GEMMA GATTICCHI
UP offers its students over 100 societies ranging from academic to social groups, and everything in between. Joining a society is a great way to immerse yourself in the university and meet new people. Below is a list of a few of the societies that Tuks has to offer:
Take a girl child to varsity: This organisation strives to help girls become independent members of society. It aims to give career guidance and support to the girls who need it most. Some of its activities include making sure that information concerning different universities, qualifications and financing through university gets to the young girls out there, even in rural areas. The society also focuses on giving career guidance to girls and mentoring them through university, until they get their degrees.
Psyche: This society was officially launched in 2011 and is targeted at psychology students. Along with providing practical experience to those interested in the field, the society also ca rries out various charity drives. In 2017, they assisted the SPC A with donations of food, blankets and home-made toys.
Tuks Mind Sports Club: According to their Facebook page, this society creates a healthy competitive gaming scene involving consoles, PC and board games. It is an environment that gives players the opportunity to further their gaming careers or skills, by providing an exclusive experience limited to club members.
Pledge a Pad: This is a student-led registered society at the University of Pretoria. In addition to that, they also work as a registered non-profit organisation. Pledge a Pad aims to assist young women and girls living in disadvantaged areas by providing them with sanitary towels every month, along with appropriate sexual and reproductive health education.
Tuks UP & Out: This is the official LGBTQI+ Tuks society which provides a platform that encourages students to express themselves in a safe and judgement free environment.
The Inklings: This is the university’s literature, drama and arts society, named after the famous group at Oxford which included the likes of Tolkien and CS Lewis. Their aim is to promote the appreciation of all things language. According to the UP website, they hold creative writing and art competitions. They also publish an anthology once a year, called Inclinations, which includes poetry, short stories and art produced by the members.
