The University of Pretoria (UP) recently hosted a celebration to honour alumni and staff who were listed among the 2025 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans honourees. The annual list profiles exceptional young South African leaders who are shaping the country’s future.

This year, 29 members of the UP community were included, reflecting the University’s ongoing contribution to nurturing talented and socially conscious leaders who are making a tangible impact across diverse sectors including healthcare, law, the arts, business, education and technology.

Honouring young changemakers

Addressing the honourees at an event held on the Hatfield Campus, UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen commended the young leaders for their dedication and the mark they are making on society.

“Your achievements are a clear indication of the transformative power of education and a commitment to making a difference in South Africa,” Prof Petersen said. “As Vice-Chancellor and Principal, I am inspired by the opportunity to build upon UP’s rich legacy of excellence, innovation and service, one that continues to produce individuals of such high calibre as the gifted group before me today.”

He also highlighted the University’s recent international achievements, including its best-ever placement in the 2026 QS World University Rankings, where UP ranked 362nd globally, and its strong performance in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, in which UP ranked 63rd worldwide on its overall sustainability impact, and 7th globally when measuring its impact on UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17: 'Partnerships for the Goals'.

“These rankings reflect how much value we place on partnerships and how much work we have put into achieving this,” he added. “While rankings and accreditations are but one aspect of our University’s achievements, they are a valuable reflection of our mission to be a leading contributor in the global academic community.”

Prof Petersen also emphasised the strength of UP’s alumni network, now more than 300 000-strong, and the vital role graduates play in advancing the University’s mission.

“Through your actions and achievements, you demonstrate to our current students, staff, and friends of the University what is possible,” he said. “You serve as role models and guiding lights for the next generation of leaders.”

Celebrating success and connection

Welcoming guests “home”, Dr Samantha Castle, UP’s Senior Manager for Alumni Relations, congratulated the young South African leaders and thanked them for representing the University with distinction.

“Your success stories bring inspiration to others and give real meaning to the work that we do every day,” she said. “When you succeed, UP shines, and we could not ask for better ambassadors to carry our name forward.”

Dr Castle also reflected on her journey with UP’s annual Mail & Guardian honourees event, noting that this year’s gathering marked her final event in her role as Senior Manager for Alumni Relations.

“I could not have wished for a more fitting way to close this chapter, surrounded by our brightest young leaders, who represent the very best our University has to offer,” she said.

She also shared plans to establish a dedicated Alumni Chapter for Mail & Guardian awardees.

“We plan to continue this legacy of celebration and inspiration through the launch of our UP Mail & Guardian Alumni Chapter,” Dr Castle said. “I truly hope that all of you will be willing to participate and join this powerful movement of UP M&G awardees.”

Looking forward

The event served not only as a moment of celebration but also as a reminder of UP’s enduring role in shaping the country’s next generation of leaders. The inclusion of these young South African leaders on the Mail & Guardian list underscores the University’s mission to empower individuals who use knowledge to create positive change.

As Prof Petersen concluded: “A better South Africa and Africa is out there, and it starts with individuals like you. The industriousness and innovation that you have demonstrated are what will shape the country, the continent and the future.”