Dear UJ community,

For several weeks now, motorists and pedestrians travelling along University Road in Auckland Park have been greeted by a spectacular display of orange adorning the UJ bridge. The iconic colour is not just ornamental; it is a symbol of innovation that defies convention, and which captures the twists and turns that ultimately led to the establishment of UJ 20 years ago. The Orange Link, as the bridge is now popularly known, provides a panoramic view of the iconic C-ring campus buildings, with the distinctive architectural Madibeng Offices providing a front view.

Orange Link shines bright as UJ turns 20

As we celebrate the 20-year anniversary of our University, I recently got to experience the beauty of the bridge when I embarked on a walkabout. The bridge’s striking orange palette, brought to life through energy-efficient LED lighting, reflects the vibrant character and growth of UJ. The bridge offers a glimpse into the University’s significant milestones, standing as a stark reminder of our collective journey and our commitment to reimagining what a university can be in the 21st century. Above all, it is a visible promise that we remain connected to our purpose through a wide array of our societal impact and sustainability, global footprint and partnerships and technology for the future initiatives. It is equipped with QR code banners, enabling users to interact with key moments in UJ’s illustrious history. Click here to read more about this.

Ethics Survey

You may recall that I mentioned our ethics project a while ago. Some of you have already been involved in an ethics risk identification workshop, personal interview, or group interview where you had the opportunity to assist the institution in understanding our ethics profile. Please be aware that you will soon be asked to complete an ethics survey online. In answering the survey questions, you can tell us what you think about our ethical culture and what threats there are that could undermine our ethics. Please note the following:

• The survey is administered by TEI (The Ethics Institute). TEI is an independent organisation that specialises in organisational ethics.
• The data is securely captured by TEI, and total confidentiality of individuals’ opinions is assured.
• When completing the survey, you cannot be identified. It is completely anonymous.
• We will give you feedback on the results.

Please make your contribution to building an ethical institution by completing the survey as soon as you receive the email with a link to it. I will personally also complete this survey.

Honorary Doctorates

Yesterday, as our Autumn Graduation ceremonies drew to a close, we conferred an honorary doctorate (honoris causa) upon Ms Margaret Busby, the first black woman editor in the United Kingdom. She is among the exceptional individuals whom UJ conferred honorary doctorates upon during the 2025 graduation ceremonies this year. The honorary doctorates recognise distinguished individuals who exemplify UJ’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and societal impact and transformation. Ms Busby’s books laid the basis for challenging dominant narratives around freedom, class, inequality, art, and other aspects of life. For over sixty years, she has remained steadfast in her commitment to publishing work representing Africa’s rich creative and intellectual traditions and diasporas. Without her efforts, we may not have seen many critical and foundational texts, which are now central to university reading lists. Click here to read more about this. You can also watch here.

Global Strategic Partnerships: Strengthening ties with Carleton University

We recently had the honour of hosting Dr Wisdom Tettey, President and Vice-Chancellor of Carleton University in Canada, alongside his esteemed colleagues Dr Rafik Goubran and Dr David Hornsby, for three days. Our discussions focused on strengthening existing ties, exploring future collaboration between our institutions, with particular emphasis on research, global engagement, and innovation in teaching and learning. Carleton University’s commitment to shaping a globally engaged knowledge society aligns strongly with UJ’s strategic vision. We look forward to deepening our partnership, particularly in areas that harness our shared strengths and advance inclusive, transdisciplinary scholarship.

IAUP Meeting

This week, from June 11 to 13 2025, we also hosted the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) Semi‑Annual Regional Meeting. This gathering brought together global university leaders for dynamic panel discussions, networking and collaboration on shaping the future of higher education. Beyond the formal sessions, the event offered invaluable opportunities for cross-border networking, cultural exchange and the forging of new academic alliances that are set to shape the trajectory of higher education in the years to come. It was a successful meeting indeed and we look forward to building on this momentum. To read more about this click here.

Youth Day

Next week Monday, 16 June 2025, marks the 49th anniversary of the Soweto Uprisings. The day serves as a reminder of the power the youth hold. We are reminded that it is the type of grit and resilience shown by the Class of ’76 which led the United Nations (UN) declaring apartheid a crime against humanity. As we commemorate this day, we are reminded that young people, when supported, are the key to achieving a more sustainable future. As one of Africa’s literary giants Franz Fanon once said, “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it or betray it”. Today, this entails building a world that is more just and equitable. The courage of 1976 lit a flame that still burns in every young changemaker. Let us honour their legacy by continuing to believe in the promise of empowered youth. More about this here.

Media and Publicity

Lastly, to read my latest (co)-published article that appeared in the Mail & Guardian today, titled Digital Shadows: Unveiling the crisis of forced labour in the tech age, click here. In it, I argue that the digital age is characterised by a fragile balance between promise and peril. The peril is often imagined through the lens of dystopian fiction — tales of mass surveillance, algorithmic control, the erosion of privacy and even an artificial takeover. But beyond these cautionary narratives, the real threats are far more subtle and, in many cases, invisible. One of the most alarming of these is digital forced labour. Happy reading!

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.