Inauguration Ceremony for Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen of University of Pretoria

 

By Fred Felton | Mar. 17, 2025

The Inauguration Ceremony for Professor Francis Petersen was held last week on Friday 14^th March, 2025. He was recently appointed as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal for the University of Pretoria.  

The Inauguration Ceremony was filled with music. | Photo: Fred Felton 

The ceremony itself was a glamorous affair as guests dressed up to attend this event. Professor Petersen is responsible for the management and administration of the University. He has a distinguished academic background and years of experience in higher education with a wide background in engineering, finance, and academic management.

He is highly educated with a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) and a Master of Engineering (Metallurgical Engineering) from the University of Stellenbosch, as well as a PhD. in Engineering. He has also completed a course in Financial Skills for Executive Management from IIR Training.

Professor Petersen has held many academic positions at the University of Stellenbosch, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, University of Cape Town, and University of the Free State. His leadership roles included Head of Department, Dean and Deputy Vice-Chancellor. He has also contributed to industry and science councils including strategic leadership at Anglo American Platinum Limited, Mintek and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Professor Petersen has years of extensive leadership and academic experience that positions him perfectly to guide and uphold the University of Pretoria’s tradition of academic distinction while carving out new roads in research, teaching, and society engagement.

The theme for the Inauguration Ceremony was The Power of Possibility and the event was held at the Aula at the University of Pretoria. The ceremony began with a performance by the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra of: Andante Festivo by Jean Sibelius.

The University of Pretoria Youth Choir performed Hlonolofatsa: Traditional followed by the Academic Procession and the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra, University of Pretoria Youth Choir and UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble performing Gaudeamus igitur.

The Constitution of The Assembly and the Welcome were done by Chancellor Justice Sisi Khampepe.

There was a moment of silence and then the UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble performed I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin.

The Presentation of The Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen was done by the Chairperson of Council Mr Ben Kruger. Afterwards the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra performed Coriolan Overture by Ludwig van Beethoven.

The Investiture was done by Registrar Professor Caroline Nicholson. The Inauguration of the Vice-Chancellor and Principal was performed by Chancellor Justice Sisi Khampepe.

Justice Khampepe presents the VC with sheet music of the original piece played at his inauguration. | Photo: University of Pretoria. 

The University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra, University of Pretoria Youth Choir and Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble performed The Power of Possibility by Atlegang Milanzi.

Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Francis Petersen then gave an Inaugural Address filled with positivity.

Prof Petersen delivering his inaugural address. | Photo: University of Pretoria. 

‘’I’m honoured to stand before you today as the 14^th Vice-Chancellor,’’ noted Professor Petersen.

He pledged to do his utmost to serve in this role at the University of Pretoria. His aim was to serve with dedication and passion.

‘’Our strength lies in working together to transform the future,’’ said Professor Petersen.

He also went on to say that, ‘’The University of Pretoria is its people.’’

‘’University of Pretoria is committed to developing people, creating knowledge and making a difference both locally and globally,’’ noted Professor Petersen.

He also acknowledged the various platforms offered at The University of Pretoria such as Future Africa, Innovation Africa, Engineering 4.0, The Javett-UP Art Centre and the recently announced The South African Centre for Industry and Technology which will be hosted at the University of Pretoria.

Professor Petersen also spoke of the ‘missing middle’ students whose families earn too much to qualify for financial assistance but not enough to cover the tuition fees and living expenses. ‘’In the light of this I was proud to announce the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Scholarship Fund last year.  The goal of this fund is to ensure that no student is denied the opportunity of studying at the University of Pretoria because of financial constraints,’’ said Professor Petersen.

‘’The aim is to position the University of Pretoria as a global intellectual leader on African matters, for Africa and the World,’’ emphasised Professor Petersen.

After his speech the UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble performed Botho: Traditional.

There were congratulations from various people including from the students. The Student Representative Council President Vhutshilo Muambadzi wished Professor Petersen well. ‘’An engineer never stops building,’’ noted Ms Muambadzi.

The National Anthem was performed by the University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra, University of Pretoria Youth Choir and UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble.

The Dissolution of the Assembly was done by the Chancellor Justice Sisi Khampepe and the Academic Procession left the venue.

Thereafter University of Pretoria Symphony Orchestra, University of Pretoria Youth Choir and UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble performed Gaudeamus igitur.

All donations towards The Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Scholarship Fund from South Africa, the USA and the UK are tax-deductible.

If you would like to donate to the fund or get more information on it email giving@up.ac.za