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.
It shouldn’t be up to universities or the government alone to fund students who qualify for tertiary education but can’t afford it. A perpetual bond system could be the answer.
A student beats the statue of Cecil John Rhodes with a belt as it is removed from the University of Cape Town.
Reuters/Mike Hutchings
The Randlords left a big dilemma in their wake: contemporary South Africa is not sure whether to thank them for bringing civilisation, or to curse them for complicating future race relations.
Electricity pylons from Cape Town’s Koeberg nuclear power plant. State-owned companies help to provide infrastructure for economic development.
Reuters/Mike Hutchings
State-owned companies are not generally needed to provide goods. Rather, they are needed to provide the foundation for a well-functioning economy and a healthy, well-informed populace.
People living with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable to heat effects.
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Rising temperatures affect people living in the developing world differently to those living in Europe and North America.
A tree house used to observe the Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador which has made a point of developing ecotourism to boost economic growth.
Reuters/Gary Granja
As the sins of man’s economic and political past catch up with him, the old way of solving international problems through treaties is losing its potency. Today’s global challenges need new approaches.
Pravin Gordhan is considered an independent mind. His return as South Africa’s finance minister will boost investor confidence.
EPA/Dai Kurokawa
South Africa has had three finance ministers in four days. President Jacob Zuma will live with the fall-out for the rest of his term. Markets have a long-term memory and won’t easily forget.
South Africa’s Justice Sisi Khampepe swears in David van Rooyen as the new Minister of Finance while President Jacob Zuma looks on.
EPA/Elmond Jiyane
The sudden expulsion of the finance minister makes it hard not to be pessimistic about the South African government’s ability to manage the difficult challenges it might face in 2016.
South Africa has installed solar water heaters in low cost housing areas. It should be installing solar PV for energy.
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South Africa has been slow to adopt renewable energy sources. One option, which has proved successful elsewhere, would be to install solar photovoltaic panels on rooftops in low-income areas.
The dispute between South Africa and the US over poultry products could harm relations between the two countries.
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South Africa’s agricultural sector has benefited handsomely from the US’s preferential trade agreements. It is important that the current dispute is resolved speedily.
What sets brilliant university lecturers apart from their more average peers?
Omar Faruk/Reuters
Textbooks have been at the centre of two major South African court cases. They may not be a magical cure for all the country’s education ills, but research shows they are a critical part of learning.
To understand inequality in countries like South Africa, it is important to have a good grasp of factors influencing the allocation of skills and knowledge.
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In a country as unequal as South Africa, the people who have access to higher education have the power to shape the society, including its elites and middle class.
Anopheles Gambiae, one of three mosquitoes found in Africa that transmit malaria.
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The irritating buzz that rings in your ear in the dead of the night comes from an insect barely traceable with your naked eye. Here are a few facts worth knowing about the mosquito.
A doctor observes mosquitoes to better understand the malaria parasite which has been developing a resistance to the anti-malarial drugs.
Reuters/RIcardo Rojas
Paediatrician, Paediatric Pulmonologist, Associate Professor, Department of Paediatrics & Extraordinary Professor, Department of Immunology, University of Pretoria