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.
The ‘functional immunity’ granted to UN officials made good sense when the body was founded after World War II. But as its organisational functions have expanded, so has this immunity.
Globally, a quarter of whale and dolphin species are endangered. Though South African dolphin populations are generally in good heath, the humpback dolphin is cause for concern.
A street trader looks out from his store in Cape Town, South Africa. Defining people who earn US$2 a day as middle class doesn’t make sense.
EPA/Nic Bothma
Some economists have touted the rising middle class as a panacea for Africa’s challenges. But a more realistic diagnosis of what makes up a middle class is needed.
In many rural areas, poor people are suffering from malnutrition, which takes the form of stunting and obesity. To change this, their food environments must change.
Crop production can play a crucial role in helping improve nutrition through dietary diversity.
Sheryl Hendriks
In 2015 more people around the world died while taking selfies than were killed by sharks. Many tourist landmarks have banned the taking of selfies and selfie sticks to prevent untimely accidents.
How can you navigate a world full of outlandish claims?
Shutterstock
Forensic scientists are trained to disprove claims. This sort of thinking is useful when you’re trying to make sense of “miracle cures”, “wonder drugs” and other fantastic claims.
Fela Kuti - from the cover of his album ‘Teacher Don’t Teach Me Nonsense’
Between 1995 and 2013 the US provided about US$98 billion in aid to sub-Saharan Africa. But the country’s economic and political reach is slowly declining.
Crowds cheer as Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe arrives to address the country’s Independence Day celebrations in Harare.
Reuters/Philimon Bulawayo
Namibia’s new elite has used “affirmative action” for self-enrichment, while the majority of the population remains excluded from its the wealth. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s socio-economic woes continue.
China’s President Xi Jinping on a state visit to Zimbabwe.
REUTERS/Philimon Bulawayo
The increasing importance of non-traditional donors such as China has meant that the economic and political stronghold of Western countries in sub-Sahara Africa has gradually ebbed.
Indian Ocean humpback dolphins, which live close to the shore, need protection. The total population is estimated to be just 10,000, with fewer than 1,000 of them off the coast of South Africa.
Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace. Mugabe has been in power since 1980.
Reuters/Philimon Bulawayo
It is normal for resistance movements to adopt rough survival strategies and techniques while fighting an oppressive regime. Unfortunately that culture takes root and is permanently nurtured.
An Angolan soldier administers a yellow fever vaccine to a child at “Quilometro 30” market, Luanda.
EPA/Joost de Raeymaeker
How do Afrikaners find a place in post-apartheid South Africa? A look back at the dissidents who took on the apartheid state over decades offers some examples.
South Africa’s Finance Minister, Pravin Gordhan, left, chats with Lesetja Kganyago, Governor of the Reserve Bank of South Africa.
Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko
Pessimists aren’t asking if the glass in South Africa is half full. They want to know if there’s anything in the glass. The answer is a pleasant surprise.
Energy in South Africa did not feature as a major part of the 2016 budget speech – unlike in 2015.
Reuters/Siphiwe Sibeko
Africa has fewer resources than others when it comes to climate change adaptation. For this reason environmental agreements must be monitored by the likes of the AU.
In a bid to improve health care in South Africa, President Jacob Zuma has made several promises in the last three years. Some have materialised faster than others.
Paediatrician, Paediatric Pulmonologist, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics & Extraordinary Professor, Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria