Celebrating excellence at the Autumn 2025 graduation

Dear colleagues and students

One of the most significant moments in the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) calendar – the Autumn 2025 graduation season – is upon us. From Monday, 31 March to Friday, 4 April 2025, we will celebrate the hard work, perseverance and achievements of approximately 5 760 graduands, including those earning their PhD degrees.

This is a moment of great pride for our graduands and their families, friends and the entire UCT community. Graduation represents the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice and commitment. It is a testament to the academic excellence that defines our institution, and I am thrilled to join in celebrating this milestone with all our graduands.

• See the full schedule of Autumn 2025 graduation ceremonies.

We are delighted to award Professor Michael R Hayden an honorary doctorate in recognition of his exceptional contributions to medical science. Although he accepted the degree in 2024 as announced by the university early last year, he was unable to travel to Cape Town then. Honorary doctorates are bestowed upon individuals who have made a significant impact in their fields, and Professor Hayden’s work has incredibly advanced global medical knowledge.

For those unable to attend the ceremonies in person at the Sarah Baartman Hall, all ceremonies will be live-streamed on the UCT graduation feature page, Facebook, X social media platforms, with recordings available on the UCT YouTube channel.

To our graduands, I extend my heartfelt congratulations. This achievement is not merely a personal victory; it is also a gateway to new opportunities, responsibilities and possibilities. As you step forward into the next chapter of your journey, remember that your education is a powerful tool – one that can shape lives, uplift communities and transform the world. Carry with you the spirit of ubuntu, the understanding that “I am because we are”. Your success is interconnected with the success of those around you, and as you move forward, I encourage you to uplift and support others.

Please remember that your relationship with UCT does not end here. I urge you to remain connected to your alma mater – engage with the UCT alumni network, participate in Convocation and support the institution as we strive towards achieving our Vision 2030 goals. Your involvement, in whatever capacity, contributes to UCT’s continued excellence and ensures that future generations have access to the same world-class education that you have received.

The late Archbishop Desmond Tutu once said: “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” May you go forth as proud ambassadors of UCT, embodying excellence, integrity and an unwavering commitment to positive change.

I would also like to extend my sincere gratitude to the UCT staff and our graduands’ families, friends and guardians. Your unwavering support, encouragement and sacrifices have played an essential role in helping our students reach this milestone. This achievement is as much yours as it is theirs.

Once again, congratulations to our graduands. We celebrate you and look forward to witnessing your remarkable impact on the world.

We eagerly await a time of ululation and celebration during the upcoming Autumn 2025 graduation ceremonies.

Yours sincerely

Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements