The University of Pretoria (UP) honoured this year’s 19 UP-affiliated individuals who made the 2024 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans list at a recent luncheon held on Hatfield campus. The number of alumni recognised this year amounts to about 9.5% of the 200 honourees.

“As I look out at this gathering of remarkable individuals who have been recognised for their solution-driven, community-oriented contributions across a variety of sectors, I am struck by the profound impact that this institution has had on shaping young leaders and innovators in such diverse fields,” said the newly appointed Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UP, Professor Francis Petersen, in his address.

Since the inception of these awards, more than 210 UP staff members, current students and alumni – including this year’s 19 honourees – have been recognised as individuals who are striving to make a difference in society through their work.

“Your achievements are a clear indication of the transformative power of education and a commitment to making a difference in South Africa,” Prof Petersen said. “As I embark on this journey as Vice-Chancellor and Principal, I am inspired by the opportunity to build upon UP’s rich legacy of excellence, innovation and service, one that continues to produce individuals of such high calibre as the gifted group before me today.

“This is a source of great pride for the UP community,” Prof Peterson added. “Through your actions and achievements, you demonstrate to our current student cohort – and certainly to staff members and friends of the University, too – what is possible, serving as role models and guiding lights for the next generation of leaders.”

UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen and UP-affiliated 2024 Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans 

Expressing her excitement and congratulating the honourees, Samantha Castle, Senior Manager of UP’s Alumni Relations Office, said: “On behalf of the University and UP community, I want to personally express our immense pride in each and every one of you. Your achievements and inspiration brings joy to others and gives true meaning to our work as an institution. When you succeed, UP shines. We couldn’t ask for better ambassadors than yourselves.”

She went on to encourage the awardees to give back to the University.

“Please do come back to mentor others, participate in our various initiatives, be part of webinars or become guest lectures. Some of you might have experienced hardships while studying, and might have been a beneficiary of a bursary or bursaries, so I want to encourage you to make a donation, as we have many students who are part of the ‘missing middle’; work with us to help them realise their dreams.”

Elmariese Vermeulen, an awardee in the Legal Services category, said: “Having such a big organisation back what you are doing and what you are busy with is amazing. This recognition gives one an endorsement automatically – that this person is really making a change out there. Being recognised is a sign that you are going in the right direction.”

“Growing up in Uitenhage, I used to think such opportunities, achievements and platforms were for certain people – but look at me today!” said Neliswa Simelani, an awardee in the Education category. “This achievement is already opening doors for me. Just recently, I started being mentored in the Nursing Directorate Office of the South African Military Health Services, which is a big thing for me. One enters such offices when you’re closer to retirement, but young as I am, I’m already there. I’m grateful for this opportunity and I foresee many doors opening in future.”

Radio personality Lennox Wasara, a UP alumnus, hosted the gathering, and reminded the awardees that they will always have a friend at UP.

“History has the power to influence the present and we have to shape our future,” he said. “While our journey can be isolating, our hopes are shared.”

Prof Petersen emphasised that as members of this list, the honourees embody the essence of what higher education stands for.

“It is not just the pursuit of knowledge, but the translation of that knowledge into real-world impact,” he said. “Rather than being confined to academic papers, the knowledge created at UP is meant to solve the urgent challenges of our time – from climate change and social inequality to public health crises – improving lives and strengthening communities along the way.”