Two Decades of Degrees, Drama, and Deadline Panic

  Celebrating 20 Years of UJ

It is quite funny that I thought of the title to this blog as I was facing deadline panic😟. Panic, the emotion that I still struggle to deal with until now, since my early primary school days. Thankfully, the University of Johannesburg, famously known as UJ has provided us with psychologists under the department; Psychological Services and Career Development (PSYCAD). 

The University of Johannesburg, celebrating its 20th anniversary, standing for academic achievement, diversity, and unity, was founded in 2005 because of a groundbreaking merger (Rand Afrikaans University, Technikon Witwatersrand, and Vista University Soweto Campus). It has developed into one of Africa's leading institutions over the last 20 years, embracing inclusive development, innovation, and research. Click here for a thorough background check.

Twenty requires a recall of the university's vision, mission, and values:

Vision: "to be an international University of choice, anchored in Africa and the global south, dynamically shaping a sustainable future."

Mission: "to transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collective and collaborative pursuit of knowledge."

Values: "impact, innovation, integrity, inclusivity."

 

UJ and Takudzwa 

Being a boy raised in the diverse cultural mix of Harare, Zimbabwe, a time came when I had to decide an educational home for four years, and without hesitation my intuition screamed UJ! Before academic excellence, I considered my social wellbeing.😄  

My favourite campus has to be Doornforntein (DFC) Campus! DFC gives a vibrant, livelihood culture, where most people are energetic and social. The university consists of three other campuses namely; Auckland Park Campus, Auckland Park Bunting Campus, and Soweto Campus.

DFC campus tour? Click on me

Through the use of technology, I had access to UJ's website and social media channels. This was able to align me with the same social values as UJ such as inclusivity, where I saw societies such as the International Students Association which showed different diverse occasions that occur during the year, giving a sense of relief and belonging from missing home. 

As a Public Relations Enthusiast, I got to understand and know about the Students' Public Relations Association where students gather amongst themselves and with industry expertise to learn and share insights.

UJ as a Community, Social and Career Developer 

The Community Engagement (CE) Department has really shown great initiatives in being a community leader through helping and returning to the community. It has been a wakeup call for me to help someone out there because nothing for me is enough for someone. 

CE has also  partnered with Helen Joseph Hospital, in Johannesburg, where students assist in addressing backlogs. Schools around Johannesburg, also face a shortage of teachers therefore students volunteer to go and assist younger learners during their unoccupied moments.

PsyCAD, a major backbone of the university offering social, mental, psychological and career help or guidance. It is a strong department of UJ as professionals offer help to students, and at times the matters are sensitive that can only be shared to the psychologist.

 

Digital Transformation

Staying in a UJ residence during my first year, one of the things that comes to mind is the electric bus that operated across UJ residences doing shuttles to and from campus, on a fifteen-minute interval depending on the time of the day.

 UJ became the first university in Africa to consider electric energy when it comes to buses! I was lucky enough to be one the people who got to experience the first bus. As of 2025, UJ currently has three electric buses after the test and trial of the first one at the UJ residences was a success.

UJ has managed to adapt into the ever-changing digital era where an intranet platform, named "ULink" has been launched allowing students, and the UJ body to effectively enhance the education system through online learning by enabling lecturers to be able to share notes, assessments, and tests. This has really been a major cost-cutting fee for students, as most information is soft copy.

Looking ahead

Viewing the university, twenty years from now makes me aspire to see it continue growing towards student intake & digital transformation. The university has been ranked 401 - 500 globally, setting it on milestone that the future is light and bright. Subsequentially, in future, students must also get equipped and connected with international organisations as UJ has established a good reputation. 

The university has launched "Strategic Plan 2035" which is focusing on fostering innovation, global collaboration, and sustainability. Click here to read more.

20 Years Young and Just Getting Started 

The University of Johannesburg has been more than a academic home to me. I have been able to make remarkable memories through amazing people and adventurous memories within the city of Johannesburg. Happy 20^th to UJ!