University of Johannesburg (UJ) Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi, has emphasized that the institution is undergoing necessary transformation and has a “renewed” mandate underpinned by societal impact.
He was delivering his keynote address at the official launch of the university’s Strategic Plan 2035, which will guide the university’s growth and development over the next decade.
The plan, launched on Tuesday, October 8th at UJ’s Auckland Park campus in Johannesburg, focuses on three central themes: societal impact and sustainability, global partnerships, and technology for the future.
“The University of Johannesburg is undergoing necessary evolution…as a breathing and living organism, our institution is emerging anew,” said Prof Mpedi. “We have renewed mandate; this mandate is one defined by our societal impact.”
Prof. Mpedi assured his audience that while UJ’s focus on societal impact and sustainability is paramount, the university will not abandon its core values. Instead, UJ will continue to build on its legacy as a leader in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) in Africa.
“We have been at the forefront of the fourth industrial revolution in Africa and our commitment to Pan-Africanism, transformation, equity and access has not waivered. These ideals remain the fabric of our institution.” said Prof Mpedi.
He said the strategic plan was created entirely by UJ staff without the assistance of external consultants, showcasing the institution’s internal expertise and commitment to shaping its own future.
On 4 October 2024, UJ launched the “UJ for Societal Impact” project in Limpopo. This initiative aims to address critical infrastructure needs in the remote villages of Gwakwani, Matatani, and Mbodi in the Vhembe district, supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The project focuses on providing clean water, affordable energy, quality education, healthcare, and technological advancement.
According to Prof Mpedi, the project has the capability to extract 8,000 liters of potable water from the atmosphere daily, marking a significant contribution to the local community’s access to clean water.
In addition to its work in Limpopo, UJ has introduced cutting-edge technologies, including facial recognition for student applications, 3D printing that can construct a low-cost house in eight hours, and the implementation of blockchain technology for issuing degrees.
Former South African Deputy President and United Nations official, Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who serves as UJ’s Chancellor, congratulated the university on this milestone.
“It has been wonderful to learn that you actually put the strategic plan yourselves, it shows that you own it and that it belongs to this university, well done” said Mlambo-Ncuka. “it’s exciting to see that some of the elements that are in this plan are really key for all times.”
Dr. Mlambo-Ncuka also expressed her gratitude to the University for inviting her to the launch of the societal impact project in Limpopo.
“I also want to thank you for having afforded me to accompany you to Limpopo last week…to see in real life how we make an impact in a community that needs us so much. I do hope that that is an example of who we will be in society,”
Founded in 2005, after the merging of the then Rand Afrikaans University (RAU) and Wits Technikon, UJ has rapidly advanced to become a leader in 4IR and ranks among the top universities globally. In 2024, UJ was ranked within the top 500 universities in the world by Times Higher Education and placed 36th globally, and 1st in Africa, in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings for its pursuit of sustainable development goals.
UJ Council Chairperson Xoliswa Kakana celebrated the launch of the strategic plan, pledging the Council’s support for its implementation.
“This living document is a dynamic guide shaping UJ’s mission to inspire transformation and serve humanity through innovation and collaborative knowledge. It is designed to align with UJ’s vision of becoming a globally recognised, Africa-centered institution shaping the future” said Kakana.
Kakana emphasised that by advancing societal wellbeing through impactful research and sustainable initiatives, UJ aims to address critical challenges that face communities, and expanding the university’s global footprint through strategic partnerships will enhance its international reputation, allowing for rich knowledge exchange and collaboration. Additionally, embracing technology for the future will prepare our students and staff to navigate the digital age and foster innovation.
The launch event was attended by scholars, academics and various government and business stakeholders.
