Africa Day is an international day of commemoration celebrated across the continent and by the African diaspora. The day acknowledges the unity of Africa and it is the day that the African Union was inaugurated as the Organisation of African Unity in 1963.

The University of Pretoria is proud to be the academic home of students and staff from across the continent. Our diversity adds to our understanding of cultures, arts and histories from across Africa, and together, we work as a university community to provide solutions to many of our national and regional challenges.

Corruption is one such challenge, whether it is in the private, corporate or public sectors. Therefore, the African Union Assembly has made 2018 the Anti-Corruption Year in order to win the fight against corruption so that there is a sustainable path to Africa’s prosperity and economic transformation.

At the University of Pretoria, we acknowledge the challenges posed by corruption in all spheres of society and how this impacts on the nation and the continent as a whole. We strive to instil in our students strong values of integrity, honesty and truth, and in doing so, we aim to produce professionals who enter the workplace as highly ethical and having integrity.

UP has a zero tolerance approach to corruption. We urge staff and students to make use of our independently-audited ethics hotline to report any instances of fraud, corruption, illegal or unethical behaviour. You can do so (anonymously, if you wish) at 0800 227 007 or visit the website at www.up.ac.za/ethicshotline.

This Africa Day, let us work together to create a culture of accountability and ethical leadership in business, government and society by each playing our part to end corruption.

Prof Cheryl de la Rey

Vice-Chancellor and Principal