Part of the University’s Department of Historical and Heritage Studies, UP Campus Tours recently took high-profile delegates from over 15 countries on a tour of UP.

The University of Pretoria Campus Tours (UPCT) recently hosted the Walking Group of Diplomatic Spouses and Friends for a tour of the University and high tea. More than 35 delegates arrived from 15 countries, including those in the European Union, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, Nepal, Peru, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, Ukraine and the US. Delegates from South Africa were also represented.

The guests were welcomed at Kya Rosa by Professor Karen Harris, Head of UP’s Department of Historical and Heritage Studies, who briefly explained the role of the UPCT as a form of experiential learning in honours degree programmes. The UPCT gives students the opportunity to run every aspect of this simulated project and gain a year of work experience while doing their degree. The guests were taken on an hour-and-a-half-long tour by UPCT students and were entertained with details of the history of the University, interesting snippets about the various faculties, and descriptions of the architectural styles, sculptures and natural beauty  found across campus.  

Director of the Department of Institutional Advancement Rikus Delport addressed the group on their return to Kya Rosa, where they enjoyed refreshments. Jennifer Cheng-Mantaha, the wife of the High Commissioner of Singapore, thanked UPCT for an “impressively well-organised tour”, and for the warm welcome and hospitality at Kya Rosa.

“UPCT will be very much in demand for their tours after today,” she added.

The honours students said this was an unforgettable experience and a highlight of their year.