UJ@20 celebration

My journey as an orange army since 2024. Being offered an opportunity to study at the University of Johannesburg was a dream come true, right after finishing matric and obtaining a bachelor pass. It was biggest opportunity of which I grabbed with both hands. Then the year began, and I was officially a UJ student, I then started my journey and met new and amazing people in the institution, and I was able to make to new friends in a new environment that was an amazing and great experience because we were all first years, and we were always figuring new things every day and sometimes on our own😂.

The University of Johannesburg has contributed a lot to my growth, studying Public Relations and Communication Management has enabled me to do many things with the help of tutors and seniors and I can now say I am matured and independent and I have acquired new skills which are communication and teamwork. Being a UJ student since it's celebrating 20 years of excellence, unity is one of the greatest things since I see what's happening and I am part of those things and also a member of community engagement which is an amazing journey to take since it has taught me to know that helping someone doesn't mean you should expect anything in return. Community engagement is a campaign where students participate (volunteer)to help community members by providing them with basic needs and there'll be days where students help school kids with their schoolwork. The University of Johannesburg has contributed to the community by providing the community by food, where the students will prepare meals for them and open a soup kitchen for that certain day and in that particular area. It has made me realise that UBUNTU is not only practised by an individual but also when we are united and willing to help others, we can make it happen. The level of maturity I have now has been formed since I started being an orange army there are many amazing experiences I've ever had💛.

One of the greatest experiences as a member of CE, food gardening.

The UJ@20 years celebration represents the 20th anniversary of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), which was formed in 2005 through the merger of several institutions, including Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR), and Vista University (Johannesburg campus). While the actual age might seem to be 19 or 20 years, the university may count its legacy and history slightly differently. The UJ@20 means the most to me since I am here celebrating the 2 decades of excellence with them, as you know not everyone gets the chance to study at the University of Johannesburg but if you have a chance/opportunity use it wisely as I am doing because I won't be here forever, but I love being here and I want to make every day count. The thing that is pushing me forward is that I met seniors who are in the same field as me and they encouraged me not to give up but to focus on my studies and now I have confidence in my future because I know what to do and also what will work for me. The 20 years of academic excellence and unity has changed many students lives. The institution's 20-year milestone is a testament to its commitment to academic excellence, innovation and community impact, UJ is producing the high-quality research and graduates that's the reputation it holds, it also addresses societal challenges.

As the University of Johannesburg marks 20 years of excellence and unity, this milestone is more than just a celebration of time—it is a powerful reflection of transformation, resilience, and shared purpose. From its humble beginnings as a merger of institutions to its current status as a leading African university, UJ has continuously strived to redefine higher education through innovation, inclusivity, and academic excellence. For students, staff, alumni, and the broader community, UJ@20 is a reminder that unity in diversity is not just a slogan but a lived experience. As we look to the future, the legacy of the past 20 years inspires us to keep pushing boundaries, embracing change, and building a university that truly serves both its people and the continent. The journey continues—with pride, purpose, and the power of unity.