When organising this year’s Principal’s Concert, the University of Pretoria set out not only to stage a stunning showcase celebrating our African heritage, but also to put hard-earned degrees directly into the hands of deserving graduates.
Pretoria, South Africa (13 October 2026) – The University of Pretoria community remains committed to ensuring deserving graduates receive the hard-earned degrees they have worked so diligently for. Through its Degrees Delivered campaign, staff and students have participated in various fundraising initiatives to help historically indebted graduates access their earned degree certificates.
When it came time to organise the University’s 2026 Principal’s Concert, UP decided the event would this year not only provide audiences with a memorable cultural experience but also directly benefit the campaign – supporting graduates in need of financial assistance.
In collaboration with Mzansi Ballet, UP presented a new staging of The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe – The Ballet on 7 and 8 October at the Aula on its Hatfield Campus.
The concert offered the opportunity to experience the story of one of South Africa’s most significant archaeological discoveries through music and dance, alongside costumes and jewellery by South African fashion designer David Tlale and set design by award-winning theatre designer Andrew Botha.
Ahead of the performance, UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen explained that it all starts with an immaculate little figurine of a rhinoceros made from thin gold foil.
“Eight hundred years ago, an unattributed artist made the gold rhino of Mapungubwe by pressing gold foil over a carved wooden core, held in place with tiny gold nails. The core has since disintegrated, but the little rhino has retained its lifelike form.
“Centuries later, we gathered together at UP for an event that celebrates our African heritage and at the same time honours the futures of our students. For the first time, the Principal’s Concert has supported graduates who have already completed their academic journey.”
At least R170,000 was raised through ticket and merchandise sales, with the proceeds benefiting Degrees Delivered.
The campaign aims to raise R50 million between 2026 and 2028 to help qualifying graduates access their qualifications. Launched in mid-2026, it has made headlines and has already raised more than R11 million, enabling nearly 200 graduates who had struggled with historical student debt to receive their qualifications.
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He extended gratitude to UP alumni, staff, citizens, corporate donors and BANKSETA, which has cleared the debt of more than 80 students.
Members of the public can support Degrees Delivered by donating directly to the campaign.
Sources: University of Pretoria
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