The University of Pretoria (UP) recently celebrated its 112th birthday. At the celebration Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Tawana Kupe said hard work and determination would be key in taking the institution to greater heights.

The celebration, which took place in the Aula on the Hatfield Campus, was filled with vibrant energy and members of the UP community used the occasion to interact with one another and look back on the institution’s illustrious history.

In his remarks, Prof Kupe expressed his gratitude to the UP community for their efforts in ensuring that the University remains one of the most respected in the country.

“I’d also like to express my gratitude for the warm welcome you all have extended to me which has made me feel at home at UP. The kindness, helpfulness and warmth that I have experienced is something that I can truly say is THE UP WAY.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you for the work you do to make this institution function well and become great at what it does. It is much and deeply appreciated. Of course, it would not be me if I did not ask you to do all you can to improve productivity and efficiency across the board. We work hard, yes, but we must work harder,” he said.

Prof Kupe also reiterated the University’s commitment to ensuring that the issues that the higher education sector faces as a whole, and also affect UP students, are dealt with in order to create a conducive environment for teaching and learning.

“You will all be aware that there is some instability in the sector and some of our sister institutions have not necessarily had a smooth start to the academic year. This instability is caused by some enduring issues that require sensitive and empathetic handling by various stakeholders which, principally, are the universities, the DHET (Department of Higher Education and Training), NSFAS, SRCs and student organisations. All stakeholders must and are largely working together to ensure a smooth and enabling start to the academic year,” he said.