Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) has enhanced its AI-powered chatbot, called MoUJi, with advanced Large Language Model (LLM) technology, enabling prospective and current students to engage naturally in multiple South African languages (e.g., isiZulu, Afrikaans and Sesotho).
The enhancement marks a significant step in using responsible artificial intelligence (AI) to make student support more accessible, personalised and available around the clock.
Whether calculating an Admission Point Score (APS), checking admission requirements, applying for admission, registering for classes or seeking information about financial aid, students can now simply ask MoUJi in their preferred language and receive immediate, context-aware responses without navigating multiple webpages or waiting for office hours.
Technology is only meaningful if it improves people’s lives. The enhanced MoUJi demonstrates how responsible artificial intelligence can remove barriers to higher education by making trusted University information more accessible, more inclusive and available whenever students need it.
By combining multilingual AI with authoritative institutional information, UJ is creating a smarter, more personalised support experience that empowers students to navigate their academic journey with confidence.
Every application, enquiry and conversation is an opportunity to help a student take the next step towards higher education. MoUJi enables UJ to respond to growing demand with immediate, accurate support while allowing University staff to focus on the more complex interactions.
Professor Bettine van Vuuren, Registrar at UJ, said the enhancement reflects the University’s commitment to ensuring technology serves people in a responsible manner.
“AI is reshaping every sector of society, and higher education has a responsibility to ensure these technologies expand opportunity rather than create new barriers. We believe innovation is never about technology for technology’s sake. It is about improving lives, widening access, and ensuring every student can obtain trusted information, regardless of where they are, when they need support, or the language they speak. That is how responsible AI should serve society.”
Every year, South African universities receive hundreds of thousands of applications, generating an enormous demand for information relating to qualifications offered, admission requirements, registration information, financial aid, and available accommodation. The enhanced MoUJi has been developed to help meet this demand by providing immediate responses to routine enquiries while creating a more seamless and accessible student experience.
A prospective student can now ask, in isiZulu, Afrikaans, Sesotho or English, whether their matric results meet the admission requirements for a particular qualification, request assistance with calculating an APS, enquire about registration or obtain information on student funding, all through a natural conversation with MoUJi.
Originally introduced in 2019, MoUJi has evolved from a conventional chatbot into an intelligent virtual assistant capable of understanding intent, interpreting context and responding conversationally. Rather than relying on scripted responses or fixed keywords, the platform enables students to ask questions in their own words and receive accurate, relevant answers across a broad range of university services.
“Technology should adapt to student needs, not students to technology. That principle has guided the evolution of MoUJi from a conventional chatbot into an intelligent, multilingual virtual assistant that makes it easier for every student to access information whenever they need it and, in the language, they are most comfortable using” said Dr Tinus van Zyl, Senior Director for Central Academic Administration, UJ.
“By harnessing responsible artificial intelligence, we are removing barriers to access, strengthening inclusion and creating a more personalised student experience. Importantly, AI is not replacing people but rather it is empowering our staff to focus on the complex personal interactions.”
One of MoUJi’s most significant advancements is its multilingual capability and intuitiveness. In a country with multiple official languages, language should never become a barrier to accessing higher education. By enabling students to interact naturally in multiple South African languages, UJ is creating a more inclusive digital environment that makes trusted University information accessible to a broader community of prospective and current students.
The enhancement is also delivering measurable operational benefits. By resolving large volumes of routine enquiries effectively, reducing pressure on the University’s contact centre, improving response times, and enabling staff to dedicate more time to complex cases requiring personal engagement. The platform has also reduced the University’s reliance on temporary call-centre staff during peak registration periods, improving operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality service.
Responsible AI remains central to the platform’s development. Personal student information is protected through secure one-time password (OTP) verification, while responses requiring institutional data are drawn directly from authoritative University systems. These safeguards ensure students receive accurate, trusted information while protecting privacy and maintaining robust governance standards.
Frances Wessels, Senior Manager: Student Enrolment Centre at UJ, said the enhanced platform is changing how students engage with the University.
“Students increasingly expect immediate, accurate support regardless of the time of day or the communication channel they use. The enhanced MoUJi enables us to deliver that experience while ensuring more complex enquiries are seamlessly referred to our staff. It allows us to provide faster, more personalised support without losing the human connection that remains central to student success.”
“The future of university support structures is not simply digital, but it is intelligent, multilingual and, above all, student-centred,” said Prof Mpedi, Vice Chancellor and Principal of UJ.
“Technology is most powerful when it removes barriers and creates opportunities. Our vision is to use artificial intelligence responsibly to ensure every student can access trusted information, get personalised support and timely guidance throughout their academic journey. As MoUJi continues to evolve, we see enormous potential for AI to proactively support students, helping them succeed long before challenges become barriers to success.”
