Dear UJ Community
Since its inception almost 20 years ago, our University has proven to be one of the most innovative and vibrant institutions of higher learning. It is this innovative spirit and competitive edge that has earned us a reputation for being the fastest-growing university in South Africa. As you would recall, we are now ranked number 1 in South Africa and on the African continent among universities that are younger than 50 years worldwide, according to the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings released this month.
UJ launches the Pure Research Portal
In the latest exciting development, UJ has launched a state-of-the-art research portal to transform how it manages, analyses and showcases its research activities. The portal, Pure, is a comprehensive research information management system designed to help universities, research institutions, and other organisations worldwide manage and disseminate their research outputs and activities and how they impact communities and the broader society.
The portal also enables UJ to centralise its research in one place, providing a comprehensive and accessible platform for researchers, collaborators and stakeholders. I thank Professor Sarah Gravett (Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Innovation (Acting), Dr Ndivhuwo Luruli (Executive Director of Research and Support) and their team for this exciting portal. Well done, colleagues! To read more about this, click here.
OGC Legal Corridor
Another innovative project we have initiated is the OGC Legal Corridor, which is a new transformative solution introduced by the Office of the General Counsel. The OGC Legal Corridor is a centralised platform designed to streamline legal requests for UJ, easing the onerous task of juggling administrative and legal matters, which can be overwhelming. With the OGC Legal Corridor, stakeholders can effortlessly access and manage legal requests, minimise duplication, ensure the correctness of information, stay on top of deadlines, facilitate collaboration, and find submitted legal requests quickly through the self-service portal dashboards.
Visit our website here to discover the tools and training resources essential for navigating legal matters efficiently within the OGC Legal Corridor. Congratulations to our General Counsel, Mr Dries Pretorius and his team for this important initiative.
Four UJ researchers named as finalists for the prestigious 2023/2024 NSTF-South32 Awards
I recently announced on this platform that 16 researchers from our University had been nominated in eight categories in the esteemed National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) Awards. I am pleased that five of our nominees have been selected as finalists. Click here to view the finalists. The winners will be announced on 11 July 2024.
UJ Future Professors Programme
In the same vein, our University, through the Division for Teaching Excellence, implements the national Future Professors Programme Phase 2 (FPP2), funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training through the University Capacity Development Grant. The FPP aims to accelerate the readiness of mid-career academics for the professoriate through a dedicated and rigorous programme of personal and professional development. I am delighted that in 2024, 6 participants across the universities have received C ratings. This demonstrates UJ’s commitment to social impact. Prof Nonhlangabezo (Bezo) Mabuba from the Faculty of Science, Department of Chemical Sciences, an FFP participant, was awarded a C2 rating by NRF.
More recognition for UJ staff
More good news is that Professor Basie von Solms, a Research Professor in Cyber Security within the Centre for Cyber Security, has been ranked 5th globally among cybersecurity researchers. This ranking by ScholarGPS reflects the significant impact and breadth of his research over the decades. Prof von Solms’s contributions to the field of Information and Cyber Security over the past 50 years have advanced academic understanding and significantly enhanced practical approaches to combating cyber threats. His dedication and expertise have elevated our University’s reputation and played a crucial role in strengthening global cybersecurity practices. Congratulations, Prof von Solms, on this exceptional recognition!
Metropolitan Academy duo awarded scholarship in international competition
Last week, I shared the news that Zaahid Sader (17) and Nicholas Zhang (17), two learners from our Metropolitan Academy, were participating in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles, California. They were among a group of six outstanding young scientists representing South Africa in the world’s largest pre-college Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) competition, which brought together more than 1,600 young scientists from around the globe, offering them a platform to showcase their projects.
I am pleased to announce that the duo has received a full scholarship award sponsored by the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. This follows their presentation of their project, titled Enhancing Bobsleigh Performance Through Biomimetic Design Inspired by the Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis). Congratulations, Zaahid and Nicholas, we are immensely proud of you!
Southern African Regional Universities Association
Yesterday, I had the honour of welcoming members of the Southern African Regional Universities Association (SARUA) to our University for their annual general meeting. We discussed the SARUA strategic plan 2024-2028, which speaks to the emergence of an engaged university. This was an important event because, more than ever, we are realising the role universities play in societies beyond the mandate of higher education. Universities are relevant as they are able to provide guidance on moral, political and social issues.
2024 general elections
As a University, we have done our bit to conscientise the general public about the importance of voting. This is as South Africa braces for the 2024 national and provincial elections next week on Wednesday, 29 May 2024, three decades after the historic 1994 democratic election. Yesterday, UJ, in partnership with television broadcaster eNCA, held an election debate at our Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) campus. It was interesting watching our students asking probing questions. I wish to thank Prof Bongani Ngqulunga (Senior Executive Director: University Relations, Student Affairs and UJ Sport) and Prof Bhaso Ndzendze (HOD: Department of Politics and International Relations) and their teams for organising such a successful event.
I urge you to vote wisely on Wednesday. If you are still uncertain about your choice, I urge you to read a research report by our Centre for Social Development in Africa (CDSA) on the dynamics influencing voter choices in South Africa’s national election. Click here to read more about this.
Africa Day
This week Saturday, 25 May, marks Africa Day. Reflecting on the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 1963, now known as the African Union (AU), this day commemorates the progress African nations have made towards greater unity and socio-economic development. We are also called to reflect on the challenges we face and pivot solutions. It is a day to celebrate Africa’s history, diversity, resilience, and aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future. In this regard, UJ is hosting Africa Day Celebrations today in the APK Fountain Court between 12h00-14h00 (CAT) to reflect on the progress we have made and celebrate what it means to be African. I wish you all a very happy Africa Day! As former president Thabo Mbeki’s famous ‘I am an African’ speech reminds us, “nothing can stop us now.”
High Tea with the VC
Finally, I invite you to the next High Tea with the VC book discussion on Friday, 24 May 2024, when we will discuss the book, How to Lead Like Abraham Lincoln: Leading in a Way That Drives History (The Magic of an Influencer) by Christopher S. Coopersmith. Described as an in-depth study of how this extraordinary statesman left his mark on multiple generations, this is one of the most inspirational books worth reading, so do not miss the discussion. We will meet at the UJ Library, Chinua Achebe Auditorium, Level 6, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus (APK), at the usual time of 14h00 (CAT). Kindly RSVP here (both virtual and in-person attendees). Catch the event live on UJTV and our social media platforms.
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.
