MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL PROF LETLHOKWA MPEDI
which you have all been an important part of. Once again, the rankings and metrics speak to our success and provide impetus for the way forward. In particular, I will highlight that UJ was recently ranked the country’s leading producer of research output for the second consecutive year according to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)’s Sector Report on the evaluation of the 2022 Universities’ Research Output. I have no doubt that this is a trend that will continue. Indeed, achievements such as this represent our dedication to a brighter tomorrow. Of course, none of these achievements would be possible without your ongoing support. As our alumni, you continue to embody the enduring legacy and principles of our institution. You not only play an important role in sustaining and enhancing our impact while fostering a sense of pride, loyalty, and tradition, you are also crucial in contributing to the betterment of our society. Your successes inspire our staff and students alike. To lean back into the thought of ubuntu, “umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” – I am because you are, you are because we are. I look forward to seeing what the future brings as we continue to reimagine it with your valued support and belief!
As my second year at the helm of the University of Johannesburg (UJ) began in March 2024, it was a necessary task to pause and take stock of all that we have achieved. In crafting this letter, I reflected on what has been an incredibly exciting period. As an institution, we have continued to grow from strength to strength. Our emphasis on societal impact has worked in tandem with our fourth industrial revolution (4IR) strategy and we have seen great progress in this sphere. As a reminder, this reflects our broader mission to advance knowledge, educate future generations, and serve as a catalyst for positive change in the world. This human-centric approach to our changing world and the advancement of technology is a wonderful example of the African concept of ubuntu . This idea represents the value of unity, collaboration, generosity, and mutual support, integral to achieving our overarching developmental goals. Jacob Rugare Mugumbate and Admire Chereni argue that this represents, “An authentic individual human being is part of a larger and more significant relational, communal, societal, environmental and spiritual world.” As I consider my time as Vice-Chancellor, it has been encouraging to see how the UJ community has responded to this evolution with verve. Of course, this has only been possible because of UJ’s legacy,
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO 1
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