University of Johannesburg

The University of Johannesburg (Johannesburg, South Africa) known colloquially as "UJ" came into existence on 1 January 2005 as the result of a merger between the Technikon Witwatersrand (TWR) and the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU). Prior to the merger, the Daveyton and Soweto campuses of the former Vista University had been incorporated into RAU. As a result of the merger of the university from the previously recognised Rand Afrikaans University (RAU), it is not uncommon for alumni to still refer to the university incorrectly as RAU. The newly emerged institution is one of the largest comprehensive contact universities in South Africa, with nine faculties having more than 90 departments, and an enrollment of approximately 48,000 students, spread over four different campuses. The university is one of the largest residential universities in the Republic of South Africa.

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The Technikon of the Witwatersrand was established in 1925. The Rand Afrikaans University was established in 1967. Vista University was established in 1982.
Recent History

The University of Johannesburg, established on 1 January 2005, is the result of the incorporation of the East Rand and Soweto campuses of Vista University into the Rand Afrikaans University(RAU) (1 January 2004). The merger of the modified RAU and the Technikon Witwatersrand took place on 1 January 2005 thus creating the University of Johannesburg (UJ).

The incorporation and merger was part of a series of major programmes restructuring higher education in South Africa. The National Plan for Higher Education (2001) set in motion a major revamp of higher education institutions. Consequently there was a reduction of 36 universities and technikons into 23 higher education institutions. As a result South Africa now has 11 traditional universities, 5 universities of technology and 6 comprehensive institutions .



The resultant institution had as a priority to distinguish itself from its previous institutions as a new, adaptable and progressive institution. Early on it was decided that UJ did not want a Coat of Arms and Motto, as are custom with every other tertiary educational institution in South Africa. The administration decided rather to opt for a logo and 'brand identity'. An internal competition was held; where current students could put forward their proposals. In the interim, the previous motto of the Rand Afrikaans University "Diens Deur Kennis" (Afrikaans for Service Through Knowledge) was maintained.

The design of Joey Hifi was chosen as the official logo of the university. Present in the design are 2 hoopoes (upupa africana). The hoopoe is the official mascot of the UJ Sports Bureau. The Hoopoes are reflective of the "coming together" of two respective institutions (originally) and they form the outline or frame of a book, symbolic of education. The hoopoe is also symbolic of freedom, at various levels; personal and social, adaptability and change. The crowned feathers are symbolic of Africa, of which the university places great emphasis in representing. The University has issued a series of highly successful advertisements, which have resulted in critical acclaim.

Campuses

• APB, or the Bunting Road Campus Auckland Park (former TWR campus)
• APK, or the Kingsway Campus Auckland Park (former RAU campus)
• DFC, or the Doornfontein Campus (former TWR campus)
• SWC, or the Soweto Campus (former RAU campus, previously former Vista University Soweto campus)

The East Rand Campus (ERC) was temporarily closed half way through 2007 pending proposed redevelopment of the campus, provisionally planned for reopening in 2009.