THE PROJECT WAS DEVELOPED IN COLLABORATION WITH THE PRIVATE SECTOR. IT DIRECTLY SUPPORTS THE UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGS), INCLUDING ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER, AFFORDABLE ENERGY, QUALITY EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE AS WELL AS TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT.
Far left, Professor Sehaam Khan, Deputy Vice-Chancellor - Academic, the staff of the Gwakwani bakery and far right Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi. Photo- University of Johannesburg
UJ LAUNCHES PIONEERING SOCIETAL IMPACT PROJECT IN LIMPOPO
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has officially launched its transformative “UJ for Societal Impact” project in Limpopo. This initiative, which was launched on Friday 4 October 2024, addresses critical infrastructure needs in the remote villages of Gwakwani, Matatani, and Mbodi in the Vhembe District, bringing sustainable solutions in energy, water, connectivity, and education. The project, which dates to 2014, was developed in collaboration with the private sector. It directly supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including access to clean water, affordable energy, quality education and healthcare as well as technological advancement. It was launched at a ceremony held at Hanyani Secondary School, which serves as a cluster of villages stretching over a radius of about 15 km. The UJ for Societal Impact project has also been expanded to the school, as it now boasts solar panels and a state-of-the-art learning facility, known as the Tshumisano Learning Centre, among other initiatives. The Tshumisano Learning Centre at Hanyani Secondary School. Photo: University of Johannesburg. The gathering was entertained by traditional Tshivhenda dancers performing Tshigomba and a performance by the Hanyani School Choir. Hundreds of residents from various villages attended the launch, along with traditional leaders,
corporate partners of the project and local leaders of the Vhembe District. Also in attendance were members of the UJ executive leadership and the University’s Chancellor, Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka. In her remarks, Dr Mlambo-Ngcuka thanked the community of the villages for being open to a project of this kind coming into their lives, and for their continued support of these initiatives. Additionally, she congratulated the UJ community for their collaborative efforts bringing societal change. “We normally segregate ourselves as faculties and areas of specialisation just so we can finish ‘work’. But ultimately, we recognise that in real life we are capable of being integrated. When you go out into the world, you need a doctor, a lawyer − services such as water, electricity, as just one person. This project has demonstrated the value we can bring when we work together − and I must say, you aced it!” Godfrey Nefolovhodwe, a resident of Gwakwani whose desire to see a better environment for his community expressed his gratitude to UJ for the change they’ve brought to the community. “When UJ arrived, things quickly started to change. It feels like we’re almost on the map. The government had forgotten us, but now they know that there is a village called Gwakwani. I am deeply grateful to UJ and its staff for their ongoing assistance and support,” he said.
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