Dear UJ community,
One of the things that makes me proud about our University is seeing our research and innovation work come to fruition through different societal impact pathways. When applied with purpose and focus, these twin pillars can be drivers of social and economic upliftment on an unimaginable scale. Indeed, research and innovation can transform lives in a manner that no other means can.
Gwakwani Sewing Project
The UJ for Societal Impact project in Limpopo is already transforming lives in three villages in the Vhembe district, between Musina and Thohoyandou. It gives me great pleasure to share with you that our University, through the Faculty of Humanities, has now introduced a sewing project in the village of Gwakwani. This initiative started as a pilot project in September last year, following a visit and discussions with the community. It aims to empower residents, especially women, by equipping them with practical skills, enabling them to generate some income, leading to economic self-sustenance. During this first phase of the project, three women identified by the community have received certificates after completing a three-month training in sewing and entrepreneurship skills. This initiative may be in its nascent stage, but it has the potential to grow into one of the bigger projects that aligns with the UJ Strategic Plan 2035.
First Mpedi Family Scholarship cohort graduates
Tuesday week marked a momentous occasion for me, as the first recipients of the Mpedi Family Scholarship for Neurodiversity Studies crossed the graduation stage to receive their academic qualification. They are among the 2,163 graduates who received their academic qualifications during this Winter Graduation Season, which started on Monday and ends next week on Thursday. Among the graduating cohort are 431 diploma and certificate holders, 425 undergraduate degree recipients, 115 Honours graduates, 74 PG below master’s graduates, 924 Master’s graduates and 194 doctoral candidates. It filled me with pride to not only be present but to personally cap each of these graduates. What makes the occasion even memorable is that it came in a week when I was named one of LinkedIn’s Top 200 Voices in Education Worldwide, ranked at #40 globally! My family and I want to express our gratitude to everyone who supported the Centre for Neurodiversity. We can never thank you enough. Click here to read more about this.
In the same vein, it was pleasing to see prominent individuals such as Mmusi Maimane and Malusi Gigaba among the cohort of students in the College of Business and Economics who completed their doctoral studies in Public Management and Governance. Dr Maimane and Dr Gigaba’s graduation highlights the transformative power of lifelong learning, even for those already in the public spotlight. We welcome them to the UJ Alumni Community, and hope they will contribute to the growth of the University. You can read more about this here.
Media and Publicity
There is a saying that knowledge not shared is not knowledge. I invite you to read two articles I wrote this week. In the first (co-written) article that first appeared in the Mail & Guardian on Monday, titled, Reimagining employment in the age of the fourth industrial revolution, My co-author and I reflect on how the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) has become a byword for transformation, with special focus on the extent to which artificial intelligence (AI) has impacted the concept of employment. We argue that for us to contend with the legal implications of this shift, we must first understand how the scope of employment — that is, the range of activities an employee is expected to perform — has evolved. Remote work, hybrid arrangements, platform-based jobs and the gig economy are no longer anomalies; they are becoming the norm.
In the second article that first appeared in the Daily Maverick on Wednesday, titled Philosophy of ubuntu offers powerful framework for ethical leadership, I argue that if we have any hope of building a strong and capable state predicated on ethical leadership, the priority needs to be on building trust through demonstrable honesty and integrity. This calls for a stand against corruption in every form.
Nelson Mandela International Day
I thank everyone of you who participated in the annual Nelson Mandela International Day last week on Friday, July 18, a day which is dedicated to the annual global celebration to honour the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela. It was pleasing to see many of our students and staff visiting various hospitals around the city and rolling up their sleeves to help those in need. Next week Tuesday, 29 March 2025, the Community Engagement Unit within University Relations will host a special webinar under the theme Combating Poverty & Inequity – Reflecting on UJ’s 20-Year Legacy of Societal Impact. To attend the webinar, register here.
Celebrating Staff Achievements
Many of you would have seen stories across the media in recent weeks, featuring Dr Tebogo Makhubela, a geologist, speleologist, and academic at UJ, who has joined an elite group honoured by the National Geographic Society. He is one of only 15 recipients of the 2025 Wayfinder Award, which recognises global leaders in science, conservation, education, technology, and storytelling. This is by no means an easy feat, as the accolade recognises individuals who push boundaries to inspire global change. Since its inception, only 250 people have received the prestigious award. Apart from this global recognition, Dr Makhubela is the principal investigator leading the geology in four different sites in the Cradle of Humankind. He leads work at Rising Star Cave, where Homo naledi was found; Malapa, where Australopithecus sediba was discovered, among other sites. Congratulations Dr Makhubela, your achievements inspire us to do even more – and better! To read more about this inspiring story, click here.
Celebrating UJ Sport Achievements
On the sporting front, our Women’s Under-20 Football Team have been crowned the 2025 Engen Knockout Challenge champions, after recording six consecutive wins on Sunday, 20 July 2025. This marks their third title in four years, having also won in 2022 and 2023. They secured a R30, 000 prize as well as four individual accolades recognising great performances from Adrielle Mibe (Midfielder as well as Player of the Tournament), Gugulethu Dlamini (Striker of the Tournament), and Delisile Mbatha (Coach of the Tournament). Click here to read more. Additionally, Martha Nkosi recently won a gold medal in the women’s high jump (1.74m) at the CAA Under-20 African Athletics Championships in Nigeria. Currently, UJ students are competing in the ongoing FISU World University Games in Rhine-Ruhr, Germany. Congratulations to everyone, and all the best to the athletes who are still competing in the different events.
High Tea with the VC
I remind you to attend the hybrid High Tea with the VC book discussion this afternoon – virtually or in person. We will be hosting Professor Morley Nkosi for what promises to be a fascinating discussion of his book The Way Home: Memories of a South African in Exile. As a retired academic, Dr Mokubung Nkomo once observed, “The Way Home adds a vital part to the literature on the lived experiences of formerly exiled South Africans, yet is immensely valuable to those who waged the struggle on the home front as well. It is a must-read for the old, young, and, hopefully, those yet to be born”. We will meet at the UJ Library, Chinua Achebe Auditorium, Level 6, APK Campus at the usual time of 14h00 (CAT). To register, click here. For in-person, RSVP here.
Note of Condolences
Lastly, on a sombre note, I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Jannie Otto, our former Executive Dean of the Faculty of Law. He passed away earlier this week following a long illness. Prof Otto was a leading expert in Credit Law, and served in various senior roles, including as Dean of Student Affairs and a member of the University Council. He did extensive research in various European countries, including the United Kingdom. On behalf of the UJ Community, I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and other colleagues. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
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.
