Following the launch of its Degrees Delivered campaign, which is helping historically indebted graduates access their earned degree certificates, the University of Pretoria (UP) dedicated this year’s Principal’s Concert to the cause.
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.
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, the campaign 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.
When organising its annual Principal’s Concert, UP decided the event would this year not only provide audiences with a memorable cultural experience but also directly benefit graduates in need of financial assistance.
The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe – The Ballet 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.
“It all starts with an immaculate little figurine of a rhinoceros made from thin gold foil,” UP Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen said ahead of the performance.
“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 are 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 will support graduates who have already completed their academic journey.”
After briefly pausing for applause from the audience, he continued: “They have written their exams, attended lectures and met all of our academic requirements. However, without access to their qualification, graduates face delayed employment, blocked career progression and limited access to further study.”
Prof Petersen said the lack of access to degree certificates has ripple effects not only on individuals and families but also on South Africa’s broader economy and skills development pipeline.
The concert formed part of the campaign’s efforts to help around 1 500 eligible graduates. He extended gratitude to UP alumni, staff, citizens, corporate donors and BANKSETA, which has cleared the debt of more than 80 students.
The epic-scale production was directed and produced by Dirk Badenhorst, with choreography by Angela Revie and Mdu Nhlapo. The production also brought together three of UP’s flagship performing ensembles, the UP Symphony Orchestra, Tuks Camerata and the UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble, alongside Mzansi Ballet.
The connection between the University, the ballet, and the gold rhino figurine is particularly significant, as UP is the custodian of the internationally recognised Mapungubwe Collection and Archive, which includes the iconic Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe. Through ballet, choral music and live symphonic performance, The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe – The Ballet brought the story of the ancient kingdom from the museum collection to the stage.
The production featured dancers from Mzansi Ballet alongside international stars, 120 student choristers drawn from Tuks Camerata and the UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble, and the UP Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Dr Schalk van der Merwe. “Society requires collective effort and thrives on Ubuntu to make campaigns such as Degrees Delivered successful,” Prof Petersen concluded.
The Mapungubwe Collection is housed at UP Museums, where the public can view it in the Mapungubwe Gallery in the Old Arts building. The collection includes the iconic Gold Rhino, which dates to the 13th century and was discovered by UP researchers on Mapungubwe Hill in 1933.
Members of the public can support Degrees Delivered by donating directly to the campaign.
©Higher Education Media Services.