UJ Alumni Impumelelo Magazine Edition 18

From the Alumni Office

NAVIGATING THE FUTURE WITH AI AND DIGITAL EXCELLENCE

FACIAL RECOGNITION BIOMETRIC VERIFICATION TO ENSURE A SAFE AND SEAMLESS CAMPUS EXPERIENCE, UJ HAS PIONEERED THE USE OF FACIAL RECOGNITION BIOMETRICS. THIS TECHNOLOGY NOT ONLY STREAMLINES CAMPUS ACCESS AND LIBRARY SERVICES BUT ALSO REINFORCES OUR COMMITMENT MoUJi: Our AI Chatbot for Student Enquiries Navigating university life can be complex, but with our AI-powered digital assistant, MoUJi, support is now available 24/7. Whether an applicant is checking their admission status or a student needs a PIN reset, MoUJi provides instant, accurate responses, ensuring that the Orange Army is supported every hour of the day.

It is with great pride that I welcome you to this latest edition of Impumelelo . The word ‘Impumelelo’ means success in isiZulu, and today, that success is increasingly defined by how we embrace the transformative power of technology. As we look across our vibrant Auckland Park, Soweto, Doornfontein, and Bunting Road campuses, we see a university that is not just reacting to the future but actively designing it. At UJ, our commitment to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is more than a strategic pillar; it is a lived reality. As our Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi always says, “ UJ aims to be at the forefront of technological innovation by integrating cutting-edge technology into every aspect of our university ”. We are witnessing an era in which digital innovation is enhancing how our students learn, how our staff operate, and how we, as the Alumni Office, connect with you. In this edition, we spotlight several groundbreaking innovations that have positioned UJ at the forefront of the higher education sector:

TO ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND THE SECURITY OF OUR COMMUNITY.

Blockchain-based Digital Certificates and Badges We understand that in a global job market, the security of your qualifications is paramount. UJ is a pioneer in South Africa in implementing blockchain-based certificates. This means your hard-earned degrees are now tamper-proof and can be instantly verified by employers anywhere in the world via a simple QR code, protecting the prestige of your UJ qualification forever. These advancements are not just about ‘tech for tech’s sake’. They are about creating an inclusive, efficient, and world-class environment that prepares our graduates to lead in a digital world. As alumni, you are the greatest ambassadors of this vision. Whether you graduated two years ago or twenty, you remain a vital part of this innovative ecosystem.

A Call to Reconnect To ensure you benefit from this digital transformation, we need to stay in touch. We are planning a series of exclusive Alumni Innovation events, networking mixers, and benefits tailored specifically to you, our alumni. I invite you to update your contact details today. By ensuring your information is up to date, you will receive invitations to our exclusive local and international gatherings, such as our recent successful engagement in Nairobi, and stay informed about the lifelong learning opportunities available. Please visit Alumni Connect at ujalumni.co.za or email us at alumni@uj.ac.za to refresh your profile. Let us continue to walk this journey of innovation and excellence together. Phaladi Magongoa Senior Manager: Alumni Relations University of Johannesburg

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ALUMNI IMPUMELELO

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