20 Years of Ubuntu: A Zimbabwean PR Student's Journey of Cross-Border Growth at UJ

Two decades of legacy, one student’s transformation. My name is Nusaybah Yasini, I'm a second-year PR student, join me as I unravel how UJ turned my stumbling blocks into stepping stones and why this university isn’t just a campus, but a compass.

When I boarded my first flight from Harare to Johannesburg in 2024, I clutched my suitcase like a lifeline. At 19, leaving Zimbabwe felt equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. I wondered, would I find a sense of belonging at the University of Johannesburg? But a year later, as UJ marks its 20th anniversary, I discovered answers I couldn't have imagined. This university is not just a place to study rather, it's a vibrant shade of African voices, a laboratory for social change, and the stage where I have learned to turn my Zimbabwean roots into a superpower for storytelling.

From Harare to Bunting Road: Building a Home in Diversity

As one of thousands of international students at UJ, my initial weeks felt like a deep dive into the unknown. Back home in Zimbabwe, community was a familiar embrace, often described through Shona proverbs. But here, I was navigating a vibrant yet sometimes overwhelming assortment of South African cultures, languages, and histories. The ache of homesickness began to ease when I met my friend Reneilwe she patiently taught me South African slang like "eish," which can express surprise, annoyance, or agreement, and "sharp," used for everything from "okay" to "goodbye." Through our shared stories, her life here and my memories of Zimbabwe, each story a small bridge between our worlds

PR as a Tool for African Storytelling

UJ's rich diversity wasn't just observed, it was actively engaged within the classroom. My Public Relations lectures weren't passive listening, our group debates on crisis communication became intense explorations of South Africa's intricate socio-political realities. My peers' perspectives broadened my understanding, urging me to embrace a powerful pan-African approach to PR. The true effectiveness of our field crystallized when we analysed movements like #SchoolFeesMustFall. It wasn't just about understanding communication, it was about witnessing its power to mobilize, to advocate, and ultimately, to connect disparate experiences, even bridging the miles and emotions between my homeland and the growing sense of community I found in my academic journey.

UJ’s Community Impact

UJ's 20-year journey extends far beyond its South African borders, fostering a spirit of collaboration across the continent through initiatives like the Global Excellence and Logical program. As a second-year Public Relations student, I see the wealth of community impact opportunities not just as chances for skill development and cultural exchange, but as a powerful invitation. It's an invitation to weave my growing understanding of strategic communication into the fabric of Africa's unfolding story, contributing to a legacy that, like ubuntu itself, recognizes our interconnectedness and collective potential.

Hopes for UJ’s Future

As the University of Johannesburg steps into the next decade, there are transformative hopes and aspirations that align with its vision of becoming a global African university anchored in excellence, innovation, and social justice. UJ’s next decade holds the promise of becoming a university that not only ranks among the world’s best but also transforms lives, redefines African excellence, and inspires global solidarity. For a Zimbabwean PR student, this future means opportunities to shape narratives, build bridges, and leave a legacy across borders.

Conclusion

UJ at 20, much like me at 19, is a work in progress. There are days when visa renewals stress me out, or when I miss my mother’s sadza. But this university has taught me that growth happens at the intersection of discomfort and discovery.

As I come to an end of first semester, I carry lessons from two homes Zimbabwe’s resilience and UJ’s boldness. Here’s to a university that doesn’t just teach communication it lives it, one cross-cultural connection at a time. Happy 20th, UJ. May the next decade see you shining even brighter as Africa’s beacon of unity.