FROM THE VICE-CHANCELLORS DESK
As I write to you, the University of Johannesburg (UJ) finds itself at a new juncture. In October, we launched the UJ Strategic Plan 2035. This plan speaks to the emergence of a University of Possibilities. It is a personification of our lasting tagline of reimagining the future. Reflecting on where we have been and where we are going, it has been apparent for some time that we have a renewed mandate. This mandate is one defined by our societal impact. I have alluded to this, but as an institution, we are now acting purposefully with a blueprint in place. UJ has long embraced the need to innovate boldly while grounding our actions in core values that promote continuity, inclusivity, and humanity. We have achieved a great deal this year. For example, UJ is now ranked number 1 in South Africa and on the African continent among universities that are younger than 50 years worldwide, according to the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Young University Rankings. According to the latest Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, UJ is now ranked among the top 50 institutions in the world. Earlier this year, for the second year running, it was announced that UJ has been ranked as the leading producer of accredited research outputs in South Africa, according to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET)’s sector report on the evaluation of the 2022 Universities’ Research Outputs. As these feats demonstrate, UJ is making a difference, and we are well- poised to embrace a new and exciting lens. We understand that alongside our commitment to academic excellence, we are responsible for ensuring our approaches reflect purposeful progress. The core theme of our new plan is ‘societal impact and sustainability’, ensuring that all UJ activities, including research, teaching, learning, and collaboration, contribute to bettering society and promoting sustainability. At the heart of this plan are three key objectives: societal impact, global footprint and partnerships, and technology for the future. These pillars reflect UJ’s commitment to creating a meaningful and sustainable role. This plan is rooted in the understanding that the challenges we face today are complex but not insurmountable. With the right approach, they offer us unique opportunities to innovate and redefine what it means to be a 21st-century university. This is an exciting evolution indeed for our institution. As I thank you all for your role in making this new chapter possible, I also sound a clarion call to you all to embrace this plan with enthusiasm. You play a vital role in our journey – you are stewards of our legacy. Our legacy now is one of societal impact. We are cultivating a university that truly catalyses societal advancement. We look forward to embarking on this journey with your support and invaluable insight. As the former Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Thomas Sankara, once said: “We must dare to invent the future.” Indeed, we can make an impact – together.
Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi Vice-Chancellor and Principal, University of Johannesburg (UJ)
ALUMNI IMPUMELELO 1
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