About UP RAG – Reach Out and Give

For over 93 years, UP RAG has been a cornerstone of community engagement and student development at the University of Pretoria. What started as a modest initiative has evolved into a vibrant, student-driven organization dedicated to making a difference while fostering a sense of fun and camaraderie. The contagious UP RAG spirit has earned a reputation for transforming fundraising and outreach projects into unforgettable experiences that leave a lasting impact on both the community and students alike.

At the heart of UP RAG is a governance structure led by a committee of 12 dedicated students, each overseeing diverse portfolios to ensure a student-centered approach to decision-making and operations. These roles include:

Chairperson

Vice-Chairperson

Secretary and Admin

SRC Ex-Officio

Treasurer and Fundraising Officer

Events Officer

Media and Marketing Officer

Transformation Officer

Clothing and Embassador Officer

General Committee Officer

Thusho Officer

Kagiso Officer

This core team collaborates closely with 40 general committee members to guarantee the success of UP RAG’s numerous initiatives. Moreover, UP RAG works hand-in-hand with students who manage community engagement portfolios across Faculty houses, Tuks residences, Special Committees, and Day houses, all operating under the guidance of the UP RAG committee.

Together, these passionate individuals embody the true spirit of UP RAG, driving impactful change while enriching the student experience.

 

What does UPRAG Involve?

UPRAG's mission is centered around developing students through community engagement and fundraising projects. By channeling students' passion for making a difference, UPRAG not only raises funds for various community and civic engagement initiatives but also creates opportunities for students to engage in impactful service.

Key aspects of UPRAG include:

1. Student Development: Students are encouraged to participate in activities that enhance their personal growth while contributing to the betterment of the community.
2. Fundraising Projects: UPRAG organizes various projects to raise funds that directly benefit communities in need, supporting causes that range from health and education to social welfare.
3. Community Engagement: UPRAG's initiatives are designed to address the basic needs of individuals, families, and communities, providing support for their social, spiritual, and health-related needs.
4. Inclusive and Non-Discriminatory Values: UPRAG operates on a multi-racial and non-discriminatory basis, ensuring that all activities adhere to the values of equality, fairness, and inclusivity as outlined in South Africa's Constitution.
5. Organizational Structure: UPRAG consists of a dedicated team, including an Executive Committee (EC) and General Committee (GC), made up of volunteers committed to managing and executing community and fundraising activities throughout the academic year.

Through UPRAG, students of the University of Pretoria have the unique opportunity to be part of an organization that not only enriches their university experience but also allows them to be active contributors to the greater good of society.

 

Our Mission

As UP RAG, our mission is to empower students by channeling their energy and enthusiasm into meaningful community service and fundraising projects. We provide students with the opportunity to actively participate in initiatives that benefit local communities while enriching their own university experience. Every year, the proceeds from our fundraising efforts are reinvested into community engagement projects and donated to various beneficiaries that align with our values of social upliftment and development.

 

Our Aims

• To develop the students of the University of Pretoria through exposure to community engagement and add to a wholesome organized student life experience;
• To adhere to the mission of RAG through effective management, negotiations and administration of RAG projects;
• To raise funds for community and civic engagement projects;                                               
• To give the students of the University of Pretoria the opportunity to get actively involved and to take part in fundraising and community and civic engagement projects;
• As an organization provide help with the basic needs of individuals, groups and families through tangible contributions to their spiritual, health and social needs and assist with the welfare of the community;
• RAG aims to conduct all community and civic engagementand fundraising projects as well as all student activities on a multi-racial and non-discriminatory basis in accordance with the stipulations as set out in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and relevant case law;
• RAG will assist in an advisory and consultative manner in aiding Societies, Residences, Day Houses and Faculty Houses in their community engagement projects.
• RAG will assist the Societies representative on the SRC to evaluate the Societies project reports at the end of the year.

RAG is authorized by the Executive Management of the University of Pretoria (within the guidelines as set by them) to execute the necessary actions and conduct the necessary business in order to reach the aims as set out in subsection 5 by:​

• Performing community and civic engagement activities and raise funds as determined by the Welfare Act and the Act on Fundraising;
• To use the funds or part of the funds that were raised in such a way as to ensure the successful functioning of RAG;
• To promote RAG as a fundraising, community and civic engagement organization and to organize and manage all student activities.           

 

Why We Do It

Our goal is to develop well-rounded students by exposing them to the importance of giving back. UP RAG plays a crucial role in shaping student life by offering opportunities for students to engage in organized, impactful community projects. These experiences not only enhance their personal growth but also foster a sense of responsibility and compassion.

Through tangible contributions, UP RAG addresses the social, financial, and spiritual needs of individuals, families, and groups within the broader community. Whether it’s supporting health, education, or welfare initiatives, UP RAG is dedicated to creating positive, lasting change in the lives of those we serve.

 

Join Us in Reaching Out and Giving

As UP RAG, we believe in the power of students to make a difference. We invite all students at the University of Pretoria to get involved, contribute to our community, and make lifelong memories along the way. Together, we can build a better, more connected future.

For information on our upcoming events follow us on our social media pages (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter)