Dear UJ community,

As someone entrusted with the leadership of this great University, I find it gratifying to see our robust research and academic programmes getting global recognition. Research, in particular, serves as a barometer of any university’s academic strength and the intellectual prowess of faculties and students. This is especially important in our current context, where education is becoming increasingly competitive.

UJ celebrates remarkable ascent in global rankings

I am thrilled to announce that UJ is now ranked number 1 in South Africa and on the African continent among universities younger than 50 years old worldwide. This is according to the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings released on 14 May 2024. UJ has also achieved its highest-ever position, soaring to the 60th place among universities in the same category. The 2024 ranking includes 673 universities, up from 605 in 2023. A further 499 institutions are listed with “reporter” status, meaning they provided data but did not meet the eligibility criteria to receive a rank.

Additionally, UJ has also secured a notable global position of 624 in the Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) for 2024. A staggering 20,966 institutions were evaluated for the 2024 edition of the rankings; this assessment stands as one of the largest academic rankings of global universities. Only the top 2,000 institutions from this rigorous evaluation attained a coveted spot on the published global list. These rankings reaffirm that UJ remains resolute in its mission to deliver world-class education and drive impactful research and innovation that contributes to societal advancement. Our progress is not just about numbers and figures; it is all about the positive and lasting impact we have on our students and the broader society. To read more about this, click here.

South Africa-Sweden University Forum

Coincidentally, the latest rankings news came our way while I am leading a UJ delegation to Sweden to explore opportunities to enhance collaboration and foster growth between our institutions. The visit is part of the South Africa-Sweden University Forum (SASUF), a transformative project uniting 40 universities from across Sweden and South Africa. Bringing together leading researchers, teachers, students, university leaders and other stakeholders, the project aims to develop joint solutions to the challenges posed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Agenda 2030.

UJ strategic partnership with the City University of Hong Kong

In another significant development showing our strong global footprint, UJ has formed an exciting partnership with the City University of Hong Kong (CityU). This collaboration, sealed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), paves the way for a comprehensive academic exchange programme encompassing researchers and administrative personnel, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration across various disciplines. Ultimately, the partnership aims to enrich the academic experience for our students while fostering groundbreaking research collaborations that address global challenges. To read more about this, click here.

UJ Metropolitan Academy learners in an international science competition

More good news is that two talented Grade 11 learners from UJ’s Metropolitan Academy have earned an opportunity to compete at the renowned Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles, California. The learners are Zaahid Sader (17) and Nicholas Zhang (17). Their innovative research project, Enhancing bobsleigh performance through biomimetic design inspired by the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), has secured them a spot among a group of six outstanding young scientists representing South Africa in the world’s largest pre-college Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) competition. To read more about this, click here.

UJ study reveals complex dynamics influencing voter choices in SA’s election

As South Africans prepare to go to the polls in less than two weeks’ time, the UJ Centre for Social Development in Africa (CDSA) has released its research findings on the dynamics influencing voter choices in South Africa’s national election. The study, titled Factors determining voter choice in South Africa’s 2024 national general elections, shows that social attitudes, political beliefs, socio-economic issues and a desire for a better life are among the factors accounting for their party-political preferences. The research brief was co-authored by Leila Patel, Yolanda Sadie, and Jaclyn de Klerk. The results of the 2023 survey are compared with findings from four previous surveys conducted in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Click here to read more about this.

Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture

Still on democracy and elections matters, our University, in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour, hosted the Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture on Wednesday. The lecture is a tribute to Mr Barayi, one of the founding leaders of both the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the keynote address at the lecture at the Imbizo Hall at our Soweto Campus. Other high-ranking government officials who graced the occasion were the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande and the Minister of Employment and Labour, Thulas Nxesi, as well as the Deputy-Chairperson of the UJ Council, Dr Yondela Ndema.

I wish to thank our Centre for Data and Digital Communication (CDDC) for being part of this important lecture in collaboration with the South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI-ID) and the Department of Employment and Labour. You can watch the proceedings on our social media platforms. You may also read about it here.

Six new Postgraduate Diplomas in Nursing Programmes for UJ

This past Sunday, on 12 May 2024, International Nurses Day was celebrated worldwide, focusing on the theme, Our Nurses, Our Future: the economic power of care. The day aims to foster meaningful discussions addressing global health challenges and promoting good health for all. Our Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Nursing, was among the first Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in South Africa to introduce six new Postgraduate Diplomas in Nursing Programmes. These programmes include Critical Care Nursing (Adult), Midwifery, Primary Care Nursing, Occupational Health Nursing, and Nursing Education and Health Services Management.

Earlier on 19 April 2024, the Department marked a significant milestone as the last legacy nursing qualification, Baccalaureus Curationis (Educationis Et Administrationis) (BCur Et Admin), saw a total of nineteen (19) graduates cross the stage. Concurrently, the Department distinguished itself as one of the pioneers in Gauteng Province in graduating nursing students in critically needed programs. A total of thirty-six (36) Midwifery and ten (10) Nursing Education students completed the newly regulated Postgraduate Diploma Nursing Programmes.

Influenza Vaccination

The influenza season has made its unwelcome return, striking with even more vengeance. While most people who get the flu experience only mild to moderate symptoms, some can get severe symptoms, especially the very young and the old. Receiving the vaccine can reduce visits to clinics or doctors’ offices.

Permanent and contracted UJ employees on medical aid who want to receive an influenza vaccine can make a booking through the Occupational Health Practice by providing their name, surname, ID number, medical aid scheme and membership number. For more information and bookings, please reach out to the Occupational Health Nursing Practitioners below:

• Sr. Margereth Langeveldt for APK: mlangeveldt@uj.ac.za
• Sr. Maegan Abels for DFC: maegana@uj.ac.za
• Sr. Moipone Pakalitha for SWC: mpakalitha@uj.ac.za
• Sr. Ann Henning for APB: anneh@uj.ac.za

High Tea with the VC

I invite you to the next High Tea with the VC book discussion on Friday, 24 May 2024, when we will discuss the book, How to Lead Like Abraham Lincoln: Leading in a Way That Drives History (The Magic of an Influencer) by Christopher S. Coopersmith. Described as an in-depth study of how this extraordinary statesman left his mark on multiple generations, this is one of the most inspirational books worth reading, so do not miss the discussion. We will meet at the UJ Library, Chinua Achebe Auditorium, Level 6, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus (APK), at the usual time of 14h00 (CAT). Kindly RSVP here (both virtual and in-person attendees)

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.