The University is a values-based, research-intensive university that equips its students to succeed in a rapidly changing world by providing students with inquiry-led training and learning opportunities. The University of Pretoria’s long-term Strategic Plan captures the essence of a shared vision, aiming to sustain UP’s quality and relevance as a university that is firmly rooted in Africa, and to harness its existing and future potential for diversity. UP strives to ensure that it is recognised in the global marketplace of knowledge production.
UP has nine faculties and a business school:
- Economic and Management Sciences
- Education
- Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology
- Health Sciences
- Humanities
- Law
- Natural and Agricultural Sciences
- Theology
- Veterinary Science (the only faculty of its kind in South Africa)
- the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS).
The University of Pretoria came into existence in 1908 as the Pretoria branch of the Transvaal University College. The College became a fully-fledged university in 1930 and the colloquial name Tuks, or Tukkies, was derived from the acronym TUC for Transvaal University College. UP’s current facilities portfolio consists of more than 790 buildings and structures spread over 33 sites located on six campuses that cover 1100 hectares of land. In the 106 years of its existence the University has produced more than 230 000 alumni. The University prides itself on producing well-rounded, creative graduates, responsible, productive citizens and future leaders. Great emphasis is placed on student life and support as well as the advancement of sport, art, culture and music.
Liberation was meant to deliver significant change, for the better. But South Africa and Namibia show that the new elites that took power exercised it for their own benefit.
Peter Randall (1935-2024).
Courtesy the Randall family
Government’s decision to change the national anthem has generated debate among Nigerians. Some see it as an attempt to distract attention from harsh economic realities.
A military artist’s concept of an anti-satellite missile being launched from an F-15 Eagle aircraft.
Everett Collection/Shutterstock
Fears are growing that Russia may be trying to put a nuclear weapon into orbit.
Croix confectionnées à partir des débris d'un bateau de migrants ayant sombré au large du sud de l'Italie en 2023.
Alfonso Di Vincenzo/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images
Les nouvelles technologies sont à la fois plus intrusives et plus discrètes que les barrières physiques. Elles empiètent sur la vie privée des migrants et menacent leur sécurité personnelle.
Crosses made of pieces of a migrant boat that sank off southern Italy in 2023.
Alfonso Di Vincenzo/KONTROLAB/LightRocket via Getty Images
Former president Jacob Zuma’s MK Party borrows the slogan “mayibuye” from the liberation party to make a point about the ruling African National Congress.
Caesarean section births are often thought to be safer. In fact they disrupt the natural bond between mother and baby and can interrupt brain development.
Young jobless South African graduates protest outside the Union Buildings, the seat of government, in Pretoria.
Frennie Shivambu/Gallo Images via Getty Images
The third and final part of our series What happened to Nelson Mandela’s South Africa on The Conversation Weekly podcast. Featuring interviews with Sithembile Mbete and Richard Calland.
South Africa has clearly defined mandates for the police, military and intelligence services.
Darren Stewart/Gallo Images via Getty Images
The security services that watch over South Africans today are a far cry from the instruments of minority rule of the apartheid era. They are subject to the constitution and the rule of law.
Paediatrician, Paediatric Pulmonologist, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics & Extraordinary Professor, Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria