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University of the Third Age - U3A

“Learning for leisure and pleasure”

The “University of the Third Age”, or U3A as it is usually known, is a learning and social community organized by and for people who can best be described as in active retirement – the “Third Age” of their lives.

The overall aim is to provide members with both the stimulus of mental activity and the satisfaction of suitable activities with people of a similar age.

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About U3A

The University of the Third Age is dedicated to providing educational and social opportunities for older adults. We maintain a vibrant community of learners who engage in a wide range of activities, from academic discussions to creative pursuits.

Our programs are designed to foster intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and meaningful connections within our diverse membership.

We welcome individuals from all walks of life to join us in celebrating lifelong learning and community engagement.

Our primary activity is hosting two presentations per month, on the second and fourth Thursday of each month, at the Settlers Park Don Powis Hall. These presentations cover a variety of topics, including history, science, arts, and culture.

Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and chat before the meeting, which starts at 09h30 for 10h00. The presentations are followed by a Q&A session with the presenter.

U3A Committee

Upcoming Events

Attend our meetings on the second and fourth Thursday of each month in the Settlers Park Don Powis Hall at 09h30 for 10h00. Enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and chat before the meeting. The presentations are followed by a Q&A session with the presenter.

Thursday 22 October 2026

Dr Joshua Gernetzky – Preventing and relieving lower back pain

Dr Gernetzky is from the Bay Life Centre in Port Elizabeth. Many elderly people have, or will have, lower back pain. Dr Gernetzky will tell us what causes it and what we can do to prevent it.
In this presentation he will:
❖ Explain what causes back pain, and more importantly how you can prevent it.
❖ Demonstrate simple exercises that have been shown to help your back.
❖ Inform you about recent breakthroughs in the treatment of back pain.
The presentation is filled with practical information and is ideal for most group meetings. It lasts approximately 30 minutes but can be tailored to suit your specific needs. I can allow time for a question-and-answer session. Your members will receive a free back pain prevention kit (pending numbers coming) that contains useful information summarizing the important points of the workshop.

Thursday 12 November 2026

Angela Volschenk – Opera, Chinese Opera, and learning Mandarin

All events, including past presentations

Become a Member

Join U3A Port Alfred and enjoy member benefits such as meeting notifications, a monthly newsletter, access to recordings of presentations, and a discounted meeting fee.

  • • Annual membership for individuals - R50-00
  • • Annual Membership for couples - R80-00
  • • Meeting fee for members - R5-00
  • • Meeting fee for non-members - R10-00
Join today

Download a membership form here and hand it in at the next meeting. If you have paid the membership fee online, please attach the confirmation of payment to the form.