Dear UJ community,
This week, I led a UJ delegation to Ghana to meet with partner universities. Our various engagements were fascinating and fruitful and covered issues of common interest. We met with the University of Professional Studies (UPSA), Ghana Communications Technology University (GCTU), Cape Coast Technical University (CCTU), and the University of Cape Coast (UCC). Our delegation also met with Ghanaian alumni, sharing valuable information on enhancing university relations.
I had the distinct honour of presenting a labour law masterclass to the executives of the Jospong Group of Companies. We also attended the CCTU Sustainable Education and Development Research Conference, where I delivered a keynote address on “The Legal Framework of Achieving Inclusive and Equitable Quality Tertiary Education in Africa”. Vice Chancellors and delegates from several African countries were in attendance, further broadening the reach of our engagements.
Honoured as Chief in Ghana
Many of you would recall that in November last year, His Royal Majesty Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, the Paramount Chief of the Abeadze Kingdom, bestowed on me the honour of being a Chief in the Abeadze Kingdom during a ceremony held at UJ. During our visit to Ghana this week, we had the tremendous privelege of forming part of the Sitting in State of His Royal Majesty, Daasebre Kwebu Ewusi VII, at the Grand Durbar in the Abeadze Traditional Kingdom. The highlight of this occasion was when I was sworn in as Chief of the Abeadze People in the second leg of my coronation. Once again, I dedicate this honour to the entire UJ Community and thank you for your unwavering support.
Celebrating UJ women’s achievements
As Women’s Month draws to a close, it’s inspiring to see excellence and contributions being recognised across various fields. Last night, UJ’s renowned epidemiologist and Public Health scientist, Prof Refilwe Phaswana-Mafuya was honoured at the 2024 Higher Education Resources Services South Africa (HERS-SA) Higher Education Women Leaders (HEWL) Awards. She was awarded both the Trailblazer and Lifetime Achiever Awards for her remarkable academic and professional achievements, as well as her relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Congratulations to Prof Phaswana-Mafuya!
Women in Tech Awards
It has been an incredible source of pride to witness UJ’s women make exceptional contributions across various fields. The latest to be honoured is Prof Stella Bvuma, our Director of the School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems, who has been named one of the 100 Influential Women in Tech for 2024 by the Wired 4 Women Tech forum. Recognised in the Industry Influencers category, Prof Bvuma’s work in championing technology access for all communities is truly inspiring. Congratulations, Prof Bvuma, well done!
UJ Women in Technology
Prof Bvuma was also among the illustrious UJ women that our Academic Development and Support (ADS) recognised when they recently held an event to celebrate the achievements and careers of eight remarkable UJ Women in Technology. To read more about our trailblazers, click here. Furthermore, the Division for Teaching Excellence is also celebrating some of the extraordinary women who make an invaluable contribution to and shape the success of teaching and learning.
UJ hosts the BRICS Summer School
Universities play a vital role in addressing modern leadership and governance challenges. I’m pleased to announce that our Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC), in partnership with the South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA), will host the 2nd BRICS Summer School from Monday, 3 September to Wednesday, 5 September 2024, at the Johannesburg Business School (JBS).
The event will focus on cooperation in education and technology among BRICS member states. Notable attendees include Mr Raymond Matlala (Executive Chairman, SABYA), Hon Thandi Moraka, Alvin Botes (Deputy Ministers, International Relations and Cooperation, SA), Mr Peter Rakov (Director, International Business, African Region, Synergy University), and Professor Bruno De Conti (Associate Professor, University of Campinas, Brazil). I encourage you to attend this significant event.
UJ hosts the Learning and Teaching Symposium
Another exciting development this week was when UJ hosted the Learning and Teaching Symposium to celebrate 30 years of democracy in South Africa. The two-day event, which started yesterday, takes place under the theme The Doors of Learning and Culture are Open, drawing on the Freedom Charter’s assertions. It is hosted by the Divisions for Teaching Excellence (DTE); Institutional Planning, Evaluation and Monitoring (DIPEM); and Academic Development and Support (ADS).
The symposium’s overarching motivation is to celebrate our achievements, acknowledge the challenges, and collectively envision the future of higher education in South Africa. In my opening message, I highlighted the critical importance of reflecting on our access, equity and equality goals in higher education. Prof Khan, our Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, affirmed the significance of teaching and learning, exciting innovations, pedagogies fit for the 21st century, and centring the student in all higher education endeavours.
High Tea with the VC
I wish to thank everyone who attended the High Tea event with the VC last Friday when we discussed the book Real Life and Business Minds, compiled and co-authored by 32 South African professionals and entrepreneurs who share their real stories of success and challenges in life and business. It was indeed another exciting episode with lively engagements.
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.
