https://news.uj.ac.za/ujfm-95-4/ UJFM Radio Series with the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg, Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi Education en Thu, 11 Aug 2022 18:10:14 +0200 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 15:31:31 +0200 30 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss iono.fm 2.5.2.0 UJFM 95.4 no Ms. Phumelele Dlamini Once-off feeds@iono.fm (Feed Manager) https://cdn.iono.fm/files/p1119/logo_7483_20250909_211231_1400.jpeg https://news.uj.ac.za/ujfm-95-4/ UJFM Radio Series with the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg, Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi UJFM 95.4 episodic UJFM 95.4 anathis@uj.ac.za false ZA https://iono.fm/e/1636389 https://iono.fm/e/1636389 Gwarube gave the keynote address today at the opening of the 34th Annual Conference of the Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (SAARMSTE). The conference takes place at the University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s Bunting Road Campus and brings together leading researchers, policymakers and education practitioners from across Africa and the global South.
Running from 19 to 22 January 2026, the conference places STEM education firmly in the national and continental spotlight at a time when South Africa is confronting urgent questions about teaching quality, learner performance and the skills needed for an increasingly complex, technology-driven future.

UJ Vice-Chancellor & Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi (left) and Minister of Basic Education Ms Siviwe Gwarube (right). Image: UJ
Gwarube, delivered the keynote address with a clear policy message at a moment of national reflection following the announcement of South Africa’s highest matric pass rate to date. While welcoming the achievement, the Minister cautioned strongly against using examination outcomes as the sole measure of educational success.
“The matric pass rate is an important checkpoint, but it is part of a much longer journey,” said Gwarube. “That journey begins long before a learner ever encounters algebra or physical science. It begins with children learning to read with meaning and to count with confidence.”
According to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) 2021, 81% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language, up from 78% in 2016. This means that only 19% of South African Grade 4 children could read for meaning in any language in 2021 (all 11 languages were assessed).
In a pointed message that resonated strongly with policymakers and researchers alike, the Minister warned that without solid foundations in literacy and numeracy in the early grades, even the most ambitious curriculum reforms, technology investments and funding increases would have limited impact. She emphasised that improving participation and performance in mathematics and science requires sustained, long-term focus rather than short-term interventions.
Gwarube challenged the research community to ensure that evidence generated through studies and conferences translates into real change in classrooms, particularly in the most under-resourced and challenging schooling environments. “We have to shorten the distance between evidence and implementation,” she said, calling for stronger alignment between research, policy development, teacher education and everyday teaching practice. Education reform, she stressed, is not about quick wins, but about patience, accountability and sustained collaboration.
UJ’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, who gave the opening and welcome remarks, issued a strong challenge to the sector, calling on delegates to rethink how STEM education is taught in a world evolving faster than traditional classrooms can keep pace. He warned that education systems across Africa are at a critical tipping point, facing a choice between relevance and innovation on the one hand, and stagnation and obsolescence on the other.
“We are here to reimagine STEM education for a world that will not wait for us to catch up,” said Prof Mpedi, stressing that the pace of technological and social change leaves little room for complacency and presents African education systems with a stark choice between relevance and obsolescence.
Drawing on UJ’s own experience as a university that also includes a high-performing, STEM-focused high school, the UJ Academy, Mpedi argued that future success in mathematics and scie ]]> Education Mon, 19 Jan 2026 11:00:00 +0200 0 0 Future of maths, science and technology education in focus as UJ opens major African conference 0 0 Ms. Phumelele Dlamini full 5:49 My ''VC'' and ''I'' https://iono.fm/e/1628361 https://iono.fm/e/1628361 SuperLead Podcast]]> Education Fri, 12 Dec 2025 16:32:00 +0200 0 0 SuperLead Podcast Episode 152 with Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor & Principal of the University of Johannesburg 0 0 Ms. Phumelele Dlamini full 43:46 My ''VC'' and ''I'' https://iono.fm/e/1594394 https://iono.fm/e/1594394
Tune in as we unpack how UJ is driving change, promoting integrity, and working toward a better future. ]]> Education Fri, 05 Sep 2025 11:58:00 +0200 0 0 UJ, Absa and Qhubeka Bicycle Distribution at Hanyani High School 0 0 Ms. Phumelele Dlamini full 5:19 My ''VC'' and ''I'' https://iono.fm/e/1577899 https://iono.fm/e/1577899
Prof. Letlhokwa Mpedi is challenging institutions of higher education on how they could include young people with neurodiversity in their programmes. Law must provide for inclusion of neurodivergent to fully participate and transition from education to the world of work in South Africa. Research must unearth talent from neurodivergent youth for them to contribute to a truly inclusive society. Parents should be supported by law, not excluded when fighting for the rights of their adult children, who may be discriminated against because they look normal. The Mpedi Family Scholarship is filling the knowledge gap and has set the tone for others to follow suit. We are thankful to the Mpedi family for their generosity and foresight.

The Centre would like to express heartfelt gratitude also to Fundi Foundation for their generosity in providing scholarships to five master’s students in support of the Mpedi Family Scholarship. The Fundi Foundation "Know more. Be More." guiding ethos dovetails with the Mpedi Family Scholarship drive for research in neurodiversity and neuroinclusion. The Centre appreciates the Faculty of Education Executive Dean Prof. Nedine Petersen for her unfailing support in the drive to create awareness about neurodiversity. We are also indebted to our Head of Department Prof. Veronica Dwarika for her sterling leadership and support. The Centre Coordinating Committee is very central to providing direction for the centre and we are deeply grateful. We are proud of our Post Doctoral fellow, Doctor Nettie Ndou-Chikwena for her research in the centre and enhancing the stakeholder base.

Embarking on the neurodiversity and law project is critical for promoting and upholding the rights of the neurodiverse communities. It is important to establish links to all legal frameworks to enhance true inclusion of neurodiverse communities. Social service provisions, education and the labour market must be reviewed for neuroinclusion.

By
Prof. Maximus Monaheng Sefotho
Department of Educational Psychology
Chair of the Mpedi Family Scholarship in Neurodiversity Studies. ]]> Education Wed, 16 Jul 2025 10:00:00 +0200 0 0 Neurodiversity and the law in South Africa 0 0 Ms. Phumelele Dlamini full 15:43 My ''VC'' and ''I'' https://iono.fm/e/1551283 https://iono.fm/e/1551283
In a remarkable edition of UJ Insights on UJFM, we had the privilege of hosting Ms. Suriah, the CEO of fundi Ms Suriah Mala, alongside her dynamic team. Their visit was further honoured by the presence of our esteemed Vice-Chancellor, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, who accompanied the guests during their engagement at the station.

The insightful session highlighted the innovative work Fundi is doing, as well as the collaborative spirit between industry leaders and academic institutions like the University of Johannesburg. The discussion also touched on key developments, shared values, and potential areas of impact that align with UJ’s vision of inspiring greatness.
We are proud to have facilitated this enriching conversation. ]]> Education Wed, 30 Apr 2025 14:43:00 +0200 0 0 A conversation between Fundi CEO Mala Suriah and UJ Vice-Chancellor Prof Mpedi on the journey of digital transformation. 0 0 Ms. Phumelele Dlamini full 5:45 My ''VC'' and ''I'' https://iono.fm/e/1490400 https://iono.fm/e/1490400 Education Tue, 08 Oct 2024 19:30:00 +0200 0 0 UJ STRATEGIC PLAN 2035 LAUNCH EVENT 0 0 Ms. Phumelele Dlamini full 6:06 My ''VC'' and ''I'' https://iono.fm/e/1478134 https://iono.fm/e/1478134 Education Thu, 05 Sep 2024 11:24:00 +0200 0 0 Combating Corruption Summit 0 0 Ms. Phumelele Dlamini trailer 4:52 My ''VC'' and ''I'' https://iono.fm/e/1474359 https://iono.fm/e/1474359 In honor of Women’s Month, the University of Johannesburg’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, alongside the UJ Transformation Unit, hosted a meaningful book launch at the UJ APK Campus. This event commemorates August 9th, a date that marks the 1956 women’s march against apartheid-era discriminatory pass laws. The book launch was an opportunity to reflect on the powerful legacy of the struggle and the resonant war cry: “Wathint’ abafazi, wathint’ imbokodo.”
In his opening remarks, Professor Mpedi emphasized the dual role of men as both potential contributors to and solutions for the issues faced by women. His insights were shared on the UJFM Lunch Break Show, highlighting the necessity of collective efforts in addressing gender inequalities.
Dr. Thebe Ikalafeng, a renowned brand strategist and Honorary Doctorate recipient, underscored the importance of celebrating the women who contribute significantly to shaping our society. His perspective resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the value of recognizing and honoring women’s achievements.
Additionally, Professor Bongani Ngqulunga, UJ’s Executive Director of University Relations, Student Affairs, and UJ Sport, spoke about the ongoing celebration of women in academia and beyond. His reflections reaffirmed the commitment to acknowledging women’s contributions across all spheres of life.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who joined us in celebrating the book launch and took a moment to reflect on the profound impact women have made in our society.
Happy Women’s Month from all of us at the University of Johannesburg!
#WomensMonth #UJBookLaunch #CelebratingWomen #GenderEquality #UJTransformation #WomenInLeadership #August9 #ReflectAndCelebrate ]]> Education Thu, 08 Aug 2024 14:35:00 +0200 0 0 Celebrating Women’s Month: A Book Launch at the University of Johannesburg 0 0 Ms. Phumelele Dlamini full 16:44 My ''VC'' and ''I'' https://iono.fm/e/1440010 https://iono.fm/e/1440010 Education Fri, 10 May 2024 14:00:00 +0200 0 0 Mama Book Launch 0 0 Ms. Phumelele Dlamini full 7:36 My ''VC'' and ''I'' https://iono.fm/e/1437771 https://iono.fm/e/1437771 Education Fri, 03 May 2024 13:15:00 +0200 0 0 MY VC AND I - RADIO SERIES 5 0 0 Ms. Phumelele Dlamini full 18:47 My ''VC'' and ''I''