In 2017, the University approved its first Transformation Plan and the establishment of the Transformation office. The Plan was a response to redress its long history of exclusion where many South Africans were excluded from obtaining an education and working for the institution. The leadership of the University demonstrated their commitment by making it clear that transformation at UP will be a strategic driver for ensuring success in teaching, learning and research; a means for attracting historically disadvantaged communities, and a catalyst for creating the conditions in which all members of the University can thrive.

The University’s approach to transformation was guided by the values of diversity, inclusivity and equity. As a result, transformation was at the heart of all ongoing strategic initiatives which focused amongst others academic success, research excellence, curriculum transformation, community engagement, gender and social justice, disability awareness, diversity and culture change. Great strides have been made within the university in terms of the transformation agenda that an official office that deals with all aspects of transformation for the University was formally established in 2019.

Strategic Objectives

Apart from driving the transformation agenda and initiatives of the University, this Office is also responsible for;

• Ensuring that the University complies with the legal and regulatory framework related to the transformation of universities within South Africa. 
• Facilitate the implementation of the university’s Transformation Strategy and objectives by all stakeholders across all units;
• Developing and supporting transformation strategies, implementation and monitoring; 
• Contributing to all transformational change management forums within the University in order to entrench an institutional culture that values, promotes and celebrates diversity and inclusion; 
• Designing, managing and implementing various social justice initiatives, advocacy, awareness and prevention campaigns run by the Transformation Office; 
• Developing and implementing diversity and inclusion strategies
• Reporting on University transformation progress to relevant internal forums and external stakeholders such as Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET); 
• Engaging and managing our internal and external stakeholders that support the University’s transformation agenda.