‘I wish you all the very best, and look forward to watching as UP continues its climb to greater heights in 2019.’

As the year draws to a close and I approach the end of my tenure as Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria (UP), I wish to take this opportunity to thank each and every member of our community who has helped me steer the ship over these past nine years. I take many treasured memories along with me into the next chapter in my life.

It is because of the efforts of all our employees that UP has continued to grow its reach and build on its already strong reputation. Your hard work and commitment to quality teaching and learning, research and community engagement throughout the years has seen us improve our rankings in numerous metrics. We are in the top 1.9% of universities worldwide according to the QS World University Rankings, and in the past few weeks we’ve achieved recognition from the Times Higher Education World University Rankings in three new fields: Education; Business and Economics; and Social Sciences. Additionally, UP’s Law subject ranking improved by 16 positions, bringing our Law faculty into the top 80 in the world, and sealing its reputation as the top Law school in Africa.

To our final-year students who are leaving us to begin their new careers, I wish you all well and hope that you will pass on the skills you’ve learned from your alma mater in whatever path you choose to pursue, whether that includes taking up a new job or starting your own business. UP alumni are among the most sought-after in the world, and I know you will continue to make us proud! To those students who will be returning, enjoy your break.

I wish all of you well over the festive period, and extend my best wishes ahead of your much-deserved summer break. May you all experience a holiday filled with peace, happiness and quality time with your loved ones.

I wish you all the very best, and look forward to watching as UP continues its climb to greater heights in 2019.

Prof Cheryl de la Rey

Vice-Chancellor and Principal