Dear UJ community,

This week, I want to start with a matter close to my heart. It was with immense pride that I watched the second cohort of students who are sponsored by the Mpedi Family Scholarship for Neurodiversity Studies graduate from our university. As some of you would recall, the scholarship was launched in March 2024 to support Master’s level postgraduate students in the Faculty of Education.

Advancing Neurodiversity

The three graduates who formed part of the cohort that is funded by Fundi in support of the Mpedi Family Scholarship for Neurodiversity Studies were Nonhlanhla Zulu, John Mazibuko and Portia Mbuli. The graduates are a further testament to the scholarship’s impactful role in knowledge creation in a field often neglected, not only in South Africa but around the world. Areas of specialisation are educational and psychological interventions for individuals, family support and development and community engagement and improvement. Under the leadership of Professor Maximus Monaheng Sefotho, coordinator of the Centre for Neurodiversity at UJ, the scholarship reflects UJ’s commitment to fostering inclusive, socially responsive research among affected students. This forms part of my family’s plan to increase the number of professionals in this field. To read more about this, click here.

Apart from the students funded by the Mpedi Family Scholarship, it was also gratifying to see hundreds of other UJ graduates sharing stories of their academic journey during this Winter Graduation Season. More than 2000 graduands will walk across the stage to receive their qualifications, 251 of whom will receive their doctoral degrees. This is a momentous celebration and an incredible achievement for our students, and we are confident that they will make use of the experience gained for their betterment and make a positive contribution to their communities and society at large. Congratulations on this achievement – you have done us proud!

UJ and PhytoMolecules Sign Agreement to Advance Research Commercialisation

In a significant development this week, UJ signed an agreement with PhytoMolecules (Pty) Ltd, a UJ spinout company established to bring university-developed research innovations to market, to advance research commercialisation. The agreement is a significant milestone in the University’s innovation and commercialisation agenda. It also signifies our commitment to transforming research outputs into sustainable enterprises that create societal and economic impact. At UJ, we are committed to building a robust innovation ecosystem that enables research outcomes to become sustainable enterprises, create jobs, attract investment, and deliver solutions that benefit society.

I am also pleased that the successful establishment of PhytoMolecules was strengthened through the extensive support provided by our Office of the General Counsel (OGC), which conducted rigorous legal vetting and review of the agreements to ensure compliance, protect the University’s intellectual property interests, and establish a sound governance framework for the company. I congratulate Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya (Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation) for leading this initiative, as well as other stakeholder representatives involved. Special thanks to our General Counsel, Mr Dries Pretorius, and his team for facilitating the successful conclusion of the agreements and laying a strong legal foundation for the company’s future growth and sustainability.

One Jersey. One Act of Kindness: One UJ Community

As we marked Nelson Mandela International Day last week, I was reminded that the true strength of UJ lies not only in our pursuit of academic excellence but in the compassion and humanity of our people. On the eve of Mandela Day, the UJ Library began distributing donated winter jerseys to students identified by the UJ Student Representative Council (UJSRC) as being most in need during these cold winter months. While a jersey may seem like a simple gift, it carries a much deeper meaning. It provides warmth, restores dignity, inspires hope and reassures our students that they belong to a community that genuinely cares about their well-being.

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to every member of staff who generously donated pre-loved jerseys, hoodies, jackets and scarves. Your willingness to give so selflessly reflects the values that define our University. Your kindness reminds us that meaningful change often comes from small, thoughtful acts of generosity. This initiative demonstrates that one jersey can indeed make a difference. Collectively, your contributions have created a ripple effect of care and compassion that will be felt long after the winter season has passed. The Library Jersey Drive continues until the end of August. Let us continue to support this initiative.

Beyond the Code – AI and Law: Episodes 6

I am pleased to share that almost three months after the launch of my podcast series, Beyond the Code – AI and Law, the platform continues to grow in popularity, with an increase in the number of subscribers and viewers. The podcast is UJ’s engaging thought leadership series on one of the most pressing issues of our time: how to govern artificial intelligence in a rapidly changing world.  Episode 6 of the podcast will premiere later this evening at 18h30. I will be joined by Prof Michele van Eck from the School of Law at Wits University for a thought-provoking two-part discussion exploring some of the most pressing legal questions arising from the digital age.

In Part 1, titled Hallucinations in the High Court – The Rise of Fake Case Law, we examine the fact that as generative AI tools become increasingly common in legal practice, concerns are growing over AI “hallucinations”—instances in which AI systems fabricate legal authorities, judgments, or citations that do not exist. We also discuss the risks these errors pose to legal practitioners, the courts and the administration of justice, while considering how the legal profession can responsibly embrace AI. In Part 2, titled The Digital Lexicon – Emojis and Legal Implications, we explore how communication has evolved beyond words. For instance, Emojis now form part of everyday conversations—but how are they interpreted in legal disputes? We also explore how courts assess the meaning, intent and evidential value of emojis in contracts, criminal matters, workplace disputes and digital communications. Don’t miss out on this intriguing discussion. You can watch it here.

The Hot Talk-VC Chilling with Hoepie, Episode 4: Celebrating 140 Years of Johannesburg

As many of you would know, Johannesburg is celebrating its 140th anniversary this year. Founded in 1886 following the discovery of gold, Johannesburg has grown from a bustling mining settlement into one of Africa’s most dynamic, diverse and globally connected cities. To celebrate the city’s remarkable journey, I sat down with Hoepie for the latest episode of The Hot Talk. In the discussion, I remind viewers that what makes Johannesburg truly extraordinary is not only its rich history but, above all, its people. Indeed, it is a city where cultures converge, ideas flourish, entrepreneurs innovate, artists inspire, and communities work together to shape a future filled with hope and opportunity. As the University of Johannesburg, our identity is inseparable from the city whose name we proudly bear. Johannesburg is more than our home; it is part of who we are. The city’s entrepreneurial spirit, diversity, innovation and resilience continue to inspire our mission of transforming lives through education, research and meaningful societal impact.

Together, we are preparing graduates and leaders who will not only shape Johannesburg but also advance Africa and the world. As we commemorate this significant milestone, we honour the rich history that has brought us to this moment while looking ahead with confidence and optimism to the opportunities of the future. Happy 140th Anniversary, Johannesburg! May your next chapter be even more prosperous, inclusive and impactful. Here’s to the city that continues to inspire dreams, ignite innovation, and remind us that anything is possible! To read more about this, click here.

Celebrating Staff Achievements

I am delighted to share that Professor Shireen Motala and I have been recognised, with the appointment to senior leadership positions in the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). Prof Motala has been appointed Vice-President of the Academy, while I have been appointed as a full member of the body’s Council for the remainder of the 2024–2028 Council term. The appointments follow nominations by the ASSAf Council and were endorsed by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, in accordance with the ASSAf Regulations. You can read more about this here.

Recognition for UJ staff in the AD Scientific Index Top 100 Education Scientists in Africa Rankings.

It is with immense pride that I learned that nine UJ academics have been named in the 2026 AD Scientific Index – Top 100 Education Scientists in Africa rankings. Founded in 2012, AD Scientific Index is an independent, real-time academic performance and decision-support platform. It evaluates academic performance at both the individual and institutional levels — more than 2.6 million scientists and 24,500 institutions across 221 countries, 13 main fields, and 220+ subfields — using publicly verifiable Google Scholar profiles, backed by multi-layered validation, transparency checks, and integrated ethical monitoring. Operating independently of governments, universities, and publishers, the AD Scientific Index is built on the principles of transparency, inclusivity, reproducibility, and accountability, offering a globally comparable framework for understanding real academic performance beyond reputation-based and closed-system assessments. The UJ academics who have been ranked are as follows:

• Prof Linda Chisholm: 15th in Africa and 9th in South Africa.
• Prof Raj Mestry:  20th in Africa and 13th in South Africa.
• Prof Jace Pillay: 32nd in Africa and 20th in South Africa.
• Dr Chiedu Eseadi: 35th in Africa and 23rd in South Africa.
• Prof Umesh Ramnarain: 40th in Africa and 27th in South Africa.
• Prof Salim Vally: 41st in Africa and 28th in South Africa.
• Prof Shireen Motala: 57th in Africa and 39th in South Africa.
• Prof Sarah Gravett: 78th in Africa and 54th in South Africa.
• Prof Nadine Petersen: 69th in South Africa.

In addition, Prof Joseph Krajcik, Distinguished Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Education, is currently ranked 63rd globally in Education Research.

High Tea With the VC

I remind you of this afternoon’s edition of the High Tea with the VC book discussion. I will be hosting Dr Thebe Ikalafeng for an engaging and insightful discussion about how our shared humanity, culture, and values can motivate the next generation of African innovators, leaders, and global citizens, as featured in the book Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence. In the book, Dr Ikalafeng offers a daring African-centred vision that embraces identity, community, purpose, and genuine global influence, challenging traditional Western viewpoints on personal branding and leadership by drawing on the Ubuntu principle, “I am because we are”. As usual, we will meet at the Chinua Achebe Auditorium, UJ Library, Level 6, on the Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus, at 14h00. For in-person attendance, book your space here.

UJ Sport launches Men’s and Women’s 2026 Varsity Football Campaign

Colleagues, the wait is finally over! Our Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Campus will be a hive of activity today as our UJ Football Teams launch their Men’s and Women’s 2026 Varsity Football campaign at the Student Centre lawns. The Varsity Football home matches bring an electric atmosphere, the roaring crowds, and the sheer brilliance of university football to our Soweto Campus annually. This year, the ladies play their matches on two Bumper Weekends at the University of Pretoria and Wits University, 1 and 2, as well as 8, 9, and 10 August, respectively.

The men’s campaign will unfold at the UJ Soweto Stadium, starting from Friday, 7 August. Our Senior Men’s Team is aiming for a second title after five years, while the ladies wish to rectify their mistakes from the 2025 final to clinch a third championship medal. Please let us rally behind our teams and buy tickets to fill up our stadium. On another good note, our student-athletes, club members and staff are gearing up for international action at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. They will be competing in athletics, gymnastics and netball, representing Team South Africa. We wish them the best in this global spectacle!

Note of Condolences 

Lastly, on a sombre note, I wish to send my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of James Midgley, a Professor of the Graduate School and Dean Emeritus of the School of Social Welfare at the UC Berkeley School of Social Welfare in the USA. I had the privilege of collaborating with him on several research projects, and he worked closely with Professor Leila Patel and other colleagues at the UJ Centre for Social Development in Africa (CSDA). Additionally, he held an Honorary Professorship at our Faculty of Humanities and was awarded an honorary doctorate from UJ. An authority on international social welfare, he is regarded as a pioneer in international social welfare scholarship, with particular reference to social policy and social development in the Global South. We owe a deep gratitude to his legacy may his soul rest in eternal peace.

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.