A day in the life at the University of Pretoria. 19 February 1971

On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" the student newspaper, Perdeby, reported on a group of female students that drew up a petition against the prohibition of ladies smoking on campus. These ladies try to canvas support for their petition at the student cafeteria.

Perdeby, 19 February 1971 © UP Archives

The petition stated that, contrary to the public opinion, ladies that smoke in public is not unladylike and female students should not be limited to only smoke in campus bathrooms. Married ladies further complained that if they are allowed to smoke openly off campus it is unrealistic to ban them to dark corners on campus to smoke. The Perdeby reported that most viewed this petition as a joke. However, the protesters stated that this is an infringement and that they will continue with the petition.

The University of Pretoria Archives (UPA) preserves the history of the university.The UPA has an extensive photo collection as well as a complete print collection of the Perdeby (PDBY). Please contact us on [email protected] to share your memories of Tukkies or access our collection virtually.