UJ ranked best university in sustainable development in Africa
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been ranked as the best university in sustainable development in Africa and 23rd in the world.
This is according to the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ratings, which assess universities against the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Western Sydney University in Australia was ranked number one in the world for four consecutive years, followed by Manchester University. The University of Pretoria came in at number 63 in the world.
UJ is now ranked among the top 30 universities in the world out of 2,318 institutions evaluated.
It ranked in the global top 100 for ten SDGs, with three in the top 10. This includes ranking number two in the world for SDG 1 (no poverty); number four for SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth); and number four for SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals).
UJ vice-chancellor and principal Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi said this was a testament to the university's commitment to reimagining higher education as a driver of change.
'These results not only underscore UJ's steadfast commitment to sustainable development, equity and impactful partnerships but also highlight the university's growing influence in tackling global challenges through research, teaching and community engagement,' Mpedi said.
'Our ranking reflects the focused efforts driven by our s trategic plan 2035 , which is built on three key pillars: societal impact and sustainability, global footprint and partnerships, and technology for the future. These pillars guide our trajectory over the next decade and underpin our dedication to creating a more just, equitable and sustainable future for all.'
In a separate global ranking, the university was named the third best university in South Africa after the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits).
'Together, the two results signal UJ's rising reputation and consistent excellence across multiple global performance metrics.'
TimesLIVE
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald
7 hours ago
- The Herald
UJ ranked best university in sustainable development in Africa
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has been ranked as the best university in sustainable development in Africa and 23rd in the world. This is according to the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Ratings, which assess universities against the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs). Western Sydney University in Australia was ranked number one in the world for four consecutive years, followed by Manchester University. The University of Pretoria came in at number 63 in the world. UJ is now ranked among the top 30 universities in the world out of 2,318 institutions evaluated. It ranked in the global top 100 for ten SDGs, with three in the top 10. This includes ranking number two in the world for SDG 1 (no poverty); number four for SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth); and number four for SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals). UJ vice-chancellor and principal Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi said this was a testament to the university's commitment to reimagining higher education as a driver of change. 'These results not only underscore UJ's steadfast commitment to sustainable development, equity and impactful partnerships but also highlight the university's growing influence in tackling global challenges through research, teaching and community engagement,' Mpedi said. 'Our ranking reflects the focused efforts driven by our s trategic plan 2035 , which is built on three key pillars: societal impact and sustainability, global footprint and partnerships, and technology for the future. These pillars guide our trajectory over the next decade and underpin our dedication to creating a more just, equitable and sustainable future for all.' In a separate global ranking, the university was named the third best university in South Africa after the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). 'Together, the two results signal UJ's rising reputation and consistent excellence across multiple global performance metrics.' TimesLIVE
Mail & Guardian
7 hours ago
- Mail & Guardian
Lithium rush a crossroads for Zim's future
Zimbabwe's government can use the critical minerals surge to empower communities and foster inclusive development. Photo supplied Africa, which holds Exploitation of these resources should help to boost trade, industrialisation and development, but Africa's track record is littered with examples to the contrary. Resource booms become drivers of corruption, conflict and ecological destruction and weaken governance institutions. Given the continent's economic problems, rapidly expanding population and mounting environmental pressures, there is a closing window of opportunity to ensure this new wave of mineral extraction breaks from historical patterns to become a catalyst for inclusive economic growth and long-term sustainability. Zimbabwe's lithium sector exemplifies both the opportunities and dangers inherent in the global race for critical minerals — a subject explored at a May 2025 conference hosted by the Centre for Natural Resource Governance (CNRG) titled Lithium, used in consumer electronics (including batteries), electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, has become an essential mineral to many of the modern industries driving economic prosperity and the global transition to clean energy. As drone warfare continues to revolutionise modern warfare, access to lithium-ion and lithium-polymer batteries has also become an important Zimbabwe is endowed with substantial lithium reserves. Since 2021, the sector has attracted more than $1.2 billion in foreign direct investment, with But, as The surging demand for Zimbabwe's critical minerals presents a defining choice for both government and mining investors: they can either leverage this opportunity to empower local people and foster inclusive development or fall back into familiar patterns of exploitation. During conference proceedings, several measures were highlighted as necessary to maximise Zimbabwe's chances of seeing the former option. First, Zimbabwe's mining sector requires comprehensive legal and governance reforms to unlock its potential for inclusive development. The current system, which vests mineral rights in the president and is administered through the mines and mining development ministry, creates opacity and excludes key stakeholders from decision-making processes. Transferring these rights to an independent regulatory body subject to parliamentary oversight and accountability would enhance transparency and ensure broader participation in mining agreements. Simultaneously, fast-tracking the implementation of a comprehensive mining Second, prioritising beneficiation to stimulate industrial development and local job creation is essential. In this respect, Zimbabwe passed the On 10 June 2025, the minister also announced (Graphic: John McCann/M&G) This, as CNRG further highlighted, 'should be with immediate effect to prevent further natural capital depletion from unchecked lithium exploitation, which has devastating socio-economic and environmental implications. Zimbabwe's lithium wealth risks being squandered, as unchecked exports, weak regulation and opaque deals undermine its potential for industrial transformation'. Local minerals beneficiation does not always make economic sense. But, where the opportunity for value addition is clear, it must be taken and supported through coherent industrialisation policies. Further to this, China monopolising the sector could undermine these efforts, with Chinese companies A good step in this direction was the first Beyond diversifying investment partnerships, realising the intentions of the Base Minerals Export Control will also require concerted investment in the infrastructure required for local beneficiation projects to operate effectively, a consistent regulatory environment, and decisive action against corruption. Third, strategic resource management should balance national sovereignty with economic pragmatism to maximise benefits from Zimbabwe's mineral wealth. Moving away from disadvantageous long-term trade agreements while avoiding excessive nationalisation will help Zimbabwe capture fair value during price fluctuations without deterring necessary investment. Central to this approach is the need for long-term planning that addresses resource depletion through economic diversification strategies and sovereign wealth mechanisms, on condition that these be well governed. Fourth, community empowerment and In this respect, international best practice frameworks such as the Finally, environmental sustainability and social responsibility must guide Zimbabwe's approach to critical mineral extraction, ensuring that the pursuit of economic benefits does not compromise long-term environmental and social well-being, particularly for the mining communities. Mining operations should be required to adopt cleaner technologies and implement robust mitigation measures, including cleaner coal technologies, where fossil fuels remain necessary for processing. Humanising the broader energy transition can be achieved through gradual, community-sensitive steps rather than disruptive changes that harm rural livelihoods. Upgrading Zimbabwe's obsolete energy infrastructure is essential for supporting both mining operations and broader economic development while improving national energy security. By embedding environmental and social considerations into mining policies from the outset, Zimbabwe can position itself as a responsible supplier of critical minerals while building a sustainable foundation for long-term development that benefits all citizens rather than perpetuating historical patterns of exploitation and exclusion. Sikhululekile Mashingaidze is the lead researcher in Good Governance Africa's Peace and Security Programme and Stephen Buchanan-Clarke is the head of the programme.
The Herald
18 hours ago
- The Herald
Exciting new release from one of the best vintages in recent memory
There's always something new in the world of wine, be it the latest vintage release of a well-known favourite or a new wine from an established winery exploring new territory or different wine styles. Exploring some interesting new releases this week, Delheim Grand Reserve 2021, one of the granddaddies of the Bordeaux-style red blends that SA wine lovers love and our winemakers have proved really good at, is a grand place to start. A new vintage of Delheim Grand Reserve is always something to look forward to, as it is only made in years when the fruit harvested from selected premium vineyards on the Stellenbosch estate's Simonsberg slopes is considered worthy of making a wine of the icon status it has gathered over the past four decades. The recently released 2021 Grand Reserve (±R550) comes from a vintage considered one of the best for Stellenbosch reds in recent memory, and Delheim cellarmaster Roelof Lotriet — who gets to taste through the 'vintage library' regularly — believes this is one of the best renditions they have ever made. Led by cabernet sauvignon (70%), with cab franc, merlot and petit verdot each making their own contribution to the wine's elegantly unfolding layers of flavour and complexity, firm texture and built-to-last structure; the four components are vinified separately and each matured for 18 months in oak before blending. The blend then spends another 18 months in bottle before release, allowing the components to mesh into familiarity. The resulting wine drinks beautifully now, with dark sour cherries and classic cassis, pencil shavings and mintiness woven around fynbos woody-herbal aromas. There's an enticing succulence of chalky tannins and acidity that enlivens the fruit, leaving a mouthwatering 'want more', but also suggesting for collectors that letting this one hang around in your cellar will reap rewards in the next decade or more. Meanwhile, Fairview Altesse 2024 is the first white wine released in the estate's Regional Revival range, which aims to reimagine and put an SA stamp on the classic Old World wines of Italy, Spain and France. In Altesse (R190), they've created a classic Bordeaux-style white blend of sauvignon blanc and sémillon from cool west coast vineyards above Darling, where the influences of altitude and sea breezes meet and 'shape a white blend rooted in tradition, yet alive with a refreshing Cape influence,' Fairview owner Charles Back says. Those influences make for longer, slower ripening, allowing grapes to retain acidity while developing complex aromas and flavours. The maritime theme is captured in a striking blue and silver label, reminiscent of a vintage postage stamp, featuring a lighthouse standing watch over rolling vineyards and ocean waves. The 45% sémillon component is fermented and aged in oak for nine months, bringing complexity and texture to the wine, a fine balance of freshness and richness. The wine is vibrant and zesty — fragrant with citrus blossoms, white peaches, green figs, leading into a mouthful that seamlessly integrates sauvignon's freshness with the light waxy touch and depth of the sémillon. Soft yellow fruit blending with bright lime and citrus, with a lingering saline minerality finish. Made 'for those who appreciate a little adventure in their glass', says Back, this is a journey well worth taking. The Herald
