News Bulletin of 2 December 2025, 1pm

The University of Pretoria has set new benchmarks in the 2025 Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, strengthening its position as one of Africa’s leading research universities.
UP achieved historic firsts with its Civil Engineering department ranked for the first time and its Medical Technology entry reaching 101–150 globally, topping Africa and South Africa.
The university also ranked first in Africa and South Africa for Education, Political Sciences, Veterinary Sciences, and Ecology, with strong performances across social sciences, health, and STEM fields.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Francis Petersen said the results reflect UP’s research excellence, societal impact, and commitment to advancing knowledge across disciplines.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile, UNAIDS Country Director Eva Kiwango and Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi marked World AIDS Day in Ga Masemola, Limpopo, highlighting South Africa’s ongoing efforts to tackle HIV.
They reflected on progress made through programmes that expand access to treatment and support, despite a year of international funding cuts.
Initiatives such as the Close the Gap campaign and multi month dispensing were highlighted as key steps to improve care.
The leaders also emphasised the need to focus on vulnerable groups and continue reducing stigma in communities.

Egyptian writer Salwa Bakr has been named the first winner of the BRICS Literature Award at the Khabarovsk City Palace of Culture during the BRICS Countries Arts Festival.
Bakr, known for her novels, short stories, and a play, has had her work translated into multiple European languages.
The award, voted on by an international jury, comes with a cash prize of 1 million rubles, roughly R 215 000, and celebrates literature from BRICS countries while promoting intercultural dialogue.
Indonesian writer Denny JA also received a special prize for innovation in literature, marking the festival as a platform recognising diverse and pioneering literary voices.