Dear UJ community,
It is with immense pride to announce that the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been recognised as among the fastest growing universities in international research influence. According to the latest analysis published by measuresHE, UJ recorded an 83% increase in its share of international research influence, rising from 468th to 226th among the 500 most internationally influential universities identified in the 2017 to 2021 baseline period.
UJ’s growing influence and reputation on the global stage
Founded by former Times Higher Education (THE) data specialists, measureHE tracks each university’s share of international research influence, with special focus on how far researchers in other countries build on its work. This result reflects the quality of our research and the strength of our global partnerships, and it is a tribute to our researchers, academics and postgraduate students. It marks another step in a longer institutional journey. In June, UJ reached its highest ever position in the QS World University Rankings, entering the global top 300 at 292nd. More recently, 88 of our researchers were named in the World’s Top 2% Scientists list. These achievements reflect the growing depth, quality and international reach of our research enterprise. This is why I often say that we do not aspire to be the best University in the world, but the best University for the world. Global excellence matters, but its greatest value lies in what it enables us to contribute to humanity. Read more here.
UJ Celebrates 50 Years of TSAR and Its Legacy in South African Legal Scholarship
This past week, our Faculty of Law celebrated a milestone, with the 50th anniversary of the Tydskrif vir die Suid-Afrikaanse Reg (TSAR). Established in 1976, TSAR has become a respected platform for legal research, providing generations of academics, judges and legal practitioners with opportunities to engage critically with developments in law and contribute to legal discourse. The anniversary marked five decades of academic excellence, critical legal scholarship and contributions to the development of South African jurisprudence. The golden jubilee celebration brought together distinguished members of the judiciary, legal profession, academia and publishing industry to reflect on the journal’s history, recognise its achievements and consider its future. Among them was retired Constitutional Court, Justice Johann Kriegler, and Juta’s Chief Content and Product Officer, Edmund Beerwinkel.
In my address, I reflected on the journal’s contribution to South African jurisprudence, particularly its role in documenting legal developments through the country’s transition to democracy and constitutional transformation. To sustain a premier peer-reviewed legal journal for 50 years requires far more than mere academic interest. It demands vision, dedication, and uncompromising commitment to legal excellence. One of the critical questions is how legal scholarship bridges the gap between human justice and artificial intelligence. have full confidence that the journal will remain relevant in addressing emerging legal questions arising from artificial intelligence, automated decision-making and digital governance. I congratulate Professor Charles Maimela, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law, and his team for such a successful event. Read more here.
UJ hosts the Jiangsu-Africa University Alliance Summit
Today, UJ hosts the Jiangsu-Africa University Cooperation Alliance Summit to further strengthen our partnership with China. Formed in recognition of our ties with China through various Sino-Africa partnerships, the summit has been in the making for about a decade, emphasising our commitment to a future driven by enduring global partnerships. It focusses on talent cultivation, scientific and technological innovation, and cultural exchange, establishing a long-term and practical platform for high-level dialogue and cooperation. In October last year, UJ co-initiated the Jiangsu-Africa University Cooperation Alliance alongside Nanjing Tech University. This alliance brings together 13 universities from Jiangsu Province, China, and 23 institutions from 13 African countries, creating a platform for high-level dialogue, research, and innovation.
The 2026 Jiangsu-Africa University Cooperation Alliance Summit is an embodiment of the alliance’s goals. More than advancing institutional agreements and promises, it seeks to unlock opportunities for students, researchers, industry and civil society on the continent. It is a platform to leverage collective strengths to tackle global challenges, from climate change to public health as well as deepening cultural exchange and mutual understanding. This year’s summit is organised under the theme Sino-Africa Higher Education Partnerships for the future: Jointly advancing research, teaching, learning and innovation.
UJ hosts International Festival Celebrates Culture, Diversity and Unity
Last week on Friday, on the day when UJ relaunched its Africa By Bus programme into UJ Africa By Bus Plus (ABB+) to strengthen academic exchanges, cultural immersion, collaborative research and engagement with industry with African countries, we also hosted another significant event. The annual International Festival at the Student Centre Lawns on the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus celebrated the diversity of the UJ community and created an opportunity for students to share their cultures, traditions and experiences. Held under the theme Building Cultures, Building Futures, the festival brought together local and international students through cultural expression, music, dance, fashion, food and interactive activities. It provided a platform for students to learn about different countries and traditions while strengthening connections across cultures.
Adding to the excitement were the event’s masters of ceremonies, Nicole Frisley and Tony Dangler, who kept the programme lively and engaged the audience throughout the event. Their presence contributed to the festival atmosphere, encouraging students to participate and enjoy the celebrations. Beyond the entertainment, the festival highlighted the value of cultural exchange in a university community that brings together students from diverse backgrounds. By creating space for different cultures to be represented and appreciated, the event reinforced the importance of inclusion, mutual respect and belonging. Read more here.
JIAS launches podcast with inaugural conversation featuring Dr John Kani
In an exciting development this week, the Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS) at UJ launched their podcast on Wednesday. The inaugural episode featured celebrated actor, playwright and director Dr John Kani in conversation with JIAS Acting Director, Prof Siphiwo Mahala. The podcast creates a platform for thought-provoking conversations connecting intellectual inquiry, cultural expression, and public life. Its opening episode brings the experience and insight of one of South Africa’s most distinguished cultural figures to questions that continue to shape society. Dr Kani’s extraordinary contribution to theatre and the arts has earned him recognition locally and internationally. He received a Tony Award in 1975 for his performance in Sizwe Banzi Is Dead and was awarded the Order of Ikhamanga in 2005. In 2023, he received an honorary appointment as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
In the podcast, and in conversation with Prof Mahala, Dr Kani reflects on current affairs, the complexities of the arts sector, the enduring violence of apartheid and pressing social concerns, including gender-based violence. Drawing on a lifetime of storytelling and public engagement, he offers perspectives that invite audiences to reflect on the relationship between the arts and society. Through future episodes, JIAS aims to extend its conversations to wider audiences, creating opportunities to engage with ideas and experiences across disciplines.
Celebrating Staff Achievements
Please join me in congratulating Mr Sanele Buthelezi, a lecturer in the UJ Optometry for being awarded the European Academy of Optometry and Optics (EAOO) Fellowship. The EAOO was established in 2009. It supports good research, shares new knowledge, and helps optometrists and opticians keep learning throughout their careers. This year, 14 people from across the world became lifelong Fellows at the conference in Riga in May. Mr Buthelezi, who was the only one representing Africa, received the title at the Academy’s yearly conference in Riga, Latvia last week. His research focuses on training optometry students to provide eye care while respecting the person’s culture and identity. At the conference, he gave a talk called Teaching cultural safety through spectacle design. He shared how something as ordinary as helping a person choose a frame for a pair of glasses can teach students about respect. Currently, Buthelezi is completing his PhD, titled ‘Developing a curriculum framework towards culturally safe optometry practice in South Africa.’ Read more here.
Celebrating UJ Sport Achievements
The 2026 Gauteng Netball Super League season ended this past weekend, with UJ having made its mark as among the top performing universities. In true UJ fashion, our Senior Women’s team was crowned champions on Saturday, 17 October, delivering a masterclass performance against Wits Ladies. With a display of tactical masterpiece, our ladies powered through to an impressive 33-21 victory to secure the championship crown. Meanwhile, the UJ Senior Men’s Team secured a silver finish after losing by a narrow 34 – 31 points to Brothers Netball Team – capping off a truly phenomenal competitive year for the Orange Army.
UJ also continues to serve as a launchpad for world-class talent whose impact extends far beyond our borders. Fresh from leading the Orange Army to our maiden Varsity Netball tournament title last month, UJ captain and Namibian international Cornelia Mupenda officially signed with elite Australian outfit Peninsula Waves in Victoria. Also securing a move abroad is fellow defensive standout goalkeeper Amara Agbai, who had an outstanding performance in our Varsity Netball championship-winning campaign. Agbai has joined UK-based University of Hertfordshire. On the cricket field, the UJ senior Men’s team had a stellar win against Wits scoring 397/5 in 50 overs before restricting Wits to 245/8 winning by a huge 152 runs.
Meanwhile, two of our staff members, Mr Nhlanhla Ndlovu (physiotherapist) and Mr Sizwe Ndlovu (Rowing Club Manager) are heading to Dakar, Senegal, as part of Team South Africa. They will be representing both UJ and South Africa at this global showpiece that will start on 31 October and end on 13 November 2026. I wish our staff members and the South African team the very best in Senegal – please make us proud!
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.
