The University of Pretoria is one of South Africa’s oldest and well-established institutions, and this year, two of our faculties celebrate their centenaries. The Faculty of Veterinary Science is the only one of its kind in the country, and the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) is the frontrunner in chartered accounting in South Africa. 

“EMS began with a mere 32 students and four professors in 1920. Today, we have 7 800 students with 194 permanent academic staff and approximately 60 professional staff. While the numbers are impressive, our growth has not only been in quantity but also in the quality of our degrees,” said Professor Elsabe Loots, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

EMS has a large cohort of alumni who are esteemed in the business world, such as Laurie Dippenaar (retired Chairman of FirstRand Financial Group), Louis van der Watt (Group CEO and co-founder of Atterbury), Dr Hilton Fisher (Ambassador to the Republic of Chile) as well as three former Reserve Bank governors and two deputy governors. The faculty ranks highly globally and is recognised in all its fields of specialisation. 

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences was established with 32 students and four professors in 1920. Today, there are 7 800 students, 194 permanent academic staff and approximately 60 professional staff. 

This year UP has taken the number one spot in the Chartered Accountancy initial test of competence (ITC), out of the 16 universities accredited by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants. The University maintained its leadership position by being first for the past three years in the ITC results, with an average first-time writer pass rate of 94% over the past 14 years. 

The Faculty of Veterinary Science was established by Professor Sir Arnold Theiler, a Swiss veterinarian in 1920. The first intake numbered eight students. Today it has 1 200 undergraduate and 300 postgraduate students. The Faculty’s training covers all aspects of veterinary medicine, from primary animal health to advanced veterinary care. It is the top faculty of its kind on the continent.

According to the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Professor Vinny Naidoo, UP’s Veterinary Science faculty can make a powerful contribution to the South African economy. “I believe it can, with organised agriculture, become a driving force behind the South African economy in terms of animal production. Furthermore, better food production will not only result in a healthier nation but can help build foreign reserves from trade with international partners. Our training also empowers our students to work in any environment they choose. We also offer some of the best clinical training in the world as a result of our large caseloads.”

Both faculties have commemorative events planned throughout the year which will highlight their research strengths and contributions to South Africa.