Dear UJ community,
This week, I was reminded of one of the crown jewels of our university when UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) visited Funda UJabule School, UJ’s pioneering institution in teacher education and research. The school is situated on the Soweto Campus and was established as a partnership between UJ and the Gauteng Department of Education. It is a primary school serving the children of Soweto, but what makes it unique is that it also serves as a “teaching school” to support the training of primary school teachers.
Funda UJabule could be poised to join UNESCO’s network of associated schools
During a visit to the school on Tuesday, UNESCO’s Director General, Ms Audrey Azoulay, was visibly excited about the teacher education work that is done to bridge the theory-practice gap. Ms Azoulay was particularly interested in the language policy of the school and how indigenous languages (Sesotho and IsiZulu) are used in teaching. Such was her excitement that she invited Funda UJabule to join UNESCO’s network of associated schools.
UNESCO’s visit to the school was part of the efforts to strengthen collaboration between South Africa and UNESCO. Ms Azoulay was joined by UJ Chancellor Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Ihron Rensburg (in his capacity as chairperson of the SA Commission of UNESCO) and the Department of Basic Education Johannesburg Central District Director, Ms Tshepo Seate. To read more about this, click here.
New Centre for Digital Transformation accelerates 4IR skills development in SA
Another significant development this week was the establishment of the CHIETA/UJ JBS Centre for Digital Transformation, which is part of a collaboration between UJ’s Johannesburg Business School (JBS) and the Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority (CHIETA) for an innovative research project to address the critical skills development needs in the country.
The partnership aims to enhance research capabilities and foster innovation, ensuring short- and long-term solutions in a country where skills shortage is stark.
The centre is backed by the CHIETA Research Chair’s substantial investment of R5 million. This initiative highlights the steadfast commitment of UJ and CHIETA to spearhead digital transformation efforts across South Africa. Congratulations to everyone involved in this exciting project, particularly Arnesh Telukdarie (Professor of Digital Business at UJ and head of the Centre).
Honorary Doctorates
During this graduation series, we continue to honour illustrious individuals for their outstanding work contributions to humanity in the social, economic, and scientific fields in our country and beyond. On Wednesday, we conferred an Honorary Doctorate on internationally acclaimed South African academic, Professor Raphael Kaplinsky. Renowned for his pioneering work in industrial policy, innovation, and development, Prof. Kaplinsky’s contributions have left an indelible mark on the global economic landscape. Prof Kaplinsky, congratulations on your doctorate, and keep doing the sterling work that impacts positively on fellow human beings.
POPIA: Information Regulator to visit UJ
The Constitution of South Africa provides that everyone has the right to privacy and unlawful collection, retention, dissemination and use of personal information, is regulated in terms of the Protection of Personal Information (POPIA) Act 4 of 2013. UJ is committed to complying with applicable laws whenever it collects, processes and distributes personal information. To this end, the Information Regulator is due to visit our University next week, on Wednesday 24 and Thursday 25 April. The Office of the General Counsel, through the Finance: Risk and Assurance Division, has had engagements with the various faculties and divisions regarding this.
You will have received an email on Tuesday with the title: “You’ve been enrolled in training – POPIA.” I urge you to familiarise yourself with the documents relevant to your area to refresh your understanding of the measures implemented through the approved Policy and Protocols on this ahead of the visit. You may also watch the videos that have been circulated across your domains.
Legal Practitioners Forum
Still on legal matters, the Office of the General Counsel last week hosted the biannual Legal Practitioners Forum (LPF) conference, a forum comprising legal advisors at 26 public higher education institutions across South Africa. University in-house legal practitioners shared knowledge and insights on various legal challenges facing the higher education sector.
During last week’s event, a panel of industry leaders addressed various topics, including National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) assuming responsibility for POSA (Privately Owned Student Accommodation) accreditation and the mandate of the CIDB (Construction Industry Development Board) in the higher education space. The panel also had robust discussions on sexual offences and other related matters, as well as preventing circumstances in which employees may place themselves in a position where their interests may conflict with the interests of their respective higher education institutions.
Gratitude to the Alistair Mokoena Education Fund
I am pleased to announce that Dr Alistair Mokoena, the Country Director of Google South Africa, has, through the Alistair Mokoena Education Fund, pledged a R50 000 donation to our university. The donation will assist our financially needy and academically deserving students.
You will recall that we established the Double Our Future Impact campaign in 2022 to help cover the registration cost for as many as 10,000 students in 2023. It is encouraging to note that Dr Mokoena’s commitment to advancing knowledge and innovation extends beyond his role at Google towards fostering academic excellence and addressing the challenges of access to education in South Africa. We are grateful to him for this support!
High Tea with the VC
On this point, and as previously communicated, I am honoured to host Dr Mokoena as my guest for the High Tea with the VC for a discussion of his book, Servings of Self-Mastery: Bite-sized Pep Talks to Unlock Greatness today. We will meet at the UJ Library, Chinua Achebe Auditorium, Level 6, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus (APK), at the usual time of 14h00 (CAT). For virtual attendance, click here.
Youth Participation in Elections
Finally, to read my latest article that appeared in the Daily Maverick yesterday, titled Mobilising young voters is key to revitalising democracy in South Africa, click here. In it, I emphasise the importance of embracing the youth as responsible citizens and preparing them to lead their societies in accordance with universal human rights values. It serves as a reminder of the civic aspect of democracy, particularly as we approach the national and provincial elections.
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.
