Dear UJ community,
Of all the duties and functions of universities, research and knowledge production are their core pillars. Through these, universities drive innovation for societal impact and sustainability. At the same time, the depth of university research drives global and national recognition for its scholars and for the institution’s standing. When a university fosters rigorous and socially responsive scholarships, its researchers earn recognition in elite scientific academies and secure prestigious rankings for themselves and their institution.
UJ Academics Elected to Prestigious Research Bodies
Late last night, some good news came our way. I am delighted to share that 19 University of Johannesburg (UJ) researchers are among the country’s leading scholars and scientists who were inaugurated as members of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf). Additionally, three UJ researchers have been elected as members of the South African Young Academy of Science (SAYAS). The new cohort of exceptional UJ researchers joining ASSAf’s and SAYAS’s ranks was announced at the annual awards ceremony held on 29 October 2026 in Johannesburg.
Election to ASSAf and SAYAS is a prestigious national honour that recognises an individual’s outstanding scholarly achievements, scientific leadership and contributions to society. Each year, new members drawn across various disciplines are elected through a rigorous process conducted by the full Academy Membership. ASSAf and SAYAS members embody South Africa’s intellectual leadership and play an important role in advancing evidence-based knowledge for the public good. Having 20 UJ researchers inaugurated demonstrates the depth and breadth of UJ research. Their recognition not only reflects their individual commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation but also enhances our University’s academic standing and research reputation. To see the full list of inaugurated researchers, click here.
UJ Students to Join the Presidential Visit to Silicon Valley in the US
I am pleased to share that two UJ students have been selected to join the Presidential Artificial (AI) Student Cohort that will embark on a learning visit to Silicon Valley in the United States of America from 15 to 20 November 2026. They will join a national cohort drawn from universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, which will engage leading technology companies, universities and the venture-capital ecosystem in Silicon Valley. Their participation forms part of an effort to strengthen educational, technological and people-to-people ties between South Africa and the United States. The two students are Mr Donnell Naidoo (Advanced Diploma in Business Information Technology) and Mr Mufhumudzi Muthivhi (PhD in Computer Science).
Their selection reflects their academic achievements and their work in artificial intelligence and related fields and is a credit to the University. The visit provides an opportunity to engage with leading U.S. technology executives, researchers, innovators and academic institutions at the forefront of AI and Superintelligence (SI) technologies. It also includes engagements with the Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB), as well as a tour of the Google/Alphabet/Google DeepMind campus, providing valuable exposure to world-leading U.S. centres of technological innovation, research, entrepreneurship and advanced AI/SI development. Through these engagements, students will explore opportunities for collaboration between South African and U.S. technology institutions and enterprises, including student and skills exchange.
JIAS Hosts the Launch of a Book by UJ former Chancellor
Yesterday, the Johannesburg Institute for Advanced Study (JIAS) at UJ hosted the launch of a book by Professor Njabulo Ndebele, our highly esteemed former Chancellor and a distinguished South African scholar, writer and public intellectual. The book, titled Boxers Die Alone: Reflections on Boxing in the Eastern Cape, has its setting in Mdantsane township, widely known as South Africa’s ‘Mecca of Boxing’. Prof Siphiwo Mahala, Acting Director of JIAS, moderated the book discussion. Together, they explored the extraordinary boxing tradition of Mdantsane. Between 1970 and 2010, Mdantsane produced an astonishing 22 boxing world champions and 50 national champions.
In Boxers Die Alone, Prof Ndebele draws on his lifelong fascination with boxing to examine how this remarkable tradition emerged from a township shaped by apartheid-era displacement and the struggle against poverty. Through the stories of three champions across different generations, Nkosana “Happy Boy” Mgxaji, Vuyani “The Beast” Bungu and Nkosinathi “Mabhere” Joyi, the book explores their aspirations, discipline, training, relationships and achievements against the odds. Moving beyond the sport itself, it offers a thoughtful reflection on history, community, individual choice and responsibility, and the making of greatness. Indeed, it was an insightful conversation that explored the intersections of sport, history, politics and community.
UJ Reading Club Wins National Awards
The UJ ReaBala Reading Club showcased its reading and communication skills at the 16th annual FundaMzantsi National Competition, held in George, Western Cape, from 28 September to 2 October 2026. ReaBala, meaning “we read” or “we are reading”, aims to make reading accessible, enjoyable and relevant, particularly for first-year students and those in extended programmes. The club promotes African authors and relatable stories, using books to encourage conversation, connection and personal growth. It also supports students’ academic development through workshops on reading comprehension, reading strategies and examination preparation.
At the invitation of the National Library of South Africa (NLSA), UJ ReaBala Reading Club joined 298 clubs from across the country, including groups from the Department of Correctional Services, community organisations and four other universities: the University of Limpopo, Nelson Mandela University, Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and Sol Plaatje University. The competition featured debating, impromptu reading, book reviews and spelling bees in several languages, including English, isiZulu, Sesotho, Setswana, isiXhosa and Xitsonga. UJ was represented by 23 students. Two students, Vunwe Rikhotso, won first prize in the Xitsonga book review category and third place in impromptu reading, while Lesego Mabuza secured second place in Setswana impromptu reading. UJ students interested in joining ReaBala Reading Club can scan the QR code on promotional posters around campus or email Reabala@uj.ac.za for more information. Read more here.
Local Government Elections
Lastly, as next Wednesday, 4 November 2026, is the date of the local government elections, the day has also been declared a public holiday. I urge you to exercise your democratic right by casting your vote. To read my article that appeared in the Daily Maverick in 2024, titled Mobilising young voters is key to revitalising democracy in South Africa, click here. In it, I emphasise the importance of embracing the youth as responsible citizens and preparing them to lead their societies in accordance with universal human rights values. It serves as a reminder of the civic aspect of democracy, particularly as we approach another election in our beautiful country.
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.
