Dear UJ community,

Universities confer honorary doctorates on individuals whose exceptional contributions to society and transformative leadership have had a lasting impact. These degrees are more than ceremonial titles; they symbolise excellence, integrity, courage, and outstanding service to humanity, while also affirming the values that institutions seek to uphold.

In recognising such individuals, universities not only celebrate achievement beyond the academy but also acknowledge diverse pathways to knowledge, influence, and change. Honorary doctorates serve to inspire students and staff, strengthen institutional identity, and align the university with individuals whose work resonates with its mission and aspirations. At the same time, they connect the institution to broader networks of thought leadership and societal impact.

Professor Njabulo Ndebele: A literary giant and acclaimed academic

On Wednesday, we had the privilege of celebrating one of South Africa’s foremost literary figures and academic leaders, Professor Njabulo Ndebele, upon whom we conferred an honorary doctorate. A transformational presence in higher education and public life, Professor Ndebele stands among the country’s most respected intellectuals.

His distinguished career includes service as Vice-Rector of the University of the Western Cape, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the North (1993–1998), and Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Cape Town (2000–2008). He also served this institution with distinction as Chancellor of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for two terms (2012–2022), alongside many other prominent national and international roles. An accomplished author, he has enriched South Africa’s literary and intellectual landscape through a substantial body of work.

In conferring this honorary doctorate, we offer formal recognition to a leader whose relationship with this University runs deep. The individual who, for more than a decade, presided over this institution and occupied the Chancellor’s chair at countless graduation ceremonies and conferring degrees upon thousands of our students was himself most fittingly honoured with one of the University’s highest distinctions. To read more about his conferral, click here.

John Samuel: Education policy and governance leader

Yesterday, we conferred an honorary doctorate on education policy and governance leader John Samuel, in recognition of a distinguished career spanning five decades in the service of education, social justice, and public policy. His life’s work has been guided by an unwavering commitment to equity, access, and the liberation of the mind—principles that resonate deeply with UJ’s mission of inclusivity and the advancement of decolonised knowledge.

At the height of apartheid, Mr Samuel emerged as a transformative force. As National Executive Director of the South African Committee for Higher Education (SACHED) Trust from 1979, he helped reposition education as a powerful instrument of intellectual resistance. Influenced by his engagement with Paulo Freire and his association with Neville Alexander, Samuel championed mass literacy initiatives and distance learning programmes that challenged and transcended the racialised education system of the time.

Across five decades and multiple spheres of influence, he has demonstrated that education is not a privilege to be rationed, but a right to be defended. His work reminds us that the project of transformation remains unfinished—calling for continued action, renewed commitment, and a steadfast belief in the power of education to shape a more just society. Click here to read about him.

2026 Honorary Doctorates at a glance

In addition to Professor Njabulo Ndebele and John Samuel, UJ has already conferred honorary doctorates earlier this year on Her Excellency Monica Geingos, a global health and social development advocate; Francois Pienaar, a former Springbok captain; and Ms Tryphosa Ramano, a distinguished chartered accountant and financial leader.

The University will continue this tradition on 29 May 2026, when it confers an honorary doctorate on Professor Loyiso Nongxa, in recognition of his contributions to mathematics and higher education leadership.

Looking ahead, further honorary doctorates will be conferred during the University’s Spring and Summer graduation seasons, extending this recognition to leaders in law, social development, and global education diplomacy. These distinguished recipients include Justice Sisi Khampepe, former First Lady of South Africa Ms Zanele Mbeki, and Her Highness Moza bint Nasser.

UJ Youth Leadership Development Programme

One of our University’s flagship projects is the Youth Leaders Development Programme (YLDP), which empowers and prepares young leaders to be social change agents. The programme seeks to develop their understanding of others and self-awareness of their roles and responsibilities as leaders in different contexts. Yesterday, I had the honour of delivering a keynote address at this year’s YLDP at the Johannesburg Business School (JBS). In my speech, I referenced the late Kenyan scholar Ali Mazrui, who observed that Africa produces what it does not consume and consumes what it does not produce. I argued that we might add a third paradox to his list: Africa develops the leaders the world needs, only to fail to develop them for itself.

The YLDP is precisely that commitment made concrete. It is this university saying, clearly and without ambiguity, that we refuse to be complicit in that paradox. This is why leadership education, in the South African context, can be viewed as an act of resistance and reconstruction. UJ is not merely a place of learning. It is an institution with a mandate to produce graduates who are not only employable, but who are change-makers. Congratulations to this year’s cohort! Click here to read more about this.

JBS hosts B-BBEE Symposium

Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), as you would know, constitutes one of the key institutional mechanisms through which South Africa has sought to address the economic legacy of apartheid within a constitutional democracy. After three decades of democracy, B-BBEE remains both indispensable and contested. On Tuesday, JBS, in partnership with The Presidency and the B-BBEE Commission, convened a timely symposium under the theme, Black Economic Empowerment and Its Discontents. At its core, a vital question arises: Are we achieving the transformation we set out to achieve?

The symposium was a resounding success, with robust and insightful discussions.In his opening remarks, for instance, Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Seiso Mohai grounded the discussion in a powerful reminder that “political liberation without economic inclusion is incomplete,” cautioning that progress cannot be mistaken for justice. His message was clear: the real challenge of B-BBEE lies not in its existence but in whether South Africa has been bold, effective, and honest enough in its implementation. Deputy governor of the SARB and a member of the Monetary Policy Committee,  Kuben Naidoo noted that South Africa is adept at policy creation yet struggles with implementation. I thank Prof Alistair Mokoena, the Executive Dean of JBS and his team, for organising such a successful event. To read more about this, click here.

Spotlight on UJ Sport

This weekend, the UJ Athletics Club will be participating in two prestigious Athletics National Championships in Cape Town. As many as 63 senior athletes are hoping to secure international qualifications and national team selections ahead of the upcoming World Athletics in Botswana. Following this, a 54-member delegation of student-athletes will travel to the University of the Western Cape to defend their USSA title. We also celebrate a remarkable individual achievement. Congratulations to our Senior Men’s Rugby co-captain, Thabang Mphafi, on being named the FNB Overall Player That Rocks. In his debut season with the Orange Army, Mphafi’s tenacity and leadership have set a standard of excellence for the club and the students.

UJ Future Forward Fun Run

As we celebrate these sporting triumphs, we remain committed to our mission to raise funds for our academically deserving but financially needy students through our sports initiatives. Tickets are now available for the Steps 2 UJ Future Forward Fun Run that is due to take place on Saturday, 30 May 2026, starting at the AW Muller Stadium and through our APB and APK campuses. This event also offers a unique opportunity to invest in your personal health and fitness while contributing to a noble cause. We invite you to join us in this dual pursuit of wellness and philanthropy as we continue to forge a path toward a more accessible and successful future for the entire UJ community. For more information or to find out about sponsorship opportunities please contact Mr. Collen Maepa on cmaepa@uj.ac.za or Ms. Niamh Faherty on niamhf@uj.ac.za. Get Your Ticket Here.

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.