Dear UJ community,
This week marked another momentous occasion in our endeavours to position our University as a leading institution of higher education. On Tuesday, 8 October 2025, we launched the UJ’s Strategic Plan 2035, a living document to chart the University’s future for the next decade. Building on previous plans that positioned UJ as a leader in developing people and technology appropriate for the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) as it pertains to the African context, Strategic Plan 2035 places emphasis on societal impact and sustainability. It is also underpinned by a resourcing plan, GES 4.0 for Societal Impact.
Societal Impact and Sustainability Agenda
Strategic Plan 2035 is premised on the understanding that universities must address pressing moral, political, and social issues. It guides and frames UJ’s activities at all levels, giving effect to the University’s mission to transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collaborative pursuit of knowledge. It aims to transcend the boundaries of academia, extending UJ’s impact on the economy, society, and culture. I wish to thank Dr Denyse Webstock (Senior Director: Institutional Planning, Evaluation and Monitoring and Professor Kirti Menon (Senior Director: Division for Teaching Excellence) and their teams who contributed to the development of this inspiring and creative document. To read more about this, click here.
2023 Stakeholder Report Launch
During the Strategic Plan 2035 launch ceremony, we also unveiled our 2023 Stakeholder Report This is a high-level report that provides an executive summary of the significant gains made by the University across its different spheres in the 2023 academic year. These include UJ’s global recognition and various rankings, highlights in the academic teaching and learning space as well as an overview of the institution’s research. It includes performance by the faculties and student experience. I thank everyone who contributed to the report, and especially our colleagues in the Strategic Communications Unit within the University Division who led this process. You can access the report here.
UJ retains a strong position in the global rankings
As we celebrated the launch of the 2023 Stakeholder Report and Strategic Plan 2035, some good news regarding university rankings came our way. UJ is one of the few universities in South Africa that have retained their position in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings, released on Wednesday. We have maintained our standing within the top 500 universities worldwide, reasserting our status as one of the leading universities in the world. Only five of the 14 universities in South Africa that were ranked globally retained their positions in the prestigious 401 – 500 band, while 14 slipped down the rankings.
UJ’s performance reaffirms the robustness of the University’s academic programmes and research, further demonstrating our resilience and progress in our quest to be a leader in the higher education sector in South Africa and on the global stage. Our position stands out, especially because THE World University Rankings are known for their rigorous evaluation measuring institutions across 18 performance indicators grouped into core areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and internationalisation. UJ’s performance is remarkable, given its relatively short 20 years of existence. To read more about this, click here.
Message of gratitude for the UJ Societal Impact Project launch in Limpopo
Our strong standing in the global rankings is further testimony that we are a truly African university that is responsive to the needs of the communities from which we draw our identity and inspiration. I again wish to thank all our faculties and divisions who have contributed to the launch of the UJ For Societal Impact project in Limpopo. Special gratitude to the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, who have steadfastly been at the forefront of this project for almost a decade. Professor Daniel Mashao and his team, led by Professors Johan Meyer, Sune Von Solms and Charis Harley have been at the front of this project.
They have made roundtrips to the remote villages of Gwakwani, Matatani and Mbodi in the Vhembe district, rolling up their sleeves and knuckling down to ensure a delivery of sustainable solutions to energy, water, connectivity, and education to residents. It is through projects like this that we continue to make a positive and lasting impact on our communities and broader society, living our vision of sustainability and societal impact. Congratulations everyone, colleagues!
Celebrating staff achievements
Last week, I announced that four of our researchers, Professors Hassina Mouri, Tankiso Moloi, Kevin Durrheim, and Jan Nordström had been elected to the respected Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). I am delighted to announce that Prof Shireen Motala has been elected to the Council of the ASSAf. This recognition highlights their leadership in fields ranging from medical geology and accountancy to psychology and computational mathematics, highlighting UJ’s excellence and global impact.
UJ Sport achievements
Finally, on the sporting front, I congratulate our Senior Women’s Netball Team for their spirited performances in the 2024 FNB Varsity Netball tournament. The team narrowly missed out on the championship, finishing as runners-up for the second consecutive year. In a thrilling final against the University of Free State (UFS-Kovsies) in Bloemfontein on Monday night, UJ fell short by 3-points difference as the game ended 58-55 in extra time. Reaching two finals in two years in the tournament is highly commendable. In addition, please also join me in congratulating the UJ Staff Netball Team, who also finished in second place in the USSA Staff Sports tournament held at the University of Limpopo this past weekend. The UJ Staff Netball Team won 42 – 01 against UFS and 23 – 08 against Rhodes University, but unfortunately lost 17 – 35 to the hosts in the final.
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.
