University of Johannesburg

Universiteit van Johannesburg (Afrikaans)
Former names	Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit (Rand Afrikaans University) (1967–2004)
Motto	Diens Deur Kennis (Afrikaans)
Motto in English	Service Through Knowledge
Type	Public university
Established	1 January 2005; 19 years ago (2005-01-01)
Academic affiliations	AAU[1] ACU[2] FOTIM SACU[3] HESA Universitas 21[4]
Chairman	Mike Solomon Teke[5]
Chancellor	Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka[5]
Vice-Chancellor	Letlhokwa George Mpedi
Academic staff	1,276[6]
Students	50,786[7]
Undergraduates	41,628[8]
Postgraduates	9,080[9]
Location	Johannesburg , Gauteng , South Africa 26°11′00″S 27°59′56″E / 26.1834°S 27.9988°E / -26.1834; 27.9988
Campus	Auckland Park Kingsway (APK) Auckland Park Bunting Road (APB) Doornfontein (DFC) Soweto (SWC), 45,000 square metres (11 acres)[10]
Colours	Orange   Yellow   White
Nickname	UJ
Mascot	University of Johannesburg Hoopoe "Hoepie"[11]
Website	uj.ac.za

The University of Johannesburg, colloquially known as UJ, is a public university located in Johannesburg, South Africa. The University of Johannesburg was established on the 1st of January 2005 as the result of a merger between the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), the Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR) and the Soweto and East Rand campuses of Vista University.^[12] Prior to the merger, the Daveyton and Soweto campuses of the former Vista University had been incorporated into RAU. As a result of the merger of Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), it is common for alumni to refer to the university as RAU.

The institution is one of the largest comprehensive contact universities^[12] in South Africa from the 26 public universities that make up the higher education system. UJ has a student population of over 50 000, of which more than 3000 are international students from 80 different countries.^[13]

History

Early developments

British Colonialism, 1900s
During the Johannesburg gold rush, several training institutions were established to meet the skilled labor needs of the gold mines.^[14] One such institution was the Witwatersrand Technical Institute, founded in 1903, with origins tracing back to the Kimberly School of Mines.^[14] It later evolved into Technikon Witwatersrand in 1979, following the British educational model with English as the medium of instruction.^[14] Admission policies were initially restricted to white students proficient in English. In 2006, the University of Johannesburg, which had already absorbed the operations of Technikon Witwatersrand, sold the institute's property.^[14]

Independence, 1960s
It would take more than thirty years before complete independence of South Africa from Britain was achieved.^[15] Following its election in 1948 the National Party sought to provide education in the Afrikaans language, the third most spoken mother tongue language in South Africa. This led to the foundation of Rand Afrikaans University (RAU) in 1966.^[16] At the time of its founding, RAU was the second university to be established in Johannesburg and it was established through an act of parliament as the academic hub for Afrikaners.^[16] After the fall of Apartheid in 1994, African students started to become more involved in previously white institutions of higher education.^[17] RAU was no exception as for the first time in 1995, it had the largest number of African students in its ranks, followed by the University of the Witwatersrand, Rhodes University and the University of Cape Town.^[17]

In 1982, Vista University admitted the first black students in designated urban black settlements across South Africa. It was established in Port Elizabeth.^[18] It had seven satellite campuses throughout South African townships, making tertiary education accessible to most African people, and it had its first academic year in 1983.^[18]

Recent history

It was envisioned that a modern university would spring from unification, and not separation, as it was enforced in the past. The University of Johannesburg, established on the 1st of January 2005, is the result of the incorporation of the East Rand and Soweto campuses of Vista University into the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU). The merger of the modified RAU and the Technikon Witwatersrand took place on the 1st of January 2005 thus creating the University of Johannesburg.

The integration of these institutions – with seemingly more differences that similarities, offers the University of Johannesburg a unique identity and character, which serves to bridge the chasms that previously divided South Africa. Indeed, no other university in South Africa truly represents the rainbow nation like University of Johannesburg.^[12]

The incorporation and merger was part of a series of major programmes which restructured higher education in South Africa; a result of the National Plan for Higher Education (2001). Consequently, this meant there was a reduction from 36 universities and technikons to 22 higher education institutions. South Africa now has 11 traditional universities, five universities of technology and six comprehensive institutions.

Logo and brand identity
The University of Johannesburg distinguishes itself from its previous institutions as a new, adaptable and progressive institution. Early on it was decided that UJ did not want a coat of arms and motto, as are custom with other tertiary educational institutions in South Africa. The administration decided rather to opt for a logo and brand identity. An internal competition was held where current students could put forward their proposals. In the interim, the previous motto of the Rand Afrikaans University "Diens Deur Kennis" (Afrikaans for Service Through Knowledge) was maintained.^{[citation needed][19]}

The chosen logo embodies the University of Johannesburg's core values, such as cultural diversity, stature, global diversity, and academic excellence. Its imagery, colors, and textures reflect the character and landscape of Johannesburg, evoking a sense of liberty, unity, and renewed energy.^[20]

Key elements of the logo include:

• Two Birds: Facing each other, these birds symbolize the union of two respected institutions, forming a new, influential entity. They represent freedom—the freedom to achieve potential, explore academic, personal, and social possibilities, and aspire to greater heights.^[21]
• Open Book: The space between the birds forms the image of an open book, representing a blank slate for students and staff to write their futures. It also symbolises the book of knowledge, highlighting the continuous development and renewal of knowledge and the endless nature of learning.^[22]
• Torch of Learning: An abstract element between the birds' heads, symbolising diversity and the wide range of qualifications offered by the university.^[23]

The official logo, designed by Joey Hifi, features two African hoopoes (Upupa africana), which is also the official mascot of the UJ Sports Bureau.

Leadership ^[24]24">edit

Chancelloredit

• Wendy Luhabe
• Professor Njabulo Ndebele
• Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka

Vice-Chancellor and Principaledit

• Professor Ihron Rensburg (2006 - 2018) ^[25]
• Professor Tshilidzi Marwala (2018 - 2023)
• Professor Lethokwa Mpedi (2023 - Present; currently in office) ^[26]

Chair of Counciledit

• Professor Roy Marcus^[27]
• Mike Teke^[28]
• Akeekal Ndlovu^[29]

Campusesedit

UJ has four campuses: the Auckland Park Kingsway, Auckland Park Bunting Road, Doornfontein and Soweto campuses – all located in the metropolitan area of the City of Johannesburg.

The university comprises a built-up area in excess of 45,000m² and the facilities available at the respective campuses include:

• Lecture rooms and micro-laboratories
• Libraries
• Sports facilities
• Auditoriums, halls, galleries and conference venues
• Student shopping centres, restaurants and cafeterias
• Campus and health clinics.
• A villa for postgraduate students
• Court rooms

UJ owns an island in the Vaal River, formerly known as RAU Island.

Auckland Park, Kingswayedit

• Auckland Park (APK), or the Kingsway Campus Auckland Park (former RAU campus)

APK, is the largest and most populated campus of the University of Johannesburg. It is also the seat of the administration and governance body of the university. The campus was formerly the only educational campus of the Rand Afrikaans University. The campus gets its name from a major Johannesburg road, Kingsway Avenue, that runs along the north-east side of the campus. The roads that form the boundary of the campus are (clock-wise) University Road, Ditton Avenue, Ripley Road, Hampton Avenue, Studente Avenue, Akademie Road and Perth Road. Although the official name of the campus implies that it is in Auckland Park, it actually falls just out of that suburb by one street. It is technically in the suburb of Rossmore with the first-year parking lot bordering the suburb of Melville, Gauteng.^{[citation needed]}

Auckland Park, Bunting Roadedit

• Auckland Park, Bunting Road (APB), or the Bunting Road Campus Auckland Park (former TWR campus)

The ABP was originally a campus of the Technikon Witwatersrand. Uniquely, the campus is an enclosed section of a suburb. The main thoroughfare of the suburb is Bunting Road. The name Bunting Road, according to the City of Johannesburg archives is derived from a subspecies of bird and not the decorative banner it is currently associated with. It houses the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.

Doornfonteinedit

• Doornfontein (DFC), or the Doornfontein Campus (former TWR campus). It houses the administrative offices of the Faculty of Health Sciences, as well sub faculties of Engineering and Built Environment as well as Science. The campus offers several health services to the public via its private, yet affordable clinics. These clinics are most served by students obtaining clinic hours required prior to that of the completion of qualification. The faculty has several practical and academic workspaces available for students including a large practical workshop for the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment; Rescue Simulation Center; Laser Research Facilities and Anatomical Dissection Hall for the Faculty of Health Sciences; and several laboratories serving for faculties of Health Science, Engineering and Built Environment, and Science.

Sowetoedit

• Soweto (SWC), or the Soweto Campus (former RAU campus, previously former Vista University Soweto campus)

The East Rand Campus (ERC) was temporarily closed halfway through 2007 pending proposed redevelopment of the campus, provisionally planned for reopening in 2009.

Organisation and administrationedit

The university’s administration is structured into various departments and units, each with specific roles and responsibilities.

The Academic Administration Staff is a key part of the university’s organisation. This team includes the Head of Faculty Administration, Senior Faculty Officers, Faculty Officers, Administrative Assistants, and Departmental Secretaries.^[30] They are responsible for managing and facilitating academic matters, including undergraduate and postgraduate programs.^[31]

In addition to academic administration, UJ has an Operations Structure that includes divisions such as Protection Services, Occupational Safety, and Central Technical Services.^[32]

The Strategic Initiatives and Administration unit at UJ plays a key role in shaping the university’s research and innovation direction. This unit is responsible for reviewing and revising policies, drafting proposals and statutory reports for the Research & Innovation Division, and managing and facilitating opportunities on strategic research projects and partnerships with external institutions.^[33]

Executive Management Committeeedit

The University of Johannesburg has the following executive management structure:

• Vice-Chancellor and Principal:

The Vice-Chancellor and Principal is the executive head of the university. All the offices listed below are subordinate to the Vice-Chancellor and Principal.

• Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic:

Whose executive duties involve overseeing academic development and support, the dean of each faculty and effectively head of each school is subordinate to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic.

• Chief Financial Officer (CFO):

Is the officer responsible for financial governance and revenue as well as expenditure and also effectively oversees the UJ pension fund.

• Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Internationalization:

Responsible for Internationalization, and overseeing Research and Innovation as well as the Library and Information Center.

• Registrar:

Responsible for central Academic administration (including alumni), corporate governance ad well as student health and wellness.

• General Counsel:

General legal affairs pertaining the university,  disputes and litigation as well as contracts.

• Chief Operating Officer (COO):

Responsible for the management of university facilities, safety and security as well as human capital management.

• Senior Executive Director:

University relations,  sports, and general student affairs. 

The University calls this the Executive Leadership Group (ELG).^[34][35]

Academic profileedit

The university offers world-class, internationally recognised academic programs. These programs are informed by cutting-edge developments in both undergraduate and postgraduate education, and are designed to prepare students for the world of work and for global citizenship.^[36][37] The university is home to nine faculties, presenting high-quality and relevant programs.^[38] UJ is committed to academic and research excellence. It fosters an environment that encourages critical thinking and innovative problem-solving.^[39] With over 300 NRF-rated researchers, UJ is considered one of the academic leaders of South African and global research.^[40] The university’s research output has been recognised both nationally and internationally. UJ is taking the lead in Africa in 4th Industrial Revolution thinking, reimagining the future in all disciplines.^[41]

Admission and registrationedit

As it is a common practice with all South African universities, South African applicants to the University of Johannesburg are required to apply in advance for admission into their preferred course by no later than the end of September.^[42] Therefore, prospective South African matriculants must apply for their preferred course of study before the completion of their matric year. As of 2013, the University of Johannesburg has adopted a "no walk-in" policy and therefore, prospective and current students are required to apply for admission and complete their registration online.^[43]

International students have to comply with a specialised admission process and must apply for admission into their preferred course by no later than the end of September.^[42]

Registration for undergraduates and postgraduates takes place before the commencement of the academic year. New registrations for qualifying matriculants takes place in January shortly after the matric results are released.^[44]

Teaching and degreesedit

Undergraduate teaching takes place over the duration of four terms or two semesters during the course of the year. Some subjects are taught throughout the duration of the year known as year-long subjects and other subjects are taught over the course of two terms or one semester. Some subjects have prerequisites such as a requirement for a student to complete a specific course or subject/s before they are permitted to continue with a related subject.

The teaching terms usually coincide with Gauteng public school terms though can change as the university administration sees fit.

Undergraduate programme
Once a high school student has passed their Matric examinations obtaining an NQF level 5 qualification and meeting the minimum requirements of their chosen undergraduate programme the student may pursue a bachelor's degree, Advanced Diploma, Post Graduate Certificate or B-tech which are set to be completed within three years for most faculties however, there are sometimes options to extend ones undergraduate programme usually by an extra year. Once a graduate has passed all of the requisite modules for their degree, the graduate will obtain a degree certificate (NQF level 7) with all the rights and privileges conferred on them by the university in accordance with the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).^[45]

The University of Johannesburg also offers undergraduate Higher Certificates and Advanced National (vocational) Certificates (NQF level 5) as well as National Diplomas and Advanced certificates (NQF level 6) which usually require fewer than three years to complete.

Graduate programme
Once an undergraduate has obtained their undergraduate bachelor's degree, Advanced Diploma, Post Graduate Certificate or B-tech, the undergraduate may wish to pursue further education and research by obtaining a post-graduate degree. The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is a statutory body, regulated in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act^[46] that governs the National Qualification Framework (NQF) where an undergraduate may progress to further levels of education. The highest level the university may confer on a student is an NQF level of 10, also known as a PhD. The progression from one NQF level to the next after obtaining a bachelor's degree, advanced diploma, post-graduate certificate or B-tech is the following:

• NQF level 8 - honours degree, post-graduate diploma and professional qualifications
• NQF level 9 - master's degree
• NQF level 10 - doctor's (PhD) degree

Scholarships and financial supportedit

There are many opportunities for students studying at the University of Johannesburg to receive financial support. One of the primary methods in which a student may receive financial support is as a result of a students academic performance at the end of their matriculation year. This type of financial support is known as an academic merit bursary that is only awarded to students who observe the stringent "M-score" academic requirements of such support.^[47] The academic merit bursary offers up to 100% payment of tuition fees and an additional stipend amount to qualifying applicants.

An alumni bursary is offered to qualifying postgraduate students that may be applied for in the applicants respective faculty offices.^[48] Postgraduate students may apply for funding through the National Research Foundation (NRF) that offers up to 100% payment of tuition fees and an additional stipend amount to qualifying applicants.

Alternative funding includes applying for funding through the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) as well as through applying for funding through external sponsorship bursaries.^[48]

Rankings and reputationedit

• UJ is the first and only African university admitted to the highly respected consortium of 28 research-intensive universities in the world, Universitas 21 – a significant endorsement of the growing international stature of UJ. Under South Africa's National Development Plan (NDP), the Vision 2030 Awards honoured UJ in 2017 for the role the university plays in providing sound education to a diverse South African and international population.^[52]
• UJ is now ranked within the top 2.3% of universities in the world as published in the QS World University Rankings 2022/2023.^[52]
• UJ is ranked 63rd among all BRICS universities.^[52]
• International recognition for the University of Johannesburg has been included within the top 200 universities listed in the THE Young University Rankings 2017 results.^[52]

Collaborationsedit

Libraries, collections and museumsedit

This section needs expansion with: Information related to libraries, collections and museums and persons involved is needed.. You can help by adding to it. (July 2013)

Researchedit

The University of Johannesburg has a large research compendium, with researchers in various fields and research focus areas. The university has 314 NRF rated researchers, seven of whom are "A-rated" researchers, internationally recognised in their fields.^[56]

Research centres

Below is a list of all the research centres at the University of Johannesburg with information regarding their efforts, breakthroughs and other information where applicable.

• Centre for Visual Identities in Art and Design:^[57] The Centre for Visual Identities in Art and Design (CVIAD) is a crucial part of the University of Johannesburg's Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture.^[57] Established in 2007, CVIAD's main objectives include developing the faculty as a renowned hub for practice-based research via involvement with issues of image pertaining to text within art and design practices, and developing a body of knowledge in the fields of visual identities in art and design through the research of its Research Associates, Post-doctoral Fellows, and Staff Researchers as well as through Post-Graduate research efforts.^[57] The centre presents research in many formats, such as: exhibitions, installations, video screenings, live performances, curatorial practices, textual outputs by academics (including journals and periodicals), research projects undertaken by individuals and groups, workshops, seminars, conferences, discussions and presentations.^[57]
• Centre for Education Rights and Transformation:^[58] The Centre for Education Rights and Transformation (CERT) forms part of the Faculty of Education and was founded on 15 October 2009 at the Bunting Road Campus.^[58] One of the keynote speakers at the founding of CERT was Dr. Neville Alexander, a former prisoner who served time with Nelson Mandela at Robben Island.^[58] All the staff members that form part of the CERT have an avid interest in linking academic scholarship with societal changes and public involvement.^[58]
• Centre for Education Practice Research:^[59] The Centre for Education Practice Research (CEPR) forms a part of the Faculty of Education and was officially established on 24 April 2007 at the University of Johannesburg's Soweto Campus.^[59] CEPR's main objective is to foster research efforts which are dedicated to the generation of knowledge with regards to the practices and development of education in Southern African region.^[59]
• Advanced Composite Materials^{[citation needed]}
• Industrial Electronics Technology Research Group^[60]
• Mineral Processing & Technology^[60]
• Photonics Research Group^[60]
• Stream Processing Research Group^[60]
• Telecommunications Research Group:^[61][62] The Telecommunications Research Group forms part of the Faculty of Engineering and the Build Environment.^[62]
• Laser Research Centre^[60]
• Research Centre on Civil Engineering Materials:^[62] The Research Centre on Civil Engineering Materials is presently being founded in the ABA Brink Materials Laboratory and will form part of the operations of the Faculty of Engineering and the Build Environment.^[62]
• Water & Health Research Centre:^[60] The Water and Health Research Centre consists of a Water Research Group based in the Department of Civil Engineering Science, which forms part of the Faculty of Engineering and the Build Environment, and various other water-related groups in the university, like the Water and Health Research Unit. The Water and Health Group involves various researchers working on water research from several faculties at the University of Johannesburg and from other universities as well.^[62]
• Centre for Culture and Languages in Africa^[63]
• Centre of Social Development in Africa^[64]
• Centre for Sociological Research^[65]
• South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional, Public & Human Rights^[60]
• The Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies in Africa^[60]
• Centre for Aquatic Research^[60]
• African Centre for DNA Barcoding:^[66] The African Centre for DNA Barcoding (ACDB) is a subsidiary of the University of Johannesburg and an academic unit contained within the departments of Botany & Plant Biotechnology and Zoology, and jurisdiction of the Faculty of Science.^[66] The mission of ACDB is to facilitate the gap of knowledge and to enhance the research frameworks for global, regional and inter-institutional co-operation in Africa in relation to key fields of DNA technology, such as biodiversity and DNA barcoding.^[66] As of July 2013, ACDB has catalogued barcodes for 15 584 plant specimens across 8 352 species and 14 253 animal specimens across 1 493 species, resulting in 29 837 specimens across 9 845 species overall.^[66] The International Barcode of Life project received a financial grant of $2.2 million from Canada's International Development Research Centre so that researchers from Argentina, Costa Rica, Kenya, Peru and South Africa could play key roles in the project, of which ACDB forms an important part.^[67] The Japanese car manufacturer Toyota also sponsors ACDB in the form of a fleet of vehicles which researchers utilize to access rough terrains.^[68] They work together with the research team in a project called the Toyota Enviro Outreach.^[68]
• Centre for Nanomaterials Sciences Research:^[60][69] The Centre for Nanomaterials Sciences Research (CNSR) was established in 2007 and was founded on four key aspects: nanomaterials for water treatment, nanomaterials for catalysis applications, bio-nanomaterials, and nanomaterials for sensors and photovoltaic applications.^[69] The CNSR supports and facilitates the individual and cooperative research efforts and is a part of the Department of Applied Chemistry, which is a department which falls under the Faculty of Science.^[69] The centre has worked with the South African Chemical Institute, the Water Institute of Southern Africa, the South African Nanotechnology Initiative, the American Chemical Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry in the past.^[69]
• Paleoproterozoic Mineralisation Research Group:^[60][70] The Paleoproterozoic Mineralisation Research Group (PPM) falls under the jurisdiction of the Department of Geology, which falls under the Faculty of Science.^[70] The PPM's main objectives include studying and modelling the relationship between environmental change and styles of mineralization in the Precambrian Era, particularly on the Paleoproterozoic Era, studying the temporal and spatial distribution, composition, and origin of mineral deposits on local and regional scales, and training postgraduate students in the field of Economic Geology.^[70] The PPM is financed by grants provided by the National Research Foundation of South Africa and the Faculty of Science.^[70]
• Sustainable Energy Technology and Research Centre^[60]
• Centre for Catalysis Research^[60]
• Centre for Banking Law^[71]
• Centre for International Law^[72]
• Centre for Africa-China Studies^[73]

Research focus areas

Below is a list of the spread of the NRF rated researchers per faculty as at April 2013.^[74]

• Science 42%
• Humanities 21%
• Engineering and the Built Environment 7%
• Health Sciences 7%
• Law 7%
• Education 5%
• Art, Design and Architecture 4%
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