History of U3A

The U3A is an international movement that aims to further lifelong learning and the enjoyment of life for mainly retired members of the community—those in their third ‘age’ of life. U3A started in France at the Faculty of Social Sciences in Toulouse in 1973 by Professor Pierre Vellas. 

The ‘Third Age’ is the stage of life reached after the Second Age of working life and home making.   For many, the Third Age provides opportunities to spread their wings and do things they could only dream about when they had work and family responsibilities.

By the early 1980s, the concept reached the United Kingdom, where its nature was radically changed to be more a self-help organisation.  There are variations of U3A now in virtually all western countries.

U3A in South Africa started in Cape Town and helped to establish U3A Johannesburg over 20 years ago.  There are more than 28 branches in South Africa including five in the Johannesburg area. Members of any U3A branch may join functions at any other branch worldwide.  We receive communications from the international body for U3A (AIUTA) to let us know of developments.

The term University is used in its original sense of the word – a collective of people devoted to learning, with members rather than students, all of whom are in their Third Age, where the first age refers to childhood dependence and the second age to those in full-time employment or with parental responsibilities.

There is no lower age limit for membership, the main criteria being that members are retired or are in part time work.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_the_Third_Age

Structure

Almost all our activities are delivered by our own members.

Activities are organised mainly in small groups that meet regularly, sometimes in each other's homes. It pursues a wide range of topics; some academic, some practical and others recreational.

Meetings

We hold a general meeting on the third Tuesday of each month (except December and January), The meetings are held in RUC (Rosebank Union Church) at the bottom of Sandton Drive.   Please refer to Contacts for further details

At these monthly meetings we have a talk by a knowledgeable and interesting speaker.  Visitors are welcome at these talks – visitor’s fee R30.

We try to record and distribute a link to the meeting to our members.

Current Membership

Membership is open to everyone who is no longer in full-time work.  No qualifications are required for admission, and none are awarded, as fellowship and love of learning are the focus of the organisation.

Currently the annual fee is a modest R80. This gives you access to all the monthly meetings, all courses and outings.  There may be an additional charge to cover costs.  The banking details are on the last page:  Contacts.

To join U3A Joburg, complete a registration form and email it to us or hand it in at the registration table, when you arrive for a lecture.  You will receive a membership card the following month that serves as a receipt.  Please wear your membership card to all U3A functions. The annual membership fee is R80. To attend a Tuesday lecture as a guest is R30.

Annual Break

We have an annual break in activities during December and January each year.  There are no monthly meetings and many of our course leaders are on vacation. The committee does not meet during this period and all U3A business resumes in February.