A day in the life at the University of Pretoria. 23 March 2014

On this "Day in the life of the University of Pretoria" the university community debated the government introduction of a compulsory community service for graduates.

At the turn of the century, the importance of community engagement, as one of the three pillars of the higher education enterprise, had gained considerable momentum in South Africa. Already in 2003 the university establish the Unit for Development Support to assist with the coordination of community service. By 2006 UP created curricular and non-curricular   community engagement programs for its students. This prepared UP well for formal government implementation of community programs that would happen a few years later.

The 2014 article in the student newspaper the Perdeby reported that the ANC Executive committee were then considering introducing a year of community service for all students from the health and education sector. Some students and staff members supported the idea and looked forward to gaining more practical experience. A number of students and personnel however questioned practical implications of sustaining and financing a year of community service.

The UPA preserves the history of the University of Pretoria. We have a vast photo collection and earlier copies of the senate, council and faculty minutes. Or holdings also houses an extensive clipping collection, as featured here.Please contact us on [email protected] to read this or similar articles in our collection. We welcome photos, documents or any memorabilia relating to UP’s past. To share your memories of Tukkies please contact us on [email protected].