In a remarkable display of commitment to global sustainability and social impact, South African universities have achieved significant milestones in the 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. These rankings, which gauge universities against the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), spotlight institutions that are leading the charge in creating positive change through education, research, and community engagement.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has emerged as a standout performer, securing its highest-ever global ranking at 36th place in the 2024 THE Impact Rankings. This accomplishment underscores UJ’s steadfast dedication to advancing sustainable development both locally and globally. By excelling across various SDGs, UJ has demonstrated its pivotal role in addressing critical societal challenges through innovative research and impactful educational practices.
Similarly, the University of Pretoria (UP) has made a spectacular debut in the top 50 of the global rankings, claiming the 42nd position. This ascent from 69th place in the previous year highlights UP’s rapid progress and its proactive approach to integrating sustainability principles into its core activities. UP’s focus on sustainability-oriented research and its commitment to fostering community engagement has contributed significantly to its impressive rise in the rankings.
Adding to South Africa’s achievements, the University of Cape Town (UCT) has achieved a historic milestone by breaking into the top 100 of the THE Impact Rankings, securing the 77th spot globally. This marks the first time UCT has attained such recognition, underscoring its pivotal role as a leader in sustainable development initiatives within the higher education landscape. UCT’s strong performance in SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for the goals, exemplifies its strategic collaborations and global impact in advancing sustainability agendas.
THE Impact Rankings evaluate universities based on their contributions to the UN SDGs through research, teaching, and operational practices. Institutions are assessed across four key areas – research, stewardship, outreach, and teaching, with specific emphasis on their performance in at least four SDGs and notably SDG 17. This comprehensive assessment ensures that universities are recognized not only for their academic prowess but also for their tangible contributions to societal well-being and environmental stewardship.
This methodology highlights the diversity of universities and acknowledges excellence in various aspects of sustainability and development. The top 10 universities in this year’s rankings include institutions from Australia, the UK, Denmark, Canada, and the US, showcasing a global commitment to addressing global challenges through education and research.
Furthermore, among UCT’s key achievements in the 2024 rankings, the university ranked 13th globally for Life Below Water (SDG 14), demonstrating its leadership in marine conservation research. The FitzPatrick Institute at UCT has pioneered impactful research in this field, including innovative methods to track and mitigate marine litter, which has been adopted internationally, contributing to global policy discussions such as the UN Plastic Treaty negotiations.
Additionally, UCT excelled in several other SDGs, ranking in the top 100 globally for Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6) at 23rd, No Poverty (SDG 1) at 64th, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16) at 81st, and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9) at 98th. In total, UCT submitted information for 13 SDGs, with six ranking among the top 100 globally and five more within the top 200.
South African universities continue to set benchmarks in global sustainability efforts, leveraging their academic expertise and partnerships to drive positive change on a global scale. As they build on these achievements, these institutions are poised to further enhance their impact and inspire collaborative solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
