WHERE WE COME FROM
The University of Johannesburg was born in 2005, out of a bold vision to unite diverse institutions into one inclusive, transformative university. In just two decades, UJ has grown into a leader in Africa and the Global South, it has become a place where access, excellence, and innovation meet.
But growth also revealed a reality: for too many students, talent and determination were not enough. Financial gaps, hunger, and lack of resources stood in the way of success. That need became the seed.
The Development & Fundraising Office (DFO) was created to answer a simple but powerful question: How do we turn collective generosity into opportunities that no student should miss? From emergency food parcels during exam season, to bursaries that allow the “missing middle” to register, to research funds that unlock breakthroughs in student careers making the DFO UJ’s bridge between ambition and action.
WHAT WE DO
Fundraising is not our only focus; we are builders of futures. Through partnerships, philanthropy, and alumni engagement, we:
- Unlock student potential which covers tuition, clears debt, and ensures no one studies hungry.
- Strengthen research and innovation that attracts resources for cutting-edge labs, scholarships, and academic projects which speak to Africa’s future.
- Grow partnerships by working with alumni, corporates, foundations, and friends of UJ to turn goodwill into measurable impact.
- At the heart of our work is trust, ensuring every rand raised is managed with transparency, accountability, and purpose.