversity, this forum joins existing platforms like the LGBTQI Forum and the Men’s Forum, dedicated to addressing the unique needs of our diverse student and staff populations. The inaugural forum, held on Tuesday, 7 May 2024, centred around the theme United in action to achieve the SDGs for, with, and by persons with disabilities, which is aligned with the United Nations’ (UN) vision for inclusivity. To our Chief Operating Officer and forum champion, Dr Mpoti Ralephata and team, well done on this initiative! Let us continue to work together towards a more inclusive future for all members of our community! To read more about this, click here.
Atrium building renamed UJ on Stanley
Our University recently acquired the Atrium (formerly Santam building) on Stanley Road, otherwise known as 44 Stanely, in Auckland Park, for the purpose of housing our professional support staff. I am pleased to announce that the building has been cleared for occupancy, and now houses divisions such as Human Capital Management, Finance (formerly FinGov), Information and Communications Systems (ICS) and the University Secretariat. Most importantly, and after extensive consultations and in line with the UJ naming convention of campuses, UJ on Stanley has been approved as the official name of the building.
UJ researchers nominated for the 2023/2024 NSTF-South32 Awards
I am pleased to share the news of our continued recognition for scientific excellence through the nominations of researchers across eight categories in the prestigious 26th National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Awards. Often likened to the ‘Science Oscars’ of South Africa, these awards celebrate remarkable contributions to science, technology, and innovation, in collaboration with South32. The breadth of categories in which UJ researchers have been nominated is a testament to our University’s commitment to excellence across diverse scientific domains. To read more about who was nominated, click here.
High Tea with the VC
I invite you to the next High Tea with the VC book discussion on Friday, 24 May 2024, when we will discuss the book, How to Lead Like Abraham Lincoln: Leading in a Way That Drives History (The Magic of an Influencer) by Christopher S. Coopersmith. Described as an in-depth study of how this extraordinary statesman left his mark on multiple generations, this is one of the most inspirational books worth reading, so don’t miss the discussion. We will meet at the UJ Library, Chinua Achebe Auditorium, Level 6, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus (APK), at the usual time of 14h00 (CAT). I will share the registration links closer to the event.
Bridging the digital divide for equal access to higher education
Last but not least, and to read my latest article that appeared in the Daily Maverick, titled Change in higher education — we must quickly adapt to changing, unequal digital environment, click here. In it, I emphasise the point that at the centre of any tectonic shifts made by higher education, there has to be awareness of the digital divide, which can exacerbate inequities and inequality of access.
Note of Condolences
On a sombre note, it is with profound sadness that I learnt of the passing of former Constitutional Court Justice, Yvonne Mokgoro this morning. She made history in 1994 when she became the first black woman judge in the country. Her death comes at a time when the country is still mourning the passing of Dr Sam Motsuenyane and legendary boxer, Dingaan “Rose of Soweto” Thobela, last week. Motsuenyane was the co-founder of the pivotal National African Federated Chamber of Commerce (NAFCOC) and played a leading role in the establishment of African Bank – both at the height of apartheid. Dingaan Thobela was more than a boxing champion; he was a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless South Africans. On behalf of the entire UJ Community, I extend my deepest condolences to the families and friends of Dingaan Thobela Justice Mokgoro and Dr Motsuenyane. May their souls rest in eternal peace.
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
