A legacy of innovation, education, and connection at UCT

After nearly 25 years of transformative work in educational technology and professional development, Tony Carr, a pioneer in online education and a long-time thought leader based at the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) at the University of Cape Town (UCT), bids farewell to the institution.

His retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter that leaves behind an indelible legacy that has shaped CILT, UCT, the African educational landscape, and global networks in many ways. Carr’s work has connected educators across continents, championed innovative learning technologies, and empowered individuals to reimagine education. Reflecting on his career, he said, “My work has always been about creating connections between people, ideas, and possibilities. It’s been an extraordinary privilege to build communities and witness the incredible innovation and resilience within African higher education.”

The beginning of a transformative journey

Carr began his journey at UCT in 2000, joining what was then the Multimedia Education Group (MEG). His arrival coincided with a period of growing interest in technology’s role in teaching and learning. Over the next two decades, he would emerge as a leader in online education, community building, and professional development.

His early collaborations, particularly with colleagues such as former director of CILT, Emeritus Professor Laura Czerniewicz; senior learning designer Andrew Deacon; and learning technologies consultant and deputy director at CILT, Stephen Marquard, laid the groundwork for much of his later success. Together they explored the role of technology in higher education, fostering innovative projects that would soon extend beyond UCT’s walls and into the broader African higher education community. “Tony had a unique ability to turn big, ambitious ideas into reality. He saw the potential for online collaboration when most of us were trying to understand the basics. Working with Tony was an adventure in learning and creating something meaningful,” Marquard said.

e/merge Africa and the Facilitating Online Course

One of Carr’s defining contributions was the creation and leadership of e/merge Africa, a professional development network connecting educators, researchers, and practitioners across the African continent. It began with the first e/merge Online Conference in 2004 and grew into a year-round initiative supporting collaboration, learning, and innovation. Jakob Pedersen, e/merge Africa programme manager, reflected on their years of collaboration: “Tony’s ability to balance vision with practicality made all the difference in projects like e/merge Africa. He always created spaces where ideas could flourish and people could step forward to lead.”

e/merge Africa also led to the development of the Facilitating Online Course, a programme that equipped educators across Africa with the tools to teach in virtual environments. Between 2012 and 2024, e/merge Africa offered more than 265 professional development activities, including webinars, workshops, and Facilitating Online sessions, reaching over 4 500 participants.

“Tony’s legacy isn’t just in his projects but in the way he empowered others.”

His work with e/merge Africa highlighted his focus on building connections and capacity. Colleagues often describe him as an “architect of connections”; someone who brought people together and created spaces for meaningful discussions. “Tony’s legacy isn’t just in his projects but in the way he empowered others. He had a unique ability to see potential and bring out the best in everyone around him,” said Dr Nicola Pallit, a senior lecturer and educational technology specialist at Rhodes University and former colleague at CILT.

A legacy of mentorship and community

Beyond his professional contributions, Carr is remembered for his mentorship and generosity. Colleagues, students, and collaborators speak of his ability to see potential in others and encourage them to grow. Many of his mentees now occupy leadership roles across Africa, carrying forward the values they learned from him.

In her farewell tribute, Maha Bali, a professor of practice at the Centre for Learning and Teaching at the American University in Cairo, shared: “Tony’s facilitation style brought warmth and connection to online spaces. He made everyone feel valued long before they thought they deserved it. Every interaction with Tony has been precious and inspiring.”

The human touch: personal and professional impact

Carr’s colleagues often highlight his ability to balance rigorous professionalism with warmth and humanity. He made a point of connecting with people – celebrating their achievements, offering support during challenges, and fostering a sense of belonging within every community he engaged with. From hosting colleagues for walks on Cape Town’s trails to offering thoughtful advice during pivotal career moments, his presence was as deeply personal as it was professional. For Tony, work was never just about technology; it was about people. His contributions remind us that at the heart of education lies the power of human connection.

Gabriel Konayuma, a senior vocational education and training officer at the Ministry of Technology and Science in Zambia, shared: “Tony’s leadership was never about control; it was about empowering us to step up. He believed in people, and that belief changed lives.”

Looking ahead

As Carr steps into retirement, he does so with characteristic thoughtfulness and a sense of purpose. While he plans to rest, recover, and reflect, there is little doubt that his passion for connection, learning, and innovation will continue to inspire new adventures. Whether through consultancy work, finishing his PhD, or sharing his expertise in new ways, his influence will remain palpable. In his farewell speech, Carr reflected: “None of what I achieved would have been possible alone. It’s the people – my colleagues, collaborators, and students – who made the journey meaningful. Together, we created something lasting.”