Professor Tawana Kupe, the new Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Pretoria, paid a visit to the university’s Hillcrest campus on Tuesday to talk to students and staff and ensure that the ongoing registration process is running smoothly.

UP’s online registration process started on 3 January for senior students and 9 January for first-years. By Monday 15 January, approximately 4 800 first-year students and 14 700 senior students had registered, with the numbers set to rise as the registration process continues until the end of the month.

“I came here today to check how the registration process is going, particularly to see whether it is smooth and efficient and allows students to register without any glitches,” Prof. Kupe said during a visit to the Hillcrest campus. “I am happy with the registration process. Everything seems to be well-designed, with nice process flows and directions for people. Everything is structured well for somebody coming to the university for the first time.”

Wallace Isaacs, Deputy Director for Enrolment and Student Administration urged students, both first-year and senior, to register on time to avoid last-minute registration. “Everyone can register online, from wherever they are. Should they experience any difficulty, they are welcome to come directly to the Hillcrest campus for further assistance, or get in touch with our registration call centre.”  

Registration can be a long and tedious process, but it’s all hands on deck for university staff to ensure registration runs as smoothly as possible.

The Student Representative Council (SRC) is also helping out at Hillcrest campus. “As the SRC, we are here to assist students mainly with financial, accommodation, and academic matters,” said UP SRC President David Kabwa.

From left: Nysha Chinembiri, Dickeng Seshweni, David Kabwa, Prof. Tawana Kupe, Rameza Abdoal Sattar, Thabang Pikoko, Jacobus Cordier and Thabang Sepuru

Some of the students queuing to register at the Hillcrest campus on Tuesday shared their thoughts about the process: “It’s been so good. I thought it was going to be difficult, but to my surprise it was actually smooth sailing,” said Cheyenne Sachse, who registered for her first year as a BA Law student.

“The process was very fast, and people around here are helpful as well,” said Henrico Jacobs, a first-year Political Science student. “I have lived in Pretoria my whole life, and I do not want to leave Pretoria, so UP is the only university for me.”

“UP is one of the best universities in South Africa, and I am glad I got accepted to further my studies at this institution,” said Karabo Koloje, a first-year Bachelor of Social Work student. “As for the registration process, everything was perfect. I have no complaints.”