Academic Opening 2026
RESOUNDING WELCOME FOR UJ’S 2026 FIRST-YEAR STUDENTS With this message, the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi, officially welcomed first-year students to the institution yesterday. The occasion was the 2026 Academic Opening, held at the AW Muller Stadium on the Auckland Park Bunting Campus, on Friday 6 February 2026. At least 5 000 students braved the searing heat to attend the event, transforming the stadium into a sea of bright orange. The event came ahead of the start of the academic programme on Monday, 9 February 2026. UJ Chancellor, first female Deputy President of South Africa and former UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women, Dr Phumzile Mlambo Ngcuka, was among the dignitaries who graced the event, along with award-winning sport broadcaster and UJ alumna, Ms Motshidisi Mohono, and renowned DJ and radio personality, Mr Thato DJ Fresh Sikwane. UJ has seen one of the most competitive first-year intakes this year, with 450 000 individual applicants and 870 000+ applications. From this pool of applications, 11 200 first-year undergraduate students were admitted. This reflects the University’s public standing. In his speech, Prof Mpedi set the tone for an exciting year defined by excellence and ambition. “UJ is a place where innovation thrives and excellence is pursued with purpose. Here, ideas flourish and dreams take tangible form. Whether you are stepping into this environment for the first time or returning with renewed commitment, you are part of an institution grounded in strong values and animated by bold ambitions.” Prof Mpedi urged the students not to take the opportunity for granted. “While higher education should be a right, in our current context it remains a privilege. Our students must remain conscious of what it means to have access, and of the responsibility to use that access in service of society.” He added:
YOUR PLACE HERE AT THIS UNIVERSITY CARRIES PROFOUND WEIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY. WE HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT YOU WILL HELP US REACH NEW HEIGHTS AS WE SUPPORT AND CHAMPION YOUR ASPIRATIONS. YOU HAVE CHOSEN WELL, AND TOGETHER, WE WILL CONTINUE TO REIMAGINE THE FUTURE AND CREATE TANGIBLE, POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE WORLD AROUND US.
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ALUMNI IMPUMELELO
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