VC Open Lecture with Prof Evelyn Welch

10 March 2023 | Director Ruairi Abrahams & Nico Badenhuizen. Videography & Video Edit Ruairi Abrahams. Photo Supplied.

Professor Evelyn Welch, vice-chancellor and president of the University of Bristol, presented the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Vice-Chancellor’s Open Lecture on Tuesday, 7 March 2023.

Her topic: “Why Humanities Matter in a 21st Century University”, focused on the role of Humanities and Liberal Arts programmes in a world that is dominated by technology.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

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In the wake of the recent amendments to the National Health Act, UCT will adopt a hybrid working model for staff while students will continue with face-to-face learning. 05 Jul 2022 - 4 min read

Videos

Staff engagement on repealed Covid-19 regulations

UCT’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng held an online staff engagement session to discuss the repealed Covid-19 regulations. 04 Jul 2022

Videos

UCT launches cutting-edge facilities for teaching and learning

UCT officially launched its One Button Studios, a ground breaking new facility for teaching and learning. 30 Jun 2022

Videos

UCT launches digital learning platform ‘Amathuba’

Amathuba is an easy-to-use learning platform that supports a wide range of teaching modes. 30 Jun 2022

News

Ground-breaking new facilities for teaching and learning at UCT

CILT launched its One Button Studios, automated professional recording studios with the aim of enhancing the teaching and learning experience for staff and students. 27 Jun 2022 - 6 min read

News

Digital Bootcamp: Upskilling unemployed UCT grads and ‘interrupted’ students

UCT’s new Digital Bootcamp is an innovative project to upskill unemployed graduates and ‘interrupted’ students and give them a shot at jobs. 24 Jun 2022 - 7 min read

Videos

Launch of the UCT Digital Bootcamp

Vice-Chancellor Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng announced the launch of the UCT Digital Bootcamp on Wednesday, 22 June 2022 as part of Vision 2030. 24 Jun 2022

News

UCT’s development studies in top 10

UCT is one of the best places in the world for development studies, according to the latest subject rankings from Quacquarelli Symonds. 14 Apr 2022 - 2 min read

News

WOOP goal realisation app now in all 11 official languages

The goalsetting and realisation app, WOOP, has now been translated into all 11 official South African languages, a boon for students. 31 Mar 2022 - 5 min read

News

Philippi Hub a vital platform for new Summer School audiences

With its dual live and online offerings, the first “phygital” Summer School has attracted new local community and alumni audiences abroad. 15 Mar 2022 - 10 min read

Videos

Parent Orientation: Faculty of Commerce information session

UCT’s Faculty of Commerce hosted an information session as part of Parent Orientation 2022. 14 Feb 2022

Videos

Parent Orientation: Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment information session

UCT’s Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment hosted an information session as part of Parent Orientation 2022. 14 Feb 2022

Videos

Parent Orientation: Faculty of Health Sciences information session

UCT’s Faculty of Health Science hosted an information session as part of Parent Orientation 2022. 14 Feb 2022

Videos

Parent Orientation: Faculty of Humanities information session

UCT’s Faculty of Humanities hosted an information session as part of Parent Orientation 2022. 14 Feb 2022

Videos

Parent Orientation: Faculty of Law information session

UCT’s Faculty of Law hosted an information session as part of Parent Orientation 2022. 14 Feb 2022

Videos

Parent Orientation: Faculty of Science information session

UCT’s Faculty of Science hosted an information session as part of Parent Orientation 2022. 14 Feb 2022

Videos

Virtual Parent Orientation 2022

UCT held the virtual Parent Orientation on Wednesday, 09 February 2022. 14 Feb 2022

Videos

UCT’s student learning and teaching experience for 2022

UCT’s Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) shared important information about students’ learning and teaching experience at the 2022 Virtual Parent Orientation 09 Feb 2022

Newsbyte

‘UCT Open Textbook Journeys’ provides access to locally relevant learning materials

Lecturers at UCT are adopting innovative pedagogical and content production approaches to provide students with more accessible and locally relevant learning materials. 18 Jan 2022 - 2 min read

News

Using the power of language to open a window on economics

Translating over 1 000 economic terms into South Africa’s 11 official languages is at the heart of the EcoDoc app, recently launched within UCT’s School of Economics. 21 Dec 2021 - 5 min read

News

Lightboard makes teaching effective during pandemic

To enhance teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic, UCT’s Associate Professor Jimmy Winfield built a lightboard, which he used during online education for his students. 17 Dec 2021 - 7 min read

News

‘Phygital’ Summer School: innovation and learning outside UCT’s walls

Taking the university’s resources to the people and co-creating new courses with broader public appeal has seen the Summer School pivot to create “education everywhere”. 09 Dec 2021 - 9 min read

News

UNESCO chair in open education and social justice for Glenda Cox

Dr Glenda Cox, the new UNESCO Chair in Open Education and Social Justice, is upbeat about opportunities for networking, collaboration and creating local content. 02 Dec 2021 - 7 min read

News

Post-TRC: Students explore hard questions on justice and healing

How does SA move forward after the TRC’s failure to deliver justice to apartheid victims? Students on the Global Citizenship Programme discussed the topic. 25 Nov 2021 - 10 min read

Videos

Prof Joan Hambidge gives a message on behalf of UCT academic staff retiring from UCT in 2021

Prof Joan Hambidge bids farewell to UCT after 29 years of service. 05 Nov 2021

News

Supporting SA’s overburdened and mentally fatigued teachers

Creating classroom communities of care is critical to help learners overcome the stress and anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. 22 Oct 2021 - 5 min read

News

Mental Health Awareness Month: Psychosocial skills injection for teachers

A UCT-certified short course is helping school teachers cope with the psychosocial challenges learners are presenting in the wake of COVID-19 22 Oct 2021 - 9 min read

News

Award for world-first textbook on ontological engineering

Maria Keet’s first open textbook, a world-first resource on ontology engineering for computer scientists, has won the UCT Open Textbook Award. 14 Oct 2021 - 8 min read

News

Complexity studies course: thinking skills for wicked problems

EMS’s new Applied Complexity Science online postgraduate course not only teaches integrated systems sciences, but applies this learning to the context of its delivery. 12 Oct 2021 - 8 min read

Videos

Prof Lis Lange encourages you to get vaccinated

UCT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning, Prof Lis Lange, encourages the UCT community to get their COVID-19 vaccinations. 11 Oct 2021

News

CILT project aims to build a more inclusive learning environment

UCT’s Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching is heading up a three-year project focusing on inclusive, digitally enabled education through the redesign of blended courses. 07 Oct 2021 - 5 min read

News

Servant leadership essential to incoming head of Information Systems

Associate Professor Maureen Tanner is the new head of UCT’s Department of Information Systems. 30 Sep 2021 - 6 min read

News

‘Teaching is a civic duty’

For his versatile, flexible and creative approach to teaching and learning, UCT has honoured Dr Marlon Swai with a Distinguished Teacher Award. 29 Sep 2021 - 7 min read

News

Women’s Month: Law faculty trio puts fresh spin on children’s rights course

UCT Faculty of Law’s children’s rights course is a shared vision, venture and dream for Salona Lutchman, Mathabo Baase and Nurina Ally. 10 Aug 2021 - 5 min read

News

Redefining purpose at this year’s Future of Education Summit

UCT GSB partnered with CNBC Africa and Forbes Africa as a key sponsor of the seventh annual Future of Education Summit. 02 Aug 2021 - 5 min read

Videos

UCT’s Online High School offers high-quality education

UCT’s first ever online high school offers access to high-quality education to all students in Africa. 21 Jul 2021

Videos

UCT launches online high school

As part of its Vision 2030 goals, the University of Cape Town (UCT) launched its first online school on Wednesday, 21 July 2021. 21 Jul 2021

News

Warm the brain at UCT’s virtual Winter School

A wealth of topics is on offer at UCT’s Winter School, which will be presented virtually from 24 to 31 July. 14 Jul 2021 - 6 min read

News

International award for African transport leadership development programme

A UCT-developed MSc programme in African transport leadership development has won an international award. 13 Jul 2021 - 8 min read

News

Make your nomination for the 2021 UCT Open Textbook Award

The deadline for nominations for the 2021 UCT Open Textbook Award is 30 July. 02 Jun 2021 - 3 min read

News

Effecting change in STEM must start at school level

UCT’s Dr Zina Ndabeni says there’s work to be done to nurture young black students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 02 Jun 2021 - 6 min read

News

A total commitment to teaching and learning

UCT’s heads of department gathered for the Heads of Department/Division Enhancement Programme from 24 to 26 May to focus on developing the university’s academic units. 01 Jun 2021 - 6 min read

Videos

UCT leadership attend Vision 2030 workshop

Leaders from across the University of Cape Town came together at the first in-person Vision 2030 workshop. 19 May 2021

News

Risk factors and the prevention of depression

UCT’s Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health hosted leading expert Professor Michael Berk in a discussion about the prevention of depression. 15 Apr 2021 - 7 min read

Newsbyte

An online zero-data resource for on-boarding and navigating postgrad studies in 2021

The Office for Postgraduate Studies has launched a suite of resources that provides postgraduates with key information about the services available to them at UCT. 06 Apr 2021 - 2 min read

Videos

Parent Orientation: Faculty of Science information session

Assistant dean of the Faculty of Science, Associate Professor David Gammon, hosted an information session as part of Parent Orientation 2021 at UCT. 19 Mar 2021

Videos

Parent Orientation: Faculty of Law information session

Dean of the Faculty of Law, Professor Danwood Chirwa, hosted an information session as part of Parent Orientation 2021 at UCT. 19 Mar 2021

Videos

Parent Orientation: Faculty of Humanities information session

Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Associate Professor Shose Kessi, hosted an information session as part of Parent Orientation 2021 at UCT. 19 Mar 2021

Videos

Parent Orientation: Faculty of Health Sciences information session

Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Associate Professor Lionel Green-Thompson, hosted an information session as part of Parent Orientation 2021 at UCT. 19 Mar 2021

Videos

Parent Orientation: Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment

Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, Professor Alison Lewis, hosted an information session as part of Parent Orientation 2021 at UCT. 19 Mar 2021

Videos

Parent Orientation: Faculty of Commerce information session

Dean of the Faculty of Commerce, Professor Linda Ronnie, hosted an information session as part of Parent Orientation 2021 at UCT. 19 Mar 2021

Videos

Virtual Parent Orientation 2021

Parent orientation was held online on Friday, 12 March 2021. This video is the full recording of the main session. 19 Mar 2021

Campus communication

Academic activities will take place online

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng writes to the UCT community about teaching arrangements for the week. 16 Mar 2021

News

UCT VC advocates education as post-COVID-19 recovery strategy

Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng participated in a panel discussion at the 2021 Leading Women Summit on how education can drive change in the post-pandemic world. 15 Mar 2021 - 7 min read

Campus communication

Impact of Council decisions on academic year

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng writes to the UCT community about the impact of the Council decisions on academic year. 14 Mar 2021

Campus communication

Campus arrangements for undergraduate students

DVC A/Prof Lis Lange writes to undergraduate students about campus arrangements. 12 Mar 2021

Videos

UCT residence life and COVID-19 protocols

Student Housing and Residence Life in the Department of Student Affairs have made every effort to ensure compliance with COVID-19 protocols. 11 Mar 2021

Videos

UCT’s cleaning services preparedness for 2021

The University of Cape Town has pulled out all of the stops to ensure that spaces that students and staff members will be using on campus, are disinfected and properly cleaned. 11 Mar 2021

Videos

UCT’s Jammie Shuttle Service will take you where you need to be

The ‘Jammie’ is a scheduled shuttle service that runs at regular intervals, ensuring students and staff move between campuses easily. 10 Mar 2021

Videos

UCT Libraries will be your study partner and sanctuary

UCT Libraries is a network of faculty and department aligned libraries across eight campus sites. 10 Mar 2021

Videos

UCT’s Fees Office is here to help you

The Fees Office is a billing and debt collection office for student fees. They handle all general enquiries regarding fees so this video offers more information about their services. 10 Mar 2021

Videos

A message from DVC: Research and Internationalisation, Professor Sue Harrison

Professor Sue Harrison discusses her mandate as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Internationalisation. 10 Mar 2021

Videos

A message from DVC: Transformation, Professor Loretta Feris

Professor Loretta Feris shares about UCT’s move to online learning during the pandemic. 10 Mar 2021

Videos

A message from UCT’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr Reno Morar

Chief Operating Officer Dr Reno Morar welcomes parents, guardians and sponsors to the UCT community and shares about UCT’s response to COVID-19 and its vision for the future. 10 Mar 2021

Videos

Stay&Connect accommodation solutions for UCT students

Stay&Connect manages bookings for UCT’S broad range of spaces for events, reasonable holiday accommodation, film shoots and more. Phelokazi Mbebe shares more about how Stay&Connect works and how you can utilise their services. 10 Mar 2021

Videos

The Office for Inclusivity and Change is here to support you

Known on campus as the OIC, the Office for Inclusivity and Change’s main purpose is to articulate and implement the university’s inclusivity strategy. Dr Sianne Alves takes us through the OIC’s mandate. 10 Mar 2021

Videos

Student Wellness Services provides TLC to UCT students

Student Wellness Services (SWS) is made up of a team of health professionals with the aim to help students cope during the academic year. 10 Mar 2021

Videos

IAPO welcomes UCT students from around the world

UCT’s International Academic Programmes Office (IAPO) offers a range of services to support international students. 10 Mar 2021

Campus communication

Supporting teaching and learning on campus

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng writes to staff about teaching and learning on campus. 10 Mar 2021

News

Win-win for municipalities and engineering students’ professional skills

UCT engineering students built on the university’s input into the Data for Municipal Infrastructure Assets initiative, gaining vital data analysis and project management skills. 04 Mar 2021 - 9 min read

News

Bootcamp prepares fourth-year medical students for clinical practice

The first cohort of fourth-year medical students have successfully completed the Bootcamp Orientation Programme organised by UCT’s Division of General Internal Medicine. 03 Mar 2021 - 3 min read

Videos

UCT VC congratulates matriculants of 2020

2020 was a difficult year for learners writing their final matriculation examinations. 23 Feb 2021

News

Winning PhD highlights African indigenous knowledge systems

Dr Cecilia Durojaye’s doctoral thesis has won the African Studies Review 2020 annual prize for the best Africa-based doctoral dissertation. 19 Feb 2021 - 9 min read

Campus communication

Returning students please register timeously for the continuation of studies in 2021

DVC A/Prof Lis Lange writes to returning students about registering for the 2021 academic year. 19 Feb 2021

News

Virtual Summer School draws new audiences

The immersive experience that UCT’s Summer School offers took a wholly expected turn by going virtual this year, attracting new audiences. 16 Feb 2021 - 10 min read

News

New open source textbook focuses on local trade environment

UCT’s School of Management Studies has launched an open source textbook that introduces first-years to marketing but with a lens on the local marketplace. 16 Feb 2021 - 8 min read

News

UCT launches ‘refresher course’ for seasoned academics

The Centre for Higher Education Development at UCT has launched a unique programme dedicated to developing senior academics at the university. 11 Feb 2021 - 4 min read

Videos

Celebrating UCT’s PhD graduates

The December graduation season has seen the University of Cape Town (UCT) exploring uncharted territory, with thousands of graduates being honoured in virtual graduation celebratory events – the first of their kind for the university since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. 08 Feb 2021

Campus communication

Further details on undergraduate studying in 2021

DVC A/Prof Lis Lange writes to undergraduate students about UCT’s approach to teaching and learning in 2021. 05 Feb 2021

Newsbyte

UCT’s first virtual Summer School goes live

UCT’s annual Summer School will take place from 11 to 30 January 2021 and will be hosted online for the first time. 11 Jan 2021 - 1 min read

News

Body donor programme fit and well despite COVID-19

Rigorous COVID-19 health and safety protocols have enabled UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences to maintain its body donor programme, essential to teaching anatomy to students and surgical registrars. 22 Dec 2020 - 5 min read

News

First certified foundational Khoekhoegowab course for SA

UCT’s first online foundational Khoekhoegowab course will strengthen the intergenerational transmission of this highly endangered indigenous language. 21 Dec 2020 - 8 min read

Videos

Graduation 2020 - Watch the December graduation

The December 2020 graduands graduated during the virtual graduation celebratory event at 18:00 on Tuesday, 15 December 2020. 15 Dec 2020

Videos

Congratulatory messages from UCT’s deans at the virtual graduation celebrations

The University of Cape Town (UCT) deans congratulate the March and December 2020 graduates on their academic success during an exceptionally challenging year and wish them well in their future endeavours. 15 Dec 2020

News

Opera School voices rise above COVID-19

Opera School students have risen to the challenge of lockdown, learning new ways of engaging with material and enriching their approach to singing. 10 Dec 2020 - 8 min read

News

2020 a ‘baptism of fire’ for UCT’s data analytics project

UCT’s DASS project was on the frontline of the demand for data analytics, which would impact the success of the 2020 academic year and beyond. 07 Dec 2020 - 7 min read

News

UCT stars glitter on a virtual stage

The third UCT Annual Awards celebrated 330 academic, and professional, administrative support and service staff who walked the virtual red carpet on 2 December. 03 Dec 2020 - 6 min read

News

CILT recognised for service excellence during ‘whirlwind’ 2020

UCT’s Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching is the proud recipient of the annual Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Service Excellence. 03 Dec 2020 - 6 min read

Videos

Ad Hominem Promotions celebrated at the UCT Annual Awards

The University of Cape Town celebrates those staff members who have received ad hominem promotions this year. 02 Dec 2020

News

Celebrating ‘tenacious, committed’ newly qualified teachers

UCT’s 2020 Newly Qualified Teachers Project cohort were hailed for their dedication and resilience in and outside the classroom amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 02 Dec 2020 - 7 min read

News

d-school solar energy system first of a proposed campus roll-out

UCT’s new d-school on middle campus is installing a rooftop photovoltaic system that will pave the way for a bigger campus roll-out. 27 Nov 2020 - 6 min read

News

Summer School at 71: a feast of learning awaits

Bookings are open for the 71st instalment of UCT’s annual Summer School, which will be presented online from 11 to 30 January 2021. 24 Nov 2020 - 4 min read

News

Reflections of UCT’s Future Leaders

Both old and new members of UCT’s 2030 Future Leaders programme share how the initiative, launched in 2018 by the vice-chancellor, has impacted their academic careers. 23 Nov 2020 - 7 min read

News

Rhodes’ Distinguished Alumni Award for Robert Morrell

UCT social scientist and gender and masculinities scholar Dr Robert Morrell has been awarded a Rhodes University 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award. 16 Oct 2020 - 8 min read

News

Construction begins on new d-school building

A new home for Africa’s first school dedicated to design thinking is officially under construction on UCT’s middle campus. 14 Oct 2020 - 6 min read

News

Global citizenship: ‘Experiencing the world outside my bubble’

A virtual global citizenship course hosted by UCT and Wits reflects how and what students think about citizenship, social justice and social change. 13 Oct 2020 - >10 min read

News

TLC2020: teaching as a form of social responsiveness

A panel discussion at UCT’s Teaching and Learning Conference 2020 showcased the work of four academics who use their teaching as a form of social responsiveness. 07 Oct 2020 - >10 min read

News

TLC2020: 8 reasons to use Wikipedia in teaching and learning

At the 2020 Teaching and Learning Conference, UCT Libraries’ Wikibrarian Ingrid Thomson made the case for using the online encyclopaedia for teaching and learning. 07 Oct 2020 - 3 min read

News

Student ‘achievement gap’: Kresge honour for UCT to drive data-led solutions

The Kresge Foundation grant for UCT will fund a university-wide integrated analytics system, designed to identify hurdles that undermine efforts to close the so-called student achievement gap. 05 Oct 2020 - 6 min read

News

TLC2020: rethinking the purpose of education

Associate Professor Maha Bali of the American University in Cairo guided participants through the process of rethinking the purpose of education and the future of universities. 29 Sep 2020 - 6 min read

News

TLC2020: construction students hungry for 4IR-driven education

Construction Economics and Management students at UCT are hungry for a curriculum driven by the 4IR. How will the curriculum, teaching and classrooms adapt? 28 Sep 2020 - >10 min read

News

Decolonisation in the context of Vision 2030

Four renowned scholars tackled the question of decolonisation in the context of Vision 2030 during UCT’s decolonisation and decoloniality webinar. 28 Sep 2020 - 7 min read

News

TLC2020: design thinking during a pandemic

UCT’s Hasso Plattner School of Design Thinking has shared how it manages to navigate the online teaching and learning environment during lockdown. 23 Sep 2020 - 5 min read

Videos

Vision 2030 virtual staff engagement 5: realising UCT's dream

“I see Vision 2030 as our dream … over the next 15 to 20 years. And if you have a dream, you have to do things now.” 22 Sep 2020

Videos

Vision 2030 virtual staff engagement 4: targeted strategies to redress inequality

Excellence will only be achieved when there is also equity in participation. These were UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng during the fourth virtual Vision 2030 staff engagement session. 22 Sep 2020

Videos

Vision 2030 virtual staff engagement 3: producing resilient agents of change

As universities re-evaluate their place and purpose within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, UCT’s executive tabled the proposed vision 2030 framework, which is aimed at leading the change and “unleash human potential”. 22 Sep 2020

Videos

Vision 2030 virtual staff engagement 2: unleashing human potential

As universities re-evaluate their place and purpose within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, UCT’s executive tabled the proposed vision 2030 framework, which is aimed at leading the change and “unleash human potential”. 22 Sep 2020

Videos

Vision 2030 virtual staff engagement 1: The world is changing, are we?

The world is Changing, are we? This was the question posed by UCT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, as she kicked off the first of the six Vision 2030 virtual engagements with staff on 28 July 2020. 22 Sep 2020

Videos

Vision 2030 Roadshow: engaging the concept

UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, together with Associate Professor Lis Lange present UCT’s Vision 2030. 22 Sep 2020

News

TLC2020: tutors’ perspectives on emergency remote teaching

Tutors shared their experiences of emergency remote teaching and learning on day two of UCT’s virtual 2020 Teaching and Learning Conference. 22 Sep 2020 - 8 min read

News

TLC2020: Who moved my classroom?

COVID-19 and the rise of emergency remote teaching has profoundly affected the identity and roles of academics and catapulted UCT into the future. 21 Sep 2020 - >10 min read

News

Vision 2030: initiating change

In a rapidly evolving world, UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng said reinvention is necessary for UCT to remain competitive and sustainable. 16 Sep 2020 - 9 min read

News

Health sciences and province sign bilateral agreement

UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences and the Western Cape Department of Health have signed a bilateral agreement for training and collaboration. 11 Sep 2020 - 3 min read

News

Being back on campus ‘juggling act’ for final-year medical students

Final-year medical students at UCT give their take on what it has been like to be back in the field amid the COVID-19 pandemic. 27 Aug 2020 - 6 min read

News

When data becomes a lifeline

UCT’s Dr Maria Rosa Lorini introduces the #Data4Women campaign that connects and empowers women facing gender-based violence. 26 Aug 2020 - 8 min read

Newsbyte

Students’ Access to and Use of Learning Materials survey

UCT students are encouraged to participate in the Students’ Access to and Use of Learning Materials survey, which will track their engagement with learning materials. 25 Aug 2020 - 2 min read

News

Vision 2030: producing resilient agents of change

In a recent Vision 2030 staff engagement session, UCT’s DVC for Teaching and Learning said providing future-oriented education is one of her portfolio’s goals. 24 Aug 2020 - 6 min read

News

Teaching requires passion and commitment

For Professor Andrew Argent, one of four recipients of a 2019 Distinguished Teacher Award, passion, commitment and a good dose of laughter makes a good teacher. 18 Aug 2020 - 6 min read

News

Mask education project burgeons into creative remote teaching collaboration

An interdisciplinary postgraduate fieldwork project showed UCT students coming together online to educate children about face masks and COVID-19. 18 Aug 2020 - 10 min read

News

Vision 2030: The world is changing, are we?

In a second Vision 2030 engagement session with staff, DVC Prof Sue Harrison discussed how UCT will address its transformation purpose through research. 17 Aug 2020 - 7 min read

News

Distinguished teacher Amrita Pande’s classroom is her theatre

Educator-performer and co-head of UCT’s sociology department, Associate Professor Amrita Pande, is one of four recipients of the 2019 Distinguished Teacher Award. 17 Aug 2020 - >10 min read

Videos

Hebert Gumbi wins UCT’s Stella Clark Teachers’ Award 2020

The University of Cape Town (UCT) hosted its annual Stella Clark Teachers Award ceremony virtually, on 4 August 2020. Award winner, Mr Hebert Muzi Gumbi. 13 Aug 2020

News

Tessa Dowling: Utitshala osefresh!

Recipient of a 2019 Distinguished Teacher Award Dr Tessa Dowling knows how to bring Xhosa Communication classes alive with her “groovy and innovative” teaching style. 13 Aug 2020 - 9 min read

News

UCT’s approach to emergency remote teaching and learning

UCT’s emergency remote teaching and learning plan required collective buy-in from role players across the university in order to run smoothly. 12 Aug 2020 - 5 min read

News

Translating the geological record into isiXhosa

A project based in UCT’s Department of Geological Sciences is translating the country’s geological record into South African languages – starting with isiXhosa. 12 Aug 2020 - 5 min read

News

Survey reveals remote learning highs and lows

Results from a survey conducted among UCT students about their experiences of emergency remote teaching reveal the highs and lows of remote learning. 05 Aug 2020 - 7 min read

News

‘A+ teacher’ wins 2020 Stella Clark Teachers’ Award

Hebert Gumbi, an accounting teacher at Mathunjwa High School in Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal, is the “proud” recipient of the 2020 Stella Clark Teachers’ Award. 05 Aug 2020 - 5 min read

News

UCT working together – apart

UCT News canvassed the campus community to find out from students and staff what their remote online teaching and learning experiences have been like. 03 Aug 2020 - 9 min read

Newsbyte

Connecting to UCT’s network off campus

UCT students and staff can access eduroam at a number of sites across Cape Town and South Africa. 03 Aug 2020 - 1 min read

Newsbyte

Students’ Access to and Use of Learning Materials survey

UCT students are encouraged to participate in the Students’ Access to and Use of Learning Materials survey, which will track their engagement with learning materials. 01 Aug 2020 - 2 min read

News

Vision 2030: virtual staff engagements roll out

A series of six virtual engagements with staff has begun to introduce UCT’s proposed Vision 2030 to the university community. 31 Jul 2020 - 6 min read

Feature

Vision 2030: a community journey towards a new vision for UCT

We have already invited many of you to take the first steps with us on a journey that will see the creation of a new strategy for our institution. 31 Jul 2020

News

Parents, teachers – ‘forgotten stakeholders’ in growing entrepreneurs

Too little is being done to support young entrepreneurs and the problem begins with parents and teachers – the “forgotten stakeholders”. 16 Jul 2020 - 9 min read

News

Global Citizenship Programme gets African focus

UCT’s Global Citizenship Programme, now in its 10th year, has reshaped its curriculum by including a proudly African touch. 24 Jun 2020 - 6 min read

News

UCT_Cares about connecting you to the right support

UCT_Cares connects students, staff and the broader university community to the help and services they need. 11 Jun 2020 - 3 min read

News

Worldwide Universities Network backs UCT’s San and Khoe Research Unit

The Worldwide Universities Network has thrown its weight and funding behind the establishment of UCT’s San and Khoe Research Unit. 26 May 2020 - 5 min read

News

Phased return to campus planned

UCT’s chief operating officer, Dr Reno Morar, has assured staff members that their return to work on campus will be done in a controlled, principled way. 19 May 2020 - 6 min read

News

Funding, return to labs critical to research

Research funding and a return to laboratories and studios were central to DVC Professor Sue Harrison’s message during the Vice-Chancellor’s online special assembly. 18 May 2020 - 7 min read

News

Three student groups to return to campus in phased approach

Final-year medical students, academically vulnerable students and those needing to access campus labs to complete their studies will be the first to return to campus. 15 May 2020 - 5 min read

News

Massive uptake in MOOC participation

UCT’s Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching has seen a surge in MOOC participation since global lockdowns came into effect. 29 Apr 2020 - 2 min read

News

Learning under lockdown: Prioritising UCT’s most vulnerable students

UCT has prioritised remote teaching and learning for students with disabilities during lockdown. 24 Apr 2020 - 7 min read

Newsbyte

Live COVID-19 discussion with Mamokgethi Phakeng

VC Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng – in a special online conversation with alumni – will share the latest COVID-19 research initiatives currently under way at UCT. 09 Apr 2020 - 1 min read

News

Q&A with UCT Careers Service’s new director

To mark three months in her new role, Brenda Martin shares some of her goals and plans as the director of the UCT Careers Service. 31 Mar 2020 - 7 min read

News

Coronavirus support from Canada

The Daniel Samuel Maseko Memorial Scholarship has donated funds to help students in financial need with transportation to get back home. 17 Mar 2020 - 2 min read

News

New MOOC prioritises visually impaired learners

A new MOOC introduced by UCT aims to empower teachers with the skills and confidence needed to teach visually impaired learners. 21 Feb 2020 - 5 min read

News

Behari-Leak changing narrative of Africa through role as ICED president-elect

UCT’s Dr Kasturi Behari-Leak is the ICED’s new president-elect, and she’ll continue her academic activism so that all voices are heard in higher education. 13 Feb 2020 - 8 min read

News

Student success is UCT’s success

Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng urged the latest cohort of the New Academic Practitioners’ Programme to challenge themselves when measuring success in teaching. 04 Feb 2020 - 5 min read

News

WEF names Pityana as co-chair of its Africa board

UCT’s Chair of Council Sipho M Pityana has been appointed the co-chair of the World Economic Forum’s prestigious new Africa Regional Stewardship Board. 31 Jan 2020 - 3 min read

News

UCT cyclists return home with renewed hope for Africa

Five intrepid UCT graduates recently completed their year-long trans-Africa cycling adventure, returning with renewed respect for local ingenuity and hope for Africa’s future. 31 Jan 2020 - 10 min read

News

Body of work: reflections of an anatomist

Professor Graham Louw reflects on 31 years of teaching fledgling doctors at UCT to map the human body – step one in patient care. 15 Jan 2020 - >10 min read

News

Why South Africa's declining maths performance is a worry

UCT is taking steps to improve students’ maths results by introducing a number of interventions. 10 Jan 2020 Republished

News

New directions for Summer School in its 70th season

In January UCT’s Summer School will celebrate its 70th year of public education with a bumper Africa-based programme and a strategy to attract new, diverse audiences. 02 Jan 2020 - 9 min read

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First Khoekhoegowab language course cohort honoured

Seventy-seven students completed UCT’s inaugural Khoekhoegowab language short course, receiving their certificates of completion on Friday, 29 November. 02 Dec 2019 - 3 min read

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Anatomy of a transformation

Transforming an entire academic section – staff, curriculum, texts and culture – takes an exceptional team with big vision. Meet the winners of the 2019 Vice-Chancellor’s Transformation Award. 02 Dec 2019 - 10 min read

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‘Help us change our institution’

UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng urged the 2019 New Academic Practitioners’ Programme (NAPP) cohort to help build a better and stronger university. 12 Nov 2019 - 4 min read

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UCT’s 2020 Mandela Rhodes scholars

Seven UCT students will form part of the prestigious Mandela Rhodes Foundation Class of 2020, joining another 47 inspiring young leaders from across Africa. 07 Nov 2019 - 10 min read

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Support programme bolsters new teachers

UCTʼs School of Education recently celebrated a graduation with a difference as its fourth cohort of young educators completed their year-long Newly Qualified Teachers Project programme. 07 Nov 2019 - 4 min read

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UCT Summer School 2020

Booking is now open for UCT’s 2020 Summer School, which will run from 6 to 25 January next year. 06 Nov 2019 - 2 min read

Money matters training for staff

Staff in pay classes 2 to 6 are benefiting from free financial training in response to their requests for assistance with how to make the most of their money. 30 Oct 2019 - 3 min read

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Science code tackles discrimination, harassment

The science faculty’s new code of conduct promotes safety and well-being among staff and students, tackling discrimination and harassment in all settings. 25 Oct 2019 - 7 min read

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Winning IT team honours Nene

School of IT competition winners have donated their R10 000 prize to the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children in honour of Uyinene Mrwetyana. 21 Oct 2019 - 5 min read

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The danger of ‘the anti-immigrant narrative’

UCTʼs Faculty of Humanities is presenting a series of dialogues and performances focusing on the questions of citizenship, the politics of belonging and gendered violence. 21 Oct 2019 - 10 min read

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UCT Law on the brink of a new frontier

UCT Law has plans to establish a multidisciplinary centre to pilot research and teaching and learning from the perspective of law and technology. 18 Oct 2019 - 5 min read

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Langdon, Zilla join College of Fellows ‘elders’

Two new Fellows have been inducted into the College of Fellows, acknowledgement of their original and distinguished academic work – and their eldership in the academy. 18 Oct 2019 - 8 min read

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The day of the exam

This guide will help you to plan every aspect of your exam day so that there are no nasty surprises. 18 Oct 2019 - 6 min read

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New IT school already at home in 4IR

The newly launched UCT School of Information Technology straddles three faculties and is developing other programmes in tandem with another three. 17 Oct 2019 - 8 min read

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10 tips for exam preparation

As consolidation week kicks off today, students are encouraged to ensure they are preparing for the upcoming exams in the most efficient way. 16 Oct 2019 - 4 min read

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Don’t surrender to the exam blues

With consolidation week set to start on Wednesday, and exams on October 23, UCT News share the good news about simple ways to combat the stress. 14 Oct 2019 - 5 min read

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Royal Society medal for ‘exceptional young researcher’

The Department of Civil Engineering’s Dr Dyllon Randall has notched up another prestigious award: the 2020 Royal Society of South Africa Meiring Naudé Medal. 11 Oct 2019 - 5 min read

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Socially responsive art for GBV awareness

First-year fine art students illustrated the efficacy of socially responsive artworks in raising GBV awareness with a temporary exhibition that engaged the campus community. 07 Oct 2019 - 6 min read

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‘Science must serve society’

Six months into his deanship in the Faculty of Science, Professor Maano Ramutsindela talks about science and society, and the faculty’s “power-sharing” way ahead. 02 Oct 2019 - 10 min read

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Unpacking the achievement gap

The performance gap between black and white students at UCT is real, but the university can change the status quo by tackling curricula strewn with stumbling blocks. 02 Oct 2019 - 7 min read

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Best little (sustainable) house in Africa

A solar-powered house designed and built by staff and students of UCT and Stellenbosch University has been recognised at Solar Decathlon Africa 2019. 01 Oct 2019 - 8 min read

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Women taking science to the streets

An array of dynamic UCT women in white lab coats shared their scientific research with passers-by at South Africa’s first Soapbox Science event. 30 Sep 2019 - 9 min read

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Decoding genomes to improve Africa’s health

Professor Collet Dandara’s inaugural lecture provided a brief overview of how African genomes can be decoded to unlock a deeper understanding of patients’ responses to treatment. 30 Sep 2019 - 8 min read

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GSB team brings home top international award

GSB researchers took top honours in a prestigious international case writing competition, for their work around the marketing challenges SMEs face when taking their product global. 26 Sep 2019 - 5 min read

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UCT entrepreneurs tops in SA

UCT scooped the title of winning university at the inaugural Entrepreneurship Intervarsity, with several innovative students flying the flag high for the institution. 25 Sep 2019 - 4 min read

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UCT’s African economic development workshop

A recent two-day workshop hosted by UCTʼs School of Economics explored the role of global value chains in sub-Saharan Africaʼs economic development. 25 Sep 2019 - 6 min read

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Canadian lawyer gives back with new scholarship

Prospective UCT students from eight African countries now have the chance to apply for a new scholarship set up by a Canadian lawyer. 23 Sep 2019 - 2 min read

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mGenAfrica: Introducing learners to careers in STEM

An innovative UCT online platform and mobile app is inspiring matric pupils to consider careers in STEM by bringing an element of fun to the life sciences. 20 Sep 2019 - 8 min read

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UCT in global top 100 for graduate employability

UCT has been ranked among the top 100 universities worldwide in the 2020 Quacquarelli-Symonds Graduate Employability Rankings. 19 Sep 2019 - 3 min read

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Soapbox Science 2019 Cape Town

Five female UCT researchers are among the local organising team bringing Soapbox Science to Cape Town for the first time on 28 September, at the V&A Waterfront. 18 Sep 2019 - 2 min read

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Prestigious international award for Fagan

UCT’s Professor Johan Fagan has earned an international award for his contribution to the field of ear, nose and throat services in developing countries. 16 Sep 2019 - 3 min read

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UCT leaps up in world rankings

UCT has jumped up 20 places in the latest 2020 Times Higher Education World University Rankings, placing it first in both the country and the continent. 12 Sep 2019 - 4 min read

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Students, prisoners and parolees in arts collaboration

UCT students have teamed up with inmates and parolees from Pollsmoor for performances of Live, Love, Leave a Legacy, part of a restorative justice project. 11 Sep 2019 - 1 min read

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‘Chart a new future for democracy’

UCT chancellor, Mrs Graça Machel, says the need to chart a new future for democracy in Central and Southern Africa is necessary. 06 Sep 2019 - 4 min read

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High praise for UCT’s open online courses

With five MOOCs in the Class Central list of the Top Free Online Courses of All Time, UCT shares top spot alongside MIT and the University of Sheffield. 30 Aug 2019 - 4 min read

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Young scientists pull out all the stops at science expo

The Cape Town Eskom Expo for Young Scientists is an opportunity for forward-thinking learners to showcase their innovative solutions to some of the world’s challenges. 30 Aug 2019 - 6 min read

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Field camp equips women with more than flintknapping skills

In Women’s Month, an all-women archaeological/geological field camp on the West Coast tackled some thorny issues women experience in the field and on site. 30 Aug 2019 - 6 min read

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Schooling high school learners in coding, robotics

Two more coding and robotics camps for high school learners are planned at UCT for the December holidays following the huge success of the inaugural programme. 23 Aug 2019 - 4 min read

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Leverage privilege to change education, Madonsela urges

Apartheid has cast a huge shadow over the country, particularly education, and it will need all of society to break the cycle of poverty. 23 Aug 2019 - 10 min read

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EBE students’ ‘ultimate community development work’

A vacation project involving UCT engineering students captured critical water and sanitation infrastructure data to help a district municipality improve their asset management practices. 21 Aug 2019 - 9 min read

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UCT team’s central role in R5-bn settlement

UCT academics played an important role in South Africa’s historic R5-billion settlement for gold miners who contracted silicosis and/or pulmonary TB at work. 20 Aug 2019 - 7 min read

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‘Pillar of strength’ wins 2019 Stella Clark award

UCT has named Mandlesive Secondary School teacher Thuli Shongwe, from Mpumalanga, as the recipient of the 2019 Stella Clark Teachers’ Award. 15 Aug 2019 - 6 min read

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Winter School inspires new teachers

UCT’s Newly-Qualified Teachers’ Project Winter School in the July holidays drew 84 teachers from 47 primary and high schools from as far afield as Mossel Bay. 14 Aug 2019 - 4 min read

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Exploring technology in learning, networking

If the 2019 UCT TechFest is anything to go by, the future not only looks bright, but also filled with fun and possibility. 12 Aug 2019 - 7 min read

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Teaching al fresco saves the day

Teaching and learning often means thinking on – or with – your feet, even if that requires lecturing on the university steps under an African sky. 07 Aug 2019 - 5 min read

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UCT’s 20th MOOC delivers inclusivity

From conception to the final product, UCT’s 20th MOOC is all about inclusivity. 07 Aug 2019 - 6 min read

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How human diversity evolved

Professor Rebecca Ackermann will present her inaugural lecture, titled “The evolution of human diversity: The relative roles of chance, adaptation and ancient sex”, on 14 August. 06 Aug 2019 - 2 min read

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VC’s top career tips for postgrads

In an address to UCT postgraduate students, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the three traits she considers essential for building a rewarding career in academia. 06 Aug 2019 - 8 min read

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UCT in top 1.3% globally

UCT ranks best in Africa, according to the latest Center for World University Rankings. 05 Aug 2019 - 2 min read

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Gadgets galore at UCT Techfest

The annual UCT Techfest is back on 7 and 8 August, and staff and students are invited to check out the very latest gadgets, devices and technology. 25 Jul 2019 - 2 min read

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Wildlife migrations, primeval forest and face-to-face learning

The group of young UCT alumni cycling from Cairo to Cape Town under the OurAfricaPolePole banner report back on the latest leg in their trans-Africa journey. 25 Jul 2019 - 10 min read

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Student designs reimagine District Six

An exhibition that reflects the work of architecture honours students explored ways of redeveloping the landscape and community of District Six by merging the old with the new. 25 Jul 2019 - 8 min read

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UCT, Bristol University in ‘profound collaboration’

UCT has joined hands with the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom to launch a novel Researchers without Borders PhD programme. 24 Jul 2019 - 3 min read

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Butler on Ramaphosa’s rise to president

On 29 July Professor Anthony Butler will give a Summer School Extension programme lecture on Cyril Ramaphosa’s road to the presidency. 23 Jul 2019 - 1 min read

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On being a queer primatologist

Biological anthropologist Christopher Schmitt talks about the challenges queer people face in fieldwork settings. 23 Jul 2019 - 6 min read

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Tips for teaching business ethics

Teaching business ethics to commerce students wired for numbers needs fortitude. The College of Accounting’s Jimmy Winfield shared tips at the 2019 Teaching and Learning Conference. 19 Jul 2019 - 7 min read

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Inclusivity critical for first-generation students

Institutional culture has an enormous role to play when teaching students who are the first in their family to attend university, research finds. 17 Jul 2019 - 5 min read

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Predicting lecture attendance behaviour

A masterʼs candidateʼs research findings, presented at the 2019 UCT Teaching and Learning Conference, shed some light on what determines students’ lecture attendance. 17 Jul 2019 - 4 min read

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Teaching and learning through community engagement

A presentation on research into community-engaged teaching and learning fell squarely within the “re-imagining higher education” theme of the 2019 UCT Teaching and Learning Conference. 16 Jul 2019 - 6 min read

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Collaboration is key at maths symposium

A collaborative project is bringing mathematicians from across the country together in an attempt to improve student performance in maths, which is fundamental to all STEM programmes. 15 Jul 2019 - 7 min read

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Language for learning mathematics in multilingual classrooms

Mathematics researchers and language specialists gathered at UCT last week to discuss teaching and learning the subject in multilingual classrooms. 09 Jul 2019 - 7 min read

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‘Wunderkind’ Manono speeds through his PhD

With support, sacrifices and clear goals, Malibongwe Manono defeated the odds, and wasted no time in completing his PhD. 08 Jul 2019 - 10 min read

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GSB collaboration a ‘champion of change’

The GSB’s involvement in the Embedding Project has seen the school recognised in the AACSB’s annual 2019 Innovations That Inspire challenge. 04 Jul 2019 - 3 min read

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Chocolate, humour help the medicine go down

Retiring academic Mike Meadows is renowned for his approachability, humour and the occasional bribery (all legit) that lured students to his Friday lectures. 02 Jul 2019 - 10 min read

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Double platinum for online ENT atlas

A UCT professor’s free online head and neck surgical textbook has soared past the double platinum mark, clocking two million chapter downloads. 24 Jun 2019 - 5 min read

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Grooming young tech innovators

A group of Ocean View Secondary School learners spent the first day of their winter holidays at UCT, learning about career possibilities in computer science. 20 Jun 2019 - 4 min read

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‘Teaching swept me off my feet’

Despite the challenges, Anneliese Schauerte – a recipient of UCT’s Distinguished Teacher Award for 2018 – says she’s right where she’s meant to be. 19 Jun 2019 - 6 min read

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‘No stupid questions’ in Distinguished Teacher’s classes

Curiosity, responding to change, technology and empathy are what 2018 Distinguished Teacher Award recipient Jeff Murugan says make an excellent teacher. 19 Jun 2019 - 7 min read

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UCT’s academic reputation best on the continent

UCT moved up two places and remains the best university in Africa, according to the QS World University Rankings 2020. 19 Jun 2019 - 3 min read

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The language of true freedom

VC Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng warns in her speech to mark Youth Day that teaching in any one language has no place in a multilingual country. 18 Jun 2019 - >10 min read Opinion

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Warm welcome for historic Khoekhoegowab language course

UCT’s new Khoekhoegowab language short course kicked off this week, marking a new chapter in diversity and inclusivity at the university. 14 Jun 2019 - 9 min read

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Helping black students succeed

The findings of a five-year study, unpacked at UCT ahead of Youth Day this weekend, offer over 100 transformation recommendations for universities. 12 Jun 2019 - 8 min read

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UCT students in Oxford for global challenge

South Africa’s basic education crisis will be centre stage at Oxford University this weekend, when five UCT students compete at the Oxford Global Challenge, Map the System. 07 Jun 2019 - 5 min read

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GSB’s impressive global rankings climb

The latest ranking of customised programmes from the Financial Times shows the GSB is on a strong upward trend in the global marketplace. 05 Jun 2019 - 5 min read

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The learning curve of UCT graduates’ trans-Africa cycle

Inspired by what they learnt at UCT, five young graduates are cycling from Cairo to Cape Town to explore Africa up close from a developmental perspective. 27 May 2019 - 10 min read

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Five things I learnt at d-school

A one-day introductory course at the Hasso Plattner Institute offered UCT staff and students valuable insights into the how and why of design thinking. 22 May 2019 - 6 min read

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Reshaping healthcare communication

The Patient Partner Programme, led by UCT’s Dr Rachel Weiss, brings together healthcare students, laypeople and academics, emphasising the value of each role in effective communication. 21 May 2019 - 5 min read

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Training wannabe techies

UCT’s School of IT, in collaboration with CodeSpace Academy, invites high-school learners to attend a six-day course from 1 July to learn about multiple aspects of technology and coding. 20 May 2019 - 2 min read

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GSB win a first for business schools in Africa

A customised executive education programme co-designed by UCT’s GSB and Standard Bank has won gold at the EFMD Global Excellence in Practice Awards. 17 May 2019 - 4 min read

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Fostering multilingualism on campus

Multilingualism is a form of development and empowerment at a time when some of the world’s languages are in danger of extinction, language short-course graduates have heard. 15 May 2019 - 4 min read

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Students share their top study tips

With just over a week to go before exams start, UCT students share their tried and tested tips for study success. 15 May 2019 - 7 min read

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Ensuring you’re exam-ready

Finding the balance between organisation and preparation is key to getting the best possible results in the upcoming exams. 14 May 2019 - 6 min read

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UCT graduates ‘highly sought after’

UCT Careers Service’s Graduate Exit Survey confirms that the university’s graduates remain “highly sought after”, with only about 10% of the 2018 class still seeking jobs. 13 May 2019 - 3 min read

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Making Africa’s past ‘usable’ for the present

Africa Month at UCT kicked off with Professor Shadreck Chirikure’s inaugural lecture, which provided insights from deep history and archaeology on why success eludes contemporary Africa. 07 May 2019 - 7 min read

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VC welcomes future changemakers to UCT

Young people who aim to make a difference in the world, and who appreciate the benefits of inclusivity and excellence, should choose UCT, says VC Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng. 07 May 2019 - 7 min read

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‘Poverty should not be a barrier to success’

UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng has told matric learners that only hard work, focus and discipline will help secure them a university entry. 02 May 2019 - 5 min read

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Writing Centre gets new home sweet home

The Writing Centre, a service to help students and staff hone their writing and allied skills, has moved to the main library’s Vincent Kolbe Knowledge Commons. 02 May 2019 - 5 min read

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Digital developments at SA universities

The development of digital models of teaching and learning in higher education institutions in South Africa was the focus of the recent two-day Apereo Africa Conference at UCT. 18 Apr 2019 - 5 min read

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SA’s first deaf law graduate

Qobo Ningiza refused to be put off by multiple rejections, and next week he will become South Africa’s first deaf law graduate. 04 Apr 2019 - 4 min read

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100UP learners get a taste of university life

Three specially selected Summer School lectures have given 100 grade 12 learners from Khayelitsha a taste of what first year at university might be like. 20 Mar 2019 - 8 min read

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Giant leap for student start-up

The UCT tech start-up platform Zaio now offers a more streamlined approach to doing business with the launch of its fully automated system. 20 Mar 2019 - 4 min read

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Inspiring the neuroscientists of tomorrow

In partnership with the Cortex Club, UCT’s Neuroscience Institute invited Capricorn Primary School learners for a “brain day” to mark Brain Awareness Week. 18 Mar 2019 - 6 min read

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Higher education research results via MOOC

The results of a two-year investigation into changes in the higher education landscape here and in the UK will be widely shared via a specially created MOOC. 15 Mar 2019 - 6 min read

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Out-of-the-box thinker wins a Premier’s Award

UCT alumnus and Next Generation Professoriate member Dr Mosedi Namane was named the bronze winner in her category at the 2018 Western Cape Premier’s Service Excellence Awards. 14 Mar 2019 - 6 min read

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UCT Libraries must embrace ‘hidden gems’ in curriculum design

New UCT Libraries head Ujala Satgoor discusses her wish list, books, a dog called Fudge – and why the libraries’ collections are vital to curriculum design. 11 Mar 2019 - >10 min read

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UNESCO Chair for ‘open education’ professor

UCT Associate Professor Cheryl Hodgkinson-Williams is the newly appointed holder of the UNESCO Chair in Open Education and Social Justice. 08 Mar 2019 - 5 min read

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Open data needs ethical, efficient management

Opening access to UCT’s substantial body of research will foster development and empowerment, along with personal advancement for individual researchers. But there are watchpoints. 06 Mar 2019 - 6 min read

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Levelling the maths, physics playing field

Thabang Sebetoane’s brainchild, the tutoring project Tshehetso, uses coaching and mentoring to prepare potential engineering students for success at university. 04 Mar 2019 - 7 min read

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UCT back in top 10 for development studies

UCT has moved up two places in the 2019 QS World University Rankings by Subject, to reclaim its position in the top 10. 28 Feb 2019 - 3 min read

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Leaders must resist the nhunzi

UCT students attending the Klaus-Jürgen Bathe Leadership Programme induction dinner last week were urged to avoid distractions and to rather focus on taking the country forward. 27 Feb 2019 - 8 min read

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UCT’s ‘unique’ climate-change master’s degree

UCT’s “unique” climate-change master’s programme tackles the climate-change challenge in the context of sustainable development for Africa. 20 Feb 2019 - 7 min read

Research and innovation

Five winners of the Advancing womxn awards

UCT is making strides in the advancement of women by awarding five substantial grants to women researchers over the next five years. 11 Feb 2019 - 10 min read

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Women making their mark in science

Women who have made it in the male-dominated world of science name perseverance, mental strength and toughness among the essential qualities to achieve success. 08 Feb 2019 - 7 min read Republished

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MOOC pursues dignity for disabled learners

A new UCT MOOC helps teach educators how to encourage inclusivity and diversity while addressing the specific needs of learners with hearing, visual or intellectual disabilities. 07 Feb 2019 - 4 min read

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Tackling the fake qualifications threat

Universities and employers in South Africa have a vital tool to tackle the fake qualifications menace, thanks to the country’s world-first online verification system MiE. 06 Feb 2019 - 6 min read Republished

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UCT master’s degrees pull international students

A significant number of UCT’s 605 new international students in 2019 have signed up for master’s degree programmes, a trend that’s evident across all six academic faculties. 30 Jan 2019 - 5 min read

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Time for a new kind of learning

Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng spoke to World Economic Forum attendees about the need to navigate knowledge through a new kind of learning. 25 Jan 2019 - 6 min read

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Fintech students on par with world’s best

A US study tour by six fintech master’s candidates confirmed two things: a burgeoning of disruptive fintech technologies – and that UCT’s students can hold their own globally. 25 Jan 2019 - 7 min read

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The challenge for African science

While resources may be limited, panellists at a computational neuroscience imbizo co-hosted by UCT are adamant that Africa can still make major contributions to the sciences. 24 Jan 2019 - 8 min read

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International seal of approval for GSB

UCT’s GSB kicked off 2019 on a high note with an international seal of approval from Europe’s pre-eminent business school quality and impact assessment body. 22 Jan 2019 - 4 min read

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Questions on bio-bricks grown from urine answered

News that UCT had grown the first bio-brick from human urine made world headlines. Dr Dyllon Randall’s subsequent public lecture answers common questions about the project. 16 Jan 2019 - 4 min read

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Finding Khoisan connections on the Cape Flats

A UCT Summer School course examines research into and discussions about South Africa’s indigenous peoples and their connection to the Cape Flats. 16 Jan 2019 - 8 min read

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Tuition programme helps learners shine

Applications for the 2019 SHAWCO Shine tuition programme for high school learners are now open – with 25% discount on offer to UCT staff. 16 Jan 2019 - 7 min read

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Solving SA’s literacy crisis

An education expert has told UCT Summer School participants that there’s no quick fix for South Africaʼs literacy crisis. It will take time and hard work. 11 Jan 2019 - 4 min read

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Focus on SA’s apartheid-era spies

UCT Summer School participants spent three days delving into the lives of some of South Africa’s infamous apartheid-era spies. 10 Jan 2019 - 5 min read

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Students weigh in on real-world problems

The d-school Foundation Programme in Design Thinking, open to all tertiary students across South Africa, prompts participants to seek solutions to real-world concerns. 08 Jan 2019 - 5 min read

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Matric maths pass rate poses significant challenge for universities

Universities may have to swop targeted interventions for systemic change if they are to successfully graduate the strongest students currently exiting the South African school system. 07 Jan 2019 - 6 min read Republished

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Winfield’s winning ways continue

UCT’s Associate Professor James “Jimmy” Winfield continues to rack up awards for teaching excellence. 21 Dec 2018 - 6 min read

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Use the gift of education to make a difference

UCT’s December graduation season wrapped up with an inspiring speech from UCT alumnus, philanthropist and trail-blazing venture capitalist Annette-Campbell White. 18 Dec 2018 - 5 min read

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Envisioning a bright future

Rising UCT academic Mochelo Lefoka says he has his grandparents to thank for instilling in him an understanding of the value of a quality education. 10 Dec 2018 - 9 min read

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Book documents SII schools empowerment strategy

A new book, Partnerships in Action, tells the story of the valuable links struck between UCT’s Schools Improvement Initiative and schools in Khayelitsha. 04 Dec 2018 - 8 min read

Newsbyte

VC welcomes Young Global Leaders

VC Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng was on hand to welcome 35 Young Global Leaders to the World Economic Forum-UCT inaugural education module. 26 Nov 2018 - 2 min read

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Critical support for new teachers

UCT’s School of Education is committed to bringing down teacher attrition rates in South Africa with its Newly Qualified Teachers Project. 23 Nov 2018 - 5 min read

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The argument for compulsory high-school history

There is plenty of context underpinning the push to make history compulsory for learners in grades 10 to 12, says Dr June Bam. 16 Nov 2018 - 10 min read Republished

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Staff a step closer to matric qualifications

A group of service staff is one step closer to gaining matric certificate equivalents, thanks to the Staff Learning Centre’s matric and basic adult education and training pilot programmes. 12 Nov 2018 - 6 min read

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Bumper Summer School for 2019

Extended to three weeks in 2019, UCT’s Summer School will offer a bumper programme of 113 lectures, many on Africa and “issues of consequence”. 02 Nov 2018 - 3 min read

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Opening up access to knowledge

UCT has joined institutions around the world in celebrating Open Access Week, an annual global event that focuses on promoting open knowledge sharing. 26 Oct 2018 - 7 min read

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Doves, dragons and diplomats – ‘avatars’ for a new dean

UCT’s new Dean of Commerce Associate Professor Linda Ronnie talks about deanship, her values and goals, and the transformative environment in which she thrives. 19 Oct 2018 - 10 min read

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UCT subject rankings success

UCT has been rated in the top 100 globally for three subjects in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by subject. 18 Oct 2018 - 3 min read

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Write your exams now

UCT students are being encouraged to study hard and ensure they’re prepared for their final exams, and to choose deferment only if it’s absolutely essential. 18 Oct 2018 - 6 min read

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Creating hospitable learning environments

Decolonising the classroom isn’t as simple as adjusting teaching content, and if universities want to successfully effect change they must address both curriculum and pedagogy. 18 Oct 2018 - 6 min read Republished

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Expo showcases young scientistsʼ ingenuity

A maritime solar blanket, a robotic scribe and a prosthetic arm were among the ingenious projects on display during the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists at UCT. 21 Aug 2018 - 7 min read

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