Recently, UP climbed 20 spots in the 2024 QS Sustainability Rankings, and now ranks 156 globally. The University has also done exceptionally well in most other global rankings; we look forward to continuing on that winning trajectory.

In the 2023 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings, UP significantly improved its global position, reaching 69^th place out of 1 705 universities across 115 countries. We are ranked second in both South Africa and Africa. In the 2024 THE World University Rankings, UP made notable progress by advancing to the 501 – 600 range globally. Additionally, our Law Faculty was once again recognised as the top-ranked in South Africa and Africa, securing a position among the top 100 globally, at number 65 (THE Subject Rankings). I am proud to note that the University also excelled in new research indicators, particularly in research productivity, research excellence, research impact and patents.

While university rankings are significant as benchmarks of success and quality in higher education, they should not be the sole criteria. An extensive assessment of an institution’s impact and performance should take into account a broader spectrum of attributes, including the quality of teaching, contributions to research, levels of student satisfaction, and engagement with the community. When considered in conjunction with rankings, these factors offer a more encompassing portrayal of an institution’s overall effectiveness and significance.

In this regard, I am happy to report that UP has shone in several other areas. 

Our Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences earned international recognition after receiving accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, placing the faculty in the top 6% globally and underscoring its dedication to excellence in business education. A more recent historic moment was Professor Dire Tladi, a professor of international law at UP and Future Africa’s Research Chair in Global Equity in Africa, being appointed as a judge of the International Court of Justice – a first for South Africa.

The Career Services division won several industry awards for the top-notch student support systems that it has put in place, while the Department of Institutional Advancement’s recent wins at the MACE (Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education) Awards highlighted its firm footing in academic spaces. Tuks FM also emerged victorious in the world of radio, clinching seven South African Radio Awards and three awards in the International Students Broadcasting Championship.

We have also celebrated many individual staff members who have been the recipients of various awards, fellowships, and recognition by different bodies and institutions.

Among others, Professors Mike Wingfield and Rangan Gupta have demonstrated that UP continues to be a source of pure academic excellence, after once again being named in the Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers list for 2023. They are among a group of only 10 South African academics on the list. Biochemist Dr Phanankosi Moyo, a postdoctoral fellow at UP’s Biodiscovery Centre in the Department of Chemistry, and economist Dr Carolyn Chisadza have been selected to be part of the Visiting Fellowship Programme facilitated by the Africa Oxford Initiative, a cross-university platform that enables collaborations between researchers at African institutions and those at the University of Oxford. 

I would like to thank numerous individuals from UP who have been exemplary role models for our staff and student community, and for putting UP on the map.

The University has also hosted some memorable events. The recent Diabetes Summit, which brought together experts and policymakers from various fields, is a case in point. Just before that, we hosted a spectacular two-night Principal’s Concert that enabled us to thank our strategic partners, donors and funders in the best way we could – through a feast of artistic brilliance.

The year has not been without its ups and downs. This year’s Student Representative Council elections were marred by untoward behaviour, and upon perusing the full report on the elections, the UP Council ratified the decision to appoint a Temporary Student Committeefor 2024 to ensure stability in student leadership for the start of the 2024 academic year.

Our finances have not been great. Fortunately, we ran a second successful Giving Campaign and our staff donors increased to 235 donors (compared to 177 in 2022) as at 31 August 2023. The funds donated will go towards our Student Support programme. Thank you – I look forward to more staff donations in 2024.

Our collective accomplishments stem from the teamwork and dedication of all individuals who, against all odds, play a vital role with a primary focus on ensuring that UP remains an internationally recognised research institution among its peers. Consequently, our collective efforts hold significance across various spheres and have yielded commendable results, demonstrating a commitment to excellence and a pursuit of knowledge.

I attribute these achievements to the dedication and hard work exhibited by each member of the UP community. Please receive my most profound gratitude: without each and every one of you, none of these achievements would have been possible.

I hope you get an opportunity for some well-deserved rest with your loved ones over the festive season. 

I wish you and your families a joyful holiday season and a prosperous new year!

Professor Themba Mosia

Interim UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal