Dear UJ community,
I have often spoken about the importance of celebrating women throughout the year – beyond August, which is celebrated as Women’s Month in South Africa. Indeed, honouring women, especially in research and innovation and other areas with societal impact, is integral to our mission. In a world so plagued by inequality, this is an important way to recognise their courage and vision in shaping a more equitable future.
UJ Insight – a unique storytelling platform
It is with great pride today that I announce the launch of UJ Insight, our newly reimagined institutional magazine. UJ Insight is more than a publication — it is a platform for thought leadership, storytelling, and reflection on our collective, impactful work as a University. The inaugural edition celebrates the exceptional women of UJ — from academics and alumni to students and leaders. More exciting is that our Chancellor, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, graces the front cover, embodying the values and aspirations we hold so dear.
I extend my thanks to Professor Bongani Ngqulunga (Senior Executive Director: University Relations, Student Affairs and UJ Sport) and his exceptional team for this outstanding publication. I invite you to explore and share this first issue as a call to continue advancing innovation for meaningful societal impact and sustainability. Read the inaugural issue of UJ Insight here.
Launch of The Human Heart of Leadership – An anthology of poems
Similarly, I am proud to announce that on Wednesday this week, we launched the latest book, The Human Heart of Leadership. This is an anthology of poems authored by members of the Executive Leadership Group (ELG) and invitees and edited by Prof Federico Freschi, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA). With illustrations by staff and students from the Graphic Design Department within FADA, this is an inspiring celebration of creativity, leadership, and community. I am also excited to announce that the proceeds from the sale of the original illustrations in the book through a successful silent auction, which took place at the launch, will fund bursaries for FADA students, helping nurture future creative students. You can access the electronic version of the book free of charge here.
UJ STEAM EXPO 2025
Another significant event this week was the launch of the UJ STEAM Extravaganza 2025, which will now be held as an annual event. I had the honour of formally opening this initiative, which brought together all academic entities across the University in a dynamic showcase designed to reignite passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics in schools. With strong attendance by learners and teachers, the event highlighted the importance of STEAM in the era of AI, future skills, and job security. The presence of the UJ Academy, UJ’s pioneering high school with a strong STEM focus, further underscored the University’s commitment to preparing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.
Special thanks to Professor Sehaam Khan (Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic), Division for Teaching Excellence and all our faculties for making this event such a success – your contribution helps us empower the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders.
MTN Media Innovation Summit – Harnessing media for Africa’s Future
Additionally, this week, UJ held the MTN Media Innovation Summit to reflect on how traditional and digital media platforms can counter misinformation and reframe African agency in global affairs. Held under the theme Harnessing the Potential of Media Diplomacy in Africa, the two-day summit – from Tuesday to Wednesday – was part of the Media Innovation Programme (MIP4) study visit hosted annually by Pan-Atlantic University (PAU) in Nigeria. The summit brought together Africa’s media leaders who explored how media can go beyond information dissemination to serve diplomacy and strengthen democracy. It concluded with a shared commitment among media leaders, academics, and policymakers to strengthen Africa’s media diplomacy, ensuring that the continent’s stories are told by Africans, for Africans, and with global impact.
Congratulations to Professor Kammila Naidoo (Executive Dean: Faculty of Humanities) and her colleagues in the faculty for organising such a successful event. Click here to read more about this.
UJ Sport and Discovery Vitality team up for Future Forward Fun Run
UJ Sport Division has collaborated with Discovery Vitality for the newly rebranded UJ Future Forward Fun Run scheduled for Saturday, 20 September 2025. This partnership brings a fresh burst of energy, Vitality fitness points, and a vibrant mix of Discovery Vitality’s pink to the streets of Auckland Park for a morning of healthy fun. Formerly known as the UJ Future Walk, this year’s event promises to be bigger and better. This dynamic fun run is a cornerstone of the university’s fundraising efforts, which began in 2015 following the “Fees Must Fall” movement. The campaign is dedicated to helping cover registration and tuition fees for approximately 5,000 academically deserving and finally needy UJ students. These students do not qualify for full government funding and cannot fund their studies from their own pocket. Tickets available here: UJ Future Forward Fun Run with Discovery Vitality 2025 | Online Entries
High Tea with the VC
I am pleased to invite you to the next edition of the hybrid High Tea with the VC book discussion session on Friday, 26 September 2025. As we honour our diverse cultural heritage this September, we will discuss Mr Lebogang Seale’s (Senior Manager: Strategic Communications) book, One Hundred Years of Dispossession: My Family’s Quest to Reclaim Our Land. This award-winning book offers a powerful lens into the impact of land dispossession and the enduring quest for restitution. We will meet at the UJ Library, Chinua Achebe Auditorium, Level 6, APK Campus at 14h00 (CAT). Information regarding the registration links will be provided in due course.
VC Campus Engagements
Lastly, I thank our staff members who took time off their busy schedules to attend the second semester VC Campus Engagements across our four campuses. During these roadshows, members of the University’s Executive Leadership Group (ELG) and I had the opportunity to provide some updates on the state of our University, strategic matters, and other key issues affecting the institution. We appreciate the constructive engagements; only through this can we take UJ to greater heights, as an international University of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future.
Ke a leboha, ngiyabonga, thank you, baie dankie!
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi
Vice-Chancellor and Principal
