UCT alum ‘humbled’ to receive McCall MacBain Regional Award

In recognition of his academic excellence, University of Cape Town (UCT) alumnus Mbulelo Ncube has received the McCall MacBain Regional Award – Canada’s largest research-based scholarship for master’s and professional studies.

The scholarship recognises students who have displayed exceptional character, community engagement and learnership potential, as well as an entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity. And the funding that stems from the award can be used to enrol in a full-time master’s programme at McGill University in Montréal or any other public university in Canada.

Ncube currently works for World Wildlife Fund (WWF) South Africa and advocates for the conservation of wildlife in urban areas. This role has sparked his desire to apply for a master’s programme in climate change at McGill University.

Gratifying, humbling

Of the scholarship that will open doors of opportunity for him, Ncube, who completed a Master of Development Policy and Practice (MDPP) at UCT in 2024, said he is gratified and humbled to be named one of the recipients.

“Receiving the McCall MacBain Regional Award is not just an academic milestone. This award is a powerful counter to every moment I have felt unheard, unseen or undervalued. It feels like a recognition of not only my academic efforts, but also my commitment to my community. It is a reminder that the doors God opens no one can close,” he said.

“This award is a powerful counter to every moment I have felt unheard, unseen or undervalued.”

Ncube’s passion for humanitarian work is what sets him apart from other contenders. His involvement with initiatives such as the International Committee of the Red Cross’ Red Safe Project, environmental preservation programmes and refugee protection efforts makes him a cut above the rest. He’s also a recipient of the Hannah Arendt Scholarship from the University of London – a scholarship offered to students interested in pursuing a master’s degree in refugee protection and forced migration.

“This award serves as a reminder of the impact I strive to make in my community and beyond to continue advocating for underserved populations, supporting climate action and empowering marginalised groups.

A powerful catalyst

Speaking to UCT after the announcement, Ncube described the scholarship as a “powerful catalyst” that is guaranteed to bolster his academic and professional aspirations.

He said the financial support the scholarship offers provides him with the opportunity to immerse himself in a rigorous academic environment – allowing him to refine his expertise in climate policy, sustainability and environmental governance. It also grants him access to an ecosystem of thought leaders, policy makers and scholars dedicated to addressing some of the globe’s most pressing challenges in climate change.

“This exposure will sharpen my analytical acumen and expand my capacity to contribute meaningfully to climate science and policy formulation and implementation in this area.”

“This exposure will sharpen my analytical acumen and expand my capacity to contribute meaningfully to climate science and policy formulation and implementation in this area.”

To date, Ncube has a list of impressive achievements under his belt. These include founding the Global Girl Child Foundation, where he serves as the CEO and advocates for improved access to education and where he also attained a United States Department Scholarship to Georgia College & State University.