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Mail & Guardian
4 days ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Universities, revive Joburg's hippest 'hood
(Graphic: John McCann/M&G) Melville, once declared one of the world's hippest neighbourhoods, is in serious decline. The suburb is an important asset to our academic life and must be restored. I often host students and faculty from universities in Europe and the US. For a long time, Melville was the automatic place for academic visitors, professors and students to visit and stay while passing through Johannesburg. Located next to the University of the Witwatersrand, one of our two great universities, as well as the up-and-coming University of Johannesburg (UJ), Melville has long provided a convivial environment for academics and post-graduate visitors. In 2020, just five years ago, Time Out magazine ranked Melville as one of the 40 coolest neighbourhoods in the world. Academic travel matters, and academics want to enjoy their experience of travel. For decades Melville, buzzing with coffee shops, restaurants, live music venues, galleries and a very good second-hand bookshop provided exactly what academics and post-graduate students needed to enjoy their time in Johannesburg. The turn to Zoom during Covid has reduced academic travel quite a bit, but spending two days on Zoom rather than travelling for a conference is a painful and vastly less rewarding experience. Melville was hit hard by the Covid lockdown though, and has been hit just as hard by the general collapse in the functioning of the Johannesburg municipality. Many of the restaurants on the once world-famous 7th Street shut down during the lockdown and many of the buildings on the strip remain empty. If there had been some vision to support the strip, understanding it as a wider asset to the city, and the country, this could have been avoided. Driving into Melville recently with a group of students and academics was a depressing experience. Coming up Main Road, which divides Melville and Westdene, is bleak. There are three large holes, which are so big they cannot be described as potholes, on Main Road that have been left unattended for months — aside from placing a plastic barrier in front of them. Some of the shopkeepers dump their refuse on the pavement next to the pedestrian litter bins rather than keeping it for the weekly refuse collection. The homeless people on Main Road, many struggling with addiction, live in squalor and the lack of public toilets has inevitable consequences. Uber and delivery drivers face the same lack of access to toilets with the same unfortunate results. Turning into Melville itself is no less disheartening. Streets no longer have working lights, there are a couple of abandoned and looted or vandalised houses, and some of the electricity poles have a mess of dangling wires, some live. Around the suburb piles of rubble have been left on the pavements after work done by Egoli Gas and various arms of the municipality. It seems that it is no longer expected that rubble will be removed after maintenance work alongside the streets. The 7th Street strip, with its many empty buildings, has large ditches filled with sand at each end. They have also been there for months. On the corner of 3rd Avenue and 7th Street, part of the road has been left in a dug-up state and with a pile of rubble sitting on the road. It too has been like this for months. Private property owners are beginning to do the same. On the corner of 2nd Avenue and 7th Street a homeowner has left two large piles of building rubble on the pavement for months. A slow water leak has been trickling down 7th Street for months. There are no drain covers on the strip. This is unsightly and a hazard for pedestrians. The road markings have long faded away. Anyone on the strip who looks like they may have some money is immediately accosted by desperate people trying to get a few rand. Water outages are common in the area, sometimes going on for as long as two weeks. There are also occasional electricity outages that can go on for days. This makes things very difficult for the owners of the B&Bs that remain in the neighbourhood, as well as the surviving restaurants and other businesses. Driving out of Melville on 9th Street towards Parkview, a suburb that remains in good nick, there are more piles of rubble on the pavements and more deep holes in the road. As on Main Road, both the rubble and the holes have been left for months. It is not immediately clear why nearby suburbs such as Parkview, Greenside and Parkhurst are in a good condition while Melville is in decay. An academic neighbourhood requires a good bookshop and, thankfully, the good second-hand bookshop on the Melville strip endures, but it's no longer open in the evenings. There are some signs of new life after the devastation of the lockdown though. De Baba, a new bakery and coffee shop at the bottom of the strip is always buzzing. On the other side of the road there's a new and very hip coffee shop, Sourcery. It would fit right into Brooklyn, New York, and is perfect for an arty and academic neighbourhood like Melville. A vinyl-obsessed friend tells me that the music selection is extraordinary. Unfortunately, Sourcery seems empty most of the time. The same is true of Arturo, an excellent and equally hip African Latin-American fusion restaurant further on up the strip. Some of the problems faced by Melville are a result of South Africa's wider social crisis. For as long as we face catastrophic levels of unemployment people will be forced to live on the streets. The heroin epidemic is also a national problem. Although the municipality can take some steps to ameliorate some of the consequences of these problems it cannot fix them. But much of the sad state of Melville is a result of the failures of the municipality. Some of these failures could be resolved in a single day. Light bulbs could be installed on the street lights, the large holes on Main Street, 7th Street and 9th Street could be fixed, the rubble left along the pavements could be removed, the water leak on 7th Street could be attended to and the road markings redone. The private businesses dumping their waste alongside the pedestrian bins on Main Road could be fined, as could the private homeowner who has left piles of building rubble on the corner of 2nd Avenue. Other issues that fall within the remit of the municipality, such as the failure to provide public toilets on Main Road, cannot be resolved in a day, but with some vision and energy they could be resolved in a few months. Getting the water and electricity systems functional is a much bigger project but is also something that can be achieved with the right commitment. The abandoned properties, with at least one house stripped to nothing but its walls, should be expropriated and sold, with the money invested into regeneration projects. There should also be active support, including subsidies, for art galleries and live music venues. All the world's great cities actively support cultural life and the same should be done in Johannesburg. Again, this is something that would, even with the right vision and commitment, take at least a few months to kick into gear. When Melville was the vibrant and world-regarded home to Johannesburg's arty and academic scene it was a major asset to the city. It was an asset to the city's residents, and to visitors to the city, including its wider tourism economy. Melville was also an important asset to the city's two universities, making visits by academics and post-graduate students from elsewhere in the country and abroad an enriching and fun experience. There is scant hope that the municipality will, on its own, take the initiative to act to restore Melville to what it once was and can easily be again. Universities are powerful institutions in society; Wits University and UJ should lobby the municipality to act to restore Melville as one of the world's great academic neighbourhoods. A well maintained and vibrant Melville would be a boon for the city. With the right commitment it would only take a single day to begin to turn things around. Dr Imraan Buccus is a research fellow at the University of the Free State and the Auwal Socioeconomic Research Institute, ASRI.
IOL News
4 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
University of Johannesburg launches UJ Digital initiative for flexible learning
UJ Vice-Chancellor Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi unveils UJ Digital, a bold initiative aimed at expanding access to flexible, future-focused online education across Africa. The University of Johannesburg has launched its UJ Digital project, a digital learning initiative that positions the institution as Africa's leader in industry-relevant, flexible, and accessible online education. This strategic initiative aligns with UJ's 2035 Strategic Plan, addressing the growing demand for innovative learning solutions that empower learners across the continent and beyond. With universities facing increasing pressure to accommodate a rising number of students, many aspiring learners struggle to secure admissions. UJ Digital presents a timely solution by providing alternative pathways to higher education through Short Learning Programmes (SLPs) and non-subsidised Whole Programmes (WPs). These programmes, offered in high-demand fields such as communications, business, engineering, health, IT, law, and languages, equip graduates with highly sought expertise, enhancing employability and addressing Africa's critical skills gaps. In addition, UJ's free-to-the-public online SLPs offer a range of topics, from upskilling in the workplace to enhancing general knowledge in fields such as financial literacy, the sustainable development goals, and artificial intelligence. Highlighting the significance of the project, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi, says: 'UJ Digital is a testament to our commitment to delivering inclusive, flexible learning opportunities that equip students with future-ready skills while meeting industry demands. "As global demand for online higher education continues to grow, UJ is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation.' Beyond local impact, UJ Digital leverages the increasing global demand for online education, expected to surge significantly by 2035. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, UJ aims to establish itself as a key player in the international education market while driving social and economic development across Africa. Professor Letlhokwa Mpedi is upbeat about the transformative role of UJ Digital in the higher education sector. 'This bold initiative ensures that UJ remains at the forefront of educational innovation, creating accessible pathways to higher education and equipping students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy. UJ Digital is not just a step forward for UJ but a leap for higher education in Africa.' For more information about the UJ Digital Initiative and its upcoming programmes, please visit
The Citizen
7 days ago
- Health
- The Citizen
UJ scientists discover anticancer potential in common invasive plant
In a discovery that could reshape cancer treatment, researchers at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have identified promising medical properties in an unlikely source: the common woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum), a plant often dismissed as an invasive weed. Their findings, published in Nature Scientific Reports, reveal that extracts from the plant's ripe fruit exhibit potent activity against aggressive brain cancer cells and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. ALSO READ: Local learners do Maths and Science in a fun way Led by Dr Abraham Goodness Ogofure, alongside Dr Tendani Sebola and Professor Ezekiel Green of the Molecular Pathogenic and Molecular Epidemiology Research Group (MPMERG), the study found the ripe fruit contains 15 distinct bioactive compounds—three times more than the unripe fruit. Among these, alkaloids and terpenoids account for over 50%, both known for their therapeutic potential. 'Through advanced LC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis, we detected – but have not yet isolated – these compounds,' clarifies Ogofure. 'While our findings show strong anticancer activity in the extracts against glioblastoma cells, we do not yet know which specific compounds are responsible for this effect. Encouragingly, the extracts had minimal impact on healthy lung cells, suggesting potential selectivity.' The antibacterial results were equally significant, with the plant extract demonstrating activity against 11 harmful pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli. 'These findings come at a crucial time, as antibiotic resistance contributes to an estimated 5 million deaths globally each year,' notes Ogofure. ALSO READ: Community gets empowered with citizen science Sebola highlighted the broader implications: 'It is fascinating that a plant often removed as a nuisance may offer tools to tackle two of the most pressing global health threats: cancer and antimicrobial resistance.' Looking ahead, the research team plans to isolate individual compounds from the extract, evaluate them against glioblastoma and other pathogens, and explore the effects of using consortia of these compounds in combination. 'This is just the beginning,' adds Green. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The Citizen
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Soaring high in his journey through art
Imagine starting doodling at the age of seven, then, later on, gradually honing your skills throughout high school, only to see yourself overseas, pursuing your artistic studies further. Fourth-year fine arts student Shui Hoppenstein, from the University of Johannesburg (UJ), has always been passionate about his form of art, expressing that his desire was to dive deeper into the art world through formal education. He firmly believes in pursuing one's passion, stating: 'I really wanted to study fine arts. To know more about the art world and chase my dream.' Read more: Lillian Gray Art School students make Mothers Day gifts with their own hands He recently saw his studies soar. As part of a student exchange programme, he spent three months at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts in Budapest, in the graphic arts department. 'There, I learned new printmaking techniques, including stone lithography, while continuing to develop my skills in etching and drawing.' Hoppenstein was one of two students sent to Hungary, helping to establish a relationship between the two universities. He saw the experience as a rich approach on how to look at art on that side of the globe. Also read: Art at any age at Lillian Gray Art School He added that he cherished the opportunity to connect with fellow students from Hungary, appreciating the warm environment and collaborative spirit. Being an art student, Hoppenstein is very aware of the challenges that come with it, the same as other aspiring fine artists in South Africa. Yet he remains steadfast in his mission to his art. His third-year body of work centred on the challenges between old age and youth. Exploring how his generation often overlooks the inevitability of aging. 'For my research, I visited the Deutsches Altersheim, interviewing many residents about their experiences, their aging, their families, and their worldviews,' he explained. His interviewees included Ingrid Sommer and Imme Buttgen, both of whom offered valuable wisdom into the aging process. 'I also created a ten-metre artwork, inspired by one of the residents, which was displayed in the café living area of the home, before being hung in the atrium of UJ's Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture last year.' Hoppenstein draws on various life experiences. His work on aging stemmed from reflections on his own grandparents. 'I realised I do not give them as much time as I should, and I often think about how I, too, will age one day.' This year, Hoppenstein is focused on familial relationships, particularly how expectations are placed on individuals by their parents, and how people often drift away from their roles, to make their own paths in the world. Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts! Related article: Lillian Gray Art School is proud of their young artists animal drawings
The Citizen
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
UJ researchers unlock cancer-fighting potential in common weed
In a discovery that could reshape cancer treatment, researchers at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) have identified promising medical properties in an unlikely source — the common woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum). The Witness reports that the plant, often dismissed as an invasive weed, through the doctors' findings published in Nature Scientific Reports, revealed that extracts from the plant's ripe fruit exhibit potent activity against both aggressive brain cancer cells and antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Led by Dr Abraham Goodness Ogofure, alongside Dr Tendani Sebola and Professor Ezekiel Green (leader) of the Molecular Pathogenic and Molecular Epidemiology Research Group, the study found that the ripe fruit contains 15 distinct bioactive compounds, three times more than the unripe fruit. Among these, alkaloids and terpenoids account for over 50%, both known for their therapeutic potential. 'Through advanced LC-QTOF-MS/MS analysis, we detected — but have not yet isolated — these compounds,' said Ogofure. 'While our findings show strong anticancer activity in the extracts against glioblastoma cells, we do not yet know which specific compounds are responsible for this effect. Encouragingly, the extracts had minimal impact on healthy lung cells, suggesting potential selectivity.' The antibacterial results were equally significant, with the plant extract demonstrating activity against 11 harmful pathogens, including Staphylococcus aureus and 'These findings come at a crucial time, as antibiotic resistance is estimated to contribute to five million deaths globally each year,' said Ogofure. Sebola highlighted the broader implications. 'It's fascinating that a plant often removed as a nuisance may offer tools to tackle two of the most pressing global health threats: cancer and antimicrobial resistance,' Sebola said. Looking ahead, the research team plans to isolate individual compounds from the extract, evaluate them against glioblastoma and other pathogens, and explore the effects of using consortia of these compounds in combination. 'This is just the beginning,' said Green. 'This work is about more than just a plant — it's about rethinking how we perceive biodiversity. Sometimes, what we consider weeds may hold the key to transformative medical breakthroughs.' Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. Read original story on At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
