INTUTHUKO | Issue 3 | December 2021

CONTENTS 9
11
1. Overview from the Vice Chancellor and Principal: Prof Tshilidzi 14
Marwala

2. From the desk of the Chief Financial Officer: Ms Nolwazi
Mamorare

3. Foreword Director: Development and Fundraising: Ms Daphney
Nemakhavhani

4. UJ alumni ride for Student Outstanding Debt Campaign
5. Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa joins in the student

Outstanding Debt campaign
6. 2021 Highlights
7. The Postgraduate School of Engineering Management launched

an SMME innovation hub in partnership with Foodbev SETA
8. Getting industry partners ready for Artificial Intelligence in the

Fourth Industrial Revolution
9. Overview from the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research &

Internationalisation
10. Take forward your research, innovation and development

strategy with the University of Johannesburg
11. UJ Alumni – Launches two new chapters, one in Gauteng and

another in the USA
12. Appreciation messages from our beneficiaries
13. A message from Senior Director: Revenue Administration
14. Holiday Message from the Fundraising & Development team

EDITORIAL TEAM

Ms Daphney Nemakhavhani Ms Thuli Hlabahlaba

2 INTUTHUKO | ISSUE 3 | DECEMBER 2021

Overview from the

Vice Chancellor and Principal
Prof Tshilidzi Marwala

Professor Tshilidzi Marwala We have seen the evolution of UJ in this period. Still,
with excellence in mind, we have entered a new era,
Vice Chancellor and Principal one defined by the pandemic and by intense and
immense technological change. You have seen the
We are heading towards the end university go through changes and incredibly adapted
of quite a gruelling year. The last to it all. Universities are synonymous with the creation
two years have been defined by of new knowledge, with leading the field in terms of
challenges that none of us could knowledge development, and with triggering and
have anticipated. Phrases such as embracing innovation and contributing to meaningful
“unprecedented”, “unchartered” positive change in society. This endeavour would not
and “uncertain” have been be possible without the support of our donors and
bandied around as we search partners. You are an integral part of our University
desperately for descriptors of community, which is a sum of all its parts.
these challenging times. It has
been a great source of pride As we wind down for the year, I wish to extend
for me to be at the helm of a my heartfelt gratitude to each one of you for your
University that has persevered, unwavering support and commitment against a trying
remaining steadfast, with such backdrop. It is through your commitment to our
tenacity and integrity. institution that we have seen great successes during
this period. I wish you and your families a wonderful
and safe festive season. We bring our thanks to the
Almighty and for all you have done in holding the fort
without hesitation, and look forward to kicking a new
year off with you once again in our corner.

PROFESSOR TSHILIDZI MARWALA
Vice Chancellor and Principal

DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 3 | INTUTHUKO 3

From the desk of the

Chief Financial Officer
Ms Nolwazi Mamorare

Ms Nolwazi Mamorare In light of the developments around COVID-19, I
would like to first say that our thoughts are with those
Chief Financial Officer affected by COVID-19. We have reached the end of
the 2021 academic year, and once again, it has been an
During the past two years, the incredible year for us as an institution. As a community,
world has seen and experienced a we have made incredible strides in forging forward,
crisis of an unprecedented nature towards greater academic excellence.
and effects, and this year was the
second year that institutions of I wish to express our most heartfelt thanks to each
higher learning like ours had to and every one of our donors and partners. You are
remain operational throughout all setting an extraordinary example of commitment
the fluid and dynamic backdrop and solidarity. Your focus and commitment to care for
of the COVID-19 pandemic. With our students and organisation, often in the toughest
that said, I am in constant awe of of circumstances, has been amazing. With your help,
the wonderful foundation that we have empowered thousands of students and
our community is built on as a strengthened hundreds across a number of under-
University. privileged communities, and we are thankful for your
support.

Congratulations and enormous thanks go out to
my fellow executive members, Faculty leadership,
academic and support staff, our donors, partners and
collaborating partnerships, for the exceptional work
delivered, and for being instrumental towards our
successes succinctly achieved during 2021.

As we wave farewell to the year 2021, while taking all
the learnings with it, I wish you and your loved ones
a safe holiday season. Please accept my sincerest
appreciation for the trust that you have placed in us,
and best wishes for the holidays.

MS NOLWAZI MAMORARE
Chief Financial Officer

4 INTUTHUKO | ISSUE 3 | DECEMBER 2021

Foreword

Development and Fundraising
Director Ms Daphney Nemakhavhani

Ms Daphney Nemakhavhani Despite all of this, our community’s unwavering
tenacity and character remained unaffected. Like
Director: Development and Fundraising many organisations, we have been so encouraged by
the continuous support we have received throughout
So much has changed in the the year.
last year - our surroundings,
our communities, our gathering As always, I would like to extend a special thank you
places, and the places where to each of our donors, sponsors and partners, who
we work and live. Fear, fury, have dedicated their own time and resources towards
and anxiety have permeated reimagining the future with us. We are very proud of
the atmosphere as COVID-19 the contributions made across all our projects.
rages on.
On behalf of the University of Johannesburg, I would
like to express my gratitude for your constant support
and wish you a happy Christmas season spent with
family and friends.

We hope that 2022 will be another year where we
continue to build relations and partnerships that will
better our immediate communities and the country.

Wishing you all the best in this coming holiday season
and a prosperous 2022!

MS DAPHNEY NEMAKHAVAHNI
Director: Development and Fundraising

DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 3 | INTUTHUKO 5

2021 HIGHLIGHTS
More than 80% of African

students were funded
during 2021.

Of which 70% are females.
10% of the beneficiaries

were from the Economic
Sciences.

R 10 million was allocated to

bursaries for students in the Education
and Humanities Faculties.

6 INTUTHUKO | ISSUE 3 | DECEMBER 2021

More than 20% of

beneficiaries were from the
Sciences Faculties.

More than R 1 million was allocated

towards infrastructure development,
community engagement projects and
providing devices to our beneficiaries.

More than R40 million

was awarded to research.

More than 60% of our

beneficiaries are between the
ages of 18 and 27.

DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 3 | INTUTHUKO 7

FORD MOTOR COMPANY
OF SOUTHERN AFRICA
JOINS IN THE STUDENT
OUTSTANDING DEBT
C A M PA I G N

During August of this year, the University of Johannesburg began its
"Student Outstanding Debt campaign."

While the campaign garnered significant support from UJ staff, alumni, and our convocation, UJ also received a
generous donation of R1.5 million from Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa.
According to Ford the donation is aimed at giving students who are academically deserving the opportunity. In South
Africa, we have talented students who are not able to get funding toward their studies. Partnering with UJ is an
obvious choice for Ford as we want to contribute to the skills development of students in South Africa.

8 INTUTHUKO | ISSUE 3 | DECEMBER 2021

UJ ALUMNI RIDES FOR

STUDENT
Outstanding
DEBT

Tlhogi Motene, a UJ alumni has
decided to be part of the solution
towards student outstanding debt.

Motene, is a Corporate & Investment Banking Associate at JP
Morgan. On Sunday the 10 October 2021, Motene undertook
his first cycling challenge at the Cape Town Cycle Tour also
affectionately known as "the world's biggest fun ride", riding
109km with a target time of Sub 4 hours.

The 43rd edition of the Cycle Tour is particular special for two
reasons: firstly, this will be the second time in its history that
the event is hosted in October– since its inaugural event of
28th October, 1978. Secondly, this is Motene's first tour that
he decided to dedicate towards raising funds as part of the
UJ Student Outstanding Debt campaign, specifically aimed
at helping UJ students clear outstanding fees, graduate, and
enter the formal workplace.

Motene launched his leg of the campaign on the 24 August,
2021, and within one week, raised over R50 000, all through
donations received from family members and friends.

"I have been there; I know how stressful it is for an individual
not to know where or how they are going to fund their studies.
Being the first generation university student in the family,
you know there is no immediate solution out of this debt, and
all you can do is hope that a miracle bursar or philanthropist
would give to [a] student like you, and you would be lucky
enough to benefit" Motene said.

"I want to be that miracle that some of the students are hoping
for, and this is why when I received the email from UJ about
this campaign; I knew it was my turn to become part of the
solution".

Be part of the campaign, click below to
donate today!

https://www.uj.ac.za/support-services/2021-
student-outstanding-debt-campaign/

DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 3 | INTUTHUKO 9

The Postgraduate School of Engineering
Management launched a Small, Medium and
Micro Enterprise (SMME) innovation hub in
partnership with Foodbev Sector Education
and Training Authority (SETA).

The Food and Beverage Manufacturing Sector Education and
Training Authority (Foodbev SETA), early this year launched an
SMME innovation hub in collaboration with UJ’s Postgraduate
School of Engineering Management.

SETA’s function is clear: to promote, facilitate and incentivize skills development within the Food and
Beverage Manufacturing Sector. UJ was awarded a Research Chair headed by Prof. Arnesh Telukdarie,
a Professor at the Postgraduate School of Engineering Management. A key component of the SMME
research work, is associated with digital business, specifically with regard to furthering SMME’s scope
of development. The team seeks to digitalise the business functions of the SMME with the view to
maximise value chains towards building greater sustainable economic development.

10 INTUTHUKO | ISSUE 3 | DECEMBER 2021

GETTING INDUSTRY
PARTNERS READY FOR
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
IN THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL
REVOLUTION

Delegates from the Transport Bheki Shahu (Merseta)
Education Training Authority
(TETA) and the Manufacturing, I really appreciate the opportunity to
Engineering and Related Services have enrolled for this course as it enabled
Sector Education and Training me to learn and understand that in the
Authority (merSETA) have this case of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,
year completed a short course in the advantages are evident: increased
Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the productivity, efficiency and quality in
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). processes, greater safety for workers by
reducing human involvement in dangerous
This course is offered by UJ's Academic and environments, enhanced decision-
Development Support (ADS) division, and introduces making with data-based tools, improved
registered students to artificial intelligence, its competitiveness by developing customised
applications, and implications for society and for the products that are harmless to human beings
future of work in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. and the environment.

Congratulations to TETA and merSETA delegates who
successfully completed the AI in 4IR course. We hope
that the new skills you developed as a result of your
commitment and participation in this course, will
further inspire you to build a world transformed by AI-
driven technologies in your work environment.

DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 3 | INTUTHUKO 11

Science X Art
Fundraising
Campaign

Join the Faculty of Science’s Community Engagement Committee in
raising R60 000. 00 toward purchasing new laboratory equipment for the
Child Academy Programmes Combined School in Tembisa and Hoërskool
Vrede in the Free State.

As part of the campaign, the Faculty talented staff members and postgraduate students have come together to record
a performance video that combines music, poetry and dance.

To watch the video and donate click here:

https://www.uj.ac.za/faculties/science/uj-science-x-art-2021-fundraising/

12 INTUTHUKO | ISSUE 3 | DECEMBER 2021

Overview from the

Deputy Vice Chancellor of
Research & Internationalisation
Prof Saurabh Sinha

Prof Saurabh Sinha Faculty members, research centres and institutes,
research support departments such as the UJ
Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research & Internationalisation Postgraduate School (PGS), the Library, the Development
Office, the Research Office (including the Technology
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Transfer Office), and our various collaborators and
I am pleased with how the international partners, have all contributed to the co-
University of Johannesburg creation of an enabling environment for research and
(UJ) has continued to expand innovation in our institution. The university's research-
and strengthen its research, innovation-commercialisation nexus enjoys the support of
innovation and postgraduate the UJ Invnt (Pty) Ltd company.
outputs. This year's milestones
and accomplishments The overall stature of research outputs produced by our
demonstrate that UJ is on track researchers has increased during this academic year,
to meet the long-term goals despite the multitude of challenges faced during the
outlined in our Strategic Plan various stages of lockdown and restrictions, we continued
2025. to combat the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. This
was evident in the recently released QS World University
Rankings, where UJ climbed five places to position 434,
with the institution firmly retaining its position among
the top 500 universities in the world. Prominently, on the
Times Higher Education Impact Ranking, the University is
number 1 in the African continent. This demonstrates the
connectedness of our research and the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030 Agenda.

UJ continues to make exceptional strides in enhancing
its research stature and reputation through the quality,
integrity and impact of its research endeavour, particularly
as it engages with issues pertinent to the Fourth Industrial
Revolution (4IR) in the Pan-African context in line with our
Strategic Plan 2025.

With all of the successes made during 2020/21, I am
confident that as an Institution of excellence, we are
indeed on the right track and that we will continue to
achieve more in 2022. With that said, I wish to take this
opportunity and congratulate members of the Executive
Leadership Group, Faculty leadership, academic and
support staff, as well as our industry partners and
collaborators for their exceptional work and contributions
in 2021.

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a joyous holiday
season and a prosperous New Year!

PROF SAURABH SINHA
Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research &
Internationalisation

DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 3 | INTUTHUKO 13

Fourth Industrial Revolution:
Take forward your research,
innovation and development
strategy with the University of
Johannesburg, South Africa

In the words of our Vice- Through co-creation, we wish to synergise with you
Chancellor and Principal, Prof in approaches that furthers your competitive and
Tshilidzi Marwala, the University business edge for 4IR. This entails, among other
of Johannesburg (UJ), South things, leveraging applicable tax instruments and
Africa, advances the striving fora simultaneously developing sustainable programmes –
“the Fourth Industrial Revolution where our academics, postdoctoral research fellows,
(4IR) within the context of the postgraduate students or alumni become part of
changing social, political and your success story. A number of industry players
economic fortunes of Africa”. have already established joint research and ideation/
innovation chairs, partnered with existing research
A sample set of UJ activities is showcased here: centres, or defined new areas of mutual interest. We
http://universityofjohannesburg.us/4ir/. As recently invite you to reimagine the future with us.
recognised by Times Higher Education (THE) Impact
Rankings, our thinking aligns with the Sustainable 4IR brings opportunities to reinvent South Africa’s
Development Goals (SDGs). role on the global stage. We look forward to hearing
from all firms that are transnational in nature, or
UJ’s approach is one of co-creating solutions that will seek to move in that direction through virtualisation,
have a socioeconomic impact. To this end, we have as well as public sector contributors who are keen
availed a set of open-access educational programmes to improve service delivery and strengthen smart
to the public-at-large: https://tinyurl.com/UJ-4IR- governance through computational thinking and
leader – we believe that every global citizen should change management.
have access to the fundamentals of 4IR. In our case,
and as on the website, the key enabling technology of Contact Ms Daphney Nemakhavhani,
artificial intelligence (AI) also finds expression in the Director: Development Office, UJ:
African Insights module.
[email protected]

To apply visit:

https://tinyurl.com/uj-
bizpartnerships

14 INTUTHUKO | ISSUE 3 | DECEMBER 2021

UJ Alumni – Launches two new chapters, one
in Gauteng and another in the USA

Alumni chapters have their roots The Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tshilidzi
in creating a platform where Marwala, virtually hosted and launched the USA based
Alumni can interact, network and alumni chapter on 17 September, 2021, which gathered
give back to their alma mater. together influential speakers from the University such
as, as Mr Len Wolman. The UJ Gauteng Alumni chapter
A UJ alumni chapter is a regional, town or city-based was later launched on 29 September 2021, and among
group of University of Johannesburg (UJ) alumni who its attendees was the President of convocation, Prof
want to formalise their relationship with UJ. Alumnus Tumi Diale, Deputy President of Convocation Zanele
may volunteer and are encouraged to convene a Modiba, and the Gauteng chapter Convenor, Steven
chapter as this enables them to organise their local Shivambu.
alumni and keep connected to their alma mater.
Click here to watch the UJ
We all know that no one reaches the heights of success Gauteng Alumni Chapter launch
without being pulled by the right people around them. event:
Our teachers, our seniors, and every human being that
existed before us paved a path for us to climb, and https://www.youtube.com/
eventually, we reached where we are today. We at UJ watch?v=L-4jSx2CzmE
firmly believe that in order for future graduates, alumni
and our communities to succeed: we need to co-create Click here to watch the UJ USA
and maintain platforms that we enable, with a view to Alumni Chapter launch event:
interact, network, mentor and work together with the
University in ensuring an influential social impact, as (https://www.youtube.com/
well as promoting sustainable communities. watch?v=DjYD4BMpTHU)

DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 3 | INTUTHUKO 15

APPRECIATION MESSAGES
from our beneficiaries

“I would just like to take the time to thank you for this bursary. This bursary will enable me to help

take the pressure off my family. I still live at home with my mom, dad and sister. My older sister is currently studying,
and my dad supports us both. This bursary will now take a huge weight off his shoulders since he will no longer have
to pay my tuition fees. I am so grateful for this bursary, and it will have a huge impact on my life. Not only do I no
longer have to worry about paying my tuition fees, but now I can also use the money allocated for textbooks and a
new laptop. This will encourage me to continue to work hard at university and graduate as a qualified Chiropractor.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for this amazing opportunity”.

- Claudia Landi

“I would like to thank you for the opportunity, given by you, to complete my studies. I am

grateful to you for the funds to purchase the necessary equipment to assist me in achieving desired outcomes. You
have really helped and assisted me throughout my studies. I appreciate you and hope to be working for you once I
have obtained my degree. Thank you abundantly for being a pillar of support towards my success”.

- Rukhsaar Samsoodeen

“To put it simply, the Hillensberg trust has changed my life. My academic life has always been split

between my health, academic success, and the ability to assist in funding my studies via part-time work. I always
viewed this as a triangle where you may only have two, but never all three. The Hillensberg trust changes all of that.
This bursary will not only allow me to take care of myself better both mentally and physically but also put more
time into studying, taking the strain off my father, who works to support us. I have worked hard for the marks I have
achieved thus far and know this bursary will allow me to push for the Cum Laude that my family and I have dreamt of
since I started higher education. I’m sorry to not be able to thank you in person for this incredible opportunity, I hope
my continued academic success will be a sufficient display of my gratitude until I may thank you in person. You have
put my dreams firmly in my grasp, and I will forever be thankful for that. From the bottom of my heart, thank you”.

- Keegan McGregor

“I would like to thank you and your organisation for giving me the opportunity to go further
with my education. What seemed to have been a difficult and turbulent year filled with many challenges and

difficulties was brightened by this opportunity. It has given me great hope and appreciation of what this opportunity
means not only for myself but other recipients as this opportunity will ensure a better future than the one we would
have been afforded had we not received this opportunity”.

- Susan Mashingaidze

16 INTUTHUKO | ISSUE 3 | DECEMBER 2021

A message from the

Senior Director Revenue
Administration Mr Mzwakhe
Matukane

Mr Mzwakhe Matukane Structures put in place, with the University both
internally and externally have during the 2021
Senior Director: Revenue Administration academic year managed to come together and seek
solutions to these challenges faced by our students.
At the start of each year, While we as an institution plan and prepare for the
Universities across the country new academic year of 2022, we remain resolute and
are faced with challenges around determined to support our students and continue in
student finances or the lack our mission to ensure that education is accessible to all
thereof. disadvantaged and financially challenged students.

In reply to a parliamentary question in March 2021, I wish to reiterate that the UJ leadership team is
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande said that continuously exploring practical measures that could
between 2010 and 2020, more than 100, 000 former contribute to the University’s long-term sustainability
students in the country had outstanding fees totaling and finding solutions to current social development
more than R10-billion. Even though this is a reality, I challenges faced by our communities. Furthermore,
am genuinely proud of the University of Johannesburg we firmly believe that finding solutions for student
and its partners in remaining focused, and not allowing funding, including existing student debt, is critically
ourselves to be deterred by this reality. dependent on a collaborative and transdisciplinary
partnership approach that include both our internal
and external stakeholder solid engagements.

Notwithstanding the current student funding
challenges across the higher education sector, the
success in managing these challenges and eking
solutions throughout 2021, has been evident and our
donor community should be applauded. The University
acknowledges that there is still a long way to go in
eradicating challenges of student funding. As a nation
still challenged by a gaping poverty trap, I believe that
we have come a long way in attempts to bridging this
gap by educating our students! I am looking forward to
being part of the co-solution drivers in the coming year
of 2022.

As we wind down, and heading towards the holiday
season, may this time provide you and your family time
for rest and rejuvenation.

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful
holiday and a Happy New Year.

MR MZWAKHE MATUKANE
Senior Director: Revenue Administration

DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 3 | INTUTHUKO 17

HOLIDAY MESSAGES
from the Fundraising &
Development team

We are deeply thankful for your We come to the end of another Wishing you a wonderful festive
continued support at the University year under the cloud and influence season, may you be safe & healthy
of Johannesburg. The fund raising of Covid-19. We come out bruised as we welcome the new year! Thank
efforts and relationships have and battered in many ways, but also you for your support over the year.
brought a huge success to the UJ grateful and stronger. The continued Best wishes!
community at large. As the year partnerships and new partnerships
comes to an end, I would like to have humbled and excited me CAGNEY K GOVENDER
wish you and your family a blessed over the past year. We are all quite Administrative Officer,
holiday. May you return in the new aware of the harm that the Covid-19 Fundraising & Development
year safe and well rested. pandemic has caused to the South
African and international economy.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New The partnerships that have been
Year! sustained and created are thus not
taken lightly. I thank all the partners
PRECIOUS NCONGWANE that I have worked with this year.
Manager: Fundraising & To those that did not manage
Development to make a contribution to the
University, we look forward to better
circumstances, which may allow you
to make contributions in the future.
I wish everybody a happy festive
season and all the best for 2022.

PHUMLANI MFENYANA
Project Manage, Fundraising &
Development

18 INTUTHUKO | ISSUE 3 | DECEMBER 2021

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Wishing you a Whatever is beautiful, whatever is
a Happy new year and thanks for all holiday season and a Happy New meaningful, whatever brings you
your support throughout the year. Year! happiness. May it be yours this
All the best for 2022.” holiday season and throughout
TSWELOPELE MOTSOENENG 2022. Wishing you and your loved
ITUMELENG MALEFETSA Prospect Researcher, Fundraising one peace, health, happiness and
Development Officer, Fundraising & Development prosperity in the coming New Year.
& Development
Thank you to each donor and
partner that has partnered with
our institution this year, the impact
of your support to our students
lives and our communities is not
taken lightly. May the partnerships
old and new continue in being
powerful drivers of socioeconomic
development for thousands of South
African families.

THULI HLABAHLABA
Senior Development Officer,
Fundraising & Development

DECEMBER 2021 | ISSUE 3 | INTUTHUKO 19

THANK YOU

It is through your commitment to our
institution that we have seen great
success in this period. I wish you and
your families a wonderful and safe
festive season. We thank you for all you
have done and look forward to kicking a
new year off with you once again in our
corner.

- PROFESSOR TSHILIDZI MARWALA
Vice Chancellor and Principal