Dear UJ community,

Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” As I reflect on my visits across our dynamic campuses earlier this week, these words resonate deeply. Witnessing your steadfast commitment to learning and progress emphasises our joint endeavour to forge a brighter future. It is especially gratifying to see UJ being listed as the Most Impactful African University in 2024. This is a further testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff and students, who are instrumental in fostering innovation, transformation, and excellence across the continent.

Examinations proceed smoothly

As the academic year nears its conclusion, I want to take a moment to congratulate all our students who have qualified to sit for the year-end examinations. Last week marked the third week of the final exam period. I am pleased to share that the University’s 2024 final year-end examination period has progressed smoothly, with 120,554 papers completed by Friday, 15 November. This week served as a study break before the supplementary exams begin next Monday and will run until 29 November. I encourage our students to stay focused and determined during this critical period. Whether advancing to the next stage of your studies in 2025 or preparing to complete your final qualifications, please know that the entire UJ community is behind you, cheering you on as you strive to reach your goals. To support you during this time, remember to utilise the academic support programmes available, including guidance from lecturers, tutors, and advisors.

I am also mindful that the examination period can bring feelings of anxiety or overwhelm. Please remember that our Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD) is there to support you. PsyCaD provides walk-in services, individual counselling sessions, and a 24-hour Crisis Line (082 054 1137) for emergency assistance. Your well-being remains our top priority!

Welcoming our new student leaders

This week marks a new chapter in student leadership following the recent Student Representative Council (SRC) elections. After completing their induction earlier this week, the newly elected leaders are ready to guide our student community as we prepare for the 2025 academic year. Congratulations to the new SRC leaders! We wish them success in their efforts to serve and inspire their peers.

UJ Leads 4IR innovations in Mining and Legal Education

UJ continues to demonstrate its leadership in 4IR with advancements across industries. Today, in collaboration with Sibanye-Stillwater, UJ will launch the Simulacrum and a research lab at the Doornfontein Campus. This state-of-the-art facility integrates virtual, mixed, and extended reality technologies with physical mine simulations to provide advanced, safer training for mining professionals. With an initial R43 million investment the partnership has expanded through an additional R12.75 million over three years to establish the Sibanye-Stillwater Centre for Sustainable Mining (SS-CSM). This research centre fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and equips postgraduate students with cutting-edge research opportunities, positioning UJ at the forefront of 4IR mining innovation. Congratulations to Prof Daniel Mashao, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, and Prof Hennie Grobler, Head of the Department of Mining Engineering, for their leadership in this transformative project.

Similarly, UJ has achieved a historic milestone as the first institution in Africa to launch a Virtual Reality (VR) Courtroom Game, revolutionising legal education through immersive technology. A collaboration between the Faculty of Law and the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) Innovation Lab, this initiative earned the African Tech Innovation of the Year 2024 award from Business Tech Africa. By blending VR and artificial intelligence, the project delivers a dynamic, hands-on learning experience that bridges theoretical knowledge and practical application, redefining education on the continent. Congratulations to Prof Michele van Eck (Project Lead), Prof Abejide Ade-Ibijola (Tech Lead), and their team for this achievement.

These milestones further solidify UJ’s position as a trailblazer in 4IR, bridging academia and industry to prepare graduates for a technology-driven future.

Celebrating staff achievements

We take immense pride in celebrating the achievements of our staff, who continue to make significant contributions to their respective fields. Join me in congratulating members of our community whose outstanding work has earned them further recognition:

Eight delegates who participated in our UJ Executive Leadership Development Programme for Universities (UJELDPU) recently graduated after presenting their Action Learning Projects to the MEC. Congratulations to:

• Ms Nomsa Mahlangu (Senior Director: Sport)
• Ms Taheera Johnson (Director: Litigation and General Affairs)
• Mr Andre Arendse (Senior Director: Protection Services)
• Prof Philiswa Nomngongo (DST/NRF Research Chair in Nanotechnology for Water)
• Prof Ylva Gumede (Head: Global Engagement Division)
• Dr Tinus Van Zyl (Senior Director: Central Academic Administration)
• Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli (Executive Director: Research and Innovation)
• Prof Grace Wai Sze Leung (Senior Director: Postgraduate School)

Recognition also goes to:

• Prof Fiona Tregenna, (DST/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development), appointed to the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) by President Cyril Ramaphosa, contributing her expertise to inclusive and sustainable economic policies.
• Prof Tina Uys, recipient of the 2024 Lester F. Ward Award for Distinguished Contributions to Applied and Clinical Sociology, an honour from the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology in the USA.

On the research front, five distinguished visiting academics with secondary affiliations to UJ have been recognised as Highly Cited Researchers for 2024 by Clarivate. Congratulations to Dr Arnold Bakker (Erasmus University Rotterdam, Netherlands), Prof Linda Hollebeek (Sunway University, Malaysia), Prof Sascha Kraus (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano, Italy), Prof Chong Lin (Qingdao University, China), and Prof Haywantee Ramkissoon (University of South Australia, Australia) on this remarkable achievement.

All these achievements reflect dedication, passion, and hard work. Well done to all!

Advancing the SDGs through innovation

I am thrilled to share that our Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Science, in collaboration with Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, continues to champion the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Aligned with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) the UJuggy project offers affordable mobility solutions for cerebral palsy patients. Additionally, UJ students transformed 200 donated pallets into 17 benches, merging sustainability with societal impact. These efforts, set to be recognised at the Gauteng Disability Rights Excellence Awards next month, reaffirm UJ’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and societal impact, and the SDGs. Thank you all for your contributions to making UJ a hub of excellence.

Supporting UJ future engineers to solve global challenges

Additionally, our Chemical Engineering students will represent UJ in the Engineering for People Design Challenge, an initiative by Engineers Without Borders South Africa and the UK to inspire globally responsible engineering. This year’s challenge focuses on Pu Ngaol, a rural Cambodian village where students design solutions to address social and environmental issues. Our student-led ‘Termite Farming’ project offers an innovative response to termite infestations that damage homes and crops. The project proposes sustainably breeding of termites to produce chicken feed, fishing bait, and delicacies while converting termite-affected soil into organic fertiliser to boost agriculture.

The top projects, reviewed by over 200 international experts, will advance to the Grand Finals, where students, academics, industry leaders, and Engineers Without Borders UK will celebrate the future of globally responsible engineering. I encourage everyone to rally behind our students and their innovative projects by clicking here. Let’s show our UJ spirit and support their journey toward impactful solutions and global recognition.

Join the fight against fraud

Lastly, UJ supports International Fraud Awareness Week, promoting anti-fraud education to protect our community. Fraud prevention is everyone’s responsibility. Let us be aware of red flags and stay vigilant. Use the UJ Whistleblowing Hotline to confidentially and anonymously report unethical behaviour or misconduct. Let’s work together to safeguard UJ!

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.