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.
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO 1
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