Dear UP community,

The University of Pretoria (UP) has proactively engaged in transformational reforms to ensure that staff and students from all backgrounds find a home in our teaching, learning, and working environments. We remain resolute in ensuring that our touchpoints are transformed and inclusive.

It is important to note that transformation is not a once-off activity or event; it is a process that requires constant introspection and interrogation. During a dialogue in the Faculty of Humanities Transformation Committee, the issue of renaming Tukkievaria, the biweekly staff newsletter, was raised and eventually referred to the Institutional Transformation Committee (ITC) for further discussion. A recommendation in this regard was made by the ITC to the Executive Committee late last year for approval to start a consultation process.

Many of our staff members have very strong emotional ties to the Tukkievaria brand, and this change might not be easy, which is why we are reaching out to you today. We are conscious of the cultural and historical significance of the Tukkievaria brand, and that it has become something that we all look forward to receiving. This is why we can't make a decision around renaming it without your inputs and suggestions!

We therefore invite you to let us know whether you prefer to change the name, or retain it – and why you hold that view. This opportunity is open to all current staff members, fixed contractors, and temporary staff or interns. We also ask those who wish the name to change to provide up to four options and an explanation for a new name for our staff newsletter.

That's not all: Consenting participants will get the chance to win a branded hamper. You can elect either to participate in this renaming process anonymously, or to enter your name and contact details for a chance to win the prize.

Should the majority of staff members want the name to remain unchanged, the process ends. But, should the majority of responses support a name change, the suggested names will be collated and presented to the institutional Communication and Marketers’ Forum, which represents various departments and faculties, to shortlist the top names from the submissions.

If the process continues to a second round, that round would include an institution-wide poll of the shortlisted names, and all UP staff will be invited to cast a vote. The name that gets the most votes will be announced and shared campus-wide with the submitter’s name/s, if they have consented to its disclosure.

If the process concludes with most people choosing to retain the name Tukkievaria, a prize will be awarded to the person who provided the best motivation for retaining the name. If most people choose to proceed to a renaming process and poll on name choices, the prize/s will go to the person/s who submitted the winning name.

Please note that the competition prize might attract a small tax deduction. We will share more information to update you as the process unfolds. 

Please use this link to participate by 22 September 2023.

We hope you will engage in this process, and look forward to your creative and thoughtful submissions.

Nontsikelelo 'Ntsikie' Loteni

Director: Transformation Office

Chairperson: UP Institutional Transformation Committee