Stamps and suffragettes add to richness of Summer School

Every year, a number of UCT academic staff present lectures or workshops at Summer School. This year is no different, with over 20 staffers sharing their knowledge of a range of fields from archaeology to vampires.

However, it is unusual to have members of UCT senior leadership offering courses. At this year's Summer School, stalwarts such as registrar Hugh Amoore and deputy vice-chancellor Professor Sandra Klopper are offering courses in areas reflecting their personal research interests.

Amoore, a respected philatelist, is exploring stamp collecting and the history of the postal service in South Africa, particularly the Cape. In his first lecture on Monday, he shared personal stories behind some of the rare stamps he has accumulated over the years.

While most people have not bought a stamp in years, Amoore says philately is huge in Eastern Europe and Asia.

"It's no longer a schoolgirl or schoolboy hobby," he lamented.

In the same vein, Klopper traces the life of American suffragette Rebecca Reyher, which forms part of her current research. Her deep passion in the subject was evident when she spoke about finding a rare painting Irma Stern did of Reyher.

Director of the Centre for Open Learning Medee Rall said: "It is not the first time we have had members of UCT's leadership offering a course at Summer School, but given their heavy commitments, it is unusual!"