Dear UJ community,

Since I took up the reins of this great University almost two years ago, I have consistently emphasised that universities are only as relevant as they contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities. As the key drivers of social, technological and economic innovation, universities are at the centre of societal impact and sustainability. In fact, multiple studies have found a correlation between the presence of a university in a town or city and the socio-economic development in the local area and beyond.

UJ ranked the number #1 University in Africa

A testament to our University’s contribution to societal impact is the latest university ranking results, which were released on Wednesday, 27 November 2024. The prestigious 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Sub-Saharan Africa University Rankings have ranked UJ in the number 1 position in Sub-Saharan Africa. These measure universities’ performance in the areas of teaching, research and societal impact, using 20 metrics grouped into five pillars: resources and finance; access and fairness; student engagement; ethical leadership; and African impact.

UJ was recognised in two pillars: access and fairness (openness of institutions to students of all backgrounds and how institutions ensure that students succeed) and resources and finance (financially stable institutions that provide a high-quality learning experience). As communicated two weeks ago, universities can only soar to great heights because of individuals working tirelessly to realise the institutional vision. I dedicate this achievement to the entire UJ Community, from our academic and support/administrative staff, postdoctoral fellows, students, research associates, research divisions, centres and institutes. Well done all! To read more about this, click here.

UJ Top Tier Awards 2024

Speaking of rankings and excellence, I was honoured to deliver a keynote address at the UJ Top Tier Awards 2024, held at the School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH), Auckland Park Bunting Road Campus (APB) on Tuesday. The awards ceremony came just over a week after we held the the Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Awards for Teaching, Research, Innovation, and Service 2024. As I said on Tuesday, and to quote author Simon Sinek, “recognition is not just about rewards; it’s about creating a culture of appreciation that inspires and empowers employees to excel.” The Top Tier Awards 2024 are as follows:

• The High-Flier of the Year: Imraan Ahmed: Human Capital Management.
• The Best Team of the Year: Protection Services: Zulu Shift APK.
• Best Performing Support Division of the Year: Library and Information Centre.

I congratulate our Chief Operating Officer, Dr Mpoti Ralephata and his team for this great initiative. As he aptly put it: “Excellence is all about learning from each other and about transformational relationships. Above all, it is about planning and being intentional about what we do.” To read more about this, click here.

UJ scoops Platinum at the MACE Awards

More good news is that our University won big at the 2024 MACE (Marketing, Advancement, and Communication in Education) Awards, scooping up seven prizes, including the prestigious Platinum Prize. The annual awards, which recognise and celebrate the excellence of specialists and practitioners in marketing, advancement and communication in the higher education sector, were held in Cape Town on Thursday, 28 November 2024. UJ again reaffirmed its agility in the communication and marketing space, walking away with the Platinum Award, MACE’s highest honour, for the UJ Alumni Animation, Mpumi. Mpumi is an animated character, created as part of a campaign to get UJ alumni to participate more in the activities of the University. Congratulations to our Registrar, Professor Bettine van Vuuren and Professor Bongani Ngqulunga (Senior Executive Director, University Relations) and their teams for their outstanding achievements. Well done, colleagues!  To read more about this, click here.

IMP Excellence Awards

Winning awards is part of the culture embedded in our University. Two of our colleagues in Human Capital Management have been recognised in the annual IPM Excellence Awards. The awards recognise excellence in the world of people management and Human HR (Resource), with special focus on innovative strategies that drive excellence in human resources. Ms Sibongile Magwagwa (UJ Senior Manager for the HCM Business Partnering Team) was named the HR Manager of the Year, while our HCM Business Partnering Team were runner-up in the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Excellence Award. Congratulations, colleagues! Well done! I also thank Ms Tokoza Kwinana (Executive Director: Human Capital Management) for her leadership. Keep it up, colleagues!

Examination Matters

With the year-end examination period ending, the focus shifts to the supplementary exams, which begin this coming Monday, 2 December 2024. I again urge our students to stay focused and determined during this critical period. Whether advancing to the next stage of your studies in 2025 or preparing to complete your final qualifications, please know that the entire UJ community is behind you, cheering you on as you strive to reach your goals. Remember to utilise the academic support programmes available, including guidance from lecturers, tutors, and advisors. Should you feel overwhelmed and anxious, please remember that our Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD) is there to support you. PsyCaD provides walk-in services, individual counselling sessions, and a 24-hour Crisis Line (082 054 1137) for emergency assistance. Your well-being remains our top priority!

Beat the End-of-Year Fatigue, and Stay Focused!

Lastly, and as the year draws to a close, it is possible that some of our staff members may feel exhausted and fatigued. I urge you to remain focused to the very end. Remember that we are tasked, individually and collectively, to lead not only the second-largest University in South Africa by student population but also the leading University on the entire African continent. Just like our students, you are also welcome to utilse the services provided by our Centre for Psychological Services and Career Development (PsyCaD).

Kea leboha, ngiyabonga, baie dankie, thank you!

Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi: Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Times mentioned in this newsletter refer to the South African time zone.