The University of Pretoria (UP) officially kicked off its 118th-anniversary celebrations this week by turning its gaze toward the next decade. As campuses buzzed with the energy of a new academic year, the institution launched its ambitious new institutional strategy, Thrive UP 2038.
This strategic roadmap sets a bold vision for the university as it prepares to celebrate its 130th anniversary in 2038, focusing on transforming knowledge into tangible societal impact.
Human-Centred and Impact-Driven
Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen emphasized that the new strategy is built on a “human-centred” approach. Thrive UP 2038 positions the university not just as a hub of academic research, but as an engine for building just, sustainable, and resilient futures.
“Students matter. Staff matter. Communities matter,” said Prof Petersen. “Knowledge matters because of what it enables in the world beyond our campuses.”
Addressing Global Challenges
The strategy arrives at a critical time, responding to global imperatives including:
- Climate instability and biodiversity loss.
- Pressure on food systems.
- Rapid technological advancements (4IR).
- Persistent inequality.
Thrive UP 2038 commits UP to generating knowledge that translates directly into solutions for these pressing issues.
A Legacy of Excellence
The milestone celebration highlighted UP’s standing as a leading research-intensive institution. Notably, the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Onderstepoort continues to lead on the continent, while other disciplines have achieved historic international rankings.
Prof Petersen concluded by calling on the university community to make the strategy a living document. “Strategy only becomes meaningful when it is lived through people. Through our daily work, our teaching, our research, and our engagement with society, each contribution matters.”
