March 2024
Dear Convocation members
It gives me great pleasure to share with you that the University of Johannesburg had a great academic year and closed 2023 in a very strong position on different fronts. However, despite our successes, the university cannot rest on its laurels but must accelerate on building its global stature through research and development, the Fourth Industrial Revolution initiatives, strong leadership, best in class operational excellence, health, safety, wellness, and a harmonious working environment.
We need to lift our gaze and remain focused on building on the successes of the last few years while introducing greater innovation. This, I believe, will enable us to maintain and sustain our competitive edge, which has resulted in our university soaring in various global rankings and recording achievements across other fields. As we embark on this journey, our approach should always be inclusive and developmental, so that no one is left behind. In that way, we will all contribute to efforts in creating a better future for our continent.
I also wish to take this opportunity to welcome all our returning and new students into their various study programmes. UJ has a thriving alumni community that we would like to grow in numbers. We encourage all our alumni to reach out to us with their ideas and suggestions for future events and collaborations. Your input is invaluable, and we are always eager to explore new avenues to strengthen the bonds within our alumni community. As alumni, you are the lifeblood of our institution. You represent the legacy of excellence that the University of Johannesburg has built over the years. Your achievements and contributions to society are a source of immense pride for all of us.
Whilst we celebrate your successes with great enthusiasm, we must also remember the importance of giving back. UJ has a proud tradition of excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. It is this tradition that has allowed us to thrive and produce generations of successful alumni. As you have benefitted from your UJ education, it is now our collective responsibility to ensure that the opportunities we enjoyed are available to the generations that follow. I encourage you to consider making donations to the UJ Alumni Annual Fund. Your contributions will support scholarships, research initiatives, and various projects that will make a lasting impact on the UJ community. This is an investment not only in the university but in the future of countless students who will follow in your footsteps. Together, we can ensure that the University of Johannesburg continues to be a beacon of excellence and that our alumni community remains a vibrant and supportive network.
As the Exco of Convocation, our plans for 2024 will be centred around championing fundraising initiatives targeted at helping all former graduates with historical debt to obtain their qualifications and be able to enter the world of work. We are also planning to have more interactive sessions with all convocation members on engaging topics and activities that will benefit both the Convocation and the university.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate and welcome our newly elected Deputy President of Convocation Ms Nondumiso Mvubu. Thank you for your unwavering support and I wish you well for another great year 2024. Together, we can make a difference and continue to inspire excellence.
Regards,
President of the Executive Committee of Convocation
Leslie Mpunzi