UCT’s improved B-BBEE level and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has achieved a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Level 3 contributor rating in 2024, which put the institution at the forefront compared with other leading universities. Read more about this and other recent developments on campus.

1. Improved B-BBEE level reinforces UCT’s leadership

UCT stands as a beacon of excellence in higher education and financial governance. Through strategic decision-making in key appointments, skills development and commercial enterprise growth, UCT continues to lead the sector, setting a benchmark for transformation, sustainability and academic excellence.

In South Africa, B-BBEE is more than a compliance measure – it is a national imperative to address historical inequalities and foster an inclusive economy. Higher education institutions play a pivotal role in this transformation by promoting equitable leadership, procurement and enterprise development opportunities. UCT’s dedication to enhancing its B-BBEE levels contributes directly to economic justice, skills development and social progress, reinforcing its leadership in academia and transformation.

UCT has consistently advanced its B-BBEE status, achieving a Level 3 contributor rating in 2024 with a notable score of 91.02 points. This improved status reflects UCT’s dedication to inclusivity, empowerment and economic transformation.

• View UCT’s B-BBEE verification certificate.
• Read the full CFO Desk: Improved B-BBEE level reinforces UCT’s leadership.

2. Inaugural lecture by Professor Mignon McCulloch (Faculty of Health Sciences)

Professor Mignon McCulloch will present her lecture, titled “First Aid for Kids’ Kidneys in Africa and Beyond”, on Thursday, 27 March 2025 at 17:30 SAST. The lecture will be held in the New Learning Centre Lecture Theatre, Anatomy Building, Health Sciences campus.

This lecture will address the global public health challenge of kidney disease in adults and children. Professor McCulloch will explore alternative dialysis methods that do not rely on advanced technology, showcasing how locally developed solutions in Africa have led to life-saving outcomes. Her work highlights the potential to expand these approaches globally, ensuring more children access essential dialysis treatment.

Professor McCulloch heads the Clinical Unit of Paediatric Nephrology and Solid Organ Transplantation at the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital and is a senior lecturer at UCT. As deputy chair of the Saving Young Lives Committee, she has spearheaded a dialysis training programme that has trained 600 professionals and saved 450 lives.

• Register to attend the lecture.
• Read the full VC Desk: UCT inaugural lectures for March 2025.

3. Call for proposals: RADC funding for 2025

The Residence Academic Development Committee (RADC) invites funding proposals for Living and Learning programmes to be implemented in 2025.

Proposals may be submitted by:

• Members of RADC
• College of Wardens
• Residence Council One
• Residence Council Two
• House Committees and Residence Associations
• Residence Sub-Councils
• Teaching and Learning Committee Chairs

Residences, faculties and departments may apply for each funding call annually but not for the same project in consecutive calls. Up to R20 000 per project is available, with a limit of two proposals per residence, faculty or department.

Proposals for 2025 should focus on:

• innovation and supportive student online learning
• student mental health and wellness
• academic preparedness
• inclusive environment and student belonging
• student retention and success
• collaborations across residences and faculties for student success.

Proposals should align with UCT’s Vision 2030 and strategic goals, particularly the Department of Student Affairs’ Key Strategic Area 7: Student Success.

• Submit proposals by Sunday, 20 April 2025.
• Request support or book to attend a workshop on proposals.

For more information, contact Frank Karigambe with the subject line: “Intention to apply for RADC funding”. This is essential for tracking purposes.

4. Approved UCT Language Policy officially launched

As part of UCT’s Vision 2030 and its commitment to multilingualism, inclusivity and transformation, the university recently launched its Language Policy. This policy reflects UCT’s dedication to embracing linguistic diversity and fostering an environment in which language is a vital tool for learning, research and communication.

The revised policy designates English, isiXhosa and Afrikaans as UCT’s official languages, while also recognising Afrikaaps (Kaaps), South African Sign Language (SASL), Khoekhoegowab and N|uu as languages for development within the university.

• Read the full VC Desk: Approved UCT Language Policy officially launched.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements