Dear UJ community,
One of the areas in which the University of Johannesburg is renowned is the way it has explicitly positioned itself as a key driver of intellectual dialogue and public engagement across various issues affecting humanity. Through seminars, public lectures, and other multi-stakeholder platforms, we continue to set national agendas and influence policy decisions. For instance, women’s rights, status, and roles in society are among the issues at the top of our agenda.
UJ hosts the Inaugural Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Annual Lecture
This week Wednesday, UJ hosted the Inaugural Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Annual Lecture, in honour of our esteemed Chancellor for her outstanding role in advancing gender equality, social justice and the restoration of human dignity. The timing of the lecture – coinciding with the 70th Anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March to Pretoria, against the pass laws – deepened its significance in highlighting the deeply entrenched gender inequality and stereotypes in our country. Convened under the theme “Women Driving Societal Impact: Legacy, Leadership, and the Future, ” the lecture was delivered by Her Excellency Thenjiwe Mtintso, an anti-apartheid and gender activist.
As expected, she delivered a powerful and moving lecture, in which she invoked the bravery of the 1956 women while calling for a confrontation of gender inequality and the unfair treatment of women in all forms. Ambassador Mtintso highlighted the underrepresentation of women in leadership, grinding poverty, economic inequality and gender-based violence as among the issues bedevilling the South African society post-apartheid. She warned that excluding women from positions of influence carries consequences far beyond the individuals denied those opportunities. She called on women to emulate Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka and challenge stereotypes, discrimination and structures that continue to limit women’s advancement. Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka, for her part, said while progress has been made since 1956, it was troubling that women still face serious obstacles. She dedicated the lecture named after her to the generation of 1956, whose courage and sacrifice helped lay the foundations for the freedoms enjoyed today.
This was indeed a successful lecture that set the tone for the subsequent lectures. As Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka said, we commit ourselves to inviting speakers of stature and standing who will challenge us, inspire us and enrich our understanding of the issues confronting women and society. To read more about this, click here. I thank the entire organising team and everyone who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this event such a success. As indicated, the lecture forms part of a series of events that various faculties and divisions will host this year.
UJ Stance on Gender-Based Violence: Know More
As we celebrate Women’s Month, we are also cognisant of the huge challenges that remain. Problems such as discrimination at the workplace, stigma, bigotry and all manner of stereotypes persist. More disturbingly, the rampaging pandemic of gender-based violence (GBV) continues unabated in the country. UJ has zero tolerance for any form of violence, intimidation, or bullying, whether in-person or online. Our commitment to gender equity and women’s rights will not be judged by our actions in a single month, but throughout the year. May we all embrace the rallying cry of Wathint’ Abafazi, Wathint’ mbokodo’. Malibongwe! To read the UJ stance on gender-based violence, click here.
Global Footprint and Partnerships
It stands to reason that the most impactful universities are those that actively build bridges between academia, government and industry to create solutions that benefit society while preparing graduates for a rapidly changing global economy. It was therefore a privilege to host a delegation from the Dongguan Economic and Trade for a strategic engagement focused on strengthening cooperation between our institutions. The delegation was led by Mr Luo Zhaoqum, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Dongguan Municipal People’s Congress. Our discussions explored exciting opportunities for collaboration in economic trade, innovation, and other university-industry partnerships, while also creating meaningful connections between UJ and institutions in Dongguan City, Guangdong Province. These conversations reflect our shared commitment to fostering innovation ecosystems, advancing research collaboration and developing partnerships that create lasting societal and economic impact.
As we look ahead, I am encouraged by the possibilities that will emerge from this partnership and the enduring relationships we are building for the benefit of our institutions, our communities and our shared global future. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to our colleagues from the 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, the University of Johannesburg College of Business and Economics, the 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗳𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, the UJ Confucius Institute, and the Centre for Africa-China Studies for their leadership, commitment and collaborative spirit in driving this important initiative.
UJ Honorary Doctorate Thebe Ikalafeng honoured as African Heritage Champion
I am delighted to announce that two years after receiving an honorary doctorate from UJ, Dr Thebe Ikalafeng has received further continental recognition as an African Heritage Champion. The renowned African brand strategist was honoured during celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the Africa World Heritage Fund (AWHF). This was in recognition of his commitment to preserving, promoting and advancing African heritage and culture. The award was presented by the Africa World Heritage Fund, the African Union (AU) and UNESCO, highlighting the continental importance of the work he has championed throughout his career. This recognition reflects many of the qualities that informed UJ’s decision to confer an Honorary Doctoral degree in Marketing Management on Dr Ikalafeng in March 2024. At the time, UJ recognised his sustained efforts to showcase Africa’s diverse cultures, histories and talents on the global stage and to challenge narratives that fail to reflect the continent’s vibrancy, innovation and resilience. To read more about this, click here.
UJ talent shines in Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans 2026
UJ is once again well represented among the young South Africans recognised in the Mail & Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans 2026. Twenty-six University community members have been recognised for their contributions across fields ranging from technology and innovation to education, law, governance and media. The annual initiative celebrates young South Africans who are making a meaningful impact in their fields and communities. The 2026 cohort, comprising undergraduate and postgraduate students, lecturers, and the University’s Alumni Community. reflects the breadth of talent and leadership emerging from, and connected to, the University.
UJ’s contribution extends into film, media and broadcasting, where the University’s platforms continue to provide opportunities for emerging media professionals. Mr Anathi Sidali, Senior Manager of UJ Broadcasting, is recognised for his work at the intersection of broadcasting, branding and digital innovation, contributing to the University’s media platforms and its engagement with diverse audiences. This reflects the role of the University’s broadcasting ecosystem in developing and showcasing young media talent. The M&G profiles also highlight the wider reach of the UJ community and its academic networks. You can read the full list of honourees here.
UJ Green Parking: Parts of Madibeng Parking Now Open
I am pleased to announce that after months of renovations, part of our parking at our Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus is now open. This follows the installation of a new solar panel plant that was officially completed on 14 July 2026. The plant spans the main A Parking area adjacent to the main campus building as well as the Overflow Parking area below the Ga Batho building. In total, this spans more than 220 parking spaces, and the solar plant produces more than 1 megawatt under peak solar conditions. This will reduce UJ APK Campus electricity drawn from City Power by about 18% at maximum load conditions.
The solar plant will result in savings of around 6-7% of the total electricity costs on the APK Campus over a normal year. The project will also save more than 1600 tonnes of generated CO2 per annum as a result of displacing coal fired power with solar power. This forms part of UJ’s ambitious plan to have ‘grid positive’ campuses, with more than 4 450 solar panels installed on the roofs of several on-campus buildings and carports (covered parking bays). Through this project, the University is demonstrating its commitment to environmental sustainability by reducing the electricity demand on the national power grid.
Beyond the Code: AI and the Law: Episode 7
In a world pervaded by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, an important question we must remind ourselves of is how can we strengthen South Africa’s justice system while ensuring fairness, accountability, and equal access to justice for all? In Episode 7 of Beyond the Code: AI and Law, I welcome Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, South Africa’s Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, for an important conversation on the opportunities and challenges AI presents for the country’s legal and judicial landscape. Drawing on her extensive experience in government and public service, Minister Kubayi shares insights into the future of justice in South Africa, the role of technology in modernising legal systems, and how innovation can help create a more accessible, efficient and inclusive justice system.
Under this year’s theme, Empowered Women Empower the Nation, the discussion celebrates the leadership of women in shaping a more just, equitable and innovative South Africa. As we celebrate National Women’s Day, we honour the women who have shaped our democracy and continue to lead South Africa towards a more inclusive future.
High Tea With the VC
I have the pleasure of inviting you to the next edition of High Tea with the VC book discussion next week, on Friday, 21 August 2026. I will be joined by Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo for a conversation on her book, The Syndicate of Twenty-two Natives. The book offers an elegy to her father, the late Professor Stan Sangweni, and explores the personal saga of a family’s lineage rooted in Zuka on Suspence Farm, Newcastle, in what is now northern KwaZulu-Natal. As usual, we will meet at the UJ Library, APK Campus, at 14h00. Details of the registration of the event will be provided early next week.
2027 SRC Elections Now Open!
Student Representative Council (SRC) elections provide a legitimate platform for students to choose leaders who can bridge the gap between the student body and university management. This ensures that academic and welfare concerns are addressed. I am pleased that the elections for the 2027 UJSRC are already underway, having started this week. I encourage all eligible students to exercise their voice and participate in this important democratic process. The elections will close on 12 September 2026. Your vote is an opportunity to choose the student leaders who you believe will best represent your interests, champion the issues that matter to you and contribute positively to the UJ community. Additionally, I urge you to consider the respective candidates and their visions carefully, engage with the election process and make an informed choice. Every vote matter, and every student has a role to play in shaping the student leadership of our University.
UJ Sport
Our UJ Senior Women’s Football team continues to make us proud, securing a sport in this year’s Varsity Football tournament. Their triumphant journey began with statement victories over both their Tshwane rivals, TUT (1-0) and UP-Tuks (3-0), before a sensational 4-0 win over Walter Sisulu University and a hard-fought 1-1 draw with the University of Limpopo. Four of our brilliant athletes have earned FNB Player of the Match awards across five fixtures. Following this, Head Coach Nthabeleng Modiko and her squad are set to battle for their third Varsity Football title at the UJ Soweto Stadium next week on Wednesday, 19 August 2026 (Kick-off at 19:00).
Not to be outdone, our Senior Men’s Football team has ignited their own campaign in a simar fashion. The Orange Army secured a 1-0 victory against TUT at our Soweto Stadium to set the tone for the season. Tonight, the momentum shifts to Pietermaritzburg, as the team takes on the Durban University of Technology in Round 2 at the Harry Gwala Stadium, at 19h15. We send our full strength and unwavering support to our men on the road. Play with heart, hold the line, and keep the victory march going!
Kea leboha, ngiyabonga, baie dankie, thank you!
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi: Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Times mentioned in this newsletter refer to the South African time-zone.
