UCT hails newly promoted academics

Legal eagles: Dr Max Price and Prof PJ Schwikkard (centre) with academics from the Faculty of Law who celebrated their recent ad hominem promotions, Anne Pope, Assoc Prof Wouter de Vos, Caroline Ncube, Assoc Prof Rochelle le Roux and Lee-Ann Tong.

Traditionally a lunchtime meet and greet, UCT added some lustre and spiff to the annual ad hominem promotions by hosting, for the first time, a formal dinner for the latest recipients.

At the event, held in Smuts Hall on 25 November, vice-chancellor Dr Max Price explained that the occasion and the honourees more than warranted the elevated celebrations. He praised the promoted academics and the scientific and technical officers - promotions kick in on 1 January 2011 - for the value that they add to UCT's reputation. It is their work, Price said, that makes UCT a sought-after centre of learning for school learners, postgraduates and fellow scholars, and allows the university to attract substantial public and private funding.

"We have this kind of influence because of the efforts you have put into your field of study."

Price also made special mention of recipient Associate Professor Cassim 'Cas' Motala, who died on 10 November, shortly after being informed that he had been promoted to full professor.

"Prof Motala serves as just one example of the talent and accomplishment were are here to honour," said Price.