In this edition, we shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements within the Faculty of Science. From the dynamic leadership in place to featuring the profiles of distinguished Alumni making significant strides in their respective industries, this issue captures the spirit of excellence that defines both the faculty and its graduates. Our pages come alive with insights from the esteemed Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the great University of Johannesburg (UJ), providing a glimpse into the university’s current trajectory. Additionally, we feature perspectives from the President of UJ Convocation, offering valuable insights into the pulse of our vibrant alumni community. We believe this edition will not only inform but also inspire, fostering a sense of pride and connection among our esteemed UJ alumni.
ISSUE #11 November 2023
OFFICIAL UJ ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Faculty of Science Showcased
Thriving to carve community relations in the Faculty of Science
UJ honours renowned economist Mariana Mazzucato with Honorary Doctorate
UJ Alumni Ghana Chapter launched in Accra
UJ hosts the BRICS Summer School
World Rankings
Rank in the World Rank in Africa
Rank in South Africa
Latest Edition
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) (Shanghai Ranking)
2023
501-600
6
5
2024
306
4
4
QS World University Rankings (QS WUR)
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (THE WUR)
2024
401-500
4
4
University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP)
2022 - 2023
537
9
6
U.S. News and World Report’s Best Global Universities Rankings (BGUR)
2022 - 2023
421
7
5
2023
628
7
6
Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)
Webometrics Ranking of World Universities (Ranking Web of Universities)
2023
612
8
6
Rank in the World Rank in Africa
Rank in South Africa
Impact Rankings
Latest Edition
Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings (THE UIR):Overall Ranking
2023
46
1
1
Rank in the Region Rank in Africa
Rank in South Africa
Regional Rankings Latest Edition
Times Higher Education (THE) Emerging Economies University Rankings (THE EEUR)
2023
2
2
2
Rank in the World Rank in Africa
Rank in South Africa
Young Rankings Latest Edition
Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings (THE YUR)
2023
151-200
3
2
UJ IN THE RANKINGS
Stay Connected www.uj.ac.za/alumni
Editorial Team
Follow the link to find out more about UJ Alumni
Ms Mareza Christensen
Prof Bettine van Vuuren
Mr Nell Ledwaba
Dr Tinus van Zyl
Mr Victor Khangale
EDITORIAL NOTE In this edition, you will find some of UJ’s recent success stories, that is why the magazine is called ALUMNI IMPUMELELO, which means success in IsiZulu. Through this publication we take time to celebrate some Illustrious Alumni, Events and Research. We invite you to follow us on social media and update your contact details on the UJ website. This will allow us to re-connect with you and for you to share in UJ’s journey. This journey includes positioning UJ as a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Don’t forget to register on the UJ Alumni Connect to gain access to job opportunities, mentorships and more.
CONTENTS
28 Thriving to carve community
VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE 1 A word from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal CONVOCATION PRESIDENT MESSAGE
VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE 1 Message from Prof Tshilidzi Marwala PRESIDENT OF CONVOCATION MESSAGE 2 Message from Prof Boitumelo Diale UJ NEWS 5 UJ team wins 3rd place at the Intervarsity Brewing Competition 5 UJ implements blockchain-based certificates for graduates 6 ABE Bailey Trust awards UK-SA bursary to UJ student 7 School of Tourism and Hospitality Plaque Initiative: Creating world-class facilities for the next generation 8 UJ filmmaker and academic wins Zonta prize at International Short Film Festival Oberhausen 11 UJ Doctoral Student Awarded Life-Changing Fulbright Scholarship EVENTS 2 A word from the President of UJ Convocation UJ NEWS 5 A new era of verifying UJ qualifications online 6 UJ’s cutting-edge WhatsApp Chatbot enhances student engagement and support 8 UJ hosts the BRICS Summer School 10 2023 SAICA ITC results affirm UJ as a leader in Accounting Education in South Africa 11 Young UJ engineer wins prestigious NRF award 12 JBS hosts Google Africa Internet Academy 13 Two UJ experts among the world’s top researchers in the fields of electronics and electrical engineering 14 UJ Partners with TUT to lead the way in Artificial Intelligence: Launching the Hub of the AI Institute. EVENTS 16 Formation of UJ’s Chemical Engineering Affinity Group Celebrated 18 SA poised to take advantage of global geopolitical shifts 19 Spotlight on factors shaping the future of the youth 20 UJ Alumni Ghana Chapter launched in Accra 22 Collaborate, learn and confront the barriers – UJ’s call to women in ICT 24 The UJ Convocation AGM 2023 25 13 Learning to thrive in the “new normal” of post-COVID-19 14 Applied Information Systems Alumni Affinity Group launch 13 Law Faculty launches Law Affinity Group 15 UJ launches Zimbabwe alumni chapter 17 Technology drives Generation Z, a generation that wants to be heard 18 Faculty of Health Sciences Affinity Group launch 19 The School of Management open their Alumni Affinity Group 20 Bringing young people on board is important 21 Creating connections and building for the future: Faculty of Education Alumni Affinity Group launch 22 Solving complex security problems in the cybersecurity space FACULTY OF HEALTH SECTION 25 Prof Seheem Khan – building a strong workforce to serve the nation 27 Reimagine the future of medicine and education in the 21st Century of digital technology 29 Prof Heidi Abrahamse appointed to National Health Research Committee 30 Department of Podiatry moving leaps and bounds into the 4th Industrial revolution 32 Technology advances but patients remain at the centre 35 Health innovation makes big strides in 2022 37 Discovery of a two-million-year-old fossil vertebrae 38 Daniella Da Silva, Biomedical Science PhD candidate at the Laser Research Centre, UJ 39 Dr Eric Aniogo an alumnus with a passion for groundbreaking research UJ Alumni Sports Affinity Group Launch FACULTY OF SCIENCE SHOWCASED 28 Thriving to carve community relations in the Faculty of Science 30 Soweto Science Centre a world-renowned science hub for high school learners 32 Biotechnology and Food Technology helps find solutions to challenges facing humankind 34 The Department of Computer Science on carving development and future-focused technology ALUMNI MOVERS AND SHAKERS 38 Robyn Erasmus, UJ interior design student and finalist in the Miss Earth SA competition 40 Hard work and networking – the key to UJ alumni’s stellar trajectory 42 Chevening Scholarship takes Robert to new heights 44 Lethiwe Nzama shines as 2022 Educator of the Year 46 UJ’s Precious Maputle honoured with the 2023 Mail and Guardian ‘Power of Women’ Award 47 A force to be reckoned with: Dr Modi Hlobo makes an Impact with PhD in Accountinging 48 Zama Luthuli, Founder and Managing Director of Everest Strategic Communications HONORARY DOCTORATES 50 UJ honours renowned economist Mariana Mazzucato with Honorary Doctorate PUBLICATIONS 53 UJ Press is proud to announce its two latest publications 54 The Lost Prince of the ANC: The Life and Times of Jabulani Nobleman ‘Mzala’ Nxumalo 55 The Participation Paradox: Between Bottom-Up and Top-Down Development in South Africa 56 Being Gay is Not All Fabulous: Short stories of black South African gay men 57 Developmental Integration and Industrialisation in Southern Africa INSIGHTS 59 Opinion: To BRICS or not, a crossroad for South Africa 60 Opinion: Growth at all costs? SPORT 63 UJ Wins silver medal in 2023 FNB Varsity Football tournament 64 National call up for UJ Women footballers 65 Gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz books her ticket to 2024 Paris Olympic Games 66 UJ Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year Awards set for a thrilling showdown ALUMNI MOVERS AND SHAKERS 41 UJ makes the NYDA board shine 44 Celebrating our alumni’s excellence through the years 79 Nessisa Ngwenya, Nurse educator and Ms Universe Africa 2019 80 Bernard Zipfel, curator of fossil and rock collections 81 Yalekile Lusibane, CFO at South African Diamonds and Precious Metals Regulator 82 Lt Col Lucky (Nhlanhla) Zuma, Officer Commanding 80 Air Navigation School 83 Masonwabe Fuma: Marketer, Social Entrepreneur and Multi-award winning businessman 85 Anele Sikakana, co-founder and CEO of The Iconic Beverage Company 86 Gcina Nomsa Dlamini: Senior International Trade Manager: Europe & UK at WESGRO HONORARY DOCTORATES 88 UJ Confers Doctorate degree on British sociologist, Prof Michael Burawoy INSIGHTS 90 DSI/NRF/Newton Fund Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation, the 4th Industrial Revolution and Sustainable Development 92 We rise by lifting others, by Dr Tebogo Mashifana SPORT 95 Former Banyana Banyana player and alumna appointed Assistant Coach for UJ Women’s Senior Football Team 96 Two UJ women’s football maestros called for national Under-17 camp
relations in the Faculty of Science
46 Hard work and networking – the key to UJ alumni’s stellar trajectory 47 A force to be reckoned with: Dr Modi Hlobo makes an Impact
with PhD in Accounting
UJ honours renowned economist Mariana Mazzucato with Honorary Doctorate 50
MESSAGE FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi
We are drawing to the close of what has been an incredibly exciting year – and my first year as Vice- Chancellor and Principal of this University. This has been a year characterised by much progress and many impactful leadership lessons. As the University widened its gaze to societal impact, it became clear how our unique interests in the the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and the sustainable development goals (SDG) had converged. We are a young University that has demonstrated its ability to respond to our shifting context and emerge as dynamic and active participants in the 4IR alongside our commitment to transformation, equity, access and Pan-Africanism. We are now working towards a
more human-centred future that embraces the ideals of Ubuntu against this backdrop. This is reimagining the future in practice. It is incumbent on us to lead through ideas, actions, and programmes in ways that deliberately seek to provide solution to the burgeoning challenges we face and positively impact on the world around us. It has been encouraging indeed to see the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) community respond to this clarion call so enthusiastically. As a leader, I have been continuously reminded of how impactful we can be when we tap into the sum of all our parts. Indeed, the Setswana saying ‘tsie e senya ka bontsi’ meaning ‘more hands make the job easier’ has been an accurate descriptor of the last few months. It has been through our determination and your continued and valued support that we have been able to make great strides in the betterment of our society. Through our various faculties and institutes, UJ has continued to produce dynamic, exciting and
relevant research. In fact, it was this year that the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) announced that UJ is now the top producer of research outputs in South Africa out of the 26 universities in the country that produce research that advances knowledge with the potential to benefit humanity. This is testament to our commitment to a better future. I am ever mindful that none of this would be possible without your continued support. Our alumni are a living testament to the legacy and values of our institution and we thank you for not only flying the UJ flag higher and higher but providing us with backing and a solid foundation to work from. As we come to the end of my first year at the helm of this fine institution, I must express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to our alumni community for their unwavering support and belief in me through this transition. As it is said through the continent of Africa, “With a little seed of imagination you can grow a field of hope”. May this sentiment continue to characterise our journey together as we move forward.
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A message from the President of UJ Convocation Mr LM Mpunzi
To the Esteemed Members of the University of Johannesburg’s Convocation, As we approach the end of another remarkable year, I am thrilled to have shared some exciting developments and important events with you all throughout this year. It has been an incredible journey for the University of Johannesburg, and I am grateful to serve as the President of Convocation during this significant period. Throughout this year, we have witnessed the unwavering spirit and dedication of our alumni community. Our alma mater continues to make strides in the academic and research realms, and the pride we feel as graduates of this esteemed institution grows stronger with each passing day. We have much to celebrate and look forward to in the year ahead. Our alumni have remained closely connected to the university, and your engagement is both appreciated and vital. The University of Johannesburg hosted several engaging events this year, offering opportunities for you to connect and network with fellow graduates, share your experiences, and support our ongoing initiatives. From Alumni Chapter and Affinity group launches and networking events to cultural activities, our global alumni have come together to make a difference in the world. We also encourage all our alumni to reach out to us with their ideas and suggestions for future events and collaborations. Your input is invaluable, and we are always eager to explore new avenues to strengthen the bonds within our alumni community. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with us, share your insights, or propose new ways in which we can enhance the alumni experience. To ensure that you receive important information and event invites in a timely manner, we kindly ask you to update your contact details with us. By doing so, you will stay informed about all the exciting opportunities and events on the horizon. In the coming year, we are eager to build upon the strong foundation we have established, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among our alumni. The University of Johannesburg continues to thrive, and our alumni are an integral part of this success story. Thank you for your unwavering support, dedication, and passion for our beloved institution. As we head towards the festive season, let us continue to celebrate the excellence and progress that define the University of Johannesburg. Please remember to be responsible on the roads and always obey the rules of the road to save lives. Ensure that your vehicle is in a roadworthy condition, buckle up and drive slowly in poor weather conditions. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful festive season and a prosperous new year.
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UJ meal assistance campaign 11 Years of UJ Meal Assistance Project 3800 students benefit daily Our nutritious meals packs are @R50 per pack/ per student daily Help us feed a student for a day
Donate R50 and #BetheSolution help alleviate student hunger on campus. You can also donate the following food items for our food parcels drive Rice Macaroni Morvite porridge Sugar
Maizemeal Cooking oil Baked beans Chakalaka/ Tins of Pilchards/ Beef 1 kg Salt/ Soup Powder Drop of your kind donation with our
#fight-against-hunger-on-campus champions at any of the campuses Student Affairs offices.
#fight-against-hunger-on-campus champions APK: Gcinile Masuku,email:nqinilem@uj.ac.za APB: Zikhona Mpofu:zikhonam@uj.ac.za DFC: Paballo Diseko:pdiseko@uj.ac.za SWC: Ndumiso Ngwenya:ndumison@uj.ac.za
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO 3
PsyCaD Career Services
Your online career solution
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Visit https://UJCareerWiz.co.za/ to register and create your company profile.
UJCareerWiz, PsyCaD Career Services’ online career application, offers graduate recruiters the following benefits: Set dynamic company profiles (including logos, statistics, photo gallery and multi- media) for students to view Seamlessly post job opportunities (vacation/part-time, internships, work integrated learning, graduate positions) Register for events (career fairs, on campus recruiting, company talks)
Manage interview schedules Access to student profiles Place candidates
For more information about PsyCaD Career Services find us online:
PsyCaDCareerServices
@UJCareerService
uj_career_services
www.uj.ac.za/PsyCaD
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UJ news
QUALIFICATION GRADUATE
A NEW ERA OF VERIFYING UJ QUALIFICATIONS
online
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been at the cutting edge of digital transformation in South African Higher Education and, in many instances, has been driving innovative digital advancements. UJ is once again among the first to implement an innovative system with the introduction of digital badges for this year’s graduates of curricular programmes. Each graduate can now “import” or link their digital badges to their personal LinkedIn accounts for third parties or potential employers to view and verify the qualification issued; this is done by simply clicking on the badge. The advantage of the digital badge lies in the direct linkage to the qualifications obtained by the UJ
graduate. This connection not only validates the legitimacy of the badge but also ushers in a new era of qualification verifications for graduates marketing their newly acquired skills or expertise online. Stakeholders, be they potential employers, academic institutions, or other entities, can easily and instantly validate the authenticity of the qualification, at no cost. For graduates, the digital badge not only translates into a handy, readily accessible representation of their academic achievements but also empowers them to confidently present their qualifications in an increasingly digital landscape. Furthermore, the badge’s compatibility with the professional networking platform, LinkedIn,
amplifies its impact by enabling graduates to showcase their
expertise to a global audience effortlessly.
Employers, too, are set to reap considerable rewards from UJ’s digital badges. By clicking on the digital badge shared by graduates on LinkedIn, the qualification verification process is accelerated, saving employers time and money, and expediting the recruitment process. By launching this cutting-edge digital badge system, the University of Johannesburg is leading digital transformation among South African Higher Education institutions by empowering its graduates to securely market their credentials online.
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UJ’s cutting-edge WhatsApp Chatbot enhances student engagement and support
• Instant Answers: Applicants and students can receive immediate responses to a wide array of general queries. • Application Guidance: Easily obtain information on the application process, ensuring a smooth transition into university life. • Effortless Registration: Navigate the registration process seamlessly with guidance and insights. • Financial Clarity: Get detailed information on financial matters, making financial planning stress-free. • Residence Assistance: Access valuable information related to university housing options and requirements. • Personal Data Verification: Verify and update personal contact details effortlessly. • Admission Status: Check academic and residence admission statuses with a few simple clicks. • Timetable Access: Stay organised with convenient access to class and assessment timetables. • Assessment Insights: Stay informed about assessment results and progress. • Financial Transparency: Access financial statements and track financial records with ease. • Graduation Information: Stay updated on graduation-related details and requirements.
In an era where digital communication is essential, UJ constantly seeks innovative ways to bridge the gap between applicants, students, and the university. Embracing this ethos, UJ has launched a WhatsApp integrated chatbot, tailored exclusively for the university community. This is another testament to the university’s commitment to be at the forefront of innovation in the higher education sector. WhatsApp, the globally acclaimed messaging app, has emerged as a powerful tool for personal communication. Extending its capabilities by linking it to the UJ chatbot (called MoUJi), the university offers applicants and students instant answers to most questions they may have, 24 hours a day. During office hours, the Call Centre will also be available to assist via WhatsApp with enquiries if clients would like to chat with a person. Key Features of the UJ WhatsApp Chatbot By launching the WhatsApp chatbot, the university takes a bold step towards harnessing the power of modern communication tools to elevate support for online enquiries.
• Self-Service PIN Reset: Applicants can autonomously reset their login PIN, eliminating the need for Call Centre assistance.
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The new WhatsApp chatbot marks another stride in the university’s journey of embracing innovative technology to support our community and students. As the higher education sector continues to evolve, this initiative serves as a testament to the university’s dedication to remain at the forefront of progress, shaping a future where technology is used to connect people and propel the university to greater heights.
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UJ hosts the BRICS Summer School
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) hosted the BRICS Summer School from 4-6 September 2023. The event was organised by the Institute of Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) in collaboration with the South African BRICS Youth Association (SABYA). The BRICS Summer School seeks to develop a cohort of young BRICS policymakers and influencers whose role is to actively contribute to shaping the development agenda of BRICS countries in the new era. This forum offers the youth an opportunity to gain a deeper
as strengthening youth cooperation on various issues affecting youth and identify common interests between BRICS Youth. In his opening speech, Professor Siphamandla Zondi, Director of the Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation (IPATC) and co-director of the Institute for Global African Affairs, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. He characterised it as a programme designed to enable the youth in all BRICS countries to co-imagine the trajectory of BRICS, understand the present circumstances within BRICS, and identify pertinent issues, questions, and topics that the youth believe should be prioritised on the BRICS agenda. Prof Zondi stated that the BRICS grouping is actively advocating for inclusivity in all areas. He also emphasised the significance of the BRICS Youth Summit as a forum for young people to discuss and exchange ideas on various topics including entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainable development, and culture. Mr Raymond Matlala, the chairperson of the South Africa BRICS Youth Association, provided some background on how the BRICS Summer School was established. He stated that the genesis of the concept was prompted by the limited understanding and awareness of BRICS among young people. Mr Matlala highlighted the various initiatives that his organisation was planning to implement in order
understanding of the BRICS grouping and its impact on the global economy. The key objectives of the BRICS Summer School are to foster collaboration between participants from different countries and backgrounds, promote knowledge sharing and exchanging ideas on a range of topics related to the BRICS countries, including economics, politics, culture, and society. Other objectives are to promote cultural exchange, fostering mutual respect and common understanding as well
Ms Mpho Mookapele – CEO of Energy and Water SETA
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(Left to right): Ms Mpho Mookapele – CEO of Energy and Water SETA and Professor Siphamandla Zondi – Director of the Institute for Pan-African Thought & Conversation (IPATC)
to empower young people with knowledge about BRICS. One such initiative is BRICS Thursdays, which seek to involve experts from diverse sectors in providing youth with training on various subjects related to BRICS. IPATC, which seeks to position UJ as the leading research institution on BRICS studies, expressed its dedication to formalising this commitment by signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with SABYA for the following collaborative activities:
• Establish a UJ BRICS Youth Chapter
The three-day event was also attended by Ms Mpho Mookapele, CEO of Energy and Water SETA, Ms Karabo Mohale, Executive Deputy Chair of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Mr Liu Kaiyang, Minister Councillor representing the Chinese embassy in South Africa, Mr Ben Joubert, South Africa’s BRICS Sous-Sherpa and Mr Alvin Botes, the Deputy Minister in the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) of South Africa.
• Establish a BRICS academic simulation model that allows students to assume the roles of delegates and engage in resolving real international issues by adopting the policies and perspectives of their assigned country. • Support the attendees in publishing opinion pieces, policy briefs and journal articles based on their experience at the 2023 BRICS Summer School.
The key objectives of the BRICS Summer School are to foster collaboration between participants from different countries and backgrounds, promote knowledge sharing and exchanging ideas
BRICS-Summer-School delegates
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2023 SAICA ITC results affirm UJ as a leader in Accounting Education in South Africa
consecutive year) contributing the largest number of successful African candidates (179 candidates) to pass the ITC of all residential universities. UJ congratulates Ms Tasmiyah Bodhania, Ms Yorisha Nankoo and Mr Luke Wessels who passed with honours, achieving more than 75% in this strenuous examination. “We are extremely proud of the performance of our UJ students who passed this rigorous examination,” says Professor Ben Marx, Head of the Department of Accountancy. “Whilst the accounting profession saw a reduction in student numbers by universities who sat for the examination over the last number of years, as well as the lasting impact of COVID-19 on university success rates, UJ on the contrary, continued to deliver an increased number of students who wrote and achieved remarkable success in the ITC examination. UJ is proud to have the largest number of all residential students who wrote the exam.”
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been reaffirmed as a leader in Accounting Education in South Africa, according to the most recent findings of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Initial Test of Competence (ITC). UJ students achieved a first- time pass rate of 95% and a total of 249 students successfully passed the ITC. The results, which were announced on Friday, 31 March 2023, also affirmed UJ as a top institution of higher learning in the transformation narrative in Chartered Accountancy. The ITC is the first of two professional examinations that prospective Chartered Accountants (CAs) are required to pass in order to register with SAICA as CAs and aims to assess candidates’ technical competence. UJ celebrates being the leader in the transformation of the Accounting profession by (for the 16th
“This is testimonial to the agility of our students and the commitment of the lecturers and quality of the academic programme. It also emphasises the belief of UJ Vice- Chancellor, Professor Mpedi, that access and excellence are not mutually exclusive. We pay tribute to the exceptional leadership and support of UJ’s Management who fosters a dynamic and stable environment under which students can excel and prosper in their studies.” Accountancy@UJ is committed to educating critical thinking business professionals for the world of work, whilst at all times being focused on and intentional in delivering a dynamic and responsible social impact on society and nation building at large. Our academic programmes are distinctly focused on the development of well- rounded individuals who will be ethical leaders, critical thinkers and innovative enablers in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
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Dr Thandiwe Sithole from UJ has won the prestigious 2023 National Research Foundation (NRF) Research Excellence Award for Early Career/Emerging Researchers in the female Engineering category. Dr Sithole is a senior lecturer in the UJ Department of Chemical Engineering Technology. Said Prof Sarah Gravett, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research and Internationalisation at the University of Johannesburg (UJ): “By working with experts with diverse viewpoints, Dr Sithole contributes to bringing fresh perspectives and practical solutions to complex problems faced by ordinary people in South Africa. “This in turn enables the implementation of effective programmes and interventions that can positively impact the lives of the majority, promote socioeconomic development, and drive inclusive growth in the country.” Dr Sithole focuses on the upcycling of industrial waste (valorisation of waste), the circular economy, and wastewater treatment in her research. She employs an innovative research methodology and addresses complex problems in a practical and impactful way. She collaborates with experts from various fields for an effective interdisciplinary approach. “I believe in finding sustainable solutions to our environmental challenges. Growing up, I witnessed the effects of pollution and felt driven to make a positive impact. The inspiration to pursue this field came from my undergraduate final year research project and a deep desire to contribute towards creating a cleaner and healthier world,” said Dr Sithole. This award recognises outstanding research performance by current Early Career/Emerging Researchers in any discipline who are NRF grant holders. Through this award, the NRF aspires to develop and enhance the research stature of Early Career/Emerging Researchers, which among others, aims to redress historical imbalances in the South African researchers’ cohort. See more about the NRF awards here: https://www.nrf.ac.za/about-us/nrf-awards/ Young UJ engineer wins prestigious NRF award
View the NRF awards event here: https://youtu.be/mXS2Vi63Vd8
Dr Thandiwe Sithole
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JBS hosts Google Africa Internet Academy: EMBRACING AI’S TRANSFORMATIVE ROLE with responsibility
underscored the significance of collaborating with academic institutions, highlighting Google’s active engagement in research and its pivotal role in promoting societal equality and advancing the realisation of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals within our lifetime. Dr Mokoena added that technology played a major role in unleashing the imagination of society. This year, Google celebrates 25 years in their investment in technology. “When we look at AI today, it has to be prefaced with responsible AI. It is by far the most exciting technology we have today at our disposal. It can transform the world, it is bigger than the internet itself, it can be a force for good. But let us not forget that in this ecosystem there are bad actors who might repurpose this technology for a negative end. We have to ensure that as we roll out more research and technology in the responsible AI space, it has to be safe, beneficial and drive equality for society.” Dr Randall Carolissen, JBS Dean, spoke on the insights from the Global Artificial Intelligence Readiness Index for Government while Dr Jason Hickey, Head of Google Research: Ghana, gave a public lecture on AI for Good followed by a discussion with Prof Nicole Stremlau and Prof Abejide Ade-Ibijola form JBS. The keynote address was given by Dr Mmboneni Muofhe, Deputy Director General, Department of Science and Technology. The second day of the AI Africa Internet Academy was focused on policies, opportunities, cloud services, security and AI, national security, and the UJ AI Hub. Watch the keynote address here: https://youtu.be/7XEfp7L5yKE
Registration on day one of the conference
Prof Khan reinforced the University’s position as a leader in the technology space. She used the example of the emergence of ChatGPT and how it has far-reaching implications for education. “The impact of AI on our lives is no longer a question to consider for the future, instead it is a reality that we contend with daily. Transformational and seemingly overnight disruption is really not actually unexpected because we have made leading Africa into the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) core to our business.” Prof Khan reiterated how AI was changing the human experience of the world, saying it had the capacity to enable current and future generations to live in a more prosperous, healthy and sustainable world. She also cautioned about the risks and challenges that AI comes with.
Professor Sehaam Khan, UJ Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, opened the fifth edition of the Google Africa Internet Academy at the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) by emphasising the profound and widespread impact of AI on society. The two-day workshop, hosted by the Centre for Data and Digital Communications and the AI Hub on 11-12 September 2023, gathered leaders in business and technology to explore current trends in technology policy and regulation while offering valuable insights and opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs and other stakeholders in the technology and related fields from across the continent. Prof Khan continued: “It is our job to ensure that AI plays a role in creating the world we want to live in and minimising the risks and the negative, unintended consequences.”
Dr Alistair Mokoena, Google South Africa Country Director,
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Dr Jacobus Daniel (Daan) van Wyk
Professor Qing-Guo Wang
Two UJ experts among the world’s top researchers in the fields of electronics and electrical engineering
1999 to 2007. Returning to UJ, he served as a Visiting Research Professor at UJ’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Science from 2007 to 2012. He continued volunteering in this position until ultimately closing his lab door in 2019 at the age of 80. Dr Van Wyk’s eminent career in engineering began in 1966, after receiving the MSc Eng degree from the University of Pretoria. Thereafter, he has received the degree of Doctor of Technical Science (cum laude) from the Technical University Eindhoven, The Netherlands, in 1969, the degree DSc (Eng) (honoris causa) from the University of Natal, South Africa, in 1996, and the degree DEng (honoris causa) from his alma mater, the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2008. Dr Van Wyk has worked internationally with companies such as Siemens, Daimler Benz, ABB, GEC (UK), GE (USA), Raytheon and Boeing, among others, in his career, as well as many South African industries. He has been author and co-author of more than 650 publications, receiving 24 publication awards for this work, including 15 IEEE prize paper awards. The ninth edition of the ranking of the best scientists in the field of Electronics and Electrical Engineering is based on data compiled from multiple sources, including OpenAlex and CrossRef. Position in the ranking is determined by a scientist’s D-index (Discipline H-index), which only includes papers and citation values for the discipline under consideration. A detailed definition of the research process can be found on the methodo- logy page.
those at the forefront of electronics and electrical engineering research. Ranked first in South Africa and in the top 500 globally, Prof Wang’s research includes modelling, estimation, prediction, control, optimisation and automation for sectors such as industrial and environmental processes, energy, and medical engineering. Prof Wang has worked with companies such as Siemens, Yokogawa, and DuPont; published more than 270 papers in international journals and authored/ co-authored seven books and received more than 12 000 citations. Dr Van Wyk was conferred with an Honorary D Ing (honoris causa)
Two academics from the UJ have been named among the Top 5 Electronics and Electrical Engineering Scientists in South Africa. This is according to the 2023 Edition of the Rankings of Best Scientists in the area of Electronics and Electrical Engineering. The two are Professor Qing-Guo Wang, a Distinguished Professor with the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Science, and Dr Jacobus Daniel (Daan) van Wyk, a Life Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, NY (IEEE) and a Fellow of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers at UJ. On 23 February 2023, Research. com, a leading academic platform released the ninth edition of the annual ranking for best scientists in the area of electronics and electrical engineering. This report, which contains the list of leading scholars, intends to offer the academic community increased awareness of the significant research contributions made by
in recognition of his decades- long dedication to “academic
excellence” in the fields of Electrical Engineering, and Electronics, by UJ in 2013. After being with the Rand Afrikaans University from 1971, he transferred to the USA and was Research Leader in the National Science Foundation Engineering Research Centre for Power Electronics Systems from
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UJ Partners with TUT to lead the way in Artificial Intelligence: Launching the Hub of the AI Institute
a centre of excellence for AI, and as a critical player in the digital transformation of South Africa. Join UJ and TUT as they embark on this exciting journey to advance digital technology together. Join us as we delve into the groundbreaking work happening at UJ, positioning us at the forefront of AI advancements, and leading the way towards a brighter and more intelligent future. Scan the QR Code and watch the video.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is at the forefront of the digital advancement of South Africa, as it partners with the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to launch the Hub of the Artificial Intelligence Institute of South Africa. As a leader in Artificial Intelligence, UJ is proud to share its expertise and knowledge to further the development of AI in the country. With the launch of the Hub, UJ strengthens its position as
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Connect and Win! Join the UJ Alumni Connect platform and 3 lucky alumni could win a Digital Package to the value of R1000.00!
Connect witha Mentor
Searchfor Available Job Opportunities
Joinyour Alumni Affinity Group
The lucky winners will be selected in a random draw on the 29 th of February 2024 and announced on the 4 th of March 2024.
www.ujalumni.co.za
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Events
Formation of UJ’s Chemical Engineering Affinity Group Celebrated
The UJ Alumni Office, in collaboration with the Department of Chemical Engineering Technology, officially launched the Chemical Engineering Alumni Affinity group in May. Giving a warm welcome to guests was Department of Chemical Engineering Technology Alumnus and Acting Plant Production Manager at Anglo American, Klaas Maphanga. The first speaker for the night was the representative of the Convocation Exco President of the Executive Committee of Convocation and Member of Council, Leslie Mpunzi, saying, “Today, UJ is regarded by many as the cradle of 4IR and a seminal source of African intellectualism”. Development and Fundraising Director, Daphney Nemakhavhani, said the gathering was a special occasion because it brought the UJ community together to celebrate their common passion for education and engineering and to promote the growth of the prestigious institution. “Being part of this historical moment, you have the power to pay forward and make a difference. As the University of Johannesburg, you’ll see that we’ve been doing a lot in trying to mobilise resources to enable us to holistically meet the needs of our students,” said Nemakhavhani. In her address, the Convenor HOD of the Department of Chemical Engineering Technology Alumnus and Affinity group and Associate Professor, Prof Tebogo Mashifana, expressed her gratitude to the team who work so tirelessly with her.
Attendees at the Chemical Engineering Affinity Group launch
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Attendees of the Affinity Group launch
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“We have changed the face of chemical engineering. We are a dynamic team doing amazing things. As the HOD of Chemical Engineering, and alumni myself, I know firsthand the incredible value and impact our Chemical Engineering programmes have had on our lives and careers. The education, experience and friendships all shaped us into the profession that we’re serving in today. It is now time for us to come together and make our mark as a collective force,” she said. Senior Process Engineer at Weir Minerals, Nathi Mtsweni, also gave an address saying there are four main objectives of this structure. “The first is to promote support of the institution as well as maintain close ties with the institution. The second is to promote fundraising activities, for UJ and chemical engineering in particular. The third is to assist in important educational activities. Industry visits and vocational work are important, and lastly, collaborative research with the institution is vital. For the institution to remain relevant, it has to do collaborative research with the industry,” he said. Prof Daniel Mashao, Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, gave the event’s keynote address. “Chemical Engineering is the top department in Africa and in South Africa. UJ has done well and we are the university of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. We have the highest number of first-generation students. What this means is that we have people who are the first to graduate in their families. We are always proud of that,” said Prof Daniel Mashao. The event came to a close with the question-and-answer session led by Maphanga. The vote of thanks was given by Senior Manager of Alumni Relations, Nell Ledwaba.
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1. Department of Chemical Engineering Technology Alumnus and Acting Plant Production Manager at Anglo American, Mr Klaas Maphanga 2. President of the Executive Committee Of Convocation and Member of Council, Mr Leslie Mpunzi 3. Director: Development & Fundraising, Ms Daphney Nemakhavhani 4. Affinity Group Convener, HOD and Associate Professor: Chemical Engineering Technology, Prof Tebogo Mashifana
5. Affinity group Convenor & Senior Process Engineer at Weir Minerals, Mr Nathi Mtsweni 6. Executive Dean: Faculty of Engineering & the Built environment, Prof Daniel Mashao
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SA poised to take advantage of global geopolitical shifts
South Africa may be in an economic crisis, exacerbated by load shedding as well as high inflation and interest rates, but it is also well-positioned to take advantage of geopolitical changes globally, in which emerging economies are being considered as an alternative to developed countries facing their own challenges. This observation was made by Prof Peter Baur, UJ Associate Professor: School of Economics, during an online panel discussion hosted by UJ on 18 May, titled ‘South Africa’s Economic Crisis: A law and finance perspective’. Prof Baur provided a financial/ economic perspective while Dr Cayle Lupton, senior lecturer in the Procedural Law Department, provided the legal perspective. “Huge global change is taking place, and there are greater levels of uncertainty. Suddenly countries with more resources become more interesting,” he said. However, a key challenge for South Africa was the declining rates of investment and consumer confidence. “In trying to attract investors, the kind of investor we need is one that creates jobs. The better the investor the more positive the effect (on consumer confidence). And if confidence comes back, then monetary policy will be more effective in solving the problems,” he said. Although interest rate hikes were designed to regulate the economy, excessive hikes are dangerous, he cautioned. “The implications could be dire for the business sector and homeowners. The brakes are already on the economy, with a very high negative impact due to load shedding. We need to be socially sensitive to the people within the economy, so it can expand. Yes, it’s important to have stable inflation, but if everybody is defaulting, we’re not going to have an economy left,” he said. Dr Lupton turned his attention to consumers in the current economy, saying they needed to become more financially savvy. “What are your needs versus your wants? There is not much legislated protection, but if you find yourself in a debt crisis, use mechanisms like a debt counsellor to restructure your financial situation,” he advised. Policies should be formulated to deal with current economic crisis, he added. “Government and the Reserve Bank have a social responsibility to consider consumers when determining credit interest rates and repo rates. I do think the law could afford more protection to consumers, to protect them from debt in particular,” said Dr Lupton. Nkululeko Buthelezi, assistant lecturer in UJ’s Faculty of Law, reminded attendants that in the current economic climate, students should lean into the Alumni Connect network to advance their career goals. “A university qualification alone is not enough to graduate into the professional world. We provide opportunities for graduates to increase their employability, get mentorship and guidance, and expose them to thousands of job opportunities through Alumni Connect network,” he said.
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1. (Left to right): - Associate Professor: School of Economics (UJ) Prof Peter Baur, Senior Manager: Market Risk (Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Mr Moses Khumalo 2. (Left to right): - Senior Lecturer: Procedural Law Department (UJ) Dr Cayle Lupton, Associate Professor: School of Economics (UJ) Prof Peter Baur, Senior Manager: Market Risk (Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) Mr Moses Khumalo, Lecturer, Faculty of Law (UJ) Mr. Sershiv Reddy and Senior Manager: Faculty Coordination & Alumni (UJ) Mr Nell Ledwaba 3. (Left to right): - Senior Lecturer: Procedural Law Department (UJ) Dr Cayle Lupton, Associate Professor: School of Economics (UJ) Prof Peter Baur
• To watch the full discussion, click here. • Join Alumni Connect here.
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Spotlight on factors shaping the future of the youth
It would become crucial for youth to develop digital literacy skills and adapt to the changing nature of work.
Picture: (Left-right) Jessica Moloto – Clinical Psychologist, Thabo Rasenyalo - Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP) and Chairperson of Credit and Investment Committee; member of REMCO Sub-Committee and member of Business Development Committee (BDC), Tshegofatso Molapo - UJ CSRC Academic and Quality Officer and Deputy chairperson of UJ Postgraduate forum
Technological advancements, socioeconomic conditions, environmental concerns and cultural shifts are among the numerous factors shaping our youth’s future. The UJ Alumni Office presented another discussion in the series on the Future of the Youth in South Africa, during which thought- provoking trends concerning the above topics were discussed on 22 June 2023. The event was facilitated by the master of ceremonies, Mr Masonwabe Fuma, a marketer, multi- award-winning businessman and entrepreneur. The discussion panel included Prof Abejide Ade-Ibijola, full professor of Artificial Intelligence and Applications of the Johannesburg Business School (JBS), Clinical Psychologist, Ms Jessica Moloto, Board Chairperson at Gauteng Enterprise Propeller Ms Lebogang
Leshika CA(SA), UJ CSRC - Academic and Quality Officer and Deputy Chairperson of UJ Postgraduate forum, Ms Tshegofatso Molapo, and the Executive Chairperson of the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Ms Asanda Luwaca. Prof Ade-Ibijola said technology would continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of young people and that the rise of automation, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy would create both opportunities and challenges. He said it would become crucial for youth to develop digital literacy skills and adapt to the changing nature of work. According to Ms Moloto, the future would likely see an increased focus on mental health and wellbeing, with young people advocating for destigmatisation, support systems, and access to mental health services. She said that awareness
and initiatives around self-care, mindfulness, and work-life balance were expected to become more prevalent. Mr Rasenyalo said the future would likely witness a rise in entrepreneurial ventures and startups, with young people taking on leadership roles. He added that the accessibility of technology and the growing availability of resources for innovation would enable youth to turn their ideas into reality and drive economic growth. Ms Molapo said the youth’s involvement in politics and civic life was expected to expand. Young people would likely be more politically engaged, using their voices and platforms to drive social and political change. The event was concluded with a question-and-answer session facilitated by Mr Fuma.
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UJ Alumni Ghana Chapter launched in Accra
Those in attendance at the Ghana Alumni Chapter Launch
Giving the address on development and fundraising was Daphney Nemakhavhani, Director of Development and Fundraising at the institution. She shared that while she was in Saly, Senegal, she met a Cameroonian gentleman who happened to be a UJ alumnus. “We spoke about the good work that the university is doing in supporting its students holistically with projects that are focusing on societal impacts, the higher education rankings and more. I am telling you this because I want us to look at how we need to sustain our university as the institution that it is because as alumni, we all have a role to play.” She said over the past five years the university had raised close to R2 billion for all the projects that make UJ to be what it is but all credit goes to its partners, such as the industry, and alumni to make this possible. Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Prof Daniel Mashao, said they would continue the vision of being an international university of choice, anchoring Africa and shaping the future.
Giving the keynote address was Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UJ, Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi. He said it was UJ that gave him an opportunity in life. “WE SEE PEOPLE WHO ARE HUNGRY FOR KNOWLEDGE WHO SHOULD BE ACCOMMODATED AND SUPPORTED AS BEST AS WE CAN BECAUSE
The African Regent Hotel saw UJ launching its auspicious Alumni Ghana Chapter in Ghana, Accra, in August. Giving the opening and welcome address was Senior Director of the Division for Internationalisation, Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede. “Whenever we come to Ghana, Accra, we come home. The University of Johannesburg has so many institutional partnerships and individual collaborations including students,” she said. Dr Akwasi Amoako-Gyampah from the University of Education said the launch, created by esteemed personalities in academia, was a testament to UJ’s commitment to maintain close ties with its alumni and share their respective successes and growth. “We are honoured to welcome you to Ghana on this auspicious occasion, the official launch of the UJ Alumni Ghana Chapter. The Chapter will consolidate the strong relationship between Ghana and South Africa and make a continuous effort to conscientize intellectual ideas between the two countries.”
EDUCATION IS A HUMAN RIGHT.
My message to you as we launch this Chapter in Ghana is to go out there and be our best ambassadors, to tell others about this great university and the work they are doing and encourage them,” he said. This address was followed by a question-and-answer session carried out by Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede. Closing off the evening with a vote of thanks was the Registrar, Prof Bettine van Vuuren.
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