Dear UJ community,
This week, many of our students and academic staff returned on campus, following a mid-semester recess. A recess period provides an opportunity to take a break from the rigorous academic schedules, clear our minds and reset so we can come back with recharged focus. At another level, a recess serves as a widow to showcase some of our successful projects to the wider society and inspire others.
UJ hosts landmark conference on AI and the Law
Last week, our University marked another milestone, when we hosted the inaugural AI and the Law Conference at Skukuza Safari Lodge in Mpumalanga. The three-day conference (from 9 to 11 July) was hosted by UJ’s AI and the Law Institute, under the theme Artificial Intelligence and the Law: Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals through Law, Governance and Practice. Distinguished leaders from the judiciary, government, academia and industry graced the conference. Among them were Deputy Chief Justice Dustin Mlambo, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Mmamoloko Kubayi, and United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Rector of the United Nations University Professor Tshilidzi Marwala.
The message that emerged from the conference was unambiguous: AI is no longer a future consideration for South Africa’s justice system. Technology is already transforming how digital case management, electronic court filings and legal research are administered. While delegates acknowledged AI’s potential to improve efficiency, reduce delays and expand access to justice, they were unanimous in agreeing that it must remain a tool that supports, rather than replaces human judgment, constitutional values and judicial independence on which the rule of law depends. I had the honour of delivering the keynote address, alongside my predecessor, Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala. I argued that while governance establishes the guardrails for artificial intelligence, the law transforms those guardrails into enforceable rights, meaningful protections, and mechanisms for accountability.
My sincere appreciation to the Faculty of Law, the AI and the Law Institute, our distinguished speakers, judicial leaders, policymakers, legal practitioners, researchers, students, and all delegates for contributing to this landmark conversation. To read more about the event and speeches by the likes Prof. Marwala, Justice Mlambo, the Executive Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Charles Maimela, visit our university website, news.uj.ac.za.
Beyond the Code – AI and Law Podcast: Episode 4 and 5
Still on technology, and in case you missed it, I have the pleasure to invite you to watch the latest episode the Beyond the Code – AI and the Law Podcast, UJ’s thought leadership series exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence, law, innovation, and leadership. Premiered on 10 July, Episode 4 is entitled, Brand Africa in the Age of AI: An African, IP & Branding Perspective, features Thebe Ikalafeng – a globally acclaimed branding authority, founder of Brand Africa, and one of Africa’s leading voices on brand leadership and the continent’s global competitiveness.
Together, we share insights on branding in the Age of AI from an Africa perspective, with special focus on how this technology is transforming intellectual property, branding, innovation, and the continent’s place in the global digital economy. We also examine why Africa must shape its own narrative, protect its intellectual assets, and build globally respected brands while embracing the opportunities presented by AI. You can watch it here.
Additionally, Episode 5 will be available as from 18h30 this evening. In it, I welcome Prof Georg Borges from Saarland University in Germany, a distinguished legal scholar and Visiting Professor at UJ. Together, we unpack the European Union’s groundbreaking AI Act and explore its implications for higher education, legal systems, and the future of AI governance. The discussion also examines how universities must evolve by integrating AI into teaching, learning, and research to prepare graduates for an increasingly AI-driven world. This is an essential conversation for academics, students, policymakers, legal professionals, and anyone interested in the future of education and artificial intelligence. You can watch it here.
Winter Graduations
Tuesday this week marked the beginning of the Winter Graduation Season, a significant milestone for our students who have completed their qualifications. More than 2000 graduands will walk across the stage to receive their qualifications, 251 of whom will receive their doctoral degrees. More exciting is that among those reaping the rewards for their hard work are five Master’s students from the Mpedi Family Scholarship for Neurodiversity Studies (2026). The scholarship was launched in recognition of the fact that development in the field of neurodiversity is critical for the country’s future, and that there is a need to reshape societal perspectives on neurodiversity. Indeed, there is a need to respond to the educational needs of children with neurodiverse learning needs appropriately through understanding and inclusivity.
To all the graduands, this is a momentous occasion and an incredible achievement indeed! We are confident that you will make use of the experience gained for your betterment and make a positive contribution to your communities and society at large. In your time with us, you encountered the finest academic minds from diverse backgrounds and were exposed to technologically rich approaches to teaching and learning while gaining an enviable understanding of the world around us. Congratulations on this achievement – you have done us proud!
Professional Inauguration
Professorial inaugurations are a major milestone, as universities formally celebrate a newly promoted full professor. At these events, newly minted professors present their academic journey to colleagues and the community. Please join me in congratulating Professor Langelihle (Nsika) Dlamini on his professorial inauguration this past Wednesday. His research focussed focused on the critical aspect of the impact of scarce water in South Africa’s rivers, a problem that threatens human health. As he articulated in his inaugural speech, it was the grim condition of wastewater treatment systems in the country droves his research. I am impressed that the research uses nanotechnology, an area that UJ is renowned for. Well done Prof Dlamini, I welcome to the exclusive club of UJ professorship. To read more about this, click here.
UJ celebrates ‘Science Oscars’ winners
It is with immense pride to announce that two UJ academics have been announced among the winners in the 2025/26 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF)-South32 Awards. Dr Edith Phalane won the TW Kambule-NSTF Emerging Researcher Award, while the JENano Research Group, led by Professor Tien-Chien Jen, received the Innovation Award: Corporate Organisation. Widely regarded as South Africa’s “Science Oscars”. The NSTF-South32 Awards are South Africa’s premier recognition platform for excellence in science, engineering, technology and innovation. Established in 1998, the awards honour individuals, teams and organisations whose work advances knowledge, drives innovation and contributes to national development. Finalists are selected through a rigorous adjudication process and represent the country’s leading scientists, engineers, innovators and research teams. The winners were announced at ceremonies which were held simultaneously in Johannesburg and Cape Town last night. To read more about this, click here.
UJ researchers named finalists in the 2026 SAWiSA competition.
In the same vein, I am pleased to announce that two of our women researchers have been named finalists in the 2026 Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA). These prestigious awards recognise and celebrate women scientists and researchers whose work advances knowledge, drives innovation, and contributes to addressing societal challenges, while inspiring the next generation of women in science. This year, Prof Musawenkosi Saurombe has been recognised as a finalist in the Distinguished Young Woman Researcher Award category, while Prof Tanusha Raniga has been named a finalist in the Distinguished Woman Researcher Award category. Their recognition is a testament to UJ’s commitment to research excellence, transformation, and the advancement of women in academia and research. Congratulations colleagues, we are immensely proud of you!
Celebrating More Staff Achievement
Still on research matters, please also join me in congratulating Prof. Annah Moteetee (Executive Dean: Faculty of Science) who has been named the winner of the SAAB Silver Medal Award. This category, which is part of the South African Association of Botanists Awards, recognises outstanding research and contributions to the advancement of Botany, Plant Sciences, or related disciplines. Prof Moteetee was announced as the winner at a gala dinner that was hosted by the University of Mpumalanga. Click here to read more.
On a slightly different note that I extend my congratulations to Dr Lindiwe Mokotjo, Head of Academic Development: Support Literacies within the Division for Academic Development and Support (ADS), who has been appointed to serve on the Seventh Umalusi Council for General and Further Education and Training (2026–2030). The appointment recognises Dr Mokotjo’s longstanding contribution to education, academic development, and quality assurance in South Africa. As the Quality Council responsible for General and Further Education and Training, Umalusi plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the credibility, integrity, and standards of qualifications in South Africa. Through its oversight of assessment, certification, accreditation, and policy development, Umalusi helps ensure that the country’s education system continues to uphold excellence while responding to society’s changing needs. To read more about this, click here.
Celebrating Student achievements
UJ recently participated in the inaugural RMB Young Talent Expo, an initiative hosted by Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) that connected high-potential students with industry professionals and emerging career opportunities in the financial services sector. Facilitated through UJ’s PsyCaD Career Services, the expo provided a valuable platform for students to engage directly with industry experts, gain first-hand insight into the evolving financial services landscape, and explore potential career pathways. The inaugural event underscored the importance of partnerships between higher education institutions and industry in preparing graduates for the future world of work.
The expo featured keynote presentations and panel discussions led by senior professionals from RMB’s Young Talent, Global Markets, Data Analytics, Information Management and Technology divisions. Students gained practical insights into industry trends, workplace expectations and the skills required to thrive in a competitive employment environment. They also had the opportunity to network with recruiters and professionals, broadening their understanding of career opportunities within the sector. To read more about this, click here.
Celebrating UJ Sport Achievements
While many of our students were away during the midyear recess, the UJ Sport took centre stage on the global arena. The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) recently unveiled the national delegation for the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, and UJ’s global footprint became evident once more. Our world-class student-athletes, club members, alumni, and staff will represent South Africa across multiple disciplines. The formidable athletics contingent includes Sabelo Dhlamini, Cheswill Johnson, Lythe Pillay, Mvuyo Moss, Maxime Chaumeton, and Aiden Smith, while Daniel Maclean and Caitlin Rooskrantz will form part of the gymnastics squad.
In netball, Tarle Mathe and Owethu Ngubane are joined by coach and manager Bongiwe Msomi, who steps into the prestigious role of Team South Africa’s Chef de Mission. Not to be outdone, our para-sports stars have also been selected for the prestigious games. Michelle Moganedi will compete in wheelchair basketball while Yané van der Merwe will compete in Discus F44 class. We wish our entire delegation the very best as they fly the orange and blue flag high in Scotland.
Nelson Mandela International Day
Today, UJ, through the Community Engagement Unit within the University Relations Division participated in the annual Nelson Mandela Internal Day, an occasion that provides an opportunity for the University community to honour Nelson Mandela’s legacy through meaningful acts of service, volunteerism, and societal impact. This day is part of the Nelson Mandela Month, a special time in the University’s calendar The 2026 Nelson Mandela Month and International Mandela Day theme, It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity, reminds us that the responsibility to confront social injustice and uplift vulnerable communities rests with us all. This year, more than 2 000 staff and students have registered to contribute to Nelson Mandela International Day through community engagement initiatives, demonstrating the transformative power of collective action in creating meaningful societal impact. Through the collective efforts of our staff, students, alumni, partners, and communities, we continue to demonstrate how higher education can be a powerful force for social change.
High Tea With the VC
I have the pleasure to invite you to the next edition of the High Tea with the VC Book Discussion next week Friday on 24 July 2026. I will be hosting acclaimed African branding authority Dr Thebe Ikalafeng for an engaging and insightful discussion about how our shared humanity, culture, and values may motivate the next generation of African innovators, leaders, and global citizens, in the book Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence. In the book, Dr. Ikalafeng offers a daring African-centered vision that embraces identity, community, purpose, and genuine global influence, challenging traditional Western viewpoints on personal branding and leadership by drawing on the Ubuntu principle, “I am because we are”. As usual, we will meet at the Chinua Achebe Auditorium, UJ Library Level 6 at the Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus at 14h00. For an in-person attendance, book your space here.
UJ Golf Day
I congratulate the UJ Sport Division for successfully hosting the annual UJ Golf Day yesterday at the Randpark Ridge Golf Club’s Firethorn Course. Far more than a premier corporate tournament, this signature event beautifully merged championship-level sport with a profound social mission. Under the banner of “Christmas in Winter”, UJ alumni, captains of industry, and community leaders united to network and tee off for a critical cause. Every drive and putt directly contributed to securing a brighter future for our youth, with all proceeds raised dedicated to supporting financially disadvantaged students at the University. I extend our deepest gratitude to the organisers, participants, sponsors, and partners whose generosity ensures that our students can continue to pursue their academic and sporting dreams without financial barriers.
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.
