Dear UJ community,
After three weeks of winter recess, our campuses are again abuzz with students who returned for the start of the second semester this past Monday, 15 July 2024. I hope all of you had a restful break and that you will approach the second semester with the same vigour and enthusiasm you demonstrated since the beginning of the year. It is this spirit that has propelled us to the top of university rankings, as seen with UJ achieving the highest-ever global position in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings released last month.
Strengthening UJ’s global footprint
While some of you were away, there was a flurry of activities and good news. I led a UJ delegation to Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (UC) in South America. This was part of our efforts to foster academic collaboration and cultural exchanges. We also aimed to strengthen our ties and explore avenues for mutual growth in our shared pursuit of academic and research excellence. Both universities are proud members of the Universitas 21 network, further emphasising our dedication to global engagement.
Our packed agenda included meetings with university officials, faculty, and tours of UC Chile’s campuses. Together, we are creating a brighter future for our institutions and the global academic community. As part of our visit in Chile, Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede and I attended the International Association of University Presidents meeting, where I serve as the Vice-President for Africa. We had insightful discussions with attending university Presidents about the pivotal role of university leaders in decision making amidst global challenges. Before my visit to Chile, we attended the 5IR Artificial Intelligence Annual Research Conference at the University of the West Indies, which aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between AI researchers, experts, policymakers, and stakeholders, among other topics.
UJ soars to Platinum! Highest standard in global Healthy Campus Programme
I am delighted to announce that our University has been certified Platinum in the prestigious FISU Healthy Campus Programme, a top-tier recognition that places UJ amongst elite global institutions in the area of student and staff well-being. Launched by the International University Sport Federation (FISU), the Healthy Campus Programme tackles a critical issue at universities, the well-being of young adults during their academic years. Together with several other universities, UJ will undergo a physical FISU audit on 9 and 10 September 2024, soon after the completion of the upcoming FISU World University Championship Squash in Johannesburg. I congratulate Ms Nomsa Mahlangu (Senior Director: UJ Sport) and her entire team for this outstanding achievement.
UJ researchers’ shine at the NSTF-South32 Awards
More good news is that two of our academics were recognised for their excellence at the prestigious 26th annual NSTF-South32 Awards. Professor Ben-Erik van Wyk, a Research Professor of Indigenous Plant Use, and Professor Tebogo Mashifana, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, were announced as winners in their respective categories. The hybrid gala event took place on Thursday,11 July 2024. The NSTF Awards spotlight research and technological advancements that are shaping the future of the nation, with a particular emphasis on the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Congratulations Profs Van Wyk and Mashifana, we are immensely proud of your contributions to science and innovation, which not only advance knowledge but also address critical challenges facing our society. Read more here.
Celebrating more staff achievement.
I also congratulate Ms. Refilwe Buthelezi, a distinguished UJ alumna who has been appointed to the Programme Steering Committee for the Technical Assistance Facility (ITAF) to Support Sustainable Development in South Africa. This prestigious recognition by the National Treasury is a testament to Ms. Buthelezi’s outstanding leadership as ECSA President and her exceptional expertise in the engineering field. Ms Buthelezi, well done on this remarkable achievement and for continued contributions to sustainable development!
Please also join me in congratulating the UJ Pension Funds Principal Officer, Dr Evette Vanrenen-Linford, for her appointment onto the Board of Directors of Batseta, the Council of Retirement Funds for South Africa. Batseta is a non-profit organization, which is focused on the interests of principal officers, trustees and fund fiduciaries within the retirement industry. We are proud of and pleased for Dr Evette Vanrenen-Linford for this recognition by industry peers.
Winter Graduations
Monday this week marked the start of the Winter Graduations, a momentous period for the graduands and their families and loved ones. I wish to congratulate and celebrate this significant milestone with all our graduands as they prepare for another chapter in their lives. Additionally, during this graduation season, UJ will confer an honorary doctoral degree on Pitso Mosimane, one of South Africa’s most decorated football coaches. This honour recognises his exceptional contribution to the sport and his commitment to excellence and innovation. The conferral will take place next week on Wednesday, 24 July 2024.
Professorial Inauguration
Yesterday, we proudly welcomed Annie Temane, a Professor in Psychiatric Nursing and acting Executive Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, to our esteemed professorship. In her address titled, Achieving Mental Health for Our Communities: Challenges and Opportunities, Prof Temane highlighted the critical importance of mental health for overall well-being and productivity, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 3, to promote mental health by 2030. She concluded by advocating for inclusivity, reducing stigma, and fostering a compassionate society. Prof Temane, we are excited about the positive impact your work will bring to our community. Congratulations!
Nelson Mandela Day
It was pleasing to see many of our staff members participating in the Nelson Mandela Day activities yesterday. As some of you would know, Nelson Mandela Month is one of the UJ flagship Community Engagement initiatives where, as UJ staff and students, we go out to give our time and resources to the less privileged in our communities. Whilst Mandela Day is celebrated globally on the 18th of July, here at UJ we celebrate it the whole month. We use this time to reflect on Mandela’s values and principles and to make a positive impact in our communities. This year, we celebrate Madiba’s legacy under the theme, “It is in your hands now”. I express my gratitude to each one of you who supported the needy members of our communities through your volunteer work and donations.
World Whistleblowers’ Day
On a slightly different note, and belatedly, I wish to thank our staff who observed World Whistleblowers’ Day, which was on 23 June 2024. The day is dedicated to honouring individuals who expose wrongdoing and promote transparency for the best interests of an organisation and wider community at large. This day recognises the courage of whistleblowers in revealing unethical or illegal activities, often at great personal risk. Their actions uphold justice and integrity, contributing to more accountable and transparent institutions. The University celebrates the bravery of staff and students, thanking them for their commitment to ethical citizenship and the positive impact they make on society”. The UJ Ethics Hotline number is: 0800 872 846.
A note of condolences
Recently, more than 40 UJ alumni, staff and students were named in the 2024 edition of the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans Awards, which highlight significant contributions across various fields such as civil society, health, technology, arts, and entertainment. As we celebrate these achievements, it was with a profound sense of sadness to have learnt of the tragic death of Ms Dorcas Didi Lekganyane, one of our alumni who was named in the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans Awards.
Ms Lekganyane’s untimely death is yet another grim reminder of the pervasive threat to women’s safety in our society. I express my deepest condolences to her family, friends and loved ones, may her beautiful soul rest in eternal peace.
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.
