University Council Affirms University of Pretoria’s Influence on South Africa’s International Reputation

The University of Pretoria plays an important role nationally, and makes a significant contribution to South Africa’s international standing. The University Council governs the University in terms of the Higher Education Act of 1997, as amended and the Statute of the University of Pretoria.

Council has a fiduciary duty and is ultimately responsible for determining the University’s strategic direction. It has a general policy-making and monitoring responsibility. This includes determining guidelines for strategic and financial governance, human resource matters, and the fostering of a positive academic climate as well as the establishment of general policy.

One vacancy in the category of Council members elected by the donors of the University has to be filled for a four-year term, as the term of office of one member appointed in this category will expire on 30 November 2024. Given that the current incumbent is serving his first term, in terms of the provisions of the Statute, he can be reappointed by Council should he be available to serve a further consecutive term and should he be duly nominated and elected by the donors.

All donors who qualify as such in terms of Chapter 12 of the Statute of the University of Pretoria, i.e. persons or organisations that have donated R100 000 or more, over the preceding five-year period, are hereby invited to nominate a person to serve on the Council of the University. The nominee should have a tertiary qualification and high-level expertise and experience in the auditing (i.e. qualified and registered auditor or chartered accountant will be an advantage) and/or financial and/or investment management and/or philanthropy and fundraising fields. It will be advantageous for the person to be familiar with the higher education sector.

Please note that this category forms part of the external group of Council members and therefore section 27(6) and section 27(7)(e) of the Higher Education Act are applicable. As a result, no employee or student of the University or employee of any other university may be considered for appointment.

Nomination forms are available from the Office of the Registrar. Each nomination should be accompanied by a short curriculum vitae of the nominee and must be signed by at least two donors. In addition, the nominee must indicate their acceptance of the nomination in writing.

Nominations must reach the Registrar of the University no later than 16:00 on 26 July 2024.

The Registrar will deal with the nominations in accordance with the election procedures set out in the Statute. A Council member thus appointed, will serve on the Council in a personal capacity and not as a representative of any interest group.