Campus announcements
March 2024 graduation and other updates
27 March 2024Dear colleagues and students
The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) March 2024 graduation ceremonies, which got underway on Saturday, 23 March, will continue until Thursday, 28 March 2024 – with almost 5 000 graduands honoured and honorary doctorates conferred on four distinguished individuals. Read about this and other developments on campus.
1. Celebrating excellence at the March 2024 graduation
UCT is honouring approximately 4 850 graduates over five days at the March 2024 graduation ceremonies. This includes the award of 26 PhD degrees.
The university conferred honorary doctorates on Ms Shirley Gunn, who was awarded the degree of Doctor of Social Science (DSocSc) (honoris causa) on Monday, 25 March; Professor Brian John Huntley, who received the degree of Doctor of Science (honoris causa) on Tuesday, 26 March; and Mr Lionel Basil Davis, who was awarded the degree of Doctor of Social Science (honoris causa) on Wednesday, 27 March. Professor Lehlohonolo Burns Banda Jiyane Machobane will receive the degree of Doctor of Social Science (honoris causa) on Thursday, 28 March.
The ceremonies are live-streamed on the UCT graduation feature page and the university’s social media platforms: Facebook and X. Recordings of the ceremonies will be made available at a later stage on the UCT YouTube channel as well as on the graduation feature page.
- See the full schedule of March graduation ceremonies.
- See the full VC Desk: Celebrating excellence at the March 2024 graduation.
2. International honour for VC and other highlights
UCT Vice-Chancellor interim Emeritus Professor Daya Reddy has been appointed to the Pontifical Academy of Sciences by Pope Francis. The Pope will bestow on Emeritus Professor Reddy the insignia of his appointment during a Solemn Pontifical Audience in September 2024.
In other recent achievements by UCT staff, three exceptional academics – Professors Elelwani Ramugondo, Kelly Chibale, and Mpiko Ntsekhe – have been recognised among Africa’s 12 remarkable life scientists in an inspirational book for young people; while Professor Ntobeko Ntusi, a distinguished academic and esteemed cardiologist at UCT, has been appointed as the President and chief executive officer of the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), effective from 1 July 2024.
Furthermore, three academics – Professor Estelle (Vicki) Lambert, Professor Dan Stein and Associate Professor Darren Martin – have been recognised as some of the most frequently cited scholars globally, as per the Highly Cited Researchers 2023 list released by Clarivate; Professor Anthony Figaji, a clinician and researcher in the Division of Neurosurgery at the Neurosciences Institute, has received the prestigious Wellcome Discovery Award; and Dr Melissa Nel and Associate Professor Esmita Charani have been named as this year’s recipients of the prestigious Wellcome Career Development Award.
3. UCT’s autumn flash sale underway
The UCT Clearance Pop-Up Shop’s Autumn Flash Sale, offering incredible discounts of up to 50% off on selected items, is underway.
Whether you are in need of UCT official merchandise, looking to upgrade your wardrobe, or searching for unique gifts, this is the perfect opportunity to grab some fantastic deals. From trendy apparel to stylish accessories and everything in between, there's something for everyone at the UCT Clearance Pop-Up Shop.
Visit the shop at the Steve Biko Students’ Union Building, Cissie Gool plaza on upper campus. Trading hours are from 10:00 to 15:00 weekdays, excluding public holidays. Prices are valid until 28 June or until stocks last. Payment can be done one via debit cards, credit cards or p-cards.
4. DSA to host UCT Student Wellness Drive on 4–5 April 2024
The Department of Student Affairs (DSA) will host the UCT Student Wellness Drive on 4–5 April 2024 from 09:00 to 15:00 on both days.
On Thursday, 4 April 2024, the programme will take place at Molly Blackburn Foyer at the Plaza on upper campus, while on Friday, 5 April 2024, it will be held at Quad/Courtyard, Barnard Fuller Building, Faculty of Health Sciences. The wellness drive provides students with an opportunity to embark on a journey towards enhanced well-being and self-care, as the university brings together an array of activities and resources to help students thrive both mentally and physically. It offers a diverse programme designed to help students immerse themselves in a world of wellness. The well-being of the students is the university’s top priority, and DSA serves to support students every step of the way. By participating in the Student Wellness Drive, students will have the opportunity to connect with fellow students, learn new self-care techniques, and take meaningful steps towards a healthier and more balanced life.
5. Upcoming UCT Summer School courses
The Centre for Extra-Mural Studies will host a number of interesting Summer School courses between April and June 2024. The courses will cover a range of interesting subjects such as GenAI, self-publishing, and learning isiXhosa at intermediate level.
Please note that the Cut To The Chase: Screenwriting course, which was included in earlier communication, has been cancelled.
Communication and Marketing Department
Read previous communications:
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Please view the republishing articles page for more information.
