ANNUAL
2019
INSPIRING INNOVATION
What’s i nside Message from the Chancellor
Driving innovation: Making a difference
2
Message from the Chair of Council
Planning for better futures: For South Africa, Africa and the world
4
Message from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Inspiring innovation: It’s the UP Way
6
Teaching and Learning
10
Research 26 Engagement 36 Transformation 44 Sustainability 52 Financial Statements
58
ISBN 978-1-77592-196-7
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR DRIVING INNOVATION: MAKING A DIFFERENCE
CHAIR OF COUNCIL MESSAGE PLANNING FOR B ETTER FUTURES: FOR SOUTH AFRICA, AFRICA AND THE WORLD
VICE-CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE INSPIRING I NNOVATION: IT’S THE UP WAY
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR
Driving i nnovation MAKING A DIFFERENCE Top universities are pioneers: they pursue innovative research, pedagogies, curricula, and adapt to changing, complex and Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu
uncertain environments. They are laboratories for new ideas.
The University of Pretoria (UP) is a pioneer of
Innovation is neither an end in itself nor is it simply about
innovations through which it seeks to transform lives
seeking distinctiveness as an excellent university; it is
and communities, and to contribute to economic
about being relevant and impacting society positively.
advancement, social justice and sustainable development.
Innovative research can provide significant benefits to
Through innovation, it gives strong expression to its
society in the form of new knowledge that can be used
vision of becoming a leading research-intensive university in
to solve “critical problems” facing the world, and provide
Africa, recognised internationally for its quality, relevance and
medical and technological breakthroughs and inventions
impact, and also for developing people, creating knowledge
that improve quality of life.
and making a difference locally and globally. During 2019, UP achieved some world firsts, among them the world’s first middle ear transplant using 3D-printed bones by Prof Mashudu Tshifularo. In April 2019, the world was awed by the first-ever image of a black hole, an epic feat in astronomy, which was captured by an international team of scientists, including UP’s Prof Roger Deane. These are but two examples of the world-class research happening on African soil and in our country. Similarly, innovative pedagogies and curricula ensure that teaching and learning are adapted to the needs of students, ensure quality and relevance, and prepare students for the challenges and opportunities they will face after graduation. The #ChooseUP campaign aims to attract undergraduate and postgraduate students, international students, funders and industry partners to the University. The #ChooseUP Information Day for conditionally admitted students and their parents, won an Excellence Award from the Marketing, Advancement and Communication in Education (MACE) organisation for the second time.
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UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
UP continues to evolve as an inspiring place where scientists, scholars and students from different disciplinary backgrounds and different parts of the world, meet and interact in pursuit of research that matters. UP launched the Future Africa Institute and campus,
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from across the world and from a broad range of disciplines will congregate to leverage the benefits of transdisciplinary research to address the challenges that face Africa and the world. UP also launched the Javett Art Centre, an outstanding resource for students and scholars of art history, curation and conservation, which
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will enable a transdisciplinary intellectual project that illuminates, inspires and enables new forms of creativity and knowledge to emerge.
www.up.ac.za
UP is equally proud of its many innovations in the teaching and learning domain, such as the use of
RFW April 2019 Poster.indd 1
2019/09/05 09:36
animations in biochemistry education to enhance student understanding, and the ever-increasing use of blended
Innovation is the lifeblood of UP. It constantly anticipates
learning, video lectures and online interactions that bring
future developments and aligns its strategy to shape,
the world to our University and share our University with
embrace or address these developments. It continuously
the world.
responds to the changing world around it, in South Africa, Africa and globally, and seeks to make a positive and
The many complex challenges confronting universities
meaningful impact on society. UP is home to academics
and their communities necessitate innovative responses.
who are experts in their fields and generates ground-
As an adaptive strategy, innovation ensures that
breaking research and world-class innovations.
universities thrive as vibrant educational institutions in changing and uncertain conditions. More importantly, by
Simply put, innovation is THE UP WAY.
engaging directly with the significant challenges of society, innovation ensures that universities are relevant by
Prof Wiseman Nkuhlu
contributing to the advancement of society.
Chancellor
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CHAIR OF COUNCIL MESSAGE
Planning for better futures FOR SOUTH AFRICA, AFRICA AND THE WORLD Ms Futhi Mtoba
The University of Pretoria has a compelling story to tell. In a complex and fast-changing environment, we have differentiated ourselves and are making solid progress towards achieving our goals as set out in the UP 2025 Strategic Plan.
The University of Pretoria (UP) is one of the largest
Today’s dynamic world requires that every organisation
research-intensive universities in South Africa, with
and individual should find a way to unlearn what they
seven exceptional campuses and nine highly regarded
have experienced in the past and relearn so that they can
faculties spanning the knowledge spectrum: from
create new solutions for the future. It is an opportunity
traditional academic fields to rapidly evolving 4IR-
the University embraced enthusiastically in 2019 when
focused programmes. It is committed to making a
what it could be and how it could thrive in an increasingly
decisive contribution to transforming South Africa’s and
uncertain environment was considered.
Africa’s future through excellence in knowledge creation, impactful and relevant research, high-quality academic
Following the Universities South Africa’s (USAf) national
programmes, innovative teaching and learning, and social
higher education conference – Reinventing South Africa’s
responsiveness and engagement.
universities for the future – it was clear that universities cannot be ivory towers. They need to positively engage
The University enjoys a stellar reputation for the
with their varied publics and grow their trust in universities
quality of both its professional and research-orientated
as creators of future-proof knowledge. As a top higher
academic programmes. Yet, the profound scientific and
education institution, we, at UP, regard it as our duty to
technological developments linked with the 4IR, where
focus on innovation and transformation in all spheres of
machines are increasingly becoming smarter, require
society, the economy, and the environment. UP believes
that it continuously enhance its learning ability, skills and
that education for the 4IR is our greatest opportunity to
technological knowledge. “The illiterate of the 21st Century
achieve this and to contribute to a prosperous continent.
will not be those who cannot read and write, but those
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who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.” This statement by
The development of the Future Africa Institute and campus
Alvin Toffler, an American futurist, predicts the way forward
and the Engineering 4.0 complex on the UP Hillcrest
for all universities.
Campus is stimulating the convergence of expertise across
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
Executive appointments faculties to address several societal challenges. These innovations seek to bring local and global researchers, networks of scientists and partners from many disciplines and sectors in the broader community to work on transformative research projects that will seek to resolve some of Africa's complex, complicated and intersectional problems, and contribute to Africa's sustainable development. Topics as diverse as artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, cloud computing, logistics modelling, synthetic biology, bioprospecting, agriculture and forestry are being explored.
Prof Tawana Kupe was appointed as Vice-Chancellor and Principal and took office at UP on 14 January 2019. Later in the year, Prof Kupe was awarded an honorary doctorate in the Humanities by Michigan State University. Other executive appointments include: • Prof A Ströh as Vice-Principal: Institutional Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (re-appointment) • Prof N Mosia as Vice-Principal: Student Life (re‑appointment) • Prof N Duncan as Vice-Principal: Academic (re‑appointment).
As a University, our raison d'être is to make a difference in
under challenging conditions. At the same time, it also
society. UP understands that future strategies are not built
started building a platform for future students to take the
on “business as usual” approaches, that future societies
lead in a new world, creating new knowledge and new
are not built on conventional thinking and that future
ways of doing things.
solutions are not found in traditional approaches. This report offers a glimpse into the future. In the year under review, UP continued to work towards creating and maintaining a rewarding environment for
Ms Futhi Mtoba
current students, even exceeding some of its own targets
Chair of Council
Members of the UP Council are (from left): Front row – Ms Kedibone Diale, Prof Anton Ströh, Dr Barbara Ribeiro, Ms Danai Magugumela, Ms Neo Lesela, Mr Israel Skosana, Ms Vuyelwa Qinga and Ms Jane Mnguni; Second row – Prof Themba Mosia, Mr Danie Behr, Mr Appie Pienaar, Mr Kuseni Dlamini, Prof Tawana Kupe, Mr Francois Swart, Prof Innocent Pikirayi and Prof Caroline Nicholson; Third row – Mr Phillip Nel, Mr Laurie Dippenaar, Prof Carolina Koornhof, Mr Anton Botha and Mr Johan van der Merwe; Back row – Mr Allan Taylor, Prof Vasu Reddy and Prof Sunil Maharaj.
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VICE-CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE
Inspiring i nnovation IT’S THE UP WAY The University of Pretoria is a hidden jewel in the South African higher education landscape, with many facets of brilliance. In the Prof Tawana Kupe
year under review, it had numerous opportunities to demonstrate its clarity of purpose, unique research and depth of engagement.
The significant achievements the University of Pretoria (UP)
through to retaining top-rated researchers, and featuring
could record in 2019 are testimony to a solid foundation,
strongly in world rankings.
one that on 10 February 2019 was 111 years in the making as it celebrated this milestone of its existence. Going
Talent pipeline continues to flow
forward, UP will continue to use research and education of
UP remains a destination of choice and again succeeded
graduates to transform lives, transform communities and
in attracting students with outstanding school-leaving
sectors, transform South Africa as a nation and a society,
results. Almost one-third (32.4%) of the first-year students
and transform the continent. In short, it will continue to
who achieved six or more A-symbols in the National Senior
make a significant contribution to changing the world.
Certificate applied and were admitted to study at the University of Pretoria. This is up from 31.2% in 2018.
In mid-2019, the University launched THE UP WAY, which is its ethos, the way of life at UP and what it stands for as
The UP undergraduate recruitment strategy emphasises
an institution. It is as much about where it comes from as
the importance of responsible study and career choices
where it is heading to because THE UP WAY is about UP’s
and the employability of students. As a result, UP
excellence, perseverance, respect, creativity, innovation,
graduates are able to enter and enjoy success in the
diversity, growth, kindness and making a difference every
careers they choose – 93% of its students are either
day. It reflects UP culture and what its community does to
employed or continuing with their studies six months
uplift each other and society to make today matter.
after graduating1. UP is among the top four South African universities in the Quacquarelli Symonds 2020 Graduate
UP’s results prove that it is committed to making a
Employability Survey, which shows that our graduates are
decisive difference to transforming South Africa’s and
well-equipped for the world of work and highly sought-
Africa’s future through excellence in knowledge creation,
after.
relevant and impactful research, high-quality academic programmes, innovative teaching and learning, and social
The National Research Foundation (NRF) rating has
responsiveness and engagement.
become an accepted academic performance benchmark in the higher education sector. In 2019, UP had 528
This thread of excellence weaves throughout the UP system, from attracting top young talent to register at UP,
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UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
1 University of Pretoria (2018) Graduate destination survey: 2017 UP graduates.
rated researchers, a significant increase compared to previous years. The achievement of a P rating by three UP researchers is particularly gratifying. P-rated researchers are young researchers, under the age of 35 years, who are considered likely to become future international leaders in their respective fields. There has been pleasing progress in UP’s efforts to increase the percentage of academics with a PhD as their highest qualification, which has increased from 43% in 2012 to 67% in 2019. Achieving on a global scale UP’s researchers are putting their credentials to work, with UP having major research success in a number of areas. These not only demonstrate the quality of the university’s research and the calibre of its academics but also research that makes a meaningful contribution to Africa and the world. Three significant breakthroughs, of
(SDG 4), Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9),
international magnitude, are: performing the world’s first
and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). It
middle ear transplant with 3D printed bones; the imaging
was ranked in the 101-200 band for Partnerships for the
of the black hole; and the discovery that the earliest
Goals (SDG 17) and Good Health and Wellbeing (SDG 3),
ancestors of anatomically modern humans emerged in a
with no other South African university ranked under 200
southern African “homeland”. In the latter two instances,
in this category. The THE Impact Rankings are the only
UP researchers were part of a team of international
global performance tables that assess universities against
scientists.
the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
In addition to research, UP’s reputation is equally
The University’s community engagement continues
reflected in its rising international profile as evidenced by
apace, with 1 500 community sites of learning and 33 000
its strong showing in university rankings systems, which
students involved in community outreach programmes,
place the University among the top 1.9% of universities in
or volunteering. As a result of its contribution, UP is a
the world, and by the growing number of areas in which
member of the University Social Responsibility Network,
it has attained global excellence. UP has a record number
a network of 16 top universities in the world selected for
of researchers (56) in the top 1% according to the Web
their responsiveness to their local context. It is critically
of Science Index of 2019. For the third consecutive year,
important that the University uses knowledge to make
its Faculty of Law has been ranked in the top 100 of the
a decisive difference to the lives of the people in South
World University Rankings 2020 by subject, by the Times
African communities.
Higher Education (THE) survey. This achievement is unparalleled in South Africa and Africa.
Ensuring sustainable outcomes With such innovative and exciting projects as the Future
One placing that was particularly pleasing was in the THE
Africa Institute and complex and the Javett-UP Art
Impact Rankings, as it speaks to the university’s promise
Centre put into operation in 2019, and with other such
to do “research that matters”. UP participated for the first
transdisciplinary projects in the pipeline, 2019 offered
time in 2019 and featured among the top 100 universities
a unique opportunity to harness as much national and
in the world in three categories: Quality Education
international support for UP and its initiatives as possible.
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Fundraising targets for 2019 were convincingly exceeded,
• Fransjohan Pretorius, a well-known Emeritus Professor
the number of collaborators and potential collaborators
of History at UP, won the sought-after Jan H Marais
on University projects increased exponentially, and
Prize for his outstanding contribution to Afrikaans as
international institutions vied for the opportunity to partner with UP in new and exciting projects.
an academic language. He is a B1-rated researcher. • Sanesha Naicker, a former UP medical student, won the leading female pioneer in breast cancer research
UP has seen even greater growth in achieving its diversity
award at the 2019 Global Health and Pharma (GHP)
targets. In 1994, 11% of the student population was black,
Alternative Medicine and Holistic Health Awards. This
and in 2019 that number stood at 65%. More than half
is just the latest in a long list of awards won by this
the students are black women (55%), while black students
talented alumnus.
make up 70% of occupants in UP residences. Excellence on all fronts
Even on the sporting front, UP took top honours on the podium of excellence. UP’s deserved Sportsman
UP alumni remain a cornerstone upon which the
of the Year (2019) was Akani Simbine, a world-class
University builds its reputation. While this group can
sprinter, while Sportswoman of the Year was Tatjana
count among them many achievements, four in particular
Schoenmaker, South Africa’s “golden girl” in swimming.
stood out in 2019:
For the second consecutive year, UP were the overall
• Ronald Lamola was appointed as Minister of
Varsity Champions.
Justice and Correctional Services by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Minister Lamola completed two master’s
These developments, among others, prove that UP
degrees at the Faculty of Law as well as a postgraduate
has all the right fundamentals in place on its journey to
certificate in Competition Law.
becoming the leading university on the continent and
• Dion Shango was appointed the first black CEO of PwC
globally. UP is resolute that academics as researchers and
Africa. He visited Future Africa to discuss collaborating
teachers, students as learners and the next generation
and partnering on various fronts.
knowledge leaders, and all who work at the University, are active participants in this quest. This demands excellence and creativity. A great deal has been achieved, and the University will continue to strive to become a proudly diverse and genuinely inclusive university. UP aspires to become an African Global University, locally responsive, but continental in scope and globally engaged in making a significant contribution to transforming the world. It still has a way to go to achieve this as the global community of universities faces major constraints in the form of boundaries and borders within and beyond higher education. However, UP must build on its common strengths, increase mobility and nurture a new generation of knowledge creators who transcend borders and boundaries to co-create impactful knowledge for a better world.
Despite the challenges of coping with an extremely rare genetic disorder, Erika Barnard completed her four-year degree in a record three years.
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UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
Prof Tawana Kupe Vice-Chancellor and Principal
Excellent teachers
67
Percentage of academics
Exceptional alumni
286 000+
Number of alumni
118 countries Alumni distribution
with a PhD as their highest qualification
56 528
Researchers in the top 1% of the world NRF-rated researchers
World-class content
Top: Ronald Lamola. Above (from left): Sanesha Naicker, Dion Shango, Fransjohan Pretorius.
Top 100
UP Faculty of Law has been ranked in the Top 100 of the
Promising students
32+68+A 93 93+7+A
32
World University Rankings 2020 by subject
Percentage of top performers in the National Senior Certificate who
Top 1%
Research fields in which UP is
applied to study at UP
ranked in the top 1% globally
Percentage of our students who
according to the Web of Science
are either employed or continuing
Essential Science Indicators:
with their studies six months after
• Agricultural Sciences
graduating
• Biology & Biochemistry • Clinical Medicine • Engineering
Proudly inclusive
• Environmental/Ecology
65+35+A 55+45+A 65+35+A
65% Black student population
55% Black women students
• Immunology • Microbiology • Plant & Animal Sciences • Social Sciences
65% Black staff
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TEACHING &
Delivering a quality education drives our every action and steers our every thought. Now, with the help of new technologies and artificial intelligence, our lecturers are preparing a new generation of graduates for the future world of work.
12 Establishing foundations for success 16 Reaping the rewards 18 Developing an integrated supportive environment 21 Creating a campus community
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UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
11
UP’s contribution to the economy is determined by both its teaching input and the output of its learning. It is one of the main
FLY@UP programme for undergraduate students
contributors of skilled individuals in a broad range of
Because of concerns about the time that most students
fields critical to the advancement of South Africa. Almost half of UP’s contact students are studying in scarce skills-related fields identified as crucial for the country’s socio-economic development. It is therefore of national importance that all deserving students have access to tertiary education and are supported to successfully complete their studies.
ESTABLISHING FOUNDATIONS FOR SUCCESS In 2019, just over 91% of UP students successfully passed their examinations, the highest pass rate yet. This is in large part due to the interventions put in place to ensure that our students experience a favourable outcome. These include programmes to facilitate graduation in the minimum time, innovations in the University’s hybrid teaching model and increased use of technologies in teaching and learning. This foundation has not gone unnoticed: UP was named among the top four South African universities in the Quacquarelli Symonds 2020 Graduate Employability Survey, which shows that our graduates are wellequipped for the world of work and highly sought-after.
take to complete their first degrees, UP has been coordinating student success initiatives under the banner of FLY@UP (Finish Line is Yours) since 2016. FLY@UP is the University’s flagship student success programme wherein each professional service as well as academic department plays a role. The project raises awareness among students that completing their degrees in the minimum period has significant advantages, such as saving on tuition fees and starting their postgraduate studies or earning a salary earlier. The FLY@UP campaign commences with the Academic Orientation Programme, and in 2019, UP positioned Orientation as a neccessity for student success. Of the 9 378 first-year students, 6 777 (72%) attended Orientation week. In addition to the one-week academic orientation, all students must complete an eight-week online extended orientation programme (UPO). The UPO modules are monitored and students are motivated to complete the module through regular supportive messages using electronic media. Topics range from time management and goal setting, to study methods and examination preparation. In 2019, UPO produced a 94% pass rate with all 9 378 students enrolled for the module. Our High Impact Modules (HIMs) data and team-based review project aims to improve the pass rate in selected modules on the HIMs list. An analysis was done to understand the specific issues that affected performance in a specific module. These included curriculum, assessment, policies and practices, support services, communication, students and lecturers. The success rate for modules in the HIMs project improved on average 13%, with the highest improvement being 39%. The above interventions are working, as evidenced in our student success data, which improved in 2019. The
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UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
module pass percentage improved by 1 percentage point to 83.5%, compared to 2018, which is remarkable as this entailed a significant number of students passing their modules. The examination pass percentage improved to 91.3% (2018: 90.4%) while the drop-out percentage was significantly lower at 5.8% (2018: 7.3%). Fly Higher@UP for postgraduate students The University has been implementing the FLY Higher@ UP initiative since 2018 to address challenges with postgraduate student retention, success and throughput. The programme is the postgraduate equivalent of the undergraduate FLY@UP programme and it focuses on the main milestones that postgraduate students need to achieve, such as the allocation of supervisors, finalisation of research topics, development of research proposals, seeking ethics approval and the approval of the postgraduate committee, data collection and analysis, and writing and submission of a thesis or dissertation for examination. Using e-technologies in teaching and learning In 2019, UP introduced a new teaching and learning
Connecting with prospective – and past – students The University is using online platforms and applications to build stronger connections with its audiences. The JuniorTukkie App has been well received in the prospective student market and recorded 18 540 downloads, primarily from schools in marginalised communities. UP’s Alumni Connect, a virtual networking platform, allows departments to build online relationships with their alumni.
model – Teaching and Learning THE UP WAY – to prepare its students for their future workplaces. The model
The University migrated its Learning Management System
requires students to come prepared to class, complete a
(LMS) and Learning Analytics systems to the Amazon
pre-class assessment, and engage in class. This develops
Web Services (AWS) cloud in 2019. Lecturers are now
self-directed lifelong learners and will prepare UP
able to collaborate on content, share information, lecture
students to flourish in a fast-changing world.
students, upload videos and even assess projects through the Blackboard Learn mobile application. This online
New technologies and artificial intelligence are creating
platform, clickUP (Blackboard Learn), can be accessed
many opportunities to enhance learning. UP’s new
from anywhere, at any time, and almost one-third of
Teaching and Learning model gives students the best of
logins derive from mobile phones. It allows students
both worlds – online and contact.
universal access to teaching and learning content with
Teaching and Learning THE UP WAY Five main drivers inform the model that aims to prepare the new generation of students to flourish in the world of work: • Research into effective teaching and learning; • The knowledge and skills UP students need for the future workplace; • Characteristics and learning needs of current UP students;
• The current reality and facilities of the university; and • New learning and teaching technologies that are scalable and have a high impact, such as clickUP, in-video assessment before class, and clicker Apps to engage all students in the class.
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no risk of system outages during critical periods of the
enables all lecturers and students to use the mobile
academic year. A leading indicator in 2019 was that
version of clickers and video assessment software at
95.5% of all undergraduate modules had an active online
no additional costs. The use of a Clicker App (student
presence on clickUP.
response system) makes active student engagement possible even in large classrooms. The feedback from the
The University bought institutional licenses for a Clicker
clickers provides students with instant information about
Mobile App and H5P video assessment software. This
their own understanding of current and prior knowledge. This real-time feedback helps lecturers to identify and address any misunderstandings and can help to improve on future class activities to enhance participation. UP organised the Fifth Flexible Futures Conference at the Future Africa campus to showcase and share its teaching and learning innovations. The theme – Impactful teaching between clicks and bricks – demonstrated that it is not just important what students learn in the classroom but how students are prepared for 4IR and the world of work after university. Work readiness Through the Work Readiness and Entrepreneurship (WREn) project, which was launched in 2016, UP embarked on two programmes to help its graduates enter the world of work or start their own business. The Ready for Work programme builds workplace readiness among UP students by providing them with key employability skills. Four core packages focus on career planning, job preparation, workplace skills and personal development. All the modules in the first four packages are free, self-paced, and are presented fully online. During 2019, there were 3 438 enrolments in these courses. A new module on the “gig” economy, an emerging self-employment trend, was introduced in 2019. The “gig” economy is becoming all the more important in an increasingly digital world that allows people to work from anywhere and at any time. The University also helps students in finding employment
Technology is helping students enhance participation in class through the Clicker App and improve their employability through online courses.
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UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
through career fairs, employability workshops and industry expert master classes. TuksCareers has 2 697 active companies on its database and 31 842 student interactions took place in 2019.
Preparing our students for the future world of work Anywhere, anytime A new module on the “gig” economy was introduced in our Ready for Work programme. The “gig” economy is becoming increasingly important in a digital work that allows people to work from anywhere in the world and at any time. It is an emerging self-employment trend where temporary positions are common and freelance professionals contract with organisations for short periods of time.
As their own boss A Centre for Entrepreneurship was established to enhance employment creation and ignite economic growth. The Centre will coordinate the various existing entrepreneurial activities at the University: • Mamelodi Business Clinic, where SMMEs are trained • EBIT’s TuksNovation and EMS’s Business Incubator, where students are exposed to practical aspects • GIBS Entrepreneurship Development Academy, where existing entrepreneurs are supported • Online training, where UP students can learn more (#Start_ UP; #Link_UP and #Grow_UP).
4
93
We are among the top four
Percentage of our
South African universities
students who are
in the QS 2020 Graduate
either employed or
Employability Survey, which
continuing with their
shows that our graduates are
studies six months
highly sought after.
after graduating.
Growing interest in Ready for Work programme 2 018 active students
3 566 active students 2018
2019
15
REAPING THE REWARDS
While the University’s 2019 total contact enrolment was
The University’s success rate is measured on multiple
0.57% in contact undergraduate enrolments from 2018
levels, among them an increasing pool of skilled
to 2019, and 1.78% in contact postgraduate enrolments
graduates and its recognition on the world stage.
over the same period.
Student profile
Graduate outputs
Of the total enrolment of 48 532 contact students in
A total of 12 857 diplomas and degrees were awarded
2019, 26% were postgraduates, of which 63% (8 054)
in 2019, a decrease of 655 graduates compared to 2018
were black1. The percentage of black contact students
(13 512). The decrease was partly attributable to a drop
(undergraduate and postgraduate) was 59% in 2019 and,
in distance education graduates to 557 (2018: 611). This
in addition, almost all the students enrolled for distance
mainly impacted on the postgraduate output.
below the set target by 5.1%, there was an increase of
education were black. 1 Black includes African, Coloured and Indian students.
The total number of master’s graduates in 2019 improved
Exceptional students External accolades affirm UP’s efforts to develop the leadership qualities of our students alongside their academic excellence. Some exceptional UP students recognised in 2019 were: • Dr Chris Oosthuizen, a postdoctoral fellow at the Mammal Research Institute, won the British Ecological Society’s annual photography competition, Capturing Ecology. • Fiona Mumoki and Andrea Wilson (PhD students) were among 14 women who were awarded fellowships by the L’Oréal-UNESCO for Women in Science Regional Programme. • Thulani Sibanda, a PhD student in Food Science, won first prize in the 2018 Food Safety without Borders Graduate Student Paper Competition at the International Union of Food Science and Technology World Food Science and Technology Congress held in Mumbai, India. • Stuart Taylor, who is doing his master’s degree in animal science, won the award for the best graduate student presentation at an annual meeting of the International Poultry Scientific Forum (IPSF) in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. • Ruvimbo Samanga presented a paper at the African Leadership Congress in Space and Technology in Abuja, Nigeria, where she was elected as a member of the Space Generation Advisory Council for the United Nations and of the Women in Aerospace in Africa Committee. • Ruben Cruywagen, an MSc student in the Department of Zoology and Entomology, won the Young Entomologists’ Essay Prize.
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UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
Chris Oosthuizen
Fiona Mumoki
Andrea Wilson
Thulani Sibanda
Stuart Taylor
Ruvimbo Samanga
Ruben Cruywagen
Ofentse Mathibela Analike Blom
• Ofentse Mathibela, an honours student in Plant Science, won the best poster in Physiology/Ecophysiology/ Biotechnology at the 45th Annual Congress of the SA Association of Botanists. Analike Blom was awarded the best oral presentation by a PhD student.
to 2 008 (2018: 1 993) and that of doctoral graduates was down at 399 (2018: 427). The decline in contact undergraduate output is the result of a drop in new first-year students enrolled for bachelor
Dr Naledi Pandor
degrees in 2016 and 2017. While the decrease in 2016
Inspirational graduates
was planned, the decrease in 2017 resulted from the instability in the higher education sector in 2016. International profile and world rankings An important dimension of tertiary education is broad exposure to varied thinking. Staff and student exchanges, as well as international postgraduate students, facilitate this. In 2019, 4 669 international students were registered at UP, more than 60% of UP’s postdoctoral fellows (264) were from other countries, and there was a strong increase in international academic staff which now number 203 (2018: 180). Recognition for the quality of UP’s teaching content also
Hjalmar Rall
Elsa Nolte
• The Minister of International Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, received her PhD degree at the Faculty of Education’s graduation ceremony. Prof Chika Sehoole, Dean of the Faculty of Education, was this high-profile Cabinet Minister’s supervisor. • Hjalmar Rall completed his BSc (Physics) degree at the age of 17. He joined UP in 2017 at the age of 14. • UP and the Université Grenoble Alpe together awarded Elsa Nolte a PhD in human physiology during the autumn graduation season. She spent a year in Grenoble after being awarded the French Embassy Research Grant.
biggest and most diverse university rankings to date.
gained new heights. UP has historically been positioned in the top 1% globally in eight of the 22 Essential
The Faculty of Law’s rating is all the more remarkable
Science Indicator (ESI) fields: Agricultural Sciences,
amid negative reports on the LLB programme in the
Clinical Medicine, Engineering, Environmental/Ecology,
sector. The Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree offered at 17
Immunology, Microbiology. Plant & Animal Sciences, and
universities in the country will be the object of a major
Social Sciences. In 2019 UP added a 9th knowledge field
overhaul after a Council on Higher Education (CHE)
to their ESI bouquet: Biology & Biochemistry. UP was
report found the degree to be lacking in certain areas,
the top-ranked university in South Africa in the fields of
among others, critical thinking. This followed a CHE
Engineering and Plant & Animal Sciences.
national review of the qualification that was prompted by the legal profession drawing the CHE’s attention to its
World ranking systems classify, differentiate and position
dissatisfaction with the quality of recently graduated law
universities within the global higher education landscape.
professionals.
UP’s interest in these rankings is informed primarily by its overarching vision of becoming a global research
Top 5 in SA
player and, secondly, as a steering mechanism to
UP improved its ranking in the Quacquarelli Symonds (QS)
enhance performance by encouraging UP researchers to
World University Rankings for 2020. It bettered its global
publish in high-impact journals and embrace important
position in two of the six indicators, which ranks it fifth
research practices such as collaborative research and co-
in the country and in the top 52% of universities in the
authorship with international partners.
QS rankings. UP was also recently named among the top four South African universities in the QS 2020 Graduate
Tops in Law
Employability Survey, which shows that its graduates
UP’s Faculty of Law was placed 76th in the world by the
are well-equipped for the world of work and highly
Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings
sought‑after.
2019 by subject. THE rankings include almost 1 400 universities across more than 90 countries, making it the
In the Informatics Institute’s Universal Ranking by
17
Academic Performance (URAP) for subjects, UP came
Access to Financial Aid
third locally with 22 subjects ranked. UP’s Faculty of
UP has for many years been providing funding support
Veterinary Science was ranked 48th in the world while Zoology featured 54th. The main objective of URAP is to develop a ranking system for the world’s universities based on academic performance indicators that reflect the quality and the quantity of their scholarly publications. Tops in Africa The Gordon Institute for Business Science’s Executive MBA is still among the best in the world. It was ranked 48 out of 134 Global Executive MBA providers by the global business school analyst Quacquarelli Symonds. This is a major achievement as it is the first time GIBS entered these rankings. GIBS also ranked as the top business school in South Africa and top in Africa according to the UK Financial Times rankings.
DEVELOPING AN INTEGRATED SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT A student’s tertiary education success depends on a multitude of factors, some as tangible as funds and a safe place to stay; others less tangible, such as leadership potential and emotional wellbeing. UP recognises this and its response to its students’ needs is equally nuanced.
to enable financially disadvantaged students progress to higher education. The portfolio of bursaries consists of the University’s own funds, funds raised through donations, gifts, grants, and funding administered on behalf of third parties such as state departments, foundations and provincial governments. In 2019, UP disbursed close on R1.7bn in financial aid, with contributions from UP’s own funds increasing by 12% to R163m. The Vice Chancellor’s Discretionary Award made 55 awards to students who are high achievers and represent a talented group of individuals on campus. UP will be consolidating and elevating its talent programmes for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, in part to embed the idea that UP is a place of excellence where talented students seek to be admitted. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme, which started at UP in 2014 with 19 students, is one of its most prestigious scholarships. It provides an opportunity for academically gifted students, from all over Africa, to study at UP. In 2019, a total of 63 students (23 undergraduates and 40 postgraduates) from 15 African countries were awarded the Mastercard Scholarship, bringing the total number of UP Mastercard scholars to over 200.
Top talent chooses UP UP remains a destination of choice and again succeeded in attracting students with outstanding school-leaving results. We know that these young people will enhance UP’s reputation for being a significant contributor to the scarce skills talent pool. • David Dodkins from North West province was the top achiever nationally in mathematics and physical science. He registered at UP for a degree in actuarial and financial mathematics. • Tiisetso Molata from Dobsonville, Soweto, achieved a 94.5% matric pass. He registered for an Electrical Engineering degree. • Mongezi Mbatha graduated from the Prinshof School for
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UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
the visually impaired, and was the top performing student nationally in the special needs category. He registered for a BCom degree in Informatics. • Misimiswa Magoro is studying Chemical Engineering, and Natasha Hlogwane Dentistry, both having achieved excellent marks with an average of above 90% . • The top achiever from Pretoria Girls High School, Vanessa Annor, is studying Medicine at UP. • Taleah Ayob achieved 100% for mathematics and accounting and had an average of 94%, with seven As. She is studying Electrical Engineering at UP.
Student success
Student profile n Female 27 188 n Undergraduate 35 746
44+56+A 26+74+A
91
Percentage of students who
n Male 21 344
successfully passed their examinations
12 857
n Postgraduate 12 786
Diplomas and
Student support
Student improvement
95.5
91.3
Percentage of
Examination pass percentage (2018: 90.4%)
5.8
Drop-out percentage (2018: 7.3%)
degrees awarded
undergraduate modules
83.5% Module pass percentage (2018: 82.5%)
that have an active online presence
R1.7 bn
Financial aid provided to students
Top subjects
LAW #76 in the world by
ENGINEERING PLANT & ANIMAL SCIENCES
134 Global Executive
THE World University
UP ranked top among SA universities by
MBA providers by
Rankings
InCites Essential Science Indicators
Quacquarelli Symonds
Faculty of Law ranked
GIBS MBA Ranked #48 out of
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Student wellbeing
There was a marked increase in the number of
The Student Health Services Unit provides basic
immunisations against communicable diseases, in
health services to students on all campuses through professional nurses, medical doctors, dieticians, optometrists and HIV testing professionals, all based under one roof in an accessible clinic on each of the campuses.
particular flu, meningitis, rabies and hepatitis B, from 666 in 2018 to 6 142 in 2019. There was a positive response to the free contraception provided, with significant numbers of women being assisted and free condoms made available to all students. UP places a high priority on the mental health and wellness of its students. The Student Counselling Unit provides professional psychological support on all UP campuses and in 2019 held 18 800 counselling sessions. The Unit offers academic counselling and assessments, therapeutic services, psycho-education and emotional support to students to ensure that they are equipped to deal with trauma or personal and academic stress, to make correct career choices, and to be academically successful. Life skills enable students to develop holistically, ensuring well-rounded individuals and socially responsible citizens. A peer support programme was launched in 2019 in partnership with the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) to enhance the University’s capacity to provide emotional and psychological support to students. The programme has been very successful and UP will continue implementing it. The agreement with SADAG to offer 24-hour telephonic counselling to students who have been exposed to trauma and to deal with crises of immediate concern was also renewed. Student hunger and nutrition Food insecurity – whether through undernourishment or lack of food – denies students the chance to achieve their full potential. In a food survey, UP found that 30% of its students do not have the R50 a day needed for three meals and that only 38% of students eat breakfast, the most important meal of the day. Informed by these findings, the University launched
Food insecurity among students is a cause for concern. UP’s Healthy Eating campaign aimed to help students make smarter food choices, while the Back2Varsity campaign collected enough food to provide 170 students with meals for six months.
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UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
a Healthy Eating Campaign. The campaign involved handing out free fresh produce to students, infographic posters, scientific articles and social media activations to raise awareness among students of the importance of nutrition.
THINK smart Affordable nutritious meal-of-the day options are now available in the residence dining halls. “Fryless Wednesdays”, where fried and fatty foods were eliminated from the menu for one day a week, was the first step in a phased project to change students’ eating habits. The Student Nutrition and Progress Programme provides
The Rand Merchant Bank THINK Bench is a 13-metre public artwork donated to the University by Council Member, Laurie Dippenaar. The bench was launched on 13 August and is now part of the unique sculpture scene that the Hatfield Campus offers. Designed by Louis Olivier and created by the Workhorse Bronze Foundry, THINK bench celebrates and encourages innovative and collaborative thinking. More than 20 students can use it simultaneously.
meal credits or food parcels to students in need. R700 000 was made available from the UP budget in 2019 and was supplemented by private cash donations of more than R200 000, and food donations from the private sector. Students and staff also made food donations, under the auspices of the University’s Mandela Day Zero Hunger campaign. Tuks FM again teamed up with Menlyn Park Shopping Centre to help UP students in need. The campaign, Back2Varsity, called on the public to donate nonperishable foods, stationery, toiletries and clothing. This wonderful initiative underscores the philosophy of “together for each other” – communities survive because people help one another. In 2019, the University continued providing a loan advance to each qualifying student in a UP residence to enable them to afford meals until NSFAS or bursary funds are paid out. All NSFAS students received a R15 000 living allowance, and all other qualifying students living in UP residences, including those in the missing middle category, received a R14 400 loan advance for meals. The rationale for this advance is to prevent students from going hungry and to enable them to concentrate in class without worrying whether they will have a meal or not.
Laurie Dippenaar, co-founder of RMB; UP Vice-Chancellor Prof Tawana Kupe; David Kabwa, UP SRC President; and artist Louis Olivier at the unveiling of the RMB THINK Bench at UP’s Hatfield Campus.
Student housing In addition to providing a physical environment that
CREATING A CAMPUS COMMUNITY
is conducive to student success and wellbeing, the
Student wellbeing is integral to the general development
promote a psycho-social environment that fosters
and overall success of students and we continue to invest
academic success, diversity, and a sense of community.
in programmes that ensure that our students not only
The residences’ Triple L + 1 programme aims to achieve
succeed during their time at university, but also develop
understanding (Listening), create a sense of belonging
into well-rounded individuals, socially responsible citizens,
(Living), promote Learning, and leave a positive and
and employable graduates. Besides the professional
innovative Legacy. Dialogue sessions cover topics such as
services for the support and personal development of
life skills, healthcare and mental health, diversity, financial
students, creating a safe and welcoming space form the
training, sexual behaviour, addiction, academic skills such
foundation of UP’s strategy in this regard.
as exam preparation, and managing stress.
residences at UP have developed programmes to
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The system of residence benefactors, which was
and affiliated student structures to identify and discuss
introduced in 2018 to enhance interaction between
key issues and provide correct information to increase
resident students and the University’s management
the level of information flow and trust across all levels of
team, was continued in 2019. This also provides an
governance.
opportunity for the University’s academic leadership to build relationships and develop a deeper understanding
The portfolio-based structure of the SRC is one of the
of the challenges facing students in their daily living
contributing factors to the current effectiveness of
environment.
student governance and stability at UP. This structure
Student development
allows for all aspects of student life and students’ needs to be addressed. Free and fair student elections also
The University provides student development
contribute to campus stability and 2019 was again
programmes for a variety of student governance and
marked by smooth election processes for the SRC and
student life structures, including day houses, faculty
other student structures. A successful round of audited
houses, residence house committees, other student
electronic voting, facilitated by the Independent Electoral
committees, organisations and societies. Peer mentorship
Commission, helped make the hand-over from the 2019
and peer support groups, as well as student-initiated
SRC to the 2020 SRC near seamless.
tutor programmes, were expanded in residences and organised student structures. A leadership development
Campus safety and security
training event was held for all elected student leaders
The safety and security of students and staff remain
and committee members. The aim of the training was
a priority. Throughout 2019, students who felt unsafe
to create a shared understanding among all student
could request campus security to escort them to their
leaders at UP of their respective roles, and to unlock the
residences and make use of the publicised green routes,
potential of students as leaders, responsible citizens and
especially after hours. UP’s campus security officers were
contributors to the community.
also placed strategically across all campuses. Students
Campus stability A stable and peaceful campus environment is essential
without airtime could send a ‘please call me’ message to a dedicated number and campus security would call them back.
for students and the University’s leadership meets regularly with the Student Representative Council (SRC)
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UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
As an anchor institution, UP is actively involved in the City
of Tshwane and the Hatfield CBD Improvement District.
Tuks FM won the best campus radio station of the
A 24-hour Hatfield Tshwane Metro Police Department
year award at the Liberty Radio Awards, making it the
satellite station opened its doors in 2019. It employs eight
only radio station to have won this award five times.
police officers and has two support vehicles (provided
Furthermore, they also walked away with awards for the
by UP) and 79 CCTV cameras. This will go a long way in
best afternoon drive show, best breakfast show, best
protecting the Hatfield community of which UP staff and
music show (locals only), best night-time show (Hip Hop
students form a major part.
show) and radio innovation (Hear the sights). Tuks FM
A vibrant student life
also won CV-Magazine’s 2019 Small Business Award for best radio station in South Africa.
The extramural student life programme at UP is aimed at supporting the holistic development of students. It entails
Sport
a wide variety of sporting codes, cultural events and
Sport has continued to be a source of pride for the
activities. The Arts remain a cornerstone of such activities,
University and its performance during 2019 confirmed
and UP’s sporting achievements are legendary.
that UP is indeed a sporting powerhouse in Africa. UP’s deserved Sportsman of the Year (2019) was Akani
Arts and music
Simbine while Sportswoman of the Year was Tatjana
There were outstanding events and achievements for the
Schoenmaker, both world-class athletes. For the second
arts and music at UP in 2019, most notably the Principal’s
consecutive year, UP teams were the overall Varsity
Concert, which has been held every year since 1977 to
Champions, winning three tournaments.
recognise the important role played by the arts, including music, in building a community and in uplifting our spirits.
The following teams showed great sporting prowess in the 2019 Varsity Tournaments:
The 2019 Concert set a new standard when Abdullah
• Assupol TuksCricket beat University of Johannesburg
Ibrahim, coming all the way from New York, mesmerised
(UJ) in the final by eight wickets. It was the fourth
the audience with his great talent. Everyone agreed that
time in five years that Assupol Tuks has won the
he is indeed a “jazz master” as he was officially crowned in 2019 by the National Endowment for the Arts in the US.
tournament. • Delta Drone Tuks women's sevens team won the
The annual Principal’s Concert was an extraordinary showcase of African talent with Jazz Master Abdullah Ibrahim supported by acts such as UP Ovuwa.
23
Advantage: Wheelchair Tennis South African and Tuks wheelchair tennis rising star Donald Ramphadi (right) won three successive titles: the Thailand Open, the Pattaya Open-final and the Bangkok Cup Tournament. He has remained unbeaten in his last 12 international encounters. Mariska Venter won the BNP Paribas International Tournament in France. Tennis South Africa (TSA) and UP sealed an exciting new partnership whereby TuksSport and TuksTennis became the official home for the TSA Wheelchair Tennis high-performance programme from November 2019. The partnership makes
provision for extensive sport science and medical services at the Tuks High Performance Centre, partnering with the Sport Exercise Medicine and Lifestyle Institute (SEMLI).
inaugural Varsity Tournament by beating Fort Hare
International prowess
46-0.
Assupol TuksCricket’s celebration of 100 years of
• TuksNetball beat University of Stellenbosch in a
cricketing excellence was made even more special when
humdinger final 48-43. What is remarkable about the
they won the Red Bull Campus Cricket T20-tournament
team's performance is that it became the first team
in Dubai. Captain Jiveshen Pillay was the best batsman
in the history of the Varsity Tournament to not lose a
and was also rated the most valuable player. He has the
game.
distinction of being the only batsman to score a century.
In the Universities Sports South Africa (USSA)
Tatjana Schoenmaker deservedly won the South African
tournaments, UP teams and athletes fared exceptionally
Sportswoman of Year award as well as the South African
well. The teams that came out tops were TuksJudo,
Sports Star of the Year award. She was responsible
winning the tournament for a fifth consecutive time;
for one of the most significant breakthroughs in South
TuksHockey, making it the third time they have won the
African women's sport when she won a silver medal in the
tournament; TuksGolf; TuksRugby; Tuks men's sevens
200m breaststroke during the World Championships in
rugby; DeltaDrone Tuks women's sevens rugby; and
Korea. It was the first time that a local swimmer medalled
TuksSwimming.
at a world long course championship (50m). She also won two gold medals (100m as well as 200m breaststroke) at the World Student Games in Napoli, Italy. She topped it all with two gold medals at the Tokyo World Cup (100m and 200m breaststroke). Another TuksSwimming champion is Kaylene Corbett who won three gold medals (50m, 100m and 200m breaststroke) during the African Games in Rabat. TuksAthletics saw many of its athletes grab the global spotlight, with just a small sample featured here: • South African sprint champion, Tebogo Mamathu’s win proved that 100m in 11.04s is possible during
Assupol TuksCricket
24
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
the 40th Resisprint Meeting in La Chaux, Switzerland.
The absolute hunger to be the best led to the Tuks rowers setting four firsts during the USSA Boat Race Regatta. The highlight was the performance of the men’s A-crew who won for the 11th consecutive time, a new USSA record. The Tuks women’s A-crew won for a fourth consecutive time, which is another first. The men’s B and women’s B teams were also victorious. No university has ever managed to win all four races, making Tuks the overall USSA rowing champions.
Her time is the second-fastest ever by a South African
Munyai were also part of the South African 4 x100m
female sprinter.
relay team that set a new African and South African
• Sokwakhana Zazini won a silver medal in the 400m
record at the World Championships. The team clocked
hurdles for men during the World Student Games in
a time of 37.65s in the heats. Earlier in the year,
Napoli while Zeney van der Walt won a silver medal in
Simbine made his own history when he won the 100m
the same race for women.
during the London Diamond League Meeting.
• Akani Simbine finished fourth in the 100m final at
• 17-year-old Thomas Breytenbach won a gold medal
the World Championships in Doha. His time of 9.93s
at the Borsa Open Judo Tournament in Bosnia and
was the best result by a South African sprinter in a
Herzegovina, competing in the under-81kg category.
100m final at a world championship. He and Clarence
Akani Simbine and Tatjana Schoenmaker were UP’s Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year.
25
UP’s research strategy focuses on research that is relevant and addresses major challenges globally and, in particular, in Africa as a developing region. It is in anticipating future challenges, and in the digital race, that UP has taken the lead.
28 Notable achievements 29 UP in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) 30 Research depth 34 Research funding
26
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
27
At the heart of the University of Pretoria’s research strategy is the commitment to pursue “research that matters”: research that
Breakthrough Prize Foundation.
addresses complex societal challenges and, in particular, the challenges that are faced by developing regions
Identifying Africa as the birthplace
in the world. Such issues include the environment,
of modern Homo sapiens
climate change, food security, poverty alleviation, health,
On 28 October a major research breakthrough was
education, and evidence-based policies for development.
announced involving two UP researchers, Professors Vanessa Hayes and Riana Bornman. They were part of a
NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS
team of international scientists who, through the use of
UP is well known for its research. Its vision of becoming a
modern humans emerged in a southern African
leading research-intensive institution known for cutting-
“homeland” and thrived there for 70 000 years, before
edge research, excellence and innovation found traction
some migrated due to climate shifts.
DNA, found that the earliest ancestors of anatomically
in 2019. Some of the breakthroughs that have placed UP, South Africa and Africa on the world stage are presented
Developing a plant-based vaccine
below. This is only a small selection that is indicative of
UP and the CSIR developed a vaccine against avian
the breadth, depth and excellence of UP research.
influenza using tobacco plants, bypassing the many biosafety risks involved with using traditional live virus
Performing a middle ear transplant
vaccines. In this world-first study, a virus-like particle
using 3D printed bones
(VLP) vaccine against bird flu in chickens was successfully
Prof Mashudu Tshifularo, Head of the Department of
produced and tested. What is remarkable is that one
Otorhinolaryngology in the Faculty of Health Sciences,
kilogramme of plant leaf material can produce enough
developed a pioneering surgical procedure to help
vaccine to vaccinate 30 000 chickens and no live virus is
remedy conductive hearing loss. The procedure involves
involved in any stage of the production process.
using 3D technology to print the bones of the middle ear. Prof Tshifularo received the Hamilton Naki Award at the
The project was conceptualised by Prof Celia Abolnik,
2019 NRF Awards and won the Global Excellence Award
holder of the South African Research Chair Initiative in
at the South African Clinician Scientists Society’s Health
Poultry Health and Production in the Department of
Excellence awards for his pioneering 3D ear transplant.
Production Animal Studies in the Faculty of Veterinary Science, and the CSIR’s Dr Maretha O’Kennedy, an
Imaging of the black hole
extraordinary lecturer in the same department. They co-
On 10 April a world announcement was made in Brussels,
supervised PhD candidate Tanja Smith in the laboratory
Belgium, with satellite linkages to major centres across
and clinical study.
the world (UP included), on the first results from the Event
28
Horizon Telescope (EHT). Central to this discovery is Prof
Saving an elephant in Poland
Roger Deane, an associate professor in the Department
Two UP staff members from the Faculty of Veterinary
of Physics, and his research team. With the combined
Science, Professors Gerhard Steenkamp and Adrian
power of a worldwide network of radio telescopes,
Tordiffe, saved Ninio, an elephant in the Poznan Zoo in
astronomers have peered into the heart of our galaxy
Poland, by extracting his damaged tusk, which became
and, for the first time, imaged the very edges of the black
severely infected in July after a crack appeared at the base
hole. The EHT team won the 2019 Breakthrough Prize
of his right tusk. This procedure took five hours. His left
for fundamental physics and was awarded $3m by the
tusk was removed a few years ago by the same vets.
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
Prof Roger Deane relates how his team helped image the black hole. Prof Celia Abolnik (right) was part of the team to develop a plant-based vaccine.
Prof Mashudu Tshifularo explains his revolutionary middle ear transplant
UP IN THE FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (4IR)
Dental surgery on an elephant in Poland.
The world is going through rapid changes, with the 4IR having a huge impact on how universities conduct themselves. It is within this context that UP is forging ahead with its emphasis on transdisciplinary platforms. UP has taken the lead in the 4IR space and established the Institute of Big Data and Data Science (IBDDS), which represents a multi-, inter- and transdisciplinary research cluster in the domains of big data and data science that include artificial intelligence. The Faculty of Engineering, Built Environment and Information Technology is facilitating IBDDS, and has already established four research chairs that are all externally funded:
Nǂamce Sao, ǀkun Nǂamce, Professor Vanessa Hayes and ǀkun ǀkunta: Identifying Africa as the birthplace of modern Homo sapiens.
• SARChI/DST Chair in Artificial Intelligence • ABSA Chair in Data Science
• Astrophysics and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA)
• Multichoice Chair in Machine Learning
• Digital forensics and cybersecurity
• DRS Chair in Cybersecurity.
• Health and biological sciences ranging from bioinformatics and genomic research to disease
Research projects and activities within the 4IR arena that UP researchers are working on, and which will give UP the comparative and competitive edge both locally and globally, are:
control and lifestyle research through the UP SEMLI Institute • Financial and economic sciences, with a focus on the insurance, banking and finance sectors
29
• Learning analytics, with the primary objective of understanding and optimising student learning and success • Engineering sciences, with a strong focus on supply chain management and future smart transportation.
RESEARCH DEPTH UP’s research capacity profile continued to strengthen in many areas. The growing proportion of staff with doctorates and those who have achieved an NRF rating, as well as the increase in the number of master’s and
Thought leadership
doctoral enrolments and graduates, have all contributed
UP, through the Gordon School of Business Science
to UP’s research-intensive identity.
(GIBS), is supporting students and executive education clients to adapt to both the Third and Fourth Industrial Revolutions and their associated impact on business, management and the future of work in our South African and broader African context. In addition to deepening knowledge and skills associated directly with new technologies, GIBS has focused on the need to develop “soft skills”, including how leaders manage in the face of accelerated technological change.
Library service robot The Library Services is also at the forefront of the UP 4IR focus with a rather interesting new “staff member”, Libby, our resident service library robot. She weighs just 19kg and stands 90cm tall, sporting more than 60 sensors. She will perform general mundane, repetitive tasks which has the advantage that it frees up other staff members to do more specialised and advanced work.
Academic staff with PhDs increased from 43% in 2012 to 67% in 2019. UP’s research productivity, measured as research output units for which subsidy is earned, has steadily increased over recent years, and stands at 2092.45 (2018: 2054.54). The report of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) on sectorlevel research performance shows that UP tied with the University of Kwazulu-Natal with the highest percentage (10.8%) of the total research output units of all South African universities for 2018, and had the highest weighted output per capita (3.70).1 UP now has 528 NRF-rated researchers (2018: 507). There was an increase in both master’s and doctoral enrolments, creating a healthy pipeline for our research capacity. Master’s students increased to 6 239 (6 116 in 2018), and doctoral students grew to 2 375 (2018: 2 307). Master’s graduations increased to 2 008 (2018: 1 993). Based on Essential Science Indicator (ESI) statistics, a total of 176 UP-published papers were among the top papers world-wide over a 10-year period. This is up from 145 in 2018 and 100 in 2017. The number of UP scientists positioned in this top international category has grown to 56 compared to 53 in 2018 and 35 in 2017. Research Chairs A strong indicator of the University’s research and innovation culture is the 50 research chairs that it hosts, which also demonstrates strong partnerships with industry and government. These chairs include 19 Department of Science and Innovation DSI-NRF South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) chairs and 31 industry-funded research chairs ranging across various departments. 1 DHET, April 2020. Report on the Evaluation of the 2018 Universities’ Research Output.
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UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
The Engineering 4.0 building hosts Africa’s first independent transport referencing and testing facility. The Road/Rail Infrastructure Monitoring System (RIMS) will greatly improve South Africa’s capacity to maintain its road and rail network.
Prof Mavis Mulaudzi
New industry chair
Road/Rail Infrastructure Monitoring System
The Murray & Roberts Research Chair in Industry
Towards the end of 2019, the Faculty of Engineering, Built
Leadership 4.0 will provide specialised skills that are
Environment and Information Technology took ownership
essential to the 4IR through defined leadership strategies,
of a new research vehicle – the Road/Rail Infrastructure
particularly as they pertain to the mining and minerals-
Monitoring System (RIMS). RIMS is a high-tech transport
related industries. Murray & Roberts has committed its
infrastructure monitoring and assessment device that will
support of this new Chair for the next three years, which
greatly improve South Africa’s capacity to maintain its rail
is housed in the Department of Mining Engineering.
and road network. It is capable of travelling along both road and rail infrastructure. This special and unique piece
New SARChI Chair
of research equipment is funded by UP and the NRF as
Prof Mavis Mulaudzi was awarded the SARChI Chair in
part of its National Equipment Programme (NEP).
Ubuntu Community Model of Nursing. Prof Mulaudzi is an expert in indigenous knowledge systems and their role
Engineering 4.0 complex
in nursing practice. As a new approach, this SARChI Chair
The state-of-the-art Engineering 4.0 building, which is
proposes including the African philosophy of ubuntu as
the result of a UP partnership with SANRAL and the CSIR,
the foundation of caring ethics in the nursing profession.
will host Africa’s first independent transport reference
Major developments
and testing facility. It will also be a research and training hub for smart transport systems and will share its vast
Two significant developments in 2019 paved the way
resources in technology and data sciences with all
to build on UP’s research relevance and impact and
faculties via Future Africa.
strengthen its industry and government links.
31
On 4 June 2019, Michigan State University Provost Prof June Pierce Youatt (right) signed the Memorandum of Understanding with UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Tawana Kupe for the Alliance for African Partnerships.
The structure is built in three parts: • SANRAL’s National Roads Materials Reference
Focus on Africa The University is committed to forging collaborations with
Laboratory is the site for independent reference
other African institutions and plays a leading role in the
testing of materials for the road construction industry,
African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and many
the first in Africa.
other Africa-focused initiatives. These include:
• A laboratory to train and certify laboratory technicians and engineering students. • An Accelerated Pavement Testing (APT) facility and active traffic track for real-traffic testing. This unique facility allows one to characterise pavement design and construction while using data obtained from the active traffic lane to model many aspects in transportation systems. Partnerships and collaboration
• Southern African-Nordic Centre, a forum consisting of 48 universities from southern Africa and the Nordic regions to foster cooperation between academic institutions • South Africa-Sweden Universities Forum – UP coordinated the second SASUF conference in 2019 • The YEBO! Project, an international collaborative project of the Erasmus Plus Capacity building programme, coordinated by University of Montpellier, France. Involving seven South African and five
UP is a respected member of the international research
European universities, the project focuses on
community, collaborating with over 3 000 institutions
internationalisation of PhD studies. In 2019, 27 UP
worldwide (excluding South African institutions). Europe
staff members benefited from the project.
and North America remain the most active areas for collaboration, both in terms of the number of institutions
UP’s research partnerships in Africa consider the type
collaborated with and the research output of those
of science needed to address key challenges on the
partnerships.
continent. UP is a partner in a number of research consortia in Africa and contribute actively to the region’s
In 2019, the University developed a focused
knowledge base. Some examples of UP’s activities in 2019
internationalisation strategy for UP, identifying
included:
partnerships and networks that will accelerate
32
• Joining the Michigan State University-Alliance for
achievement of the UP 2025 strategic goals. The Vice-
African Partnerships (MSU-AAP). As part of its
Chancellor and Principal undertook visits to potential
programmes, the AAP African Futures Program
partner universities around the world, including the
is a competitive research leadership programme
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Swiss Federal
targeting early career women researchers from AAP
Institute of Technology Zurich, University of Zurich,
member institutions. These early career researchers
University of Oslo, Michigan State University, and Ikiam
will participate in the UP-Future Africa Research
Amazon Regional University, among others.
Leadership Programme.
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
New programmes that d istinguish UP Department of Radiography To cater for the significant demand for diagnostic ultrasound in healthcare delivery, the Department has introduced Diagnostic Ultrasound under the existing BRadHons degree. This makes UP one of only three higher education institutions in the country offering diagnostic ultrasound qualifications.
Department of Statistics An additional plan – Statistics and Data Science – was introduced under the existing BScHons to keep pace with current trends and meet the needs of local and global industry.
Faculty of Law An additional master’s programme – Alternative Dispute Resolution – has been introduced to address a growing demand for legal practitioners, non-practitioners and lawyers to resolve complex problems through innovative techniques. This specialised programme will distinguish the University from most South African universities.
33
What might African cities look like by 2050? That’s one of the questions raised by a collaborative project, Urban Africa 2050, endorsed by 15 theological institutions in 13 African cities and involving 16 researchers. Each research participant has developed a research plan for their city, including recommending transformed theological curricula able to meet the challenges of Africa’s urban futures. • Developing, through Future Africa and the University of Tokyo, an Africa-Asia collaborative pillar that will include collaborative research projects and student and academic staff exchange. Two collaborative projects in 2019 were: • The Centre for Microbial Ecology and Genomics’ African Soil Microbiology project, a collaboration between nine countries across sub-Saharan Africa. It is funded by USAID and the Oppenheimer Foundation. Over 900 soil samples have been obtained from the nine partner nations, and 16S phylogenetic data has been obtained from most of these. A high-impact publication is anticipated for 2020. • The Centre for Human Rights in the Faculty of Law participated in the Human Rights Implementation Project. This is a collaborative project between four leading academic human rights centres (Bristol, Essex, Middlesex and Pretoria) and the Open Society Justice Initiative, investigating factors that impact on human rights law implementation by nine states across Europe, Africa (Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Zambia) and the Americas.
RESEARCH FUNDING Success in securing external research grants and
External funding UP has many projects funded by the NRF, the Department of Science and Innovation, the CSIR, and many other public and private institutions. In 2019, the Department of Research and Innovation added another dimension to funding by considering crowd-funding as a way to generate income to supplement research costs amid declining national budgets in support of research grants. This initiative was supported with funding from the International Research and Exchanges Board. Following the launch of this initiative, two projects were identified for funding using such a crowd-funding platform which will be launched in 2020. The European Union (EU) remains an important source of funding for global research. UP has been an active participant in the EU’s flagship research funding programme, Horizon 2020, which focuses on establishing international consortia of researchers cooperating globally in various fields to solve complex international problems. UP researchers were members of 12 such consortia in 2019. External funding increased to R717.8m compared to R658.2m in 2018. This excludes the R237m income generated by Enterprises UP.
contracts is necessary to boost research funding, and to
Internal funding
some degree validates the recognition UP receives as a
Internal funding allocations to research and postgraduate
research-intensive university that undertakes research that has high impact and is relevant to the contexts in which we live.
education represented 3.2% of UP’s total budget. In 2019, increased allocations went to postgraduate bursaries R44.2m (2018: R40.2m) and research equipment and maintenance R47.8m (2018: R45.5m).
34
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
Research capacity g rows NRF-rated researchers 90 Y-rated
99 B-rated
3 P-rated
528
P-rated researchers are young researchers, under the age of 35 years, who are considered likely to become future international leaders in their respective fields.
322 C-rated
Top 1% in the world Top papers
14 A-rated
Depth and reach
Top scientists
50
Number of Research Chairs 100 2017
145 2018
176 2019
35 2017
53 2018
56 2019
2092.45
Number of research outputs,
15
Innovation at work
New invention disclosures
14
SA Patents filed
the highest of all SA universities
6
SA patents granted
First in the world • To perform a middle ear
3 000+
Institutions collaborated with
First in Africa • To house an independent
transplant using 3D printed
reference and testing facility for
bones
the road construction industry
• To help image the black hole • To help identify Africa as the
• To “employ” a library service robot.
birthplace of modern Homo sapiens • To develop a plant-based vaccine.
35
As an anchor institution, UP is rooted in its communities and plays a central role in their social, cultural and economic wellbeing. As a research-intensive partner, UP is locally responsive, but continental in scope and globally engaged to make a significant contribution to transforming the world.
38 Making a difference locally: community engagement 39 Making a difference nationally: high-profile events 42 Making a difference globally: strategic partnerships
36
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
37
A university is shaped as much by what happens on campus as what happens off site and the University of Pretoria
50 000 bags of waste throughout the year, repaired
(UP) works tirelessly to ensure that it remains relevant
damaged pavements and potholes, and removed
by working for society, with society. Our students are
unsightly graffiti and illegal posters.
encouraged to use their knowledge in a practical way through community engagement in the communities
Further efforts to create an attractive environment,
neighbouring our campuses.
especially in the public areas surrounding the Hatfield
MAKING A DIFFERENCE LOCALLY: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Campus, resulted in laying down new paving, building flower boxes and providing street seating. Safety and security in the public spaces through which
It is critical that UP uses the knowledge of its students
students and staff have to move to reach the campus
and staff to make a positive and meaningful difference
and where they spend much of their time also received
to the lives of the people in its communities. That UP
attention. By deploying private security guards, installing
does so effectively is evidenced by its membership of
CCTV cameras and a control room, and donating two
the University Social Responsibility Network, a network
patrol vehicles to the first satellite Metro Police station in
of 16 top universities in the world selected for their
Tshwane, UP has improved the security substantially.
responsiveness to their local context. UP as an anchor institution
For longer-term impact, UP has developed an urban design framework and a precinct plan for the area
In 2019, the University, in close collaboration with the
surrounding its Hatfield and Hillcrest campuses. Once
Hatfield City Improvement District (CID), continued on a
approved by the Tshwane City Council, this will become
path first embarked upon in 2004, to counteract creeping
City policy to guide future socio-economic and physical
urban decay in the suburb in which the largest of its
development of targeted areas.
campuses is situated. The University collected some
Building social capital UP has run a successful community engagement programme for more than 15 years. Through its nine faculties and student volunteer organisations, the University uses its extensive skills and knowledge base to empower communities with development ventures. A major part of this community engagement is curricular (involving 300 modules), where students earn credits towards their degrees while applying their knowledge in the service of the community. Each academic programme includes at least one community engagement component. Besides providing an in-depth learning experience for
Tshwane Executive Mayor Stevens Mokgalapa and MMC Karen Meyer celebrate the opening of the Hatfield satellite police station with a 79-CCTV camera monitoring system. With them are CID Hatfield CEO Lucas Luckhoff and Prof Tawana Kupe.
38
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
students, these opportunities help develop their skills in managing relationships, solving problems and civic responsibility, which offers our students a competitive edge when entering the world of work.
The launch of Future Africa was a highlight on UP’s calendar.
More than 29 000 undergraduate students are involved in curricular community engagement projects at over 1 000 sites. The Viva Village in Mamelodi’s Alaska Township is a multi- and transdisciplinary community engagement hub in which all faculties are involved. They work together with residents, healthcare workers and clinics to provide a holistic health service. The same is done in Zama-Zama and Plastic View informal settlements, and at the Pop-Up Clinic at Salvokop. In addition, veterinary
A veterinary student vaccinates a pet at the Mamelodi Animal Health Clinic.
science students are involved in rural vaccination stations while occupational therapy students work with parents
of several years of conceptualisation, planning, design,
and toddlers on the importance of play in children’s
building construction and knowledge production
development.
which started as far back as 2012, when the first set of proposals was presented to the University Executive.
Volunteers from approximately 120 registered student societies also contributed to the various community
In the run up to the launch day, seminars, workshops
projects. Other groups who volunteered came from the
and ‘think tank’ sessions were held, which resulted in
residences, faculty houses and the SRC. Some 1 000
the identity of Future Africa becoming evident: It is a
students were placed in programmes as part of their
community, a research hub, a home for scholars from
bursary conditions.
across Africa and the rest of the world, and a meeting
MAKING A DIFFERENCE NATIONALLY: HIGHPROFILE EVENTS
place. It provides the physical and intellectual environment for transformation-minded transdisciplinary leaders and innovative business leaders, policymakers, civil servants and civil society to interact and take knowledge forward across disciplines, cultures and generations.
To say that 2019 was an eventful year for UP is an understatement. Two events, though, stand out
The aim of Future Africa is to promote research that is
in marking UP’s status as a leader in the field of
relevant to Africa. It is well-positioned as a hub for African
transdisciplinary research, while others reinforce the
research networks in collaboration with local and global
depth of its historical roots and modern-day connections.
partners to address the significant challenges that Africa
Launch of the Future Africa Institute and Campus
faces as a continent. It deliberately focuses on involving and developing the next generation of scholars who will
The launch of Future Africa as a flagship pan-African
lead Future Africa’s initiatives and programmes to create
research institute, on 29 March, was the culmination
a more sustainable version of our world.
39
Javett-UP is an inspirational space where exhibitions, events and performances will enrich society.
Programmes already well-established are the Africa Science Leadership Programme and the Tuks Young Research Leader Programme. In 2019, the Early Career Research Leader Fellowship Programme was launched, with funding support from the Carnegie Foundation in partnership with the NRF. The launch day was marked by workshops in the morning with the official proceedings taking place during the afternoon and addresses by, among others, the former Minister of Science and Technology, Ms Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane. Launch of the Javett-UP Art Centre Heritage Day, 24 September, marked the official launch of the new Javett Art Centre at the University of Pretoria (Javett-UP), which is set to become a popular landmark in the City of Tshwane. The development of the Centre was done in partnership with the Javett Foundation, and it aims to engage students and the public with the creativity and diversity of local and international art and artists. The launch was an opportunity to experience some of the greatest art of Africa under one roof and close on 1 700 people visited the Centre on the official opening day. The admission fee for the first week was waived, and the public had an opportunity to view this magnificent attraction absolutely free. This is in line with the University’s position of being a public institution that takes seriously its engagement with, and contribution to, the broader society. The Faculty of Humanities celebrated its centenary in 2019.
40
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
Earlier in the year, Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom,
paid a visit to the Javett-UP and endorsed the significance of the Centre for art, heritage and cultural tourism in South Africa. Faculty of Humanities @100 The centenary celebrations of the Faculty of Humanities were launched with the Dean’s Concert. In addition to the UP Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gerben Grooten, various performers added to the lustre. These included pianist, Steinway Artist and senior music lecturer Dr Ben Schoeman, classical voice programme leader in
The Universities in dialogue will become an annual event driven and led by the Motsepe Foundation and UP.
the School of Arts Dr Hanli Stapela, student and mezzosoprano Monica Mhangwana, singer and vocal coach
to poor students will put a strain on the fiscus, and will
Mxolisi Duda and production manager and theatre
ultimately be unsustainable.
performer Phuti Matuba.
South African Malaria Conference
Universities in dialogue
The Institute for Sustainable Malaria Control (UP ISMC)
The Motsepe Foundation and UP partnered in an event
co-hosted the 5th Southern African Malaria Research
to acknowledge and commemorate some of the gains
Conference with the South African Medical Research
made to achieve gender equity in South Africa. They also
Council (MRC) at Future Africa. The gala dinner was
explored what has not been achieved and why there
attended by UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof
appear to be structural and political bottlenecks. The
Tawana Kupe, the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli Mkhize
purpose of this initiative was to elevate the voices of
and the President of the South African Medical Research
young people, to drive policy and share solutions to the
Council, Prof Glenda Gray. The Minister launched the
problems facing their generation. The University of Cape
Malaria National Strategic Plan during this dinner.
Town (UCT), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the University of the Free State (UFS) also participated. World Bank economic update UP hosted the World Bank’s release of its South Africa
Other important events included: • The 4th South African Japanese Universities (SAJU) conference with the theme: The human being in the 21st Century in the context of global changes.
economic update, entitled Tertiary education enrolments
• The annual Inyathelo Leadership Retreat marked
must rise. The event, held at Future Africa, was attended
the 10th leadership event hosted by Inyathelo in
by Minister Naledi Pandor. The World Bank report asserts
partnership with the Kresge Foundation. The Kresge
that government’s decision to subsidise free education
Foundation has contributed US$22.4m to strengthen capacity development in South African higher education over the past decade. • At The Conversation, a meeting of The Global Editors of The Conversation and Conversation Africa, UP’s Vice-Chancellor spoke on the role of science in the era of fake news and fallacies. This was followed by a panel discussion with panellists including a highly respected
Prof Mary Metcalfe, Education Expert; Prof Chika Sehoole, UP Dean of Education; Ari Katz, CEO of Boston City Campus; and David Kabwa, President of the UP Student Representative Council.
group of journalists and academics. What makes The Conversation exceptional is that news and views are sourced from the academic and research community, and taken directly into the public domain.
41
MAKING A DIFFERENCE GLOBALLY: STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS The number of collaborators and potential collaborators
FANRPAN and UP could work symbiotically for greater impact in the food, agriculture and natural resource sectors across the African continent • The Council for the Built Environment – to provide a
on University projects has increased exponentially, and
framework to enhance the built environment in South
international institutions are vying for the opportunity to
Africa through a strategic partnership with UP.
partner with UP in new and exciting projects. In 2019, the University’s community engagement UP attended the launch of a major cross-continental
initiatives were further strengthened by its involvement
research institute, The Montpellier Advanced Knowledge
with European Research Universities+ (ERASMUS+),
Institute on Transitions (MAK’IT) focused on food,
UNIversity COmmunity LeaRNing (UNICORN), the Talloires
agriculture, health, the environment and sustainability,
Network, the University Social Responsibility Network
at the University of Montpellier in France. UP is the only
(USRN) – representing universities involved in large-scale
South African university chosen to join some of the
community engagement, and the South African Higher
leading research universities with strengths in these
Education Community Engagement Forum (SAHECEF).
areas. The mission of MAK’IT is to “analyse, accompany and accelerate agri-food, environmental and health transitions necessary to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”. UP stands to benefit from the partnerships and collaborations which include joint research and staff and student exchanges. UP also became the first South African partner of the Michigan State University-led alliance for African partnership (MSU-AAP). The University of Pretoria was confirmed as the 10th member of the alliance when the two institutions signed a Memorandum of Understanding. This alliance focuses on global challenges as expressed in six themes: agri-foods systems, culture, health and nutrition, water, energy and the environment, youth empowerment and collaboration. The following Memoranda of Agreement were signed between UP and local and international partners, which will contribute to improving its international visibility and the quality of its research: • The University of Modena and Reggio Emilia – to collaborate on learning and research support in the car manufacturing and transport industries in South Africa. Other Gauteng partners are Wits and Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). This agreement also addresses three of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals • The Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy Analysis Network (FANRPAN) – to investigate where
42
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
UP students actively volunteer their time to make the world a better place through the University’s official student societies.
Community e ngagement #AfricanMedicalOutreach Seven students used their mid-year break to travel 10 000km in 21 days and covered seven countries on their way to Kenya to assist with basic medical care in remote parts of Africa and to broaden their horizons to the beautiful African continent. Monetary and other donations were received and the University hosted a function to thank donors upon the students’ return.
Firsts
33 000
Number of students involved in community outreach programmes
• Only SA university chosen to join The Montpellier Advanced Knowledge Institute on Transitions • First South African partner of the Michigan State University-led alliance for African partnership • Only SA university member of the global University Social Responsibility Network
43
Transformation at UP is the engine for excellence and a driver for ensuring success in teaching, learning and research. It is a multifaceted catalyst for creating conditions in which everyone can thrive.
46 Student inclusivity 48 Staff development 49 People with disabilities 50 Policies and related initiatives
44
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
45
The University continues to prioritise transformation. It is committed to ensuring that transformation permeates every aspect of
for an increasing number of students. Also of note is that
UP, thereby ensuring that UP is home to student and staff
the Mamelodi Social Innovation Space enables access
populations that represent South Africa’s rich diversity
for students who do not initially earn entry to University
and providing the conditions necessary for its diverse
programmes, but who have the potential to do so if
campus community to feel supported and valued. We
provided with nurturing and supportive programmes.
regard it as our duty to focus on transformation in all spheres of society and the economy.
The University also uses various strategies to enhance the participation and success of all its students but
STUDENT INCLUSIVITY
most especially, students from low-income families and
The UP student demographic profile has steadily changed
been providing funding support to enable access for
over past years. Where approximately 52% of UP’s
financially disadvantaged students. The University’s large
contact students were black in 2015, this percentage
portfolio of bursaries consists of UP’s own funds, funds
increased to nearly 60% in 2019. Of this, the majority
raised through donations, gifts, grants, and funding
(56%) are women.
administered on behalf of third parties such as state
disadvantaged backgrounds. UP has for many years
departments, foundations and provincial governments. UP’s educational approach has a strong focus on
It also has a strategic bursary fund to ensure that its
inclusivity, equitable access to education, and equity
diversity targets in undergraduate and postgraduate
of outcomes. Contact sessions in traditional lectures,
student numbers are met.
seminars, laboratories and practicals are effectively
46
supplemented with online learning platforms – the
Transformation is a mainstream activity in the University’s
so-called hybrid model, in which additional activities,
student life environment. While students have the right to
notes, resources and videos to supplement classes are
freedom of association, specific participation and content
provided online. This has enabled access and success
criteria are established to ensure inclusivity in all formal
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
Transformation goals UP’s Transformation Plan 20172021 identifies the following transformation goals for the
68+32+A
19
nGAP positions
n 68% Women
University: • Ensure access to a diverse student body that reflects the demographic mix and social complexity of South Africa • Significantly reduce and ultimately eliminate differential student success and graduation rates based on race, gender,
Our staff profile 62% Black staff
class and other critical variables 65% Black staff
2018
• Realise employment equity targets as set in the University’s Employment Equity Plan • Enhance research capacity and productivity of black and
2019
women academics 24% Academic staff
26% Academic staff 2018
n 12 786 Total postgraduate students n 12 786 Total postgraduate students
59+41+A 67+33+A 54+46+A
cultures and practices that are welcoming to students and staff from diverse socio-economic
2019
and cultural backgrounds.
Our student profile n 48 532 Total number of contact students
• Engender institutional
n 59% Total black contact students n 67% Total black postgraduates
Black graduate students
61%
67%
2018
2019
n 53.5% Postgraduate female students
47
student life activities organised by recognised student
gender and sexuality awareness, the positive power of
structures of the University. This applies in the residence
language, cultural diversity and good citizenship. The
environment and to day students. The aim is to provide
SRC has, among its portfolios, an elected transformation
student life activities that are welcoming to the widest
champion who coordinates activities and ensures that
variety of students possible, including undergraduate,
the transformation committee functions effectively.
postgraduate, international students and students with
All student leadership structures have transformation
disabilities.
portfolios and those members who occupy the portfolio together form the student sub-council on transformation,
Transformation is a key element of all student leadership
a forum for student leaders to contribute to the
development and training programmes offered by
transformation agenda of the university. Furthermore,
the University. Topics include diversity sensitisation,
new and additional student structures were established to advance safety and wellness and work on initiatives
Accolades for female academics Female academic staff were honoured by a wide range of organisations. • Prof Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Director of the School of Public Management and Administration in the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences, has been appointed to serve as a member of the Science Advisory Council of the Stockholm Environment Institute. • Professors Armanda Bastos and Marthán Bester from the Department of Zoology and Entomology were announced as fellows of the Royal Society of South Africa (RSSAf). • Prof Hettie Schönfeldt received the Nevin Scrimshaw Award for her contribution throughout her research career to generating uniquely country-specific food data for the African region. • Prof Esté van Marle-Köster, Head of UP’s Department of Animal and Wildlife Sciences, was honoured as the Gauteng Agriculturist of the Year by the Agricultural Writers South Africa for a lifetime of work in the livestock sector. • Dr Christel Hansen in the Department of Geography, Geoinformatics and Meteorology was awarded the Society of South African Geographers (SSAG) Centenary Award.
48
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
to address issues of gender-based violence and discrimination. These included: SpeakOUT@UP; The Student Wellness Committee; and ManDown, a structure comprising young men dedicated to addressing genderbased violence. As part of a broader strategy of transforming the residence cultures, the University renamed several student residences to represent the diversity of South African languages. This was done after a process of consultation with all the stakeholders. In the University residence dining halls, menus have been changed over the years to address the specific needs and preferences of a changing student demographic.
STAFF DEVELOPMENT Diversity in UP’s staff composition is central to its research and institutional identity, and is an important aspect of pursuing excellence in meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse student body. The University continues to make positive progress in this regard. Black staff comprise 65% of the total headcount (2018: 62% ) while black academic staff stands at 26% (2018: 24%). Talent development programmes will further this momentum. New Generation of Academics Programme In 2016 the DHET introduced nGAP to address the academic staffing needs in disciplinary areas in which the
need is greatest. DHET provides funding of R2.5m per academic post over a six-year period, which provides for the salary, mentorship, doctoral/postdoctoral studies, equipment, and conference attendance costs per post. UP has created a co-funding facility to supplement the funding provided by the DHET. UP accepted and filled all 19 positions offered to it by the DHET between 2016 and 2019, and women make up 68% of the total. Eight of the nGAP candidates have completed their PhDs, five confirmed submission during 2020 and the remaining six nGAP lecturers are progressing according to plan.
Tactile warning tiles alert people with visual disabilities of approaching streets or changes on the road ahead.
Programme for Academic Leadership The Programme for Academic Leadership (PAL), offered
students with disabilities to ensure they can participate
through the University’s business school, the Gordon
in activities both inside and outside the formal classroom
Institute of Business (GIBS), was introduced in 2013 as
environment and are integrated into student social life.
an academic leadership and development strategy. The
The Unit caters for undergraduate and postgraduate
programme provides a foundation for developing an
students with visual, hearing, physical, learning,
academic leadership career, and 73 senior academics
psychological and chronic medical disabilities.
have thus far attended PAL. Four of them have since been promoted to dean, four to deputy dean and 14 to heads
UP had 762 students with declared disabilities receiving
of academic departments.
direct support from the Disability Unit in 2019. There were 1 225 walk-in consultations and 1 543 tests and
UP Leadership Programme
examinations written with the support of the Disability
The UP Leadership Programme (UPLP) focuses on
Unit. A total of 382 applications for time concession for
developing the general leadership acumen of academics
examinations and tests were processed. Of these, 42
and professional services leaders. It was implemented
students who did not have medical aid were assessed
exclusively for newly appointed deans and deputy deans
at no cost. Mobility training sessions were presented to
and directors or deputy directors of professional services
25 new first-year students with visual disabilities, while
departments.
51 bursary applications and two National Benchmark Tests were facilitated. Training in assistive technology
Executive Coaching Programme
was provided as well as editing of text pages that were
Formalised in 2018, the UP Executive Coaching
converted into accessible formats for students with
Programme offers coaching to all newly appointed deans
disabilities.
and directors, as well as to a selection of deputy deans. The aim of the programme is to maximise leadership
The UP orientation and mobility training of students with
potential. In total, nine senior line managers of the
visual disabilities enjoys the support and sponsorship of
University have participated thus far.
the South African Guide Dogs Association for the Blind.
PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Thirteen students with disabilities completed their
Through the Disability Unit, UP provides academic,
distinction, while 11 graduates with disabilities will pursue
technological, physical and psychosocial support to
postgraduate studies at UP in 2020.
undergraduate degrees in 2019, two of these with
49
UP has an ongoing project to improve universal access to all of its buildings on all campuses. It has also been carrying out tactile paving of its campuses to help staff and students who are visually impaired to safely and easily move around the University. The tactile warning tiles are detectable by long cane or underfoot, and are used to alert persons with visual disabilities of approaching streets and hazardous surfaces or grade changes.
POLICIES AND RELATED INITIATIVES The University’s new language policy, approved by Council in June 2016, was fully implemented in 2019 with no serious challenges. A range of policies that deal with various aspects of discrimination, sexual harassment and hate speech, have been developed over the years. In 2017, UP started consolidating these policies, which resulted in an overarching Anti-Discrimination Policy. The new policy was approved in 2019 and is now being implemented. A Transformation Office provides a dedicated resource to address issues involving any form of discrimination. An Institutional Transformation Committee (ITC) has representatives from the Executive, Transformation Committees within each faculty and each professional services department, the various staff labour organisations and the students. The ITC worked closely with the Transformation Manager and the Centre for Sexualities, Aids and Gender during 2019 to offer training on the Anti-Discrimination Policy and Sexual Harassment, and will work closely with the Transformation Office in designing, developing and implementing transformation initiatives across UP. Overall, the University has made significant progress towards realising the goals of transformation. We have nurtured a diverse community of outstanding academic and support staff and students; succeeded in creating an awareness of diversity and the value of transformation; and improved employment equity representation at all levels.
50
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
Thabang Manamela, who lost his sight at an early age, graduated with an LLB degree. In 2014, he started studying for a BA general degree and was admitted to the LLB degree programme in 2015. He had to get used to electronic learning at the University as he was used to using Braille at school. Currently a candidate attorney, he is working towards being admitted as an attorney, conveyancer and notary.
Distinctive, with distinction, a nd differently abled Tinyiko Gwambe graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work degree with distinction and is pursuing her postgraduate studies. She was born with tetra-amelia syndrome, a congenital disorder characterised by the absence or malformation of the limbs. This wheelchair-bound graduate is planning to pursue her master’s degree in social development and policy in the Department of Social Work and Criminology.
13
11
2
Successful
Pursuing
Completed their
graduates with
postgraduate
undergraduate
disabilities
studies at UP in
degrees with
2020
distinction
Four-time cancer survivor Lisa Sanders graduated with a master’s degree in translation and interpreting studies from the Department of African Languages. She suffers from a rare condition, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, which greatly increases the risk of cancer. She also lost her leg due to surgical complications at the age of 10. She plans to do her PhD in Japanese Studies at the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies in Japan.
Erika Barnard graduated from the Faculty of Theology. She has familial dysautonomia, an extremely rare genetic disorder that impairs the function of the entire autonomic nervous system. This didn’t hold her back, however, as she completed her four-year degree in a record three years and won an award from the Vice-Chancellor and Principal for her high marks throughout her studies. She intends to further her studies.
51
Sustainability represents UP’s resilience to survive disruption and change, and UP is resolutely building a culture that connects to healthy economic, social and environmental systems.
54 Ensuring continued financial sustainability 56 Building a sustainable infrastructure
52
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
53
UP’s commitment to sustainability permeates all aspects of UP’s institutional life. It may be as obvious as ensuring student success and retention or using its natural resources wisely. It may be as subtle as diversifying revenue streams or investing in appropriate information and communication technology.
student numbers and the development of a fullyfunded student model. • Addressing the challenges of student completion and success rates, which have an impact on subsidy income.
ENSURING CONTINUED FINANCIAL SUSTAINABILITY
• Managing human resources to ensure a high
Financial sustainability is crucial for the future of UP and
• Promoting the concept of efficient and effective
performance ethic among all staff and optimal support for the University’s strategy.
the higher education sector at large. No fee increases
operations that are managed well in terms of cost and
or limited increases in tuition fees since 2016 has led to
incorporate the value-for-money principle.
concerns about the stability and financial sustainability of the higher education sector in general.
• Enhancing the use of information technology (IT) to improve services and reduce costs. The University will continue to prioritise IT projects that enhance
In order to maintain its financial health, UP developed a financial sustainability plan, which was approved by the Council of the University. The main purpose of the plan is
efficiency, improve operations and administrative processes, and enrich teaching, learning and research. • Maintaining, developing and using the University's
to develop a university-wide programme, "SustainUP", to
fixed assets and facilities, including income-generating
which students and staff contribute through innovative
assets (such as venues and sporting facilities), to
and entrepreneurial initiatives to the long-term
meet its future academic, research and social needs,
sustainability of the University.
strengthen project management capabilities internally, maintain environmental sustainability, and optimise
Key actions to achieve the goals of the plan include: • Investing in student success through a “smart
and repurpose space and facilities, where possible. • Generating third-stream income, including fundraising
enrolment approach” that focuses on growth at
campaigns, and developing partnerships aimed at
postgraduate level, an increase in international
external research funding.
The gardens at Future Africa were designed to cultivate and produce edible and indigenous plants. The landscape provides a living and functional testament of a predominantly indigenous landscape as food resource.
54
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
Sustainability at UP means: Alternative funding streams Enterprises University of Pretoria Proprietary Limited (Enterprises UP), which develops, implements and manages the business activities of the University, plays a significant role in generating alternative sources of funding. The company successfully expanded its footprint in the business and governmental sectors in South Africa and internationally, resulting in a total turnover of R237m in 2019.
• Financial sustainability in terms of solvency, liquidity and cash flow • An ecologically and economically sustainable infrastructure • A UP precinct that creates an enabling environment for staff and students to excel • A diverse and talented cohort of students, academic and professional staff • Integration of sustainability principles in all University operations.
Research Solutions generated research funding to the value of R78m through its applied research outputs, offering more than 50 areas of functional expertise and capability. Training Solutions generated development and
UP, a contribution recognised in the naming of one of the galleries • Kresge Foundation: R1.3m (the final tranche of a
training funds to the value of R159m by diversifying its
R4.5m grant) for the Hatfield and Mamelodi anchor
catalogue of 537 customised training programmes and
projects.
short courses, thus contributing even more substantially to socio-economic development in South Africa and
The Andrew Mellon Foundation made substantial
beyond.
donations to two projects in the Faculty of Humanities: • Entanglement, Mobility and Improvisation: Culture
More than 370 public institutions and 950 companies
and Arts in Contemporary African Urbanism and its
in South Africa made use of the contract research and
Hinterlands (R10.3m).
consulting offerings and training products. Donor funding The 2019 fundraising target was R90m and by the end of
• Critical Food Studies: Transdisciplinary Humanities Approaches, which UP will undertake with the Universities of the Western Cape and Kwa-Zulu Natal (total value R12m, with R3.4m being the UP portion).
December 2019, R150m had been raised. New donors included the African Rainbow Minerals Education Trust that donated R7m to fund the UP Technology Fund, enhancements in nuclear medicine research and further research into the world’s first middle ear transplant. Other first-time donors are Total SA (R1m), KSB Pumps (R1.2m) and Bollore Logistics (R1m). These funds are for bursaries to assist previously disadvantaged students to continue their studies. Major bursary donations were also received from IBM (R500 000); Widney (R113 000); Shaping Futures (R360 000); FassetSETA (R9.8m); InSETA (R1.4m); Samsung (R1.4m); SAP (R8.8m); and the MasterCard Foundation (R49m as an annual grant). Further significant new donations included: • National Skills Fund: R23.7m for the Faculty of Veterinary Science to establish wildlife teaching facilities • The Dippenaar Family Trust: R10m towards the Javett-
UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Prof Tawana Kupe with guests during the inaugural donor appreciation event which was held at the Javett-UP Art Centre.
55
BUILDING A SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE
harvesting initiatives, including retention ponds and sustainable urban drainage systems.
UP’s Spatial Development Plan was developed in 2019 to
ICT infrastructure
provide direction for the future physical development of
The University aims to ensure that its ICT systems keep
the University.
abreast of international developments to address the needs related to the 4IR and beyond, as well as to use ICT
UP’s infrastructure includes more than 700 buildings
as a resource for UP’s scientific work, its management of
dating back to the early 1900s. More than one-third
knowledge, interaction with students and staff, and for
of the buildings are classified as heritage buildings
the efficient administration of the University. In 2018, UP
and are subject to the provisions of the National
improved the ICT infrastructure for research and reviewed
Heritage Resources Act 25 of 1999. The University
the networking infrastructure with a specific focus on
has a conservation management plan to ensure the
cyber security issues. UP’s first mobile application was
sustainability of these buildings.
successfully launched during August 2019.
The planning, design and construction of sustainable
Technology in lecture venues and student computer
infrastructure are key elements of the University’s
laboratories is continuously being enhanced in order to
approach to sustainability. All newly designed buildings
improve the teaching and learning experience. In 2019,
and refurbishment projects focus on energy-efficient
UP expanded high-density Wi-Fi coverage to 400 lecture
designs with regard to power and water usage, waste
venues across all campuses, upgraded Audio Visual
handling as well as ventilation and air-conditioning.
equipment in lecture venues, and renewed technology in Student Computer Laboratories. The Wi-Fi infrastructure
The University has entered into a Power Purchase
within lecture venues has made it possible to launch the
Agreement (PPA) to supplement its electricity supply by
mobile clicker project. Students are now able to use clicker
installing photovoltaic (PV) panels on various existing
software from their mobile devices, which negates the use
and new buildings. This project started in 2018 and was
of expensive proprietary clicker systems.
expanded in 2019. An increasing number of students are making use of An emergency back-up water system has been installed
their personal computing devices for academic work or
at the Onderstepoort Campus and a newly established
to access the Internet and other UP systems through
water management task team is investigating other water
the Wi-Fi network. This has led to a dedicated Student IT Hub being established to provide technical support to students. The team supports more than 7 000 students annually. Poor student computer literacy has been identified as one of the contributing factors to the less than satisfactory first-year success rate at the University and a project was initiated to identify a suitable software solution to address this challenge. To ensure uninterrupted service, UP also upgraded its IT servers and data storage facilities. This included establishing a second data centre to address the risk associated with recovery of institutional data in the event
Enhanced ICT infrastructure and WiFi coverage is improving the teaching and learning experience.
56
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
of damage to the current single data centre. The server hardware upgrade has been completed, while the second
Recycling gains
167 072kg Waste recycled
data centre is in operation. Software migration to the new platform is expected to be completed by the end of 2020. Effective conservation strategies Over the past ten years UP has been working to save
19.7%
Increase in recycling efforts
What we saved through recycling
energy, and to reduce water consumption as well as its
• 2 423 trees
carbon footprint. In 2019, we saw a small saving of 0.02%
• 214 472 litres of oil
in water consumption compared to 2018 even though two large facilities, Future Africa and Javett-UP, were added. The savings amounted to R2.58m.
• 5 880 395 litres of water • 1 154m3 of landfill space • 4 555 402t CO2 e pollutants
Furthermore, UP reduced electricity consumption by 4.18% compared to 2018, which contributed to a saving of R9.5m. This includes the cost of the Power Purchase
Fundraising success
Agreement where 462MWh was generated from solar power installations. UP is a major generator of general waste (recyclable,
Target R90m
Actual R150m
food waste and garden waste). During 2019, a total of 167 072kg of waste was recycled and an amount of R187 768 was received in rebates. This was a 19.76% increase in recycling compared to the same period in 2018. Recycling activities in 2019 contributed to saving 2 423 trees, 214 472 litres of oil, 5 880 395 litres of water, 1 154m3 of landfill space and 4 555 402t CO2 e pollutants. Upgrading of the compost and mulch production facility on the Hillcrest Campus has substantially decreased
Enterprises UP contribution to UP funds n Research Solutions R78m
the need to transport garden refuse to landfill sites.
67+33+A
n Training Solutions R159m
We produced compost and mulch to the value of approximately R1.6m and this was used on all the University property. The use of mulch in plant beds on UP campuses and properties will result in a decreased need for irrigation water, the prevention of weed infestation and the creation of healthier soils.
UP infrastructure n 700 Buildings
33+67+A
n 1/3 classified as heritage buildings
57
FINANCIAL
Through sound financial management, the University is able to support its strategic objectives and secure its long-term sustainability as an excellent institution of higher learning.
59 Annual financial review 62 Summarised Consolidated Statement of Financial Position 63 Summarised Consolidated Income Statement 63 Summarised Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income 64 Consolidated Statement of Changes In Funds
58
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
ANNUAL FINANCIAL REVIEW FOR 2019 The University’s total income increased by R564m to R7 611m during the reporting period. The main source of income remains the block grant received from government, together with earmarked grants in respect of veterinary sciences, clinical training, foundation year programmes and university capacity development initiatives. Subsidy income, including restricted earmarked grants, increased by 15.6% when compared to 2018. The second main source of income, tuition fees, increased by R13m. The Department of Higher Education and Training, together with the USAf Board, agreed a 5.3% tuition fee increase for 2019. Profits on disposal of investments and forex gains improved when compared to 2019, primarily due to a recovery of the financial markets since 2018. The decrease in income from contracts and services was due to a slight decrease in income from contract research, continuing education, grants received from statutory institutions and grants received from abroad. Total income of the University of Pretoria for 2019 2019
2018
Change
Rm
Rm
Rm
Government grants Tuition fees Accommodation and meal fees Investment income – profits on disposal Interest/dividend income Net interest income on defined-benefit plans Income from contracts and services Donations and gifts Fair value adjustments Other income
2 878 1 846 539 272 346 36 1 421 216 57 0
2 489 1 833 505 107 333 52 1 529 198 0 1
389 13 34 166 13 (16) (108) 18 57 (1)
Total
7 611
7 047
564
Personnel costs increased by 9.5% (2018: 8.2%), and operating expenses increased by 17.0% (2018: 10.6%). The main contributing factor to the personnel cost increase is the insourcing of previously outsourced services. The increase in operating expenses is influenced primarily by an increase in operating expenses from externally funded activities.
59
The University has a diversified investment portfolio that is governed by the Investment Committee of Council. The diagram below sets out the structure of the University in relation to investment matters: Council
Overall oversight
Responsible for investment strategy
Investment Committee
within the mandate agreed by Council Responsible for ongoing
Management Committee
monitoring and implementation Investment–related service providers
Custodian
Investment Managers
Investment Consultant
The University’s Investment Funds are designed to serve three purposes, namely to meet: • part of the short-term requirements of the University – these liabilities have a maximum term of 24 months. The risk profile emphasises the need for capital protection over short periods and a high degree of liquidity. • the long-term liabilities (5 years and more) of the University – the main requirement here is a good investment return relative to inflation over the long term. • the requirements of a special class of the long-term liabilities being the post- retirement medical aid benefits. The University aligns its investment philosophy to the term of the liabilities and the risk profile. To this end, three investment portfolios have been established: • Money Market Portfolio • Long Term Capital Portfolio • Continuation Medical Aid Portfolio The University follows an investment strategy that rebalances between Long Term Capital and Money Market portfolios according to the cash flow requirements of the University, based on a rolling working capital budget, which accounts for the cash flows of major projects over a rolling 15-month period.
60
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
The graph below gives an indication of the University’s diversified investment portfolio over the past three years. The increased proportion of foreign investments in 2019 should provide the investment portfolio with better resilience to market volatility as a consequence of the COVID-19 virus.
University’s investment portfolio 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40%
Global equities
30%
SA Equities SA Absolute
20%
Other
10%
SA Listed Property
0%
SA Money Market 2016
2017
2018
2019
CONCLUSION The University of Pretoria had satisfactory results for the financial year ended 31 December 2019. The difficult economic conditions remained challenging during the year, as well as the continued implications of the insourcing of previously outsourced staff. The proportion of personnel costs to total expenses remains a focus area, especially considering higher than CPI annual salary increases. Despite the challenging environment, the University has displayed satisfactory financial performance for 2019. The University will continue with initiatives to limit the growth of expenditure and also to pursue innovative ways to utilise its resources and obtain a greater proportion of third-stream income to fund the shortfall in core activities.
61
SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AT 31 DECEMBER 2019 2019
2018
Rm
Rm
ASSETS Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment Right-of-use assets Intangible assets Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income Investments at fair value through profit and loss Investment in associate companies Defined benefit pension plan Defined benefit medical plan Loans and receivables
17 677 6 057 3 60 10 043 974 3 262 257 18
15 373 5 388 – 62 8 865 639 3 183 185 48
Current assets Inventories Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income Investments at fair value through profit and loss Investments at amortised cost Receivables and prepayments Contract assets Cash and cash equivalents
2 320 25 76 34 – 486 – 1 699
2 331 24 – 32 118 503 1 1 653
19 997
17 704
16 396
14 514
2 803
1 992
5 964 7 628 1
5 245 7 276 1
Non-current liabilities Deferred income
1 493 1 493
1 159 1 159
Current liabilities Lease liabilities Trade payables, accruals and other liabilities Deferred income Contract liabilities Student credits and deposits Agency funds
2 108 4 787 820 123 293 81
2 031 – 769 848 85 263 66
19 997
17 704
Total assets EQUITY AND LIABILITIES Total funds Non-distributable reserves Fair value revaluation reserve funds Reserve funds Restricted funds Council designated funds Unrestricted operating funds – education and general
Total funds and liabilities
62
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019
Operating revenue Less operating expenses Personnel costs Other operating expenses Depreciation and amortisation
2019
2018
Rm
Rm
6 900 6 763 3 799 2 612 352
6 555 6 042 3 470 2 251 321
Net surplus from operations
137
513
Interest, dividends and sale of investments Net interest income on defined benefit/contribution plans Fair value adjustment on investments Other non-recurrent income Other non-recurrent expenses
619 36 57 – (9)
381 52 – 59 (3)
Surplus before tax
840
1 002
Surplus for the year attributed to: University of Pretoria Non-controlling interest
840 840 –
1 002 997 5
SUMMARISED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 Surplus for the year
2019
2018
Rm
Rm
840
1 002
Other comprehensive income / (loss) for the year Remeasurements on defined benefit medical plan Remeasurements on defined benefit pension plan Remeasurements on group life assurance plan Past service cost on defined pension plan Fair value adjustment on available-for-sale investments
1 041 66 87 2 (18) 904
(567) (130) (99) 24 – (362)
Total comprehensive income for the year
1 881
435
Total comprehensive income attributed to: University of Pretoria Non-controlling interest
1 881 1 881 –
435 430 5
63
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN FUNDS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2019 Council designated
64
Council
and
designated
restricted
and
property,
Restricted
Unrestricted
restricted
plant and
student
operating
funds –
equipment
accommo
Total
fund Rm
other Rm
funds Rm
dation fund Rm
funds Rm
Balance at 31-12-2017: credit Net (decrease) / increase in funds Surplus for the year Other comprehensive income Net transfers (to) / from other funds Balance at 31-12-2018: credit Non-distributable reserves Council designated funds Restricted – other funds
2 (1) 75 – (76) 1 – 1 –
8 994 (4) 695 (567) (132) 8 990 1 992 6 016 982
5 087 434 75 – 359 5 521 – 1 260 4 261
2 – 151 – (151) 2 – – 2
14 085 429 996 (567) – 14 514 1 992 7 277 5 245
Balance at 31-12-2018: credit Net (decrease) / increase in funds Surplus for the year Other comprehensive income Net transfers (to) / from other funds Balance at 31-12-2019: credit Non-distributable reserves Council designated funds Restricted – other funds
1 – 59 – (59) 1 – 1 –
8 990 1 844 990 1 042 (188) 10 834 2 803 6 649 1 382
5 521 39 (337) – 376 5 560 – 979 4 581
2 (1) 128 – (129) 1 – – 1
14 514 1 882 840 1 042 – 16 396 2 803 7 629 5 964
UNIVERSITY OF PRETORIA Annual Review 2019
Vision and Goals Our Vision is to be a leading research intensive university in Africa, recognised internationally for its quality, relevance and impact, and also for developing people, creating knowledge and making a difference locally and globally.
Our Goals are to: • enhance access and successful student learning • strengthen the University’s research and international profile • foster and sustain a transformed, inclusive, and equitable University community • optimise resources and enhance institutional sustainability • strengthen the University’s social responsiveness and impact in society.
www.up.ac.za
