Africa and the US foreign policy. Obama addressed the young African leaders in Soweto, a historic part of South Africa which is now symbolic of tourism, culture, and a growing middle class. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Johannesburg. Controversy In 2011 the university decided to suspend ties with Israeli Ben-Gurion University, citing the university's support for the Israeli military. The decision was seen to affect projects in biotechnology and water purification. However, two days later, Ihron Rensburg, vice-chancellor and principal of the university issued a statement saying that "UJ is not part of an academic boycott of Israel...It has never been UJ's intention to sever all ties with BGU, although it may have been the intention of some UJ staff members." References General references Mthembu, A.2013. Soweto campus history. 17Sep2013. vol.1. Unpublished. External links University of Johannesburg University of Johannesburg Public universities in South Africa Educational institutions established in 2005 2005 establishments in South Africa