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100 Years of Excellence: University of Pretoria Welcomes New Vice-Chancellor

100 Years of Excellence: University of Pretoria Welcomes New Vice-Chancellor

Author: By Kasia Yoko
Date: 2025-03-27

The University of Pretoria (UP), a beacon of academic excellence and innovation, recently celebrated a milestone with the inauguration of its new Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Francis Petersen. Appointed to his role on October 1, 2024, Professor Petersen now leads the institution into its next century, overseeing its management and administration while upholding its legacy of groundbreaking research and education.

To mark this occasion, a select group of journalists embarked on an exclusive three-day tour of UP's faculties. This immersive experience highlighted the university's unparalleled tuition and innovation, including a private tour of its renowned Veterinary Academic Hospital-the only one of its kind in South Africa.

A Legacy of Academic Excellence

UP has firmly established itself as a leader in higher education. According to the latest rankings, it holds the top position in South Africa in several disciplines, including:

• Accounting and Finance

• Economics and Econometrics

• Electrical and Electronic Engineering

• Law

• Mathematics

• Mechanical Engineering

• Veterinary Science

Beyond excelling in individual fields, the university boasts the widest variety of research and study opportunities in South Africa. In a significant achievement, UP was the only South African university to be ranked in the 2023 World University Rankings for Innovation-solidifying its reputation as a forward-thinking institution.

UP is also recognized as a top-tier traditional university, with an impressive 73% of its academic staff holding PhDs. This commitment to academic rigor, combined with a progressive approach to research, makes the institution a powerhouse in Africa's educational landscape.

A Hub for Research and Social Impact

The University of Pretoria is home to Africa's first nuclear medicine facility, emphasizing its role in pioneering medical advancements. Additionally, the institution is renowned for its work in poverty research. "The University of Pretoria is rated as the global leader in its research on poverty issues, its support for underprivileged students, and how effectively it promotes employment opportunities and drives economic growth," said Professor Petersen during a visit to the communal gardens on campus.

These gardens serve as more than just green spaces-they are part of a community upliftment project aimed at providing food for local communities. "UP is a very special space. 24,357 of our students are involved in community work through 233 modules that include compulsory community engagement," Professor Petersen added.

A Campus Rooted in History and Innovation

Beyond academics, the university is home to a century-old botanical garden, a tranquil space filled with indigenous and non-indigenous species. Managed by a dedicated team, the garden is envisioned as a place of reflection and calm, reinforcing the university's commitment to holistic development.

As UP embarks on its next century, its legacy of excellence, innovation, and social responsibility remains stronger than ever. Under the leadership of Professor Petersen, the university continues to shape the future of education in South Africa and beyond.