Dear UJ community,
Last week, I shared how the University of Johannesburg (UJ) centres across various faculties play a pivotal role in generating research and innovation projects. Through this, they contribute to our continued efforts to position UJ as a catalyst for change. Indeed, such is the quality of our research that it transcends the lecture halls to impact real-world policymaking, economic growth and a socially inclusive society.
UJ climbs to the highest-ever global university rankings
As I celebrated my birthday yesterday, I received some good news about university rankings. It is with immense pride that we share that UJ has reached a major milestone, climbing to its highest-ever position in the latest 2027 QS World University Rankings, released yesterday. UJ has now broken into the top 300 universities in the world for the first time in its history and is now the second-highest ranked University in the country and on the African continent. The latest QS rankings also see UJ climb 16 places to #292 in the world, up from #308, marking its highest-ever performance in the ranking. The University also strengthened its national and continental standing, advancing two places from #4 to #2 in both South Africa and Africa.
The QS results come on the back of a series of strong international rankings performances by UJ this year. Earlier this month, UJ improved its position by 20 places to #587 globally in the 2026 Center for World University Rankings (CWUR), followed earlier this week by a 38-place rise to #281 globally in the 2026–2027 Best Global Universities Rankings (BGUR). UJ also delivered a strong showing in the 2026–2027 Best Global Universities Subject Rankings, ranking in 24 BGUR subjects globally. Two subjects have been placed in the global top 100, and 13 subjects ranked #1 in South Africa, four of which also ranked #1 in Africa.
Together, these achievements highlight the breadth and depth of UJ’s academic and research excellence, while providing further evidence of its growing international recognition, strengthened research profile, and increasing global competitiveness. The results reflect the University’s deliberate and sustained efforts to build a globally competitive institution that remains deeply rooted in Africa while engaging meaningfully with the world. Breaking into the global top 300 for the first time and rising to #2 in both South Africa and Africa is a significant historic milestone for UJ. These results are a testament to the collective efforts, dedication and excellence of our staff, students, alumni, and partners. As we always say, “UJ All the Way!”.Click here to read more about this exciting news.
Global Footprint and Partnerships
Earlier this week, I had the honour of hosting His Excellency James Christoff, the High Commissioner of Canada to South Africa. Our meeting served as an opportunity to explore various ways in which, in collaboration with the High Commission, UJ can strengthen relationships with Canadian institutions of higher learning, including our existing partners. We discussed how these collaborations could drive innovation, commercialisation, and provide solutions to contemporary challenges. Additionally, we acknowledged the significance of UJ’s initiatives to improve education and quality of life, both locally and globally. H.E. Christoff reiterated Canada’s commitment to enhancing relations with African universities, highlighting the vital role of post-secondary education in fostering innovation and addressing pressing issues. Click here to read more.
National Youth Month
With South Africa commemorating the 50thAnniversary of the Soweto Uprising this year, and as part of the National Youth Month, I had a ‘sit-down’ with our official UJ mascot for a special June 16 tribute episode of VC Chilling with Hoepie. In a solemn commemoration of the brave young men and women who participated in the historic 1976 Soweto Uprising, we paid homage to the fallen heroes and heroines for their courage, sacrifice and resilience. The Class of ‘76 was a generation that stood against injustice and changed the course of South African history. Their actions became a defining moment in the struggle for freedom, equality, and access to quality education. As a mark of remembrance and respect, I read the names of those who were part of the uprising, ensuring that their legacy continues to live on and inspire future generations.
This special tribute serves as a reminder of the enduring significance of Youth Day and the responsibility we all share in preserving the memory of those who fought for a better South Africa. We remember. We honour. We celebrate their legacy. You can watch the tribute below:
Youth Unemployment
As we celebrate National Youth Month, I am also cognisant of the fact that, while a lot has been achieved in our country, unemployment remains high amongst young people. In this regard, it was pleasing to read an opinion article by two of our academics on youth and unemployment. The article is co-authored by Natanya Meyer and Chris Schachtebeck, who are professors in the DHET-NRF SARChI Chair in Entrepreneurship Education, Department of Business Management, College of Business and Economics, and titled Why teaching entrepreneurship must be a priority in every school.
The authors argue that it is worth renewing a long-standing call to teach entrepreneurship in every school – not as a narrow “start a business” class, but as a core set of skills for a generation struggling to find work. They call for an emphasis on skills that empower young people to spot opportunities, work in teams, solve practical problems and recover from failure. They also argue that equipping young people to create opportunities rather than chase jobs that may not exist is central to youth development. You can read the full article here.
Africa lacks AI laws to protect culture and intellectual property
I also invite you to read my latest article, which I co-wrote with Thebe Ikalafeng, Chancellor of Sol Plaatje University and professor of practice at the University of Johannesburg Business School (JBS), which appeared on Business Day last Friday. In the article titled “Africa lacks AI laws to protect culture and intellectual property,” we explore one of the most pressing questions of our time: how Africa can safeguard its culture, languages, intellectual property, and creative heritage in the age of Artificial Intelligence. As AI continues to reshape societies and economies across the globe, the continent has an opportunity not only to participate in this transformation but also to shape it through policies and frameworks that protect African knowledge, innovation and identity. We discuss why digital sovereignty, language inclusion and the protection of cultural assets must form part of Africa’s AI future. To read the article, click here.
Additionally, please keep an eye out for a podcast on this important subject on the official UJ social media platforms and website, released as part of the Beyond the Code: AI and Law series. I encourage all our academics to contribute to the national discourse by writing opinion articles. If you need assistance with this, contact our University Relations. Their contact details are on the UJ website.
Launch of its Online Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Reporting Platform
UJ, through the Transformation Office, is pleased to announce the launch of its Online Gender-Based Violence (GBV) reporting platform, the iReport GBV Tool. The institution hopes that GBV reporting will be given increased prominence and seriousness by all individuals, emphasising the “i” to denote personal responsibility. This initiative signals that reporting GBV is a collective obligation within the university community, encompassing staff members, students, and all associated personnel. Whether on office premises, in lecture halls, on university grounds, or in residential facilities, every individual has a duty to take responsibility and actively participate in eradicating GBV. This initiative also serves as an educational opportunity to raise awareness about gender-based violence and to inform staff and students about the appropriate procedures for reporting incidents.
Comrades Marathon
I congratulate our UJ staff members who participated in the Comrades Marathon this past weekend. More than 20 of our colleagues participated in this year’s edition. For the first time this year, the UJ Athletics Club held an activation at the marathon, showcasing the Orange Army. The marathon tests endurance, heart, and determination, so conquering it takes a level of mental and physical grit that only a few possess. Whether it was your first, a personal best, or another back-to-back medal, you proved that discipline and perseverance can overcome any challenge, earning the medal is a monumental accomplishment. All those early mornings and months of hard training have finally paid off. Rest those well-deserved legs and soak in the glory! To read more about this, click here.
Staff Achievement
Please join me in congratulating Professor Grace Leung (Senior Director of the UJ Postgraduate School, UJ), on her election as Vice Chair of theInternational Federation for Information Processing Working Group 11 on Information Security Education. The body is an international network advancing cybersecurity education, research and capacity development. Prof Leung was elected during the World Conference on Information Security Education (WISE 2026), held in Perth, Australia, last week. Her three-year term will commence in October 2026. This appointment represents a significant international acknowledgement of Professor Leung’s distinguished expertise within her field. As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve and artificial intelligence reshapes the digital landscape, Prof Leung’s election places her among a group of international experts shaping the future of cybersecurity education and capacity development. Her appointment also offers strategic advantages for UJ’s global standing, research collaborations, and partnerships in information security. We wish her continued success in this esteemed role as she represents UJ on the international stage. To read more about this, click here.
Message of Gratitude
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who took the time to wish me a happy birthday yesterday. I am deeply moved by the outpouring of love I received from many colleagues, friends and loved ones. Your kind words truly made my day extra special.
Commiserations
Lastly, on a sombre note, it was with profound sadness that I learnt of the passing of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University (SMU), Professor Tandi Matsha-Erasmus. As the university announced in a statement, Prof Matsha-Erasmus was a distinguished academic, an accomplished leader, and a passionate advocate for the transformative power of higher education. Her passing is a loss not only to the SMU community but also to the higher education sector. On behalf of the UJ Community, I extend my deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, friends, and colleagues. May her soul rest in eternal peace.
In the same vein, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of renowned jazz maestro Abdullah Ibrahim, who passed away in Germany earlier this week. Through his artistic prowess, he helped define a distinctive genre of jazz music that became popular in the country and abroad. Despite living outside South Africa for most of his life, the iconic pianist and composer never forgot his roots. He made frequent trips back home to South Africa to perform and record his music. His most recent performance in the country was three months ago in Cape Town. As his partner, Dr Marina Umari, said in a tribute, “Abdullah passed away peacefully with South Africa and its people in his heart. His love for his country never wavered, no matter where in the world he found himself. Lala Ngoxolo!
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.
