Dear UJ community,

Since its inception almost 20 years ago, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has proven itself as a leader and trendsetter in the higher education sector, especially with regard to innovation for societal impact and sustainability. We have consistently produced students and mentored and recruited highly proficient staff who use their knowledge and skills for innovative solutions to the ever-shifting challenges at their workplaces and communities. We continue to achieve this through cutting-edge research and leveraging opportunities provided by existing and emerging technologies.

Recognition for UJ at the ASSAf Annual Awards

This week we marked another momentous occasion for our University. Several of our academic staff were recognised for their excellent work at the ASSAf Annual Awards and the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS) New Member Inauguration on Wednesday evening at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) International Conference Centre in Pretoria. The ASSAF Annual Awards Ceremony celebrates outstanding contributions and achievements and recognises trailblazers who have pursued rigorous research and scientific discoveries with great impact. Our very own Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya (Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Innovation – Designate), delivered the keynote address.

The UJ staff members who were inaugurated as new members of ASSAf are Professors Kevin Durrheim (Distinguished Professor in Psychology and A-rated Scientist), Tankiso Moloi (Executive Dean, College of Business and Economics (Designate)) and Hasina Mouri (​Vice President, International Union of Geological Science). Prof Tebogo Mashifana (Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering Technology) was inaugurated as a new member of SAYAS while Prof. Shireen Motala attended her first ASSAf Council meeting as a newly elected member of the Council. Please join me in congratulating our colleagues for flying the UJ flag high! We are extremely proud of your achievements; you have truly been ambassadors for this great University!

More staff achievements

I am delighted to announce that Professor Shireen Motala (DST/NRF South African Research Chair in Teaching and Learning (PSET), has also had her SARChI Chair Teaching and Learning (Tier 1) renewed for a further five years by the NRF. This is great news for UJ, as our institution has secured another five-year funding cycle for the SARChI Chair. The national research chair is funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and coordinated by the National Research Foundation, South Africa, in July 2020 at a Tier 1 level. The DHET/NSF-DSI/NRF SARChI Chair in Teaching and Learning (PSET) (SARChI T&L) Tier 1 was initially awarded to Prof Motala in July 2020, with the Chair’s inception in October of that year. Securing the funding for a further five years follows a rigorous, two-phase peer evaluation of the report Prof Motala submitted by independent subject experts. We wish her and her team well in the next phase of this important scholarly journey.

Public Lecture on 30 Years of Democracy in the Tourism industry

As you know, our university is a vibrant space for constructive dialogues about challenges in our country across the political economy and social spectrums. On Monday, I had the pleasure of addressing the audience at  a special public lecture featuring the Minister of Tourism, Hon. Patricia De Lille, at the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH). The lecture, held under the 30 Years of Democracy theme, explored the role of higher education in building a sustainable and impactful tourism industry.

I emphasised UJ’s role in driving societal impact, strongly focusing on sustainability and ethical leadership. Our recent accolades, including being ranked the #1 University in South Africa under 50 years, reflect our commitment to fostering partnerships and technological innovations that advance the tourism industry and contribute to Africa’s growth. Together, we can shape a future where higher education is crucial to sustainable development. I congratulate our colleagues at STH for holding such a successful event. Well done! Read more here.

Third Technology and Society in Africa Conference

On Tuesday, I had the honour of opening UJ’s 3rd Technology and Society in Africa Conference at our Johannesburg Business School (JBS). The conference was hosted by UJ’s Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC), the Centre for Data Ethics, Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS), and other partners, creating a platform for impactful discussions that will shape Africa’s path towards technological and social progress. It brought together thought leaders, academics, and innovators who discussed the intersection of technology and society, particularly within Africa’s unique context.

In my address, I highlighted the importance of a human-centred approach to innovation, emphasising equitable access, sustainability, and local relevance as critical drivers for Africa’s technological future. By leveraging our continent’s youthful energy and traditional values, such as Ubuntu, we can create solutions that not only address our current challenges but also position Africa as a leader in global innovation. Congratulations to all the colleagues involved in hosting this successful event.

UJ… Our blood is Orange

In the almost 20 years of its existence, UJ has worked relentlessly to establish its brand nationally and internationally. To maximise our brand equity, I encourage staff and students to display our orange proudly and ensure that they are using the correct UJ logo! Let us refrain from using purple, which was once a secondary colour but has subsequently been removed from the UJ colour palette. It is also important to note that faculty colours are specifically for graduation and internal purposes and should not be used on any external-facing merchandise or brand material. We are proudly UJ and ensuring that we display our unique colour and identity with enthusiasm is crucial for growing our brand value with every brand application.

Influencing through thought leadership

Lastly, I invite you to read my latest article that appeared in the Daily Maverick, titled Artificial Intelligence partnerships with higher education open up windows for targeted, relevant learning. In it, I explore the fact that the emergence of AI and related technologies is creating new fields of study and changing the skills required in the workforce and that at the same time, pressing issues like climate change are necessitating curricula that address sustainability and complex problem solving.

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.