Tickets for the Pretoria University President's Concert in 2026, featuring the 'The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe' ballet, are now on sale. The event will take place on October 7th and 8th, with all proceeds going to the UP Degrees Delivered campaign.
This concert invites the public to experience the history of one of South Africa's most important archaeological discoveries through music and dance. Furthermore, it helps graduates who cannot obtain their diplomas due to long-standing student debts.
Charity Concert in Support of the Degrees Delivered Campaign
For the first time, the President's Concert will have a charitable nature: revenue from ticket and merchandise sales will go to the Pretoria University's Degrees Delivered campaign. This campaign addresses a serious issue in education and careers: graduates who have successfully completed all academic requirements cannot receive their certificates due to outstanding historical debts. Without these documents, some face obstacles in employment, professional registration, or further education.
The concert brings together three flagship UP performing groups—the UP Symphony Orchestra, Tuks Camerata, and the UP Ovuwa Cultural Ensemble—alongside Mzansi Ballet. The production is particularly relevant to UP, as the university is the custodian of the internationally recognized Mapungubwe Collection and Archive. The 'The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe' ballet explores the Mapungubwe heritage through performing arts, combining music, dance, and theatre in a production inspired by one of Africa's oldest kingdoms.
The ballet is closely linked to the Mapungubwe Collection at UP museums, where the iconic Gold Rhino is one of the artifacts telling the story of the ancient kingdom. The production moves this heritage from the museum collection to the stage, using ballet, choral music, and live symphonic performance to narrate an important South African history.
A Unique Exploration of Mapungubwe Heritage Through Performance
Mzansi Ballet Director Dirk Badenhorst noted that the production was conceived as a distinctly South African ballet inspired by the history and heritage of Mapungubwe. He stated: 'Our goal was to tell an important African story through the universal language of dance, bringing together South African dancers, choreographers, composers, designers, and musicians with leading international artists.' Professor Petersen emphasized that the concert demonstrates the role of art in establishing connections between people, history, and culture, while also contributing to significant social impact. He added: 'Art challenges us to think differently, deepen our understanding of each other, preserve our cultural heritage, and inspire us to envision new possibilities.'
As part of this concert, there is an opportunity to combine celebration with a tangible contribution to the lives of graduates. Professor Petersen concluded: 'Every contribution opens opportunities. Every contribution helps deliver deserved qualifications to someone ready to contribute to society.' The public can support the Degrees Delivered campaign by attending the concert on October 7th and 8th or by making a direct donation. Professor Petersen finished his speech with these words: 'No graduate should be left behind at the finish line. And no capable student should be left behind at the starting line.'
Tickets range from 350 to 550 Rand, and attendees are urged to book in advance to enjoy this unique celebration of Mapungubwe, South African ballet, and the talent of the UP performing community, while helping to provide qualifications to those graduates who have earned them.
President's Concert 2026 - Quick Information
Proceeds will go to the Pretoria University's Degrees Delivered campaign for graduates affected by historical student debt. The 'The Gold Rhino of Mapungubwe' production is presented by the University of Pretoria in collaboration with Mzansi Ballet. The concert will take place on Wednesday, October 7th, and Thursday, October 8th, 2026. Start times are 18:30 for 19:00. The venue is the Hall on the Hatfield Campus of the University of Pretoria. Ticket prices range from 350 to 550 Rand.
How to Book:
Tickets are available on the UP President's Concert ticketing platform. All proceeds from ticket and merchandise sales will go to the UP Degrees Delivered campaign, which aims to raise 50 million Rand between 2026 and 2028 to help qualified graduates obtain their deserved qualifications by addressing the issue of historical student debt.