This initiative forms part of UP’s Programme for Academic Leadership (PAL), presented by the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS). The programme focuses on the context of academic leadership, people development and functional excellence.

Prof Antonio Carlos pointed out that USP has great capacity for growth and is very interested in expanding cooperation with South Africa. UP’s visiting team also showed great interest and experienced USP as a centre of excellence nationally and internationally.

As part of the PAL programme, the delegates were divided into teams with specific action learning projects to address. Prof Jordaan’s team included three other heads of departments, namely Prof Chris Theron of the Department of Physics, Prof Stefan van Eck of the Department of Mercantile Law and Prof Alta van der Merwe of the Department of Informatics. This team was tasked to consider the role of the head of department in the career development of young and established staff members. The respective teams will present their findings to the Executive, deans and representatives from UP during a round-table session in October.

Prof Jordaan says that the visit to Brazil offered an opportunity to explore the impact of global change, the role of universities in emerging markets and the implications thereof for tertiary educational institutions. As part of the visit to Brazil, the team also met with the Consul General, Mmaikeletsi Dube in São Paulo. She was accompanied by Willem van der Spuy, Consult Economic and Salome Masuku, Consul Politica. This opportunity allowed for fruitful discussion between the academics and the Consulate, especially with regard to future cooperation.

 
From left to right: Prof Van Eck, Prof Van der Merwe, Prof Theron and Prof Jordaan during their visit to Brazil.


The University of Pretoria visiting team with Ms Mmaikeletsi Dube, front row, middle, Consul General of the South African Consulate in Brazil.