More than 5 000 students and staff members took part in the candle light walk on the eve of the official birthday celebrations of the University. The procession started from the Prospect Street gate along the Circle Route to the Student Centre. The thousands of lights made a brilliant display along the route.

After a short ceremony involving the former Chairperson, Chilu Chani, current Chairperson of the SRC, Ms Yolande van der Westhuizen and the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP, Prof Calie Pistorius, the centenary flame was lit by Prof Pistorius. The flame symbolizes one hundred years of scholarship and learning and will burn throughout the centenary year to mark the historic event.

Internationally renowned sculptor and UP alumni laureate Angus Taylor is responsible for the design of the vessel, while Walter Pel of Sasol Technology designed the flame burner. SASOL sponsored the flame burner as part of their research and development collaboration with the University.

Please visit www.up.ac.za/centenary and click on the centenary link for the centenary programme.

Click here for a short video clip of the Candle Light Walk.

View more photos of the Candle Light Walk.