We are pleased to release the 9th edition of the Alumni Impumelelo magazine. In this edition, we showcase the Faculty of Health Sciences, from the unshakable leadership of Prof Sehaam Khan to the 4IR-aligned innovation in place at the faculty. We also profile some of their prominent Alumni that are moving and shaking in their respective industries. Also in this edition, we have an address from the UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof. Tshilidzi Marwala and an address from the outgoing President of Convocation.
ISSUE #9 October 2022
OFFICIAL UJ ALUMNI MAGAZINE
Faculty of Health Sciences Showcased
Reimagine the future of medicine and education in the 21st Century of digital technology
Celebrating UJ’s Mail & Guardian top 200 Young South Africans
UJ implements blockchain-based certificates for graduates
Discovery of a two-million- year-old fossil vertebrae
UJ IN THE RANKINGS
Latest Edition
Rank in the World
Rank in Africa
Rank in South Africa
World Rankings
Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) (Shanghai Ranking)
2022
401-500
6
5
2023
412
2
2
QS World University Rankings (QS WUR)
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (THE WUR)
2022
601-800
Joint 17
Joint 7
University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP)
2021 - 2022
592
10
6
U.S. News and World Report’s Best Global Universities Rankings (BGUR)
2022
417
6
5
2022 - 2023
629
7
6
Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)
Webometrics Ranking of World Universities (Ranking Web of Universities)
2022
663
8
6
Impact Rankings
Times Higher Education (THE) University Impact Rankings (THE UIR): Overall Ranking
2022
69
2
1
Regional Rankings
Times Higher Education (THE) Emerging Economies University Rankings (THE EEUR)
2022
117
11
8
Young Rankings
Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings (THE YUR)
2022
179
9
4
Employability Rankings
QS Graduate Employability Rankings (QS GER)
2022
301-500
Joint 6
Joint 4
Stay Connected www.uj.ac.za/alumni
Editorial Team
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.
Mareza Christensen UJ Graphic Studio
Prof Kinta Burger
Mr Nell Ledwaba
Dr Tinus van Zyl
Mr. Victor Khangale
CONTENTS
1 Message from Prof Tshilidzi Marwala - Vice-Chancellor and Principal
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 VICE-CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE 1 Message from Prof Tshilidzi Marwala OUTGOING PRESIDENT OF CONVOCATION MESSAGE 2 Message from Prof Boitumelo Diale - Outgoing President of Convocation 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 9 UJ Doctoral Student Awarded Life-Changing Fulbright Scholarship EVENTS 13 Learning to thrive in the “new normal” of post-COVID-19 14 Applied Information Systems Alumni Affinity Group launch 11 Learning to thrive in the “new normal” of post-COVID-19 12 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 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 22 Creating connections and building for the future: Faculty of Education Alumni Affinity Group launch 23 Solving complex security problems in the cybersecurity space FACULTY OF HEALTH SCIENCES 25 Prof Sehaam 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 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 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 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 94 How AI spots legendary cricket batting back-lift using video footage SPORT 97 Former Banyana Banyana player and alumna appointed Assistant Coach for UJ Women’s Senior Football Team 98 Two UJ women’s football maestros called for national Under-17 camp
2 Message from Prof Boitumelo Diale - Outgoing president of Convocation
15 UJ launches Zimbabwe alumni chapter
Prof Sehaam Khan – building a strong workforce to serve the nation 25
Principal. Though my roles here have changed and collectively as an institution we have had to weather various challenges over this time, the shine of being part of an institution such as this has not worn off. It has been an incredible journey and UJ will always remain an institution close to my heart. It has been fulfilling to be at the helm of a University that has made a name for itself in South Africa, Africa and across the world, even amid the most trying of times. This would not have been
possible without the support of our community. You have
ensured that even as we battle a tumultuous context, defined by the pandemic, national challenges that often seem insurmountable, technological disruption on a grand scale, climate change and global upheaval, that we have emerged as a University truly worth talking about. Our research output and our rankings are testament to this great feat. Our achievements aren’t by accident, they are purposeful and based on hours of hard work and energy. They are in line with UJ’s spirit of innovation and sense of community. As we look to an exciting future, informed by many of the lessons we have learned in the last few years, I am certain that we will continue to growth in strength and stature. Not only have we successfully navigated the difficult terrain the pandemic and beyond has presented but we are responding with tenacity to the global changes we are seeing and the shift towards a more digital and inclusive society. I must express my sincere and heartfelt gratitude to our alumni community for their unwavering support and belief in me over the years. This is certainly an aspect of the UJ life I will continue to hold dear in my next role and beyond. As former US president John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life.” This I know to be a certainty and I am confident that despite it all, UJ will continue to rise and rise again.
MESSAGE FROM VICE- CHANCELLOR AND PRINCIPAL Prof Tshilidzi Marwala
We are beginning the wind down of an exciting year, that has, in a sense, represented a new epoch for us. As the world opened up again and campus life resumed at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), the glimmer of hope that had been on the horizon a year ago seemed to manifest quite clearly. As you are undoubtedly aware, the University is undergoing somewhat of a revolution itself. From a scientific standpoint, this is an exciting prospect. This phenomenon, as a community, we must embrace with open arms. As the American writer and activist Rebecca Solnit eloquently reminds us, “Revolution is as unpredictable as an earthquake and as beautiful as spring. Its coming is always a surprise, but its nature should not be.”
multiple feelings. It turns out, it was saudade – a Portuguese and Galician word with many definitions, including a melancholy nostalgia for something that perhaps has not even happened. It is a recollection of the feelings, experiences, places, or events that once brought excitement, pleasure, and well-being which trigger a quiet sadness and longing. I have been at UJ for 13 years. I joined UJ in 2009, full of hope and wide-eyed wonder as the Executive Dean in the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment. It did not take long for UJ to feel like home. As I settled into my role and began developing strategies and restructuring the faculty, I was surprised at how at ease I felt here. It seemed as if I had already spent a lifetime here. In 2013, I became Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Internationalization and in 2018 Vice-Chancellor and
Since the announcement of my departure from UJ, I have had an intriguing collusion of
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Final Address by the President of UJ Convocation Prof Tumi Diale
To the UJ Council members, the MEC, the ELG, our esteemed Convocation, our UJ Alumni, the newly-elected Exco of Convocation, my current Exco of Convocation, and Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg, Prof Tshilidzi Marwala: I greet you all, Ah!, Dumelang, Sanibonani, Hello. I am humbled that I was bestowed the mammoth task of leading the UJ Convocation from 15 September 2019 to 14 September 2022. Yes, it has been a challenging, yet value- oriented and goal-driven three- year journey as the Exco of the UJ Convocation. As we took off on UJ JET, Flight EXCO2019 to Destination 2022, we had to start on Ground Zero to rebuild the UJ Convocation.
Allow me to acknowledge and say a big thank you to my flight crew members. Ms. Zanele Modiba as my co-pilot and Deputy President of the UJ Convocation … my flight engineer and navigator, Ms Confidence Tshilande, is our representative in the UJ Council … my cabin crew member, Mr Msizi Khoza, is also our UJ Council representative … and at our last connecting airport in 2021 we were joined by another member of the cabin crew, Ms Nondumiso Mvubu. I am eternally grateful to this team. Without them this flight could have crashed when we crossed unchartered mountains and oceans. Thank you A-Team, ke leboga go menagane. Ngesizulu bathi, “Ukwanda kwaliwa umthakathi”. As a black woman I am not blind to the fact that I entered office when our country is faced with a myriad of social, economic, political and educational ills that threaten the future of our country’s youth. When we took over office and had our strategic plan in January 2020, little did we know that we would be faced with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges, we are proud to say we achieved a lot and made great strides despite the tough times. We initially had five projects that we committed to and although we put the SWC Female Residence on hold because of financial challenges
I am eternally grateful to this team. Without them, this flight
could have crashed when we crossed unchartered mountains and oceans. Thank you A-Team, ke leboga go menagane. Ngesizulu bathi, “Ukwanda kwaliwa umthakathi”.
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO 2
WELLNESS PROGRAMME The high need for mental health and other forms of wellness was rising amongst our members due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the executives we worked with the Alumni office and the University of Johannesburg to partner with Life Health Solutions, where we collaboratively presented our members with the Alumni Wellness Programme (AWP) powered by Life Health Solutions, which offers a caring, strictly confidential service that helps you and your immediate family to deal with difficult personal or work-related issues effectively. ALUMNI BENEFITS The UJ Exco of Convocation and the Alumni office launched new membership tiers in March 2022 that have expanded benefits for UJ alumni.
the first phase of building our first- ever Alumni House at JBS Park will commence in September-October 2022. This house is envisaged to be where we lead conversations consultatively, constructively, and collectively to make wise decisions for the University of Johannesburg. AFFINITY GROUPS & CHAPTERS The exco continued with its collaboration with internal and external stakeholders to host in-person, hybrid, and online events. The objective of these events is to launch affinity groups, create chapters, create awareness of different platforms and opportunities. Since 2019 we have moved from zero affinity groups to launching 11 affinity groups, which aim to provide networking platforms within their respective indus- tries. In 2021 we launched two Alumni Chapters: • The Gauteng Chapter launched on 26 August 2022 • The USA Alumni virtual launch on 11 November 2022 In 2022 we launched our first African Chapter:
with the DHET due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are proud to say we added two more projects. 1. Graduate Unemployment and Entrepreneurship – Mrs Zanele Modiba (Deputy President)
Our well-attended entrepreneurship-focused
conversation series has proven an effective tool for sharing technical and tacit entrepreneurial insight. With the world of work changing due to exponential technological advances, we will continue to host in-depth masterclass sessions focusing on different aspects of the entrepreneurial journey. 2. Development and Fundraising – Ms Confidence Tshilande (Exco and member of Council) Ms Tshilande has worked hard with Ms Daphney Nemakhavhani’s office to raise funds and support the deserving students of the UJ. While the team can do its best, my dear alumni, I want to remind you that their success is based on your donations and contributions. 3. The Alumni House, Affinity Groups and Chapters, Wellness Programme and the Retired academics campaign – Prof Tumi Diale THE ALUMNI HOUSE In the spirit of Ubuntu “nokubuyisana” (coming together),
As we gracefully bow out, we salute you all and wish to remind you again that the struggle for the best UJ continues as an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. To our incoming EXCO, as someone once said, we have no silver nor gold to hand over to you but believe me, we have great lessons learned in the three years to share with you, even to get you to take off. Thank you, Rea leboga.
• The Zimbabwe Chapter launch on 27 May 2022.
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UJ Feed-a-Student 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. For all monetary donations click here. 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
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UJ NEWS
UJ team wins 3rd place at the Intervarsity Brewing Competition
Judge Certification Program (BJCP) and the beers are blind judged, according to the BJCP 2015 guidelines. Prizes are awarded to the best beer in each category. The UJ team entered four beer styles (African Premium Lager, Indian Pale Ale, Winter Warmer, and Munich Helles) and won the 2019 Best Indian Pale Ale category, including a cash prize of R10 000. This is the second award for the UJ team following the Best Winter Warmer Ale Award in 2017. The UJ team was represented by five team members (Mr Witness Qaku, Mentor; Mr Tshisonga Khuthadzo, MSc student; Mr Eddie Lulamba, PhD student; and Miss Nomthandazo Msimango and Miss Gugu Mahlangu, BTech students) from UJ’s Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology. The Department has a micro-brewery that acts as a teaching aid for students.
The team that represented UJ at the competition
The Intervarsity Brewing Competition is an annual event that seeks to promote responsible beer consumption amongst students that drink beer. Importantly, it allows students to acquire brewing skills to work within the brewing industry or develop their own craft breweries. This year, from 23 to 25 August, it was attended by 13 tertiary Institutions, including the University of Johannesburg’s
Department of Biotechnology and Food Technology. The competition is co-hosted by South African Breweries (SAB), Central University of Technology (CUT), and University of the Free State (UFS). To participate in the competition each tertiary institution chooses beer style categories to brew, condition, and package prior to the competition. The beer styles are set according to the Beer
UJ IMPLEMENTS BLOCKCHAIN-BASED CERTIFICATES FOR GRADUATES
to improve systems and service delivery. This continuous improvement strategy and use of cutting-edge technology, facilitated through the Fourth Industrial Revolution are at the heart of our philosophy, says UJ Registrar, Prof Kinta Burger.
The University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) digital certificate system, introduced in 2019 for graduates to securely share these certificates with third parties or prospective employers, has been enhanced by added blockchain-based security features. UJ is the first South African higher-education institution to offer blockchain-based certificates for graduates. The new blockchain-based certification process will make certificate fraud, counterfeiting, and fraudulent representation of qualifications even more difficult. Ce rtificates issued from this year on will have QR codes printed on them, which anybody can scan with a smartphone to verify whether the information on the certificate is correct and has been issued legitimately by UJ. The public is now able to validate the awarded
qualifications for UJ graduates without having to contact the University or having to go through a verification agency, just by scanning the QR code on the certificate and best of all, at no cost. The blockchain-based certificates will not only protect the university’s certificates from fraud but also preserve the reputation of the institution and the integrity of qualifications. UJ is committed to applying new technologies
https://universityofjohannesburg. us/4ir/2022/07/blockchain-based- certificates-legitimate-qualifications/
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Ms Samkelisiwe Precious Temba, a final year BSc student majoring in Mathematics and Psychology at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has been awarded the 2022 ABE Bailey Travel Bursary. The Travel Bursary, awarded annually, will cover the cost of an all-expenses- paid 3-week educational tour of England and Scotland. The opportunity seeks to broaden the horizons of young South Africans and effect greater cooperation and understanding of varying perceptions among individuals from diverse backgrounds. The key objectives of the bursary are: • to encourage leadership, demonstrating open debate and mutual respect for others • to enable South African students to experience the British culture and examine its significance in the context of our South African history • to foster enterprise, commitment, and effective engagement in a shared future and • to promote unity. The 3-week programme commences with induction in Cape Town on the 22nd of November 2022 and the awardees will then proceed to the UK on the 24th of November. Goodenough College in London will host the group, and the itinerary includes tours in and around Cambridge, Oxford, and Edinburgh. The official tour ends on the 17th of December in Edinburgh. Ms Temba considers herself a born leader and strongly believes leadership is not about a title or designation but about the impact. She says, “Let not your background determine how far you can go. Your capabilities and the courage to act on your dreams will always see you through the greatest l ife distances”.
ABE BAILEY TRUST AWARDS UK-SA BURSARY TO
UJ student
around her. She intends to achieve this by actively demonstrating that dreams have the potential to turn into reality if individuals have the courage to pursue them. Ms Temba and the University of Johannesburg are grateful for the award and the opportunity to help her realise her full potential.
Ms Temba’s interest in this great opportunity was motivated by a heightened desire to be better, do better, and serve assiduously with the experience and lessons the opportunity promises to offer her. She regards herself as an agent of change and seeks to change her life and positively influence those
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The School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) invites its proud alumni to be a part of tomorrow’s future, today. In the run-up to the annual STH Industry and alumni event in September, the school is bringing back its Plaque Initiative, giving alumni a chance to create a lasting legacy for themselves and to contribute to the efforts to upgrade the school’s facilities and equipment in line with the latest state-of-the-art utilities. In 2019 the school held its 50th Anniversary event, honouring its legacy institutions that contributed to what it is today – a world renowned research, learning, and training institution, ranked Number 1 as a School of Tourism and Hospitality in Africa, and at number 9 in the Top 10 globally. “That year we established an Endowment Fund through which we would fundraise for the school’s needs for the future, because were mindful already at that stage that the industry was changing, and we wanted to position the school in a way that meets the needs of the future,” said Kagiso Mosue, STH’s Marketing Manager. The second initiative launched was the Plaque Initiative – aimed to add onto the fundraising initiative through the school’s strong alumni network purchasing plaques that were engraved with their full names and graduating year and placed on identified walls around the school campus. The school raised over R2 million by September that year, as Mr Len Wolman, Chairman and CEO of the Waterford Hotel Group
and recipient of this year’s Alumnus Dignitas Award, not only led pledging with a sizeable contribution but extended a challenge to fellow alumni to add to the contributions. The target is to ultimately reach R5 million through the various fundraising initiatives. However, unfortunately fundraising activities slowed to a standstill over the past two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking on the school’s rich history and its continued success in producing some of the country and world’s best hospitality and tourism practitioners, Mosue said the plaques added a layer of inspiration and aspiration for its current students.
“We are bringing the initiative back this year, still mindful of the economic environment and the challenges the industry continues to face. But, we’re saying, if you can buy your plaque as an alumnus, the value is that you get to contribute to the future. The students going to their classes or walking past the campus are able to see themselves in your name on those walls,” Mosue explained. The plaques are divided into three categories: Bronze (R100-R500), Silver (R500-R1000) and Gold (R1000- R5000), and are placed at select venues and buildings across the campus. Alumni wanting to take part in the initiative can visit the UJ website and click on the fundraising portal.
Are you an STH Alumni? Support our fundraising initiative. Join your peers and leave a lasting mark of your time with us. Inspire the ones following in your footsteps. There are three (3) plaque options available for sale, dependent on the level of contribution as follows:
Bronze: R100 – R500 Silver: R500 – R1000 Gold: R1000 – R5000
Corporate Sponsors are also welcome. ORDER NOW: https://uj.devman.co.za/devman/online/giving/
School of Tourism and Hospitality Plaque Initiative: Creating world-class facilities for the next generation
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UJ FILMMAKER AND ACADEMIC WINS ZONTA PRIZE AT INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL OBERHAUSEN
On May 10th, 2022, the Zonta prize for a female filmmaker in the international competition section of the International Short Film Festival Oberhausen was awarded to Shelley Barry. Shelley is a lecturer in the Department of Communication and Media, Faculty of Humanities. The Zonta prize was awarded for her film ‘A Camera on Her Lap’, shot on a mobile phone during lockdown. The film was made possible with grant funding from UJ’s URC (University Research Committee) research grant for equipment and a grant from the Ford Foundation.
A CAMERA ON MY LAP (SYNOPSIS) Shot on a mobile phone during lockdown in Gqeberha, South Africa, a filmmaker contemplates creating within an unchanging frame of reference. The film centres around her home, The Blue House, a tribute to Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Kahlo was her source of inspiration when she became a person with a disability during a turf war in Cape Town in 1996. ‘A Camera on My Lap’ ponders questions concerning representation on the cinematic screen and responds to the challenge of creative practice during a pandemic. ABOUT THE FESTIVAL The International Short Film Festival Oberhausen is a catalyst of cinematography from the perspective of a wheelchair user. She has won multiple awards for her filmmaking, including a SAFTA in 2018.
The selection panel released a statement indicating that the film is “Artistic work is reconfigured out of isolation. The wheelchair becomes a dolly into a world of new interrelations”. ‘A Camera on My Lap’ was the only South African film selected for the International competition section. The prize includes an award certificate and a cash prize of 1000 Euro. Shelley Barry was awarded a full scholarship from the Ford Foundation to study towards her Masters of Fine Arts in Film in the United States, and graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia in 2006. Her films span across genres and are largely experimental in style. She often shoots her own films, exploring the aesthetics
UJ Filmmaker: Shelley Barry
and showcase for current developments, a forum for
often controversial discussions, a discoverer of new trends and talents and, last but not least, one of the most important short film institutions worldwide. Oberhausen is the oldest short film festival in the world and the largest festival in North Rhine-Westphalia, with around 7 000 films submitted each year, approximately 500 films in the festival programme, and over 1 100 accredited professional visitors annually.
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Mr Nkosingiphile Mkhize - PhD candidate, School of Public Management, UJ
UJ Doctoral Student Awarded Life-Changing Fulbright Scholarship
research in the United States. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program operates in more than 160 countries worldwide and approximately 4 000 international students receive Fulbright scholarships each year. The Scholarship will allow Mr Mkhize to conduct research at Rutgers University School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) under the supervision of Professor and Director Dr Yahong Zhang. The Scholarship will commence on the 1st of September 2022, until the 1st of January 2023. During this period Mr Mkhize hopes to work closely with practitioners and scholars affiliated with the Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) and the leading public governance institution, Transparency
International, which has many members affiliated with the University and School. This will allow him to strengthen his knowledge and research skills in corruption and anti-corruption risk management – a research area that his ongoing PhD thesis focuses on. “I hope that the Fulbright Scholarship, PhD studies, networking and more hard work will contribute to me being an established researcher and scholar within the field of public governance and public policy. The need to constantly review and strengthen public governance and policy in South Africa is understated. I look forward to playing a strategic role in contributing to these vital areas,” said Mr Nkosingiphile Mkhize.
Mr Nkosingiphile Mkhize, a PhD candidate within the School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has been awarded the prestigious Fulbright Foreign Student Scholarship as a Visiting Research Student. The Fulbright Foreign Student Program enables graduate students, young professionals and artists from abroad to study and conduct
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Re-connect with your Almamater
Search for available Job Opportunities
CONNECT witha MENTOR
Join groups according to your interests
Visit: www.ujalumni.co.za
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EVENTS
LEARNING TO THRIVE IN THE “NEW NORMAL” OF POST-COVID-19
The Executive Committee of Convocation at the University of Johannesburg held a virtual conversation to discuss the workplace culture post-COVID-19 in March this year. The panellist discussed their experiences in their industries. The representatives considered how COVID-19 changed the way people live, work, think and engage with each other. They concurred that the “new normal” required investigation into how to navigate this new world efficiently. The knowledge gained needed to be passed on to future generations who might be exposed to other unprecedented events.
It was agreed that while we don’t have the answers to everything, challenges of this nature are essential for learning and engaging each other on living and thriving in the new normal. Prof Tumi Diale (Vice-Dean Teaching and Learning, Associate Professor and Education Psychologist and President of Convocation) focused on change management in higher education studies and employee safety, Ms Zanele Modiba (Managing Director: The Alternative, personal development speaker, marketing specialist and Vice- President Convocation) shared her experience in small business and
Ms Confidence Tshilande (Founder: Prestiio, CESA Young Engineer of the Year and professional civil geotechnical engineer, Convocation Executive Committee and UJ Council member) touched on the civil engineering sector, while Ms Nondumiso Mvubu (candidate town planner SACPLAN and Convocation Executive Committee Member) spoke about the benefits of working remotely. ENCA business news anchor and award-winning journalist Rofhiwa Madzena performed the MC duties and facilitated the event.
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ZG7t9IOwfLo
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Applied Information Systems Alumni Affinity Group launch
The launch took place at the School of Tourism and Hospitality and all alumni present were greeted with a goodie bag as they entered the room. This newly established affinity group aims to strategically increase our alumni members and improve on formalising their relationship with UJ. This will be achieved through alumni chapter volunteers who will be instrumental in bringing alumni closer together and providing graduates an opportunity to engage with a diverse range of alumni and reconnect them to their alma mater. The chapters play a critical role in expanding connections among graduates, creating institutional network opportunities and contributing to fundraising activities. The chapter structure enables alumni to act in the best interests of the university voluntarily. Launching local chapters enables alumni to come together in a convenient, friendly, and consistent environment. Chapters serve as a source of information about the university’s objectives and strategic initiatives. Dr Stella Bvuma (AIS HoD) shared her vision for the AIS Alumni Affinity Group: “In the spirit of departmental collaboration with the external (AIS Alumni), the department has been engaging with our alumni over the past years in various aspects not only to connect, network, and reimagine the future of AIS in the context of the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR), but also focusing on addressing societal problems through our teaching and learning programmes, research and community projects. This clarion call for launching the Affinity Group awakens our
The Applied Information Systems (AIS) Department in the School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems (SCiiS) launched its Alumni Affinity Group on Thursday, 31 March 2022. In
collaboration with the UJ Alumni office, a hybrid evening event was put together to accommodate those who could not attend physically.
The executives in attendance at the AIS affinity group launch
Vote of thanks by Mr Nell Ledwaba - Senior Manager: Alumni Relations
Guests arriving at the AIS affinity group are greeted by Dr Stella Bvuma - HOD: AIS
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Law Faculty launches Law Affinity Group
imagination about following our own alumni community at various levels from the spectrum of services they are currently involved in. Our desire is to forge this ecosystem of ensuring that through strengthening our collaboration with our alumni we will successfully achieve excellent student success rates, retention, graduate output and progression to postgraduate study amongst other objectives.” Prof Roelien Brink (AIS: Deputy HoD: CEP, SLP & Online) was the programme director for the evening. She highlighted that “the positive energy and willingness of our Alumni to be involve in moulding our students for the World of Work is contagious that we can’t wait to walk this new journey with our alumni.” All dignitaries were present, including of Prof Daneel van Lill (Executive Dean: College of Business & Economics), Prof Mercy Mpinganjira (Director: SCiiS), Mr Nell Ledwaba (Senior Manager: Faculty Coordination & Alumni) and the alumni. The keynote speaker for the evening was AIS’s illustrious alumnus Jessica Tandy (Partner at Bizmod and co-owner of African Talent Unearthed). She shared her journey as an alumnus, from starting at UJ to becoming a businesswoman. She reflected on how our education system and the youth as the future of our workforce have been impacted by technological advancements like social platforms, and the psychological impact that it’s had on them as a generation. She also touched on the shortage of women in technology still being an agenda needing attention. She called on the alumni to take their skills and experience as a collective and support the department’s initiatives in making the impact required. Amongst the successful launch of the Alumni Affinity Group we look forward seeing the great initiatives and ideas that will be birthed and executed by the group.
spoke on the importance of alumni, after which Prof Domingo delivered her address. Prof Domingo explained to the alumni present that through the Law Alumni Affinity Group the Faculty of Law wants to create a touch point for alumni to connect with the faculty and each other. She highlighted that the Law Faculty is the third best in SA and that it should come as no surprise that UJ’s law students are sought after in the legal and commercial world and public service. She also informed them about the university’s law research centres that stimulate academic engagement, community engagements and that produce a pipeline of new generation of researchers and academics. Prof Domingo called on UJ law alumni to appoint female law practitioners in what she said is still a male-dominated space.
Prof Wesahl Domingo, Executive Dean of the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Faculty of Law, in collaboration with the UJ Alumni Office, launched the Law Alumni Affinity Group on Saturday, 7 May 2022. The event served as a networking platform for alumni and the selected speakers, an opportunity to meet and liaise with the new Executive Dean, and to launch the law affinity group. Through the alumni network affinity groups alumni can continue their association with UJ by engaging with each other around shared professional interests, personal interests, or university experiences. The groups comprise volunteers dedicated to celebrating connections, providing enrichment, and continuing UJ’s tradition of service with many offering networking, social gatherings, mentorship, seminars, and other means for alumni to stay connected to one another, including the university. Prof Boitumelo Diale, Exco President of the Convocation,
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=pKzI0FfwYj0
Mr Elton Hart Manager and Attorney: UJ Law clinic
Mr Nell Ledwaba Senior Manager: Alumni Relations
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UJ launches Zimbabwe ALUMNI CHAPTER
UJ is well represented in Zimbabwe’s student population, graduating an average of 973 Zimbabwe students per year and embracing Zimbabweans in its bursary and scholarship initiatives, the new Zimbabwe alumni chapter heard at its launch on 27 May 2022. The event was a hybrid one, both online and in-person, held at the Holiday Inn in Harare, with several Zimbabwe-based UJ alumni attending. It was opened by Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede, senior director of Internationalisation, and the welcoming address was delivered by Dr Trust Mhubu, illustrious alumnus and chapter convenor. Prof Tumi Diale, president of Convocation and vice dean of Teaching and Learning/associate professor and educational psychologist, and Nell Ledwaba, senior manager of alumni relations, also addressed the chapter. Mzwekhe Matukane, UJs senior director for revenue administration, said one of UJs proudest initiatives
and international students,” said Matukane. He said UJ was particularly proud of its Artificial Intelligence
is the R150 million awarded in student bursaries for both South Africans and international students, including Zimbabwean students. Also, as of 2016 UJ launched a “missing middle” initiative to reach students who are “too rich for government aid but too poor for commercial students loans”, said Matukane. “We took R20 million from the operating budget, assisting 5 000 students with their registration fees. We then went out to corporates, trusts, foundations and high-net individuals to assist these students and managed to raise R1.5 billion for scholarships, donations and for research,” he said. Almost 70% of this money went to bursaries, tuition and living fees. “A total of 13 900 students have been assisted, including international students,” he said. In addition, UJ runs a meal-assistance programme, as almost 30% of students are food insecure. “When a student loses focus, academic performance is affected. We provide meal packs on a bi-weekly basis to both local
(AI) research, including its independently-built app to
despatch emergency vehicles to locations timeously, and Spot, the AI dog. These initiatives were designed to positively impact the lives of people on the continent. “It is possible for our continent to get there. We’ve only scratched the surface of lives we can change,” said Matukane. UJ executive dean of the College of Business & Economics, Prof Daneel van Lill, said that since 2017, UJ has graduated 39 students per African country per year, but in Zimbabwe, the number is 973 per year. “It is a pleasure to have Zimbabwean students in my class. Your greatest source of capital is your intellect,” he said.
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=kEGfqfqi8SI
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1: Opening and Welcome by the MC: Prof Ylva Rodny-Gumede - Senior Director of Internationalisation 2: Address by Development and Fundraising: Mr. Mzwakhe Matukane - Senior Director of Revenue Administration 3: Zimbabwe Chapter launch was held at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Harare, Zimbabwe. 4: Keynote Address by Prof Daneel Van Lill - Executive Dean of the College of Business & Economics 5: Address by Illustrious Alumnus and Convenor of the Zimbabwe Chapter: Dr Trust Nhubu 6: Al those in attendance at the official Zimbabwe Chapter launch in Harare, Zimbabwe.
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TECHNOLOGY DRIVES GENERATION Z, A GENERATION THAT WANTS TO BE HEARD
(48%), then by high remuneration (39%) and international career opportunities (38%), Lyon said. Zuma pointed out that, as a consequence, employers needed to remain abreast with technology that enabled a young worker’s career growth and also create environments that were not only about work but about work-life balance, as a Generation Z “brings their whole selves to work”. Gift Somakwabe noted that this generation is “hard on itself” as a result of social media. “We tend to compare ourselves and feel we are not doing enough,” she said, adding that these young employees needed to discern between career and job. “When we understand the difference, we gain more than a career, we start becoming leaders, mentors, business men and women of the future,” she said.
Gift Somakwabe; and ACCA HoD, Lulama Boyce. In his presentation Jamie Lyon referenced a survey that he conducted among Generation Z around their perceptions and attitudes to today’s workplace, and he said this age group would have an “indelible impact on the future of work and bring so many positives to the workplace”. Lyon said the survey showed that employers in the accountancy sector saw their Generation Z employees as “super smart, entrepreneurial, natural disrupters (very innovative), digitally savvy, and have an expectation that their voice will be heard and that they have direct access to leaders (anti- hierarchical)”. The results showed that what attracted Generation Z to companies was primarily the opportunity to continually acquire new capabilities (49%), followed closely by work-life balance
Accountancy job seekers who are in the Generation Z age bracket (born between 1995 and 2010) have some distinct advantages over previous generations, in that they are technologically highly advanced and are well adapted to the hybrid work model. This was among the interesting observations made during the virtual panel discussion on the Future Skills and Future of Work of Generation Z, held on May 17 by UJ’s Department of Commercial Accounting (ACCA), in collaboration with UJ Alumni office. The panel and speakers included ACCA deputy HoD, Husain Coovadia (convenor and programme director); vice-president of UJ Convocation, Zanele Modiba; head of ACCA: South Africa, Botswana & RMM, Portia Mkhabela; ACCA representative from the UK, Jamie Lyon; AdaptIT: CaseWare Africa, Simphiwe Zuma; Alumnus of UJ,
https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ze51q7H5DgQ
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Faculty of Health Sciences Affinity Group launch: serving humanity through innovation and collaboration is key
The month of August saw the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Alumni Office in collaboration with the Faculty of Health Sciences officially launching the Alumni Affinity Group. The opening and welcome address was given by the MC, the Director of the Biomedical Engineering and Healthcare Technology Research Centre, Prof Habib Noorbhai. The Executive Dean of Health Sciences, Professor Sehaam Khan, said the establishment of the Faculty of Health Sciences Alumni Affinity Group was pegged on common goals and mutual interests. “Outreach should not solely be focused on donations (though that is welcome). Your expertise can enhance the knowledge economy within our committees and on our boards; We value the support and mentorship that you can provide to our new graduates,” said Khan. She said the aim of the launch was to strengthen collaborations and establish new relationships with prospective industry partners and, in doing so, to elevate the student experience, enhance the sustainability of our community engagements through a partnered approach, and promote the professional standards of our respective professions. In his address, Convenor of the Faculty of Health Sciences Alumni Affinity Group, Darren-Lee Kwong, said what he admired about the University was their drive for inclusivity. “If you look at some of the important points of the UJ mission, it is to transform and serve humanity through innovation and
collaboration. And I think that is a great segue as to what the Affinity Group is all about,” he said. Lecturer of Nuclear Medicine in the Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences (MIRS) department, Lindiwe Charlotte Manzana, said the Faculty of Health Sciences offered a range of postgraduate programmes, all listed on their website. “Through research and education, we can grow our profession and implement policy through evidence-based practices,” she said. Speaking about the community work the MIRS Department was involved in, she said she was excited to announce a food drive as part of the gRADtitude programme by colleagues in the Department. “Staff and students from our department donate non-perishable items that are distributed to less fortunate students within the UJ community,” said Manzana. She concluded by encouraging the alumni to connect via the UJConnect platform through the UJ website: ujalumni.co.za. “The platform allows us to be the change we want to see in our profession. To all our key stakeholders and industry partners, you play an important role in the profession and I cannot emphasise enough the importance of healthy relations, continued engagement and strong relations.” she said. A question and answer session was led by Prof Habib Noorbhai, with senior manager of Alumni Relations, Nell Ledwaba, closing off the event with a vote of thanks to the audience.
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THE SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT OPEN THEIR ALUMNI AFFINITY GROUP
The School of Management (SoM) in collaboration with the Alumni Office at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) held an event in May to officially launch the SoM Alumni Affinity Group. The SoM Alumni Affinity Group is a group formed by either an alumnus or a faculty on the basis of mutual collaboration, similar subject matter or affiliation. The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) Board Chairperson Bongumusa Makhathini, who was the master of ceremonies (MC) for the event, said events of this nature are important because universities are made by their alumni. “Universities become great because of the product they produce. When you play an active role in universities you assist in preserving your own qualification, because if a university continues to do well it means your qualification will be respected,” he said. The launch saw council representative and member of the executive committee Confidence Tshilande giving an address on the role convocation and the opportunities made available by the
Alumni Connect and Mentorship. The professional civil engineer touched on the projects that have been established by the convocation between 2020 and 2022. These include the Affinity Groups and chapters (which are regional, town or city-based groups of the university alumni who want to formalise their relationship with the university), and Graduate Employability, amongst others. “What I like about being a UJ alumnus is that you get to engage, reconnect and expand your network, and you are exposed to mentorship,” she said.
her qualification didn’t only help her progress professionally or academically but it also helped her realise her dreams. She holds a Master’s degree in professional and personal leadership from the University. UJ alumnus Nompilo Msibi spoke about the benefits of having a strong alumni network. “Building and maintaining relationships with alumni is crucial to the growth of any institution,” she said. The keynote address was offered by the Executive Dean of the College of Business and Economics (CBE) Professor Daneel van Lill, who said that he was privileged to be part of a team taking care of 27000 students. “As an organisation we hold a huge responsibility: we develop critical thinkers, problem solvers who are concerned about the way we do business, our economy and about society’s wellbeing,” he said. The event closed off with a Q and A session with the audience and a vote of thanks to the attendees by
The Director of the School of Management Professor Adri Drotskie said as the School of
Management of the university, they educate and train the managers and leaders of the future. “We are proud of that and are cognisant of the fact that we are dealing with a big responsibility: the people who are going to lead in future,” she said. Former Mrs Universe Africa 2021 semi-finalist Basani Malambe, who is a registered psychometrist by profession, also made an appearance at the launch, saying
Senior manager of Faculty Coordination and Alumni, Nell Ledwaba.
Prof Daneel van Lill - Executive Dean of CBE, Prof Chris Schachtebeck - HOD of Business Management and Prof Adri Drotskie - Director of the SoM
Illustrious Alumni and MC for the evening, Mr Bongumusa Makhathini - SABC Board Chairpersion
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