Our 2022 retirees cohort about to take a bow

Dear colleagues and students

We are just a few weeks away from officially bidding farewell to colleagues who are retiring this year after a period of excellent and selfless service.

These colleagues who will retire at the end of December 2022 have helped, in countless ways, to elevate the University of Cape Town (UCT) to its status as the leading institution in Africa. They have also contributed to UCT overcoming various challenges during their years of service. We recognise and reflect on their contribution with fondness and gratitude.

As it has become tradition prior to being interrupted by COVID-19, together with the Chair of Council Ms Babalwa Ngonyama, we were once again this year able to host a farewell dinner for the cohort of 2022 retirees late in October to honour them for their service to the institution. The event was a convivial evening of entertainment, speeches, photo opportunities and meaningful exchanges between colleagues.

To those retiring, you made an immense contribution towards our Vision 2030 to unleash human potential to create a fair and just society. The legacy you leave behind is a point of pride for you and the institution. This legacy will live on to benefit many generations to come. It is people like you who have made UCT what it is today.

Although you will be retiring officially, retirement should not be the end of the road. It should be the beginning of the open highway. We still need your expertise and skills, and I encourage you to continue interacting with your colleagues at UCT.

There is an African proverb that says ‘Knowledge is a garden. If it isn’t cultivated, you can’t harvest it’. So, colleagues, as you enter life after UCT, I wish you a garden rich with knowledge of the things you love most.

On behalf of the UCT community, I thank you for your commitment and devotion to this esteemed university. We wish you all the joy and happiness in your retirement years.

• Visit the 2022 retirees feature page.

Sincerely

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
Vice-Chancellor

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements