VC’s Campus-wide Conversations and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town (UCT) community is reminded and urged to participate in the Vice-Chancellor’s (VC) Campus-wide Conversations series. Read more about this and other recent developments on campus.

1. VC’s Campus-wide Conversations

Staff and students are reminded to participate in the VC’s Campus-wide Conversations.

Launched in December 2024, this series is about creating safe spaces in which to have difficult conversations on our campus. It aims to present a platform in which all voices are heard. The overall aim is to restore unity in our community, as well as establish a new culture of respect, compassion, kindness and ubuntu.

The conversations focus on multiple themes, as they emerge from you, as custodians of this institution.

UCT has secured the services of Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo and Ms Nomfundo Walaza – two experienced external practitioners who hold a very strong affinity to UCT and a keen interest in our success – to serve as facilitators.

• Read the VC Desk: VC’s Campus-wide Conversations: Creating safe spaces for difficult conversations at UCT.

How to book your session

Session slots are still available. The facilitators would like to hear from you because your input in shaping this campus-wide series matters; and is one of the important paths the VC hopes to use to address concerns and work collectively with all to co-create a more conducive environment on campus.

• Book your session.
• Share your comments, questions and suggestions via email.

2. Apply for a nine-month pre-incubator programme

The UCT Financial Innovation Hub, based at the School of Economics, will host a nine-month pre-incubator programme, GenesisBloc Launchpad, which aims to bridge the gap between academic research and startup creation, supporting UCT students and alumni in developing and commercialising innovative solutions in financial technology. The hub is a leading fintech and blockchain innovation ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurship and impactful projects in South Africa's financial sector.

The hub offers technical and business development guidance and assists each team in applying to further incubator programmes, hackathons and grant opportunities. Eligible teams include UCT students, alumni and teams with recommendations through UCT partners.

To apply for the GenesisBloc Launchpad, the lead team member should fill out an application form and provide information about their team, solution and motivation for joining the programme.

• Complete the application form.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 5 March 2025.

For more information, please contact Anda Ngcaba or Si-Jia Wu.

3. ICTS scheduled maintenance on Sunday, 23 February

The UCT community is advised that Sunday, 23 February 2025 will be an ICTS scheduled maintenance slot from 09:00 to 17:00. Unless advised to the contrary, do not expect any on-premise ICT services to be available for the duration of the maintenance slot. Cloud-based services (including Amathuba, email, Microsoft 365 services, and ServiceNow) are not impacted and can still be accessed.

Please remember to consult the scheduled ICTS maintenance slots page before planning any teaching, conferences, meetings, etc that require ICT services.

For more information, see the article on why ICTS schedules regular monthly maintenance slots.

4. AI teaching innovation grants

The rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the technological landscape, with generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude bringing both challenges and opportunities to university teaching, learning and assessment. As AI continues to evolve, exploring how academic practices can adapt to these technological and societal shifts is crucial.

To support this adaptation, a special-purpose round of Teaching Innovation Grants has been launched, focusing on the integration of AI in education. Individual staff members, teams and departments are invited to submit proposals for funding to drive teaching innovation and enhancements that integrate AI.

• Find out more information or book a briefing session.
• Read the full DVC Desk: AI teaching innovation grants.

For more information, please contact with Max Tommy.

5. Reminder: Call for applications: DHET Future Professors Programme

Early and mid-career academics are reminded to apply for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Future Professors Programme, a prestigious initiative designed to prepare outstanding scholars for professorship across disciplines.

This is a valuable opportunity for academic staff to advance their careers. Eligible candidates must hold a doctorate, demonstrate a strong record of academic achievement, and be permanently employed on academic role or an equivalent academic appointment.

Following the application process, an internal selection will take place, with up to five nominees submitted to the DHET for final consideration.

• Read more about the details on the application process.
• Download the application form.

The deadline for submission is Tuesday, 25 February 2025. Please email your application to the University Capacity Development Programme team.

• Read the full Campus Announcement: Call for applications: DHET Future Professors Programme.

Please direct any further questions to Dheshnie Keswell or Lisa Cloete.

6. Update on Madiba North road closure

Due to the burst water pipe on Madiba North – which has now been repaired – serious damage was caused to the road surface, requiring road resurfacing. This work will delay the re-opening of the road, but the resurfacing will be completed as soon as possible.

Therefore, access to Madiba West will continue to be restricted, with commuters only able to gain vehicular access via the South booms (Wynberg end).

Please note that the UCT Shuttle will stop at both North and South stops but may experience delays.

The university community is advised to allow for additional travelling time when coming to campus via car or the UCT Shuttle, as vehicular traffic will be slow along Madiba East (Rugby Road).

7. Pedestrian access to be diverted on Rugby Road

The UCT community is advised that pedestrian access on Rugby Road will be diverted from Friday, 21 February 2025 until the end of April 2025, while essential maintenance work takes place.

An alternative walkway for pedestrians will be created on the opposite side of the road, with a temporary pedestrian crossing and a permanent flag person on duty to redirect pedestrian traffic. The road will remain open, so there should be limited impact on pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

The area where work will take place will be cordoned off, but passers-by should exercise caution when in the area. While disruptions should be minimal, dust and noise are possible during excavations.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements