Popularly known as Turfloop, UL was the first institution in South Africa to establish a medical school since the advent of democracy. It eventually produced the country’s youngest medical doctor. The Institution also launched a cathode materials centre, South Africa’s first pilot plant in manganese beneficiation, a R30-million investment to tap into the country’s manganese ore reserves and energy storage. South Africa has 80% of the world’s high-grade manganese ore reserves. This resource has enormous potential for mineral beneficiation in the country.