Dear UJ Community
This week, although brief, was filled with significant moments that highlight the University’s commitment to community, culture, and excellence.
Heritage Day reflections
Monday was a well-deserved break for the University, followed by the celebration of Heritage Day on Tuesday. This public holiday is more than a tribute to South Africa’s diverse arts, music, and languages. It is a moment to honour the rich tapestry of cultures that define us. As I scrolled through various media platforms, I couldn’t help but appreciate the diversity that defines our nation. Heritage Day invites us to reflect on our shared history and strengthen unity with a deeper understanding of each other’s backgrounds. It’s a time to confront past challenges, heal, and build a future of reconciliation.
UJ Staff Day
Today, we continue our celebrations with UJ Staff Day! This year, we are honouring 30 Years of Democracy in South Africa, a theme that reflects three decades of progress, diversity, and empowerment. Today, we acknowledge our country’s history and celebrate our collective journey toward equality, justice, and inclusivity. I am excited to join you all as we reflect on our shared commitment to upholding the democratic values that continue to shape us.
UJ Future Walk
In the spirit of unity, tomorrow, we take to the streets (so to speak) for the 2024 UJ Future Walk, our fifth annual fundraising walkathon. Since its inception, this event has raised over R2 million to support underprivileged and academically deserving students. This year, the UJ Sports Division is working with the Fundraising and Development Office and partnered with the Lucky Star Heartbeat Sessions and the Heart and Stroke Foundation to promote health and wellness. We’re excited to have celebrity fitness icons, including Connie Ferguson, lead workout sessions. I can’t wait to see staff, students, alumni, and members of the broader Johannesburg community come together at the AW Muller Stadium on our Bunting Road Campus, as we unite to improve students’ futures through the Healthy Campus Programme. Yes, together, we are making a lasting impact.
UJ retains FISU Platinum Certification for Healthy Campus Programme
Still, on the theme of a healthy campus, I am pleased to announce that UJ has successfully retained its Platinum Certification in the Healthy Campus Programme, following an audit by an external auditor from the International University Sport Federation (FISU). The audit, conducted to verify UJ’s July 2024 data submission, included visits to our sports facilities, electric buses, solar farms, waste management plants, and smart gardens. UJ, a member of the programme since May 2020, achieved a 95% score, reaffirming our commitment to a healthy and sustainable campus. Thanks to UJ Sport and all stakeholders for their dedication. Congratulations to everyone involved! Read more here.
Voting for UJ’s 2025 Student Leadership
As we approach the 2025 Student Representative Council (UJSRC), I encourage all students to participate. Voting will take place from 9 to 11 October 2024, marking a crucial moment in shaping the future leadership of our student community. Campaigning for the 2025 UJSRC has been active since June this year, with the nominations phase. An Independent Election Committee (IEC) ensures the election’s fairness, with a professional audit firm overseeing every step from voting to results. Voting is electronic, using a tested system we have successfully implemented in previous years. This is your opportunity to choose the student leaders representing your interests. Your vote matters, and casting your vote makes the results more meaningful. Contact the Election Committee or Student Affairs for any enquiries. Make your voice heard!
Staff achievements
We take immense pride in celebrating the achievements of our staff, who continue to make significant contributions to their respective fields. Join me in congratulating members of our community whose outstanding work has earned them further recognition and accolades.
Prof Gulshan Sharma, from the Department of Electrical Engineering Technology, has been recognised among the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Stanford University, based on data recently released by Elsevier. This honour reflects his significant contributions to the global scientific community and his commitment to excellence in research. The rankings, which span publications dating back to 1788, highlight Prof Sharma’s notable achievements, positioning him among the world’s most influential scientists.
Equally commendable is Prof Diane Abrahams, Head of the School of Tourism and Hospitality, who has been appointed by the Minister of Tourism, Patricia de Lille, to serve on the Tourism Transformation Council of South Africa for a 3-year term.
Prof Sharma and Prof Abrahams, these achievements are a testament to your dedication, passion, and hard work, and it is encouraging to see our staff recognised and celebrated. Congratulations!
Celebrating 2024 3MT® competition winners
I am pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Institutional Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) Competition. This platform challenges doctoral candidates to distil their research into a compelling three-minute presentation for a non-specialist audience, reflecting UJ’s dedication to world-class research communication. This year’s competition sharpened participants’ skills in both face-to-face and virtual settings. Congratulations to our winners: Mosa Khasu (Faculty of Education) – First place; Refilwe Chilo (Faculty of Science) – Second place; Ntsako Mkhonto (Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment) – Third place; and Carike Verbooy (Faculty of Humanities) – People’s Choice Award. You are setting the bar for effective research communication and strengthening UJ’s position as a global leader in research and innovation. Well done!
Launch of SAQAN Journal for Quality Assurance in Higher Education
Lastly, on a slightly different note, the Southern African Quality Assurance Network (SAQAN) launched the SAQAN Journal for Quality Assurance in Higher Education. UJ Press will publish the journal, providing a vital platform for our researchers and practitioners to share insights and collaborate on quality assurance in higher education. The inaugural issue will align with the theme of the upcoming 6th SAQAN Conference, focusing on strengthening and harmonising quality assurance systems. Submissions are now open, and contributors are encouraged to visit the SAQAN Journal’s website for detailed submission guidelines (The SAQAN Journal for Quality Assurance in Higher Education). Submissions will undergo a double-blind peer review to ensure quality and originality.
Kea leboha, ngiyabonga, baie dankie, thank you!
Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi: Vice-Chancellor and Principal
