Dear UJ community,
This week, I was honoured to attend the International Association of University Presidents (IAUP) conference in Beijing, China. Established in 1965, the IAUP is a global network of university leaders (presidents, rectors and vice-chancellors) and institutions dedicated to making the world a better place through higher education, strengthening leadership through exchanging knowledge, best practices and strategic insights.
Elected as Secretary-General Elect of IAUP
I am delighted to share that I was elected Secretary-General Elect of the International Association of University Presidents for 2024-2027, and subsequently as Secretary-General from 2027-2030. This marks a significant milestone for our University and the higher education landscape in Africa. This appointment reflects UJ’s growing influence on the global stage and underscores the university’s commitment to driving meaningful international collaboration and leadership in education. It is an exciting opportunity to continue driving global collaboration in higher education and advancing our shared goals. I look forward to the journey ahead! To read more about this, click here.
Strengthening UJ’s global footprint
The UJ Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA) continues to receive global recognition. Dr Anthony Kaziboni, Senior Researcher at the Centre, was a special guest at OpenAI’s Inaugural Education Forum in New York City on 10 October 2024. The event gathered higher education leaders shaping the future of AI.
Dr Kaziboni presented a talk, ChatGPT 4 SDG4 in South Africa and the Global South, highlighting the role of ChatGPT in advancing education in underprivileged regions. OpenAI leadership, including CFO Sarah Friar and GM of Education Leah Belsky, attended, expressing interest in collaborating with UJ and other top universities to establish a Community of Practice.
Department of Commercial Accounting hosts a 30 Years of Democracy Lecture
On the home front, our Department of Commercial Accounting in the School of Accounting hosted a public lecture, titled The Roles of the Judiciary and Accounting Profession in Protecting South Africa’s Constitutional Democracy, delivered by Supreme Court of Appeals Judge Boissie Mbha, a UJ alumnus with a Masters in Tax Law. Judge Mbha received UJ’s Alumni Dignitas Award in 2016.The lecture was premised on the fact that in a constitutional democracy like South Africa, multiple institutions and professions play pivotal roles in upholding and protecting the principles of democracy, such as transparency and accountability.
The judiciary and accounting profession stand out as key players because they intersect in ensuring adherence to the rule of law, protecting human rights, and maintaining financial integrity. The lecture’s theme is fitting as it touches on multidisciplinary issues and social impact, which are key factors in UJ’s Strategic Plan for 2035. This topic and the lecture are at an opportune time when our country has not only reached 30 years of democracy but also reached 100 days of the Government of National Unity during this week.
Summer Graduations
We began our University’s Summer Graduation season with a flourish and a touch of royalty. We welcomed Prince Maqhawe Sigcawu, the eldest son of AmaXhosa King Vulikhaya kaZolilizwe Sigcaw, among the growing list of UJ alumni. The King and the Queen beamed with pride as Prince Maqhawe crossed the stage to receive his Bachelor of Arts in Public Management and Governance. Prince Maqhawe’s graduation symbolises more than a royal accomplishment. It stands as a testament to perseverance, personal growth, and the transformative power of education. As our University Registrar, Professor Bettine van Vuuren, put it, we are honoured to have been the University of choice for the AmaXhosa royal family. Prince Maqhawe’s achievement strengthens our ties with the AmaXhosa Kingdom, and we look forward to supporting him as he continues his academic journey. To read more about this, click here.
Celebrating student achievements
Please join me in congratulating Ms Cynthia Khoza, who has been named as the winner of the 2024 edition of the ESG Africa Student Innovation Competition. Cynthia is a Master’s in Sustainability Management student in the School of Management, College of Business and Economics (CBE). The competition is designed to inspire and reward innovative ideas that tackle today’s pressing sustainability challenges. The competition entry was based on an assignment briefing in a module called Communicating Sustainability. The initiatives submitted were evaluated based on creativity, feasibility and the impact potential of the initiative on its broader community. As the winner, Cynthia presented her idea at the ESG Africa Conference and Expo held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 1-2 October 2024. She has won R40 000 to utilise towards making her sustainable initiative come to life. Well done, Cynthia – we are very proud of you!
A UJ Choices Initiative: fostering innovation and ethical responsibility
Speaking of UJ as a University of Choice, UJ’s Marketing and Brand Management, within University Relations, has launched the UJ Choices Initiative, encouraging the entire UJ community to consciously navigate the choices shaping our future. This initiative fosters innovation and ethical responsibility, inspiring us to transcend traditional boundaries in our studies, careers, and personal growth.
Through the UJ Choices Initiative, we engage in conversations that embrace diverse perspectives, guided by unwavering ethics of integrity, inclusivity, and community well-being. Learn more on the Choices webpage and follow us on social media. To contribute, contact Lesmarie Bentley-Steyn (lesmarieb@uj.ac.za) or Monique Evert (mevert@uj.ac.za).
UJ Annual Memorial Service
Yesterday, we held our Annual Memorial Service to commemorate our esteemed academics, dedicated students as well as our valued support and administrative staff and all members of our University Community who have departed from us for the period spanning from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024. Once again, we paused to reflect on their lives and their contribution to our University and our lives. I wish their families and friends comfort and strength.
Tribute to Honourable Tito Mboweni
I also join the thousands of South Africans in expressing my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Honourable Tito Mboweni, who died earlier this week. He was the democratic South Africa’s first Minister of Labour from 1994 to 1999 and served as Governor of the South African Reserve Bank for a decade from 1999 and the Minister of Finance from 2028 to 2021. In him, South Africa has lost an astute and selfless leader. This visionary shaped South Africa’s labour laws and helped stabilise our country’s economy even in the most trying times. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Proteas Women through to T20 World Cup final!
Lastly, on a brighter note, congratulations to the Proteas Women for their incredible victory yesterday, defeating Australia by 8 wickets in the T20 World Cup semi-final! Their heart, skill, and dedication have brought them to the final, where they will face either New Zealand or the West Indies on Sunday, 20 October. Best of luck to our champions—let’s bring the trophy home!
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.
