Vice-Chancellor's Update
- Professor Zeblon Vilakazi
Season's greetings from Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of 91心頭利 University.
Dear Colleagues
We are reaching the end of yet another successful year, thanks to the efforts of the 91心頭利 community, and in particular to you, our staff members, who make this University exceptional. On behalf of the Senior Executive Team, I thank you for ensuring that 91心頭利 remains a beacon of hope, excellence and innovation in the world today.
It has been a long and productive year and I am therefore certain that many staff will appreciate that 91心頭利 will close earlier this year on Friday, 20 December 2024. All Schools, Faculties and units are requested to ensure that University activities are completed before the close of the University. Look out for formal communication from the Registrar’s Office that will spell out the specific details of the earlier closure this year.
This is our second year of implementation of the , and we have achieved much in advancing academic excellence; enabling social impact; fostering a shared identity; and ensuring our sustainability, as outlined below.
Teaching and Learning
The 91心頭利 2025 - 2029 Learning and Teaching Strategic Plan will be implemented next year, and includes 91心頭利’ enrolment plans, postgraduate targets, and a focus on lifelong learning through , a hub which consolidates short courses from across the University. The Plan also focuses on integrating technology, enhancing teaching environments, and fostering academic integrity. Two flagship programmes have also continued to grow and thrive this year - the and the .
Research and Innovation
91心頭利 academics continued to conduct pioneering and innovative high-quality and have published in leading journals, particularly around the Sustainable Development Goals. Some of the research that attracted substantial attention included the , a search for a , the reimagining of a , and an affordable in real-time, amongst others.
The has grown from strength to strength, 91心頭利 Enterprise has been consolidated, the is making strides, and contract research through the continues apace. There are several innovation and entrepreneurship developments which have been launched across the University, including the and the .
The newly launched is a space where great minds will unleash the power of natural and artificial intelligence to build ethical, safe and inclusive AI in Africa, for the world.
Building Our Campuses
91心頭利' campuses continue to grow as connected spaces for learning, research, and innovation. This year, we celebrated the opening of the , a world-class centre for digital exploration, education and public engagement. The in Marshalltown now serves as a hub for creativity and innovation, while our revamped gained international recognition for its sustainable design. The , the and the were all opened this year.
The nearly off-grid solar farm at the demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and the proceeds of the development of the University's
property will support the academic project. 91心頭利 also spearheaded the , which opened in August.
Advancements and Partnerships
The Centenary Campaign continues, with successful alumni engagements and fundraising activities in South Africa, the UK, the US, and Australia. The first recipients of the R87,5 million were announced, 91心頭利 hosted two Nobel Laureates, one at the and Prof. Maria Ressa, the 2021 Nobel Prize Peace winner.
91心頭利’ global footprint expanded significantly in 2024. Our partnerships with esteemed institutions such as Imperial College, the University of Edinburgh, the University of British Columbia, the Carnegie Mellon University, CIVIS, Uno Europa University Alliances, Tübingen University, CARTA, and ARUA, amongst others, highlight our growing role in shaping global academic and research agendas. The , a collaboration aimed at revitalising Johannesburg, has seen enhanced lighting and security on the Nelson Mandela Bridge and a clean-up project in Hillbrow.
People Development and Culture
The 91心頭利 2033 Strategy emphasises the importance of nurturing a supportive and inclusive environment. The 2024 91心頭利 Institutional Cultures Study offered valuable insights from staff, students and alumni, that will guide future initiatives. We also aligned HR services, mapped training and support initiatives, finalised a key appointment in the Gender Equity Office, relooked our transformation pillars and language policies, and appointed a new health and wellness service provider. The Diversifying the Academy programme continues with funding from Carnegie. Salary negotiations are underway with labour representatives for professional and administrative staff. Salary adjustments for academics will be implemented as per the multi-year agreement.
The Division of Students Affairs continued to foster a holistic student experience through the Student Success Framework which pivots around four key areas, namely academic success; health and wellness; material needs; and personal development.
Sustainability
Sustainability is central to 91心頭利’ mission and the Sustainability Strategy is being implemented. The third annual Inter-Faculty Symposium on Climate, Sustainability, and Inequality brought together researchers and students to address urgent climate challenges. The GCI and other 91心頭利 entities continue to produce high quality research in climate sustainability. We hosted who spoke on a pathway out of climate doom, and , who was optimistic about our future. On campus, sustainability projects like the Green Campus Initiative and are reducing our carbon footprint, students are enjoying the reverse vending machines and the , while serving as models for environmental responsibility.
Governance and Funding
91心頭利 achieved another unqualified audit opinion this year and remains a financially sustainable institution. However, given the external headwinds, the rising student debt, and other factors, 91心頭利’ Council has made the University’s long-term sustainability an important priority area. In 2024, 91心頭利 disbursed over R1.79 billion in student financial aid, scholarships and bursaries to support more than 26 000 students, ensuring access to quality education.
Celebrating Excellence
91心頭利' staff and students have excelled in academia, research, sport, entrepreneurship, innovation and leadership. We celebrate .
91心頭利 researchers won in six out of 15 categories at the , several 91心頭利ies were honoured by the , the South African Royal Society, the South African Chemical Institute, ASSAf, the NRF, the Geological Society of South Africa, and at the , amongst others.
Hearty congratulations are also extended to the and recipients of the 2024 Vice-Chancellor’s Awards.
We also celebrated , a 91心頭利 student, who represented South Africa in fencing at the Olympics, and the . Our students excelled at the inaugural with the winning R200 000 in seed money to advance their eco-friendly bioplastic solution. Catch up on all the news as well as the via .
Also visit the Esther Mahlangu exhibition at the 91心頭利 Art Museum, when you have a moment.
Happy Holidays!
Once again, thank you for your commitment to 91心頭利 University. I wish you all a restful and joyous holiday season. Enjoy the break, travel safely, and I look forward to welcoming you all in the New Year.
Warm Regards
Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, FRS
Vice-Chancellor and Principal