Dear UJ community,
Just over a month ago, I shared the news that the inaugural 2026 Sub-Saharan Africa rankings had reaffirmed UJ as the leading university in Africa. More good news came our way this week, with the latest QS World University Rankings by Subject also confirming our growth across multiple disciplines.
Seven UJ subjects now ranked among the top globally
The QS Rankings by Subject, released on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, show that seven of UJ’s subjects are now ranked among the best in the world. The subjects are Mathematics, Computer Science and Information Systems, Materials Science, Education, Business and Management Studies, as well as Biological Sciences and Politics and International Studies. Of these subjects, Computer Science, Information Systems and Materials Science achieved the biggest improvement. Computer Science and Information Systems has moved up four bands, from 651 – 700 to the 451 – 500 band, while Materials Science moved up two bands from 351 – 400 to 251 – 300.
The two are among the five UJ subjects that have secured position #1 in South Africa, along with Art and Design (201 – 300), Chemistry (401 – 450), and Electrical and Electronic Engineering (401 – 4500). The University also debuted in three other subjects in these prestigious rankings. The subjects are Art and Design, Archaeology and Psychology. QS Rankings by Subject measure the quality and reputation of research and include measures on academic and employer reputation, citation performance and international collaboration. At least 55 universities are assessed worldwide across various academic disciplines. Click here to read more about this. I dedicate this achievement to all our staff and students, well done everyone!
Honorary Doctorates
This week, as we continue with our Autumn Graduations, we conferred an honorary doctorate on former Springbok captain Francois Pienaar, whose leadership became a defining symbol of national unity in South Africa. As captain of the Springboks during the historic 1995 Rugby World Cup victory, Pienaar embodied reconciliation in action. Beyond the field, he has shaped opportunity through the Make a Difference Leadership Foundation, supporting academically gifted youth, and through the Varsity Cup, which transformed university sport into a powerful development platform.
His recognition celebrates leadership that unites performance, purpose and nation-building. It was fascinating to listen to him deliver his acceptance speech, in which he reminisced about his days at UJ, then known as the Randse Afrikaans Universiteit (RAU), and how the University has shaped his future. Last week, we conferred an honorary doctorate on Her Excellency Monica Geingos (former first lady of Namibia). For a full list of distinguished individuals to be conferred with honorary doctorates this year, click here.
Cohort 2 of the Future Professors Programme (FPP) Phase 2
In other news, UJ is proud to celebrate the successful completion of Cohort 2 of the Future Professors Programme (FPP) Phase 2, with 32 participants crossing the finish line of this rigorous twenty-four-month programme. The FPP Phase 2 is funded by the Department of Higher Education and Training through the University Capacity Development Programme, as part of the national drive to develop the next generation of professors and transform the academic workforce. Several dignitaries graced the closing ceremony, held on 16 March 2026 at our Auckland Park Bunting Road (APB) Campus. They were Professor Thandi Lewin, Deputy Director-General of the Universities Branch at DHET, Prof Sehaam Khan (Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, UJ), who is also the Chair of the National Advisory Board for the FPP Phase 2, and Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya (Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation).
Prof Alistair Mokoena (Executive Dean, Johannesburg Business School) was present to mark the conclusion of the leadership component of the programme. I reminded the cohort that their progression to senior academic leadership carries an obligation not only to their disciplines but also to the broader project of building South African universities. This is important if universities are to be genuinely responsive to the country’s intellectual and developmental needs. Warm congratulations to FPP Phase 2 Cohort 2 on this milestone achievement.
UJ to host inaugural neurodiversity career fair in Soweto
Tomorrow, Saturday 28 March 2026, the UJ’s Centre for Neurodiversity will host its inaugural career fair dedicated to neurodiversity at the Soweto Campus. The fair presents a unique opportunity to bring together neurodivergent people, industry, community-based organisations, partners in education and academia to showcase what is available and how these can be leveraged for the benefit of neurodivergent people. It brings together 22 schools, the majority of which are special schools, to showcase their abilities and creativity, including Visual Arts, handcrafted products, STEM and robotics projects, woodwork, needlework, live performances, and entrepreneurial ventures.
A panel of seven judges will recognise excellence in each category. The career fair is organised in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Education, the Paul and Humile Mashatile Foundation, and the Fathers of Children with Neurodiversity organisation at Imbizo Hall. The event marks a landmark shift in how career development for neurodivergent individuals is approached in South Africa, placing Ubuntu, ability, creativity, and enterprise at the centre of opportunity. Click here to read more about this.
UJ living out its value of inclusivity
For our students living with disabilities, it often comes down to whether the physical environment around them enables full participation in university life. Across our campuses, we are working tirelessly to ensure that inclusion is lived in practice. At the Soweto and APK campuses, for instance, accessible walkways have been introduced to support mobility for students who are visually impaired. At the Soweto campus, a chairlift system has been installed to assist with access to multi-level facilities, while residence spaces and bathrooms have been refurbished to better accommodate students with disabilities.
Within our learning environments, auditoriums have been equipped with ramps to ensure students can easily access stages and presentation areas. The University also provides dedicated transport vehicles designed to support the mobility needs of students with disabilities across campus. These initiatives reflect an important principle that inclusion must be built into the spaces where students live, learn and grow. I thank our Chief Operating Officer, Dr Mpoti Ralephata and his team for this initiative.
Celebrating UJ Sport Achievements
I am also pleased to share that our Senior Men’s Rugby Team (FNB UJ) emerged triumphant in their away match against the Central University of Technology (FNB CUT Ixias) on Monday. In a tough but entertaining match at the rain-soaked Bloemfontein pitch, FNB UJ won by 29-13. The win ensured that our Orange Army secured a vital bonus-point victory, which gave them a massive step towards the 2026 FNB Varsity Cup playoffs. Meanwhile, history beckons this coming Monday, 30 March 2026, as FNB UJ will return to the UJ Rugby Stadium to face the FNB UP-Tuks team. A win would officially secure our team’s semifinal spot. Let us rally behind our team by filling the UJ Rugby Stadium next Monday to ensure that our boys claim the bragging rights for the Gauteng Province in this closing round-robin match. As we always say, UJ All The Way! Click here to read more about this.
High Tea with the VC
As communicated last week, I have the pleasure of inviting you to the hybrid High Tea with the VC reading session this afternoon. As part of our celebration of International Women’s Month, I will be joined by Mmathabo Sukati for a discussion of her book, The Child Bride: From Captive to Courageous: A Girl’s Fight to Rewrite Her Destiny. In this powerful memoir, Sukati shares her journey from child marriage and hardship to reclaiming her life through education and resilience. Today, she is a Chartered Accountant, MBA graduate, corporate executive, and a UJ Council member who has turned her story into one of courage and empowerment. As usual, we will meet at the UJ Library, Chinua Achebe Auditorium, Level 6, at our Auckland Kingsway Campus (APK) at 14h00. For in-person attendance, click here. Let us celebrate resilience, hope, and the power of rewriting one’s destiny.
Lastly, tomorrow (Saturday, 28 March 2026), marks the beginning of the Mid-Semester Recess for our students and academic staff. Those of you who will be travelling for the Easter holidays, I wish you a safe journey. I look forward to welcoming you back when we resume for the second quarter of this semester.
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.
