Message from the new vice-chancellor

Dear colleagues and students

One of the most commonly known African proverbs states: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. This comes to mind on a day like this, as I commence my term as vice-chancellor at the University of Cape Town (UCT).

As I join during this period, following the challenges the university faced in recent years and appreciating the sterling job done by Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy over the past 16 months, I am mindful that we can only go far by going together.

Emeritus Professor Reddy, in his role as Vice-Chancellor interim, stabilised the institution, and I thank him and members of Council, chaired by Mr Norman Arendse (SC), for their steadfast leadership.

I am immensely honoured to be entrusted with the responsibility of leading UCT as the 11th vice-chancellor. I remain humbled by the overwhelming confidence shown in me by the university’s Council and Senate during and post the recruitment process. It is such confidence, and the tangible support I have received even in the weeks leading up to me taking up the role formally, that will serve as the wind beneath my wings.

I start this journey not only full of optimism and hope for UCT, but also mindful of the fact that I will draw from the collective strength of all of you in the UCT community.

UCT is known worldwide for unleashing human potential. As your new Vice-Chancellor, , I commit myself to working with you to unleash your potential to help create a fair and just society.

One of my intentions is to create a university environment where you can grow and contribute to the world on any scale, large or small. UCT’s strength lies in each of you, students and staff members alike.

In addition to creating an enabling environment for students and staff to thrive in, my other goal is to build a united community. Unity should be a common thread that binds us together as a campus community, even in our diversity.

To our students, you may have just completed your first-ever semester at university, or your final semester before graduation. I look forward to meeting you, to seeing you shine and, in time, to capping you at your graduation ceremony.

I also look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of our staff members as well, who are all the bedrock of our success as a university. In the coming weeks and months, I will be having engagements with various stakeholders within the university. I look forward to these.

In August, I will also have opportunities to interact informally with some members of the university community when we host no less than four UCT Inaugural Lectures. I will also host the VC’s Open Lecture on 20 August. These events are open to members of the UCT community; and I encourage you to attend. Please look out for further communication and details on these.

There are, of course, many serious challenges ahead for all of us: improving the university’s financial position; rebuilding trust among all our stakeholders; attracting students and academics from across Africa and the globe; and working with other university leaders across South Africa to respond to the higher education funding challenges. Another important priority will be to work with Council to fill the vacancies on the executive team. These team members and I will serve you as you help to take UCT forward.

I look forward to the journey ahead, as we collectively work towards ensuring that UCT remains the best university in and for Africa; and as we continue to pursue the university’s Vision 2030, anchored around the three pillars of excellence, sustainability and transformation.

Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements