The function was attended by the Deputy Minister of Education, Mr Enver Surty, University staff, community representatives and corporate partners.

In his welcoming address, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, Prof. Calie Pistorius, explained that although the function was "ceremonial" because this department has been operational since 2007, it was nonetheless very important to reinforce UP’s commitment to be relevant and supportive in all the communities it operates in. The launch of the Department of Community Engagement formed part of the centenary celebrations

In his keynote address, the Deputy Minister congratulated the University of Pretoria on setting up a Department of Community Engagement that can drive the objective of engaging with communities. The Deputy Minister conveyed his department's support for this important cause and also expressed a wish to see community engagement become a central part of Universities’ activities. “It is my hope that the University of Pretoria's model on community engagement will be emulated by other institutions of higher learning,” Mr Surty said.

Click here for a short video clip of Mr Surty's speech.

Visit our audio page for the soundfile of his address.

For more information on the Department of Community Engagement, contact Gernia van Niekerk on 012 420 5341 or e-mail