Dear UJ community,

This week, it was heartwarming to hear more distinguished individuals praising the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for its role in shaping the South African society through its excellent academic programmes and research. Professor Alfred Msezane (a distinguished physicist) and His Excellency Kgalema Motlanthe (former President of South Africa) joined two other luminaries that the University has conferred honorary doctorates during this Autumn graduation season. Next week, on Monday, 24 March 2025, we will confer an honorary doctorate upon Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu, a pioneering academic and business leader celebrated for his contributions to economic policy and governance.

A Youthful and Visionary University

Prof Msezane’s words of gratitude to the University for creating an excellent environment where students can be educated for future jobs were on point. His story of endurance and resilience, even in the face of adversity during his early schooling days, underscores the spirit that defines many of our students and staff. His Excellency, Kgalema Motlanthe, was even more glowing in his praise. He said UJ’s role in fostering values such as discipline, integrity and excellence made the institution a beacon of hope. And what with these beautiful words summing it up: “At 20, this University is both youthful and visionary. Its future is limitless.” To read more about the luminaries honoured and other important information about the Autumn graduation season, visit our website, www.news.uj.ac.za.

You can watch the highlights below:

VC’s Vision and Drive towards 1000 Postdoctoral Research Fellowships

Reaffirming UJ’s commitment to being a leading force in shaping a future that benefits South Africa and the world, I am proud to invite recent doctoral graduates who are exceptionally motivated and energetic to apply for a UJ Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. This opportunity is part of my vision of hosting 1000 Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs), providing a platform for fellows to develop and grow their careers in an institution synonymous with pioneering research and technological advancements. Become a part of the next generation of bright young minds addressing pressing issues and making a marked difference in the lives of our communities. Fellowships are awarded competitively based on the applicant’s academic achievements and research potential. Applicants must ensure a full list of their research outputs is included in their submission. For more information on this, including expectations of a postdoctoral research fellow, the value of the fellowship, and minimum requirements, click here.

Celebrating Neurodiversity

Today, our university will celebrate World Down Syndrome Awareness Day to honour and amplify the voices of people with Down syndrome. The day also highlights their vital role in our communities and calls for their full participation in anything that affects their lives. My family will award the 2025 Mpedi Family Scholarships for Neurodiversity Studies at the Soweto Campus. This is a topic close to our heart, and this event highlights UJ’s and our dedication to fostering inclusive education.

The ceremony will also celebrate scholars whose work is reshaping educational equity.  Other highlights of the day will include a Neurodiversity and Resilience Symposium featuring global expert Prof Liesel Ebersöhn and advocate Buzwe Mabuza, who will focus on community-driven solutions. We will also honour Dr Jean Fourie and Dr Liz Hooijer, pioneers behind UJ’s Centre for Neurodiversity, whose legacy continues to inspire.

UJ hosts Africa’s first World Happiness Report launch

Later this evening, UJ will, for the first time, host Africa’s first World Happiness Report launch.  This global initiative, traditionally led by institutions from Western countries, shifts focus to African perspectives on well-being. Prof Talita Greyling, a leading voice in well-being economics, unpacks South Africa’s paradox as follows: “How do Ubuntu and social cohesion counterbalance systemic challenges like unemployment and inequality? The report challenges GDP-centric metrics, highlighting Africa’s cultural wealth and resilience.” This event aligns with UJ’s mission to drive policy innovation through data, which is a critical tool as South Africa navigates its socio-political landscape. Congratulations in advance for hosting this great event!

Recognition for UJFM

Wheatstone Corporation, a renowned international broadcasting equipment manufacturer, has recognised our UJFM studios as one of the best in the world. This acknowledgment highlights the state-of-the-art technology we employ, setting a benchmark in the broadcasting industry. Notably, UJFM is the first station in South Africa to receive such recognition from Wheatstone, underscoring our commitment to excellence and innovation in broadcasting. Congratulations to Prof Bongani Ngqulunga (Senior Executive Director: Student Affairs, University Relations & UJ Sport) the Station Manager Mr Anathi Sidali and the entire team UJFM team for this recognition. Well done, colleagues!

Celebrating UJ Sport Achievements

This week saw UJ scoring significant achievements in sports, with victories across multiple disciplines. Last Friday, the UJ Senior Women’s Rugby team ignited the celebrations with a decisive 16-0 victory over the University of KwaZulu-Natal at Howard College, marking a triumphant start to their FNB Varsity Cup campaign. Meanwhile, both the Senior Men’s Football and Rugby teams returned to winning ways. The football team secured a 1-0 victory against JBM FC in the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League, while the rugby team claimed a 32-24 win over Wits University in the FNB Varsity Cup, breaking their previous run of losses.

The UJ Young Guns rugby team also secured their second victory in the FNB Varsity Cup Young Guns campaign, defeating the University of Free State Young Guns 54-35. The UJ Athletics Club also delivered an outstanding performance, amassing 86 medals. The club scooped 29 gold, 27 silver, and 30 bronze medals as they hosted the Central Gauteng Athletics Track & Field Championships at the UJ Athletics Stadium this past weekend. For comprehensive updates on UJ Sport Clubs’ results and performances, please follow UJ Sport’s official social media platforms and visit the UJ news website.

High Tea with the VC

I am pleased to invite you to the second hybrid High Tea with the VC book discussion for 2025 next week on Friday, 28 March 2025, featuring Professor Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya. Hosted in celebration of International Women’s Month, this insightful discussion will centre on Prof Phaswana-Mafuya’s impactful books:

• Navigating Academia: Women’s Stories of Success and Struggle – A Call to Action
• Research Mentorship: A Developmental and Transformational Tool in Shaping and Sustaining African Women’s Career Progression in Academia.

We will meet at the Library, Chinua Achebe Auditorium, Level 6, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, at 14h00 (CAT). For in-person attendance, RSVP here. For virtual attendance via Zoom, click here.

Human Rights Day

Lastly, tomorrow, 21 March 2025, is Human Rights Day in South Africa, which marks the 1960 Sharpeville massacre. The day is meant to inspire reflection on one of the worst episodes of our history. The day is commemorated to promote human rights in the country, as enshrined in the Bill of Rights of our Constitution. The rights include equality, human dignity, and respect for various languages and cultures.

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.