“FOR MANY, WE REPRESENT HOPE. AND THROUGH THESE SWEEPING CHANGES IN THE LAST YEAR, WE HAVE CERTAINLY EMERGED STRONGER. IT IS NO SECRET THAT WE HAVE BECOME KNOWN IN RECENT YEARS AS THE QUINTESSENTIAL FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (4IR) UNIVERSITY ON THE CONTINENT AND MORE RECENTLY, WE HAVE BEGUN TO ALIGN OUR RESEARCH, TEACHING AND LEARNING WITH THE UN’S SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS). OUR EMPHASIS ON SOCIETAL IMPACT NOW REPRESENTS THE CONVERGENCE OF THESE INTERESTS.”
Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi Vice-Chancellor and Principal (UJ)
This year’s Dignitas Awards Recipients are: Lebogang Letsoalo: For her outstanding contributions to the supply chain industry and her advocacy for diversity and inclusion. Thabisile Charity Phumo: For her distinguished career in communication and social performance, and her commitment to uplifting women. Prof Mpedi closed off the ceremony by congratulating the awardees, and he emphasised the importance of celebrating members of the UJ community and individuals who do good: “It is thus crucial to honour those who serve as ambassadors to our community. Once again, hearty congratulations to all the award winners tonight. You represent the very spirit of UJ. As we sit in each other’s company a little longer, I leave you with a Moroccan proverb. As it is said, “There is no beauty but the beauty of action.” May the feats described tonight, and these words embolden you to reimagine the future – with societal impact. Our world is crying out for it.”
The awards are split into two, the Ellen Kuzwayo Awards and the Dignitas Alumni Awards. Named after anti-apartheid activist Nnoseng Ellen Kuzwayo who was also a community builder, the Ellen Kuzwayo awards recognise outstanding South Africans for their extraordinary contribution to the higher education sector. This year’s Ellen Kuzwayo Awards Recipients are: Yvonne Chaka Chaka: For her extraordinary impact as both a musical icon and a compassionate humanitarian. Nomali Letta Mbulu Semenya: For her lifelong dedication to music and social justice. The Dignitas Awards recognise UJ alumni for their contributions to the growth and advancement of UJ. The Latin word ‘dignitas’ refers to the almost physical aura that surrounds a person once he or she has fulfilled an important task. It therefore has the implied meaning of deserving, merit and worthiness.
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO 11
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