Dear UJ community,
Over the years, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has built meaningful strategic partnerships with other universities and relevant institutions in Africa and across the world. Through collaborative initiatives and the sharing of knowledge, we have advanced research and innovation, creating new opportunities for students and academic staff. All this is integral to our Strategic Plan 2035.
UJ Delegation Advances Strategic Partnerships During UK Visit
This week, I led a high-level UJ delegation on a strategic visit to the United Kingdom (UK). During our visit, we engaged with leading universities in that country to strengthen partnerships and expand opportunities for collaboration in various areas. Our programme started at the University of Birmingham, where we held discussions with its senior leadership and academic staff to identify new opportunities in education, artificial intelligence, engineering, health sciences, research, fundraising, and global engagement. The University of Birmingham remains an important strategic partner through Universitas 21 (U21), the global network of leading research-intensive universities.
Our programme in the UK continued on Tuesday with a visit to the University of Oxford, where I delivered a lecture hosted by the Centre for Global Higher Education (CGHE). In the lecture titled Enhancing Pan-African Collaboration: Strategies for Access, Digital Inclusion, and Student Success in Higher Education, I challenged universities to rethink traditional educational models and expand access and digital inclusion. I argued that expanding meaningful access to higher education is the defining challenge facing Africa’s universities. Drawing on UJ’s own experience, I highlighted UJ Digital, which has broadened access to higher education for working professionals, parents and students unable to pursue conventional campus-based study.
Yesterday, we visited the University of Warwick, where we were joined by UJ Chancellor Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. I had a working meeting with Professor Stuart Croft, the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President. Our discussions centred on the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE) and the Faculty of Health Sciences, as well as on a shared interest in teaching and learning. We also explored collaborative work and exchanges in international relations and development. Later yesterday, I led the UJ delegation, comprising members of the Management Executive Committee (MEC) and the Executive Leadership Group (ELG), to the South African Chamber of Commerce UK in London, where we engaged with UJ alumni and friends. His Excellency, Kingsley Mamabolo, the South African High Commissioner to the UK, opened the proceedings.
Honorary Doctorate Conferral on Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
Later this afternoon, the University of Warwick conferred an honorary doctorate on Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka in recognition of her achievements, which have made a lasting impact on transformative leadership in gender equality and social justice. Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka is a University of Warwick alumna. On behalf of the UJ stakeholder community, I congratulate Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka on her remarkable achievement. On behalf of the entire UJ Community, I congratulate our Chancellor on this outstanding recognition – well deserved! To read more about our visit to the UK, visit our website and our official social media platforms.
UNESCO renews UJ’s Medical Geology Chair
Still on global footprint and partnerships, I am pleased to announce that UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) has renewed its Chair on Medical Geology in Africa until 31 December 2030. Established in 2022 and led by internationally acclaimed geoscientist Professor Hassina Mouri, the UNESCO Chair on Medical Geology in Africa was the first in the world dedicated to Medical Geology, with a specific focus on Africa. Medical geology explores how naturally occurring elements and minerals in rocks, soil, water and air influence the health of people, animals and ecosystems.
The renewal of the UNESCO Chair on Medical Geology in Africa will see Prof Mouri continue to advance interdisciplinary research, scientific training, community engagement, and international collaboration, while supporting the body’s Priority Africa agenda, among other areas. This is a significant development that recognises the quality and impact of the research produced at UJ. It reinforces our commitment to generating knowledge that addresses humanity’s most complex challenges while strengthening Africa’s scientific capacity through international collaboration, innovation and excellence. Congratulations Prof Mouri, on the renewal. We are proud of you! To read more about this, click here.
Research and Innovation @UJ Magazine, Issue 2
I am delighted to share Research and Innovation @UJ Magazine, Issue 2, 2026, which showcases pioneering, impactful research and innovation trajectory over the years. In this edition, you can read about the University’s remarkable upward trajectory in the accredited research outputs, as demonstrated by the latest data from the Department of Higher Education and Training. Other interesting stories include how UJ is bridging the gap among technology, society and industry. You can also read about how UJ is building scholars through its leadership programme, as well as an investment in the next generation of African scholars. To read all the insightful stories from this edition, click here.
Vodacom, UJ and Amazon Web Services launch strategic AI collaboration
In other exciting news, Vodacom has partnered with UJ and Amazon Web Services to address a growing demand for job-ready AI and data science professionals. Announced on 24 July, this collaboration marks one of the first strategic industry-academic partnerships to bridge the gap between what universities teach and the evolving needs of industry. Through collaboration between Vodacom’s AI Lab and UJ’s Centre for Applied Data Science (CADS), the project seeks to expose students to practical academic learning and the evolving needs of industry.
The collaboration includes short-term learning programmes, postgraduate diplomas, and dedicated master’s and PhD research streams, all co-developed by Vodacom and UJ. Vodacom leaders will work alongside UJ academics to identify emerging skills gaps and keep curricula current as AI technology evolves. This ensures that what students learn reflects the real challenges and opportunities they will encounter in industry. I thank Prof Tankiso Moloi (Executive Dean: College of Business and Economics) and his team for this excellent partnership. You can read more about this here.
Professorial Inauguration
I congratulate Professor Lia Hewitt (Magda) on her professorial inauguration on Wednesday. She is a Professor in the Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management at the College of Business and Economics. Her work spans entrepreneurial leadership, coaching, and Afrocentric models. She has supervised as many as 60 master’s and 15 doctoral graduates. Professorial inaugurations are a major milestone, as universities formally celebrate a newly promoted full professor. At these events, newly minted professors present their academic journey to colleagues and the community. Well done Prof Hewitt, I welcome you to the exclusive club of UJ professorship. To read more about this, click here.
2026 Winter Graduation Season
Today marked the conclusion of the Winter Graduation Season, with more than 2,000 graduands walking across the stage to receive their qualifications. It has been gratifying to read beautiful stories about graduates on our official UJ website and social media platforms. For the past few weeks, our Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) has been transformed into a carnival atmosphere, with jubilant graduates and their families and loved ones celebrating their academic achievements. In the process, they reminded us that a graduation is a momentous occasion for them.
We are confident that our graduates will use the experience gained to their benefit and make a positive contribution to their communities and society at large. We also call on them to join the UJ Alumni Community. You can do so by registering for free on the UJ Alumni Connect platform. This gives you access to networking, mentoring, digital badges, and updates from our Alumni Office. Visit our website, news.uj.ac.za, to read more about the graduation stories and for more information regarding joining the UJ Alumni community and its benefits.
Podcast Preview | Beyond the Code: AI and the Law: Episode 7
In the next episode of Beyond the Code: AI and the Law, I have the pleasure of welcoming the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, for a timely conversation on how artificial intelligence is reshaping justice in South Africa.
A University of Johannesburg alumna and current doctoral candidate, Minister Kubayi also brings a valuable global perspective, having served a full term on the World Economic Forum’s Global Artificial Intelligence Council. Together, we explore how AI can expand access to justice while safeguarding the constitutional values that underpin our democracy, and consider what responsible, ethical innovation means for the future of our legal system.
The Hot Talk – VC Chilling with Hoepie
In the next episode of The Hot Talk – VC Chilling with Hoepie, I sit down with our energetic mascot, Hoepie, for a lively conversation celebrating some of the University’s recent achievements. From my election to the Council of the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) and recognition by Financial Mail, to our ongoing winter graduation ceremonies, the inspiring impact of the Mpedi Family Scholarship in Neurodiversity Studies, and thought leadership on artificial intelligence featured in Forbes Africa and Universities After AI, we reflect on how the collective efforts of our students, staff and partners continue to advance UJ’s mission of excellence, innovation and societal impact.
High Tea With the VC
I wish to thank everyone who joined last week’s edition of the High Tea with the VC book discussion, where I was joined by Dr Thebe Ikalafeng to discuss his book, Rooted and Rising: Reclaiming Our Culture and Redefining Our Global Influence. In the book, Dr Ikalafeng offers a daring African-centred vision that embraces identity, community, purpose, and genuine global influence, challenging traditional Western viewpoints on personal branding and leadership by drawing on the Ubuntu principle, “I am because we are”. As usual, it was a thought-provoking dialogue, shared reflections, and inspiring conversations.
My sincere appreciation to the UJ Library undefined for hosting this important conversation, UJTV for ensuring that the discussion reached an even wider audience, and to our students, staff, and everyone who joined us online. Your presence and engagement made the afternoon truly memorable. Look out for our official UJ social media platforms to watch a recording of the discussion.
Team SA shines brightly at the 2016 Commonwealth Games
Lastly, I congratulate Team South Africa for their stellar performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland, where they secured as many as 22 medals in the pool (6 gold, 7 silvers, 9 bronze). In fact, South Africa’s swimmers have dominated the nation’s Commonwealth Games campaign, accounting for all 11 medals at the halfway mark. The highlights include Pieter Coetze’s backstroke triple crown and Chad le Clos becoming the most decorated Commonwealth athlete in history with 21 medals. As communicated last week, UJ Sport athletes, club members and staff are part of Team SA. They are competing in athletics, gymnastics and netball. Once again, we wish them and the rest of Team SA the best in the remainder of this global showpiece.
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.
