University of Pretoria

Personal choice or public responsibility?

Should vaccination remain a personal decision when public health may be affected? This complex legal and ethical debate is explored by Dr Liesl Hager from UP’s Department of Private Law.

“SA urgently needs statutory reform to clarify whether vaccination is mandatory, what exemptions are acceptable and what legal and health consequences may result from non-compliance,” she says. Read more here: https://ow.ly/7lbM50Z9Z8j

For Paul-Hendri van der Merwe, a childhood love for animals and a tour to Onderstepoort sparked a journey of academic excellence and impactful research in animal health.

From earning the Theiler Medal to working on vulture conservation, his story embodies the resilience and passion within veterinary science at UP.

This , we celebrate young changemakers like Paul-Hendri who are shaping a better future through compassion and innovation. Read more: https://ow.ly/Wo0x50Z9YyV

Paying it forward: After raising a combined R41,000 to help students last year, UP staff members Dr Bianca Frost and Josiah Mavundla are running the 2026 Comrades to support UP’s new campaign.

They are running to help graduates clear historical debt and access degree certificates they’ve already earned.

Support their campaign here: https://ow.ly/GXHa50Z9OrN

Sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is ask for support.

If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or anxious, remember that you don’t have to face it alone. UP Student Counselling is here for you.

Investing in student success, one opportunity at a time. UP has received a R1,7 million donation from Employment Solution Management (ESM) to support bursaries for deserving students facing financial barriers.

Since 2025, ESM has contributed more than R3,3 million towards student success at UP. Thank you to ESM and its partners for investing in the future of our students.

Read more: https://ow.ly/fMto50Z9oUQ

This , UP is offering 100 places to unemployed graduates in a free six-month entrepreneurship development programme focused on mentorship, business skills and entrepreneurial growth.

“Young people did everything right, they studied, they graduated and many are still waiting for an opportunity. We want to help them create it,” says Prof Alex Antonites, Head of the Department of Business Management at UP.

Read more: https://ow.ly/1n4i50Z9n3s

The countdown is on! This Sunday, our UP fundraising champions take on the iconic to help graduates access degree certificates withheld because of historical debt.

Every step helps unlock futures. Support the campaign: https://ow.ly/5QeK50Z9mv4

The countdown to your future is on. Every great journey starts with a single step. If UP is part of your plans for 2027, don't wait until the last minute to apply. Take that first step today.

Applications close on 30 June 2026: https://ow.ly/Yloz50Z8w3t

What does load shedding really mean for older people?

In the spotlight today, UP graduate Gabriella Beth Wysoke’s master’s research sheds light on its hidden psychosocial impact, revealing both the challenges and resilience of older persons in South Africa.

Read more: https://www.up.ac.za/news/social-work-graduate-sheds-light-hidden-impact-of-loadshedding-older-persons

UP’s Prof Vukosi Marivate recently called for Africa to take ownership of its AI future, emphasising innovation rooted in local languages, realities and talent.

From advancing African language technologies to building inclusive grassroots innovation ecosystems, the message was clear: meaningful innovation must be rooted in local realities, languages and values. Proud to see UP researchers helping shape conversations on the future of AI across the continent and beyond.

Read more: https://ow.ly/uZgO50Z8Jei