Celebrating the graduates of 1974 and 1975 at Golden Graduation

Forty-four golden graduates gathered at the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Development and Alumni (DAD) office where they donned their academic gowns and golden scarves before heading up to Sarah Baartman Hall, as special guests for their golden graduation ceremony.

Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Mosa Moshabela welcomed them and said he hoped that they would serve as a source of inspiration for the newly minted Autumn 2025 graduates. “Their presence demonstrates the long journey you have to travel ahead of you, but also it shows a commitment to UCT. The future is yours to shape.”

After the graduation ceremony on 1 April, the golden graduates attended a celebratory luncheon in the garden of Glenara, the VC’s official residence. They enjoyed the opportunity to connect, have conversations and reminisce about their time at UCT. There were many fascinating stories shared about their experiences at UCT in the 1970s, including stories of climbing up to the top of what was then known as Jameson Hall to put up a Rhodesian flag on top of the pole, the men’s residences raiding women’s residences and being caught, charged and fined!

Established in 2014, Golden Graduation is a unique ceremony that honours 50 years of being a UCT alumnus. For the graduates, it serves as a reunion marking their 50th anniversary.

They come from far and wide

Many of the golden graduates had travelled long distances, across the country and the globe to be at the 50th reunion. Professor Moshabela highlighted how he appreciated the effort they had made to attend and gave kudos to the long journey they had journeyed to get to where they currently are. He said he appreciated the commitment demonstrated to UCT and said that despite the many challenges that the institution faces, they join UCT in sharing the many stories of overcoming. “This demonstrates the resilience of UCT and this resilience comes from the people such as yourselves,” Moshabela said.

In his speech, the VC challenged the golden graduates to think about the legacy they are leaving for future generations, who will be the leaders of the institution 30 years from now. “While so much has changed in the last 50 years since you graduated, you have come back and show commitment to UCT. We need to continue to develop these values.”

Hon doc for Prof Michael Hayden, one of the golden graduates

Professor Michael Hayden, one of the golden graduates, received an honorary doctorate for his exceptional contributions to medical science, pioneering work in Hungtington’s disease and breakthroughs in neurodegenerative diseases. Moshabela praised Professor Hayden’s achievements and the journey he has travelled during his career, reflecting exceptional leadership and wisdom that has shaped his success.

Changes at UCT over the last 50 years

In highlighting how UCT has evolved over time, Moshabela noted that in 1975, the total enrolment of students was 8 570, with only 35% female students and only 6% students of colour. Now, in 2025, UCT has an enrolment of 28 305 students, of which 58% are female and 70% are people of colour, with 45% African South Africans. UCT has become much more diverse and with the diversity comes more challenges as the wide-ranging different cultures, ethics and values result in a need for social cohesion and work to overcome polarisation on campus. Hence, the welcome introduction of the VC's Campus Conversations to build the institutional culture and learn and teach in unity.

The need for intergenerational exchange to build the UCT of the future

Moshabela highlighted how UCT is training graduates to be leaders in the world and that UCT holds a great deal of power in the world, as reflected when he was at the World Economic Forum and people were paying attention to what others were saying about UCT. He stressed how the world is shifting around us, the competition has broadened, and we cannot rely solely on our brand to attract top students. He concluded by commenting, “We are facing an existential crisis where our alumni need to come close, be part of the conversations, be invested in the future and adopt an intergenerational exchange to build the institution of the future that we want. We need to open the doors, share our experience and knowledge with others and protect the scientific statute – it will take all of us.”