Public events (lifelong learning)

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is dedicated to fostering lifelong learning by hosting a variety of educational events that are open to the general public. These events, which include public lectures, seminars, workshops, and conferences, are designed to engage the community in intellectual discourse and provide opportunities for personal and professional development.

Public Lectures

UJ regularly organises public lectures across its faculties, inviting esteemed speakers to discuss a wide range of topics. For instance, the Faculty of Science has a tradition of hosting lectures aimed at promoting public scholarship and making science accessible to a broader audience. In 2024, the faculty coordinated several lectures, including:

• “4IR in Medtech: Data Driven Problem Solving from Applied Mathematics to Clinical Implementation”: Presented by Prof Byron Jacobs on 3 August 2024, this lecture explored the integration of applied mathematics in medical technology within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
• “Microplastics in the Aquatic Environment”: On 10 August 2024, Prof Richard Greenfield discussed the environmental impact of microplastics, shedding light on their prevalence and effects in aquatic ecosystems.

These lectures are typically free of charge and open to all members of the public, reflecting UJ’s commitment to community engagement and knowledge dissemination. 

Seminars

The Department of Sociology, Anthropology & Development Studies at UJ hosts a weekly Wednesday Seminar, which has been a platform for critical discussions since 2000. These seminars cover diverse topics and are open to both the university community and the general public. For example, the Term 1 series in 2025 focused on critical public intellectuals assessing 30 years of South African progress and regress, featuring discussions on media roles, trade unions, and economic justice. 

Workshops and Conferences

UJ organises various workshops and conferences that encourage public participation. In November 2024, the Department of Philosophy, in collaboration with the Notre Dame-IBM Technology Ethics Lab, hosted a three-day international conference titled “Technology Transfer and Culture in Africa: Large Scale Models in Focus.” This event brought together researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals to discuss the impact of technology transfer on African cultures, particularly focusing on large language models. The conference was open to the public, with registration fees applicable for attendance. 

Upcoming Events

UJ continues to offer a rich calendar of events aimed at lifelong learning. Notable upcoming events include:

• “Languages Matter: UJ Celebrating 20 Years of Linguistic Diversity and Multilingualism”: This event celebrates the university’s commitment to linguistic diversity and multilingualism.
• “High Tea With The VC: The Traveller: Crossing Borders and Connecting Africa”: The Vice-Chancellor will host a discussion with Thebe Ikalafeng on his latest book, exploring themes of African connectivity and identity.

These events are part of UJ’s ongoing efforts to engage the public in meaningful educational experiences.

Through these diverse initiatives, the University of Johannesburg demonstrates its dedication to providing accessible educational opportunities, fostering a culture of lifelong learning, and engaging with the broader community.