Tuks turns 113 amid Covid challenges

The University of Pretoria celebrated its 113th year since it was established in 1908. But due to Covid-19, celebrations were held virtually last Wednesday.

Vice-chancellor and principal Professor Tawana Kupe praised the role of students, staff and society for keeping the torch of Tuks alive through their resilience.

“Thus the institution needs to continue contributing positively in developing surrounding areas.

“We see our institution as an anchor institution in our community, with a direct effect on the local economy, the safety and security, well-being and sustainability of our people and environment,” he said.

“For example, Viva Village in Mamelodi township is a multi- and transdisciplinary community engagement hub in which all faculties are involved, including psychology, social work, geology, engineering and health sciences (medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, nutrition and radiology).

“They work together with residents, healthcare workers and clinics to provide a holistic service. The same is done in Zama-Zama and Plastic View informal settlements and at the pop-up clinic of Salvokop.”

Kupe said in the past year, institutions of higher learning faced trying times due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

“We are in midst of the global Covid-19 pandemic which has seriously disrupted our way of life. It has been hard on everyone. We live with anxiety and uncertainty. We mourn for colleagues and students who have lost their loved ones,’’ he said.

READ MORE: Meet Tuks’ youngest professor

“I’m grateful for the resilience of the students and our staff who have pulled us through.”

Kupe said adapting relatively successfully to the fast-changing environment was important to the longevity of the university.

“I believe it is this resilience that will once again see us through as we tackle the challenges of the New Year and to continue to rethink and reimagine or role we play in society.”

While the pandemic posed serious challenges to the institution and the education sector as a whole, Kupe believed it also provided an opportunity for the university to enhance its ability to teach and learn in forms other than contact learning.

“We rose to the challenge, thanks to our experience of hybrid learning a combination of online and contact classes for the past 20 years.”

One of his highlights for the past year, was the research and participation of university staff in the fight against the pandemic.

“Looking ahead, we will intensify our efforts and continue to embrace the digital and technological advances we have made and leverage off our leverage transdisciplinary platforms such as the recently launched engineering 4.0 research facility and the Javette art centre to the benefit of society.”

Kupe said the university’s goal was work towards becoming a leading intensive research university in Africa while also developing people, creating knowledge and making a difference in society.

“Our main objective is to make a difference in society. To achieve this we need strong institutions that nurture leaders, anchor truly democratic futures, and promote inclusive economic development, environmental sustainability and social progress. At UP, we are pursuing new, creative and innovative research and approaches to address the multiplicity of critical problems facing the continent and the world.”

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram