UCT has launched a new "interactive" website on social responsiveness to showcase the multiple ways in which the university is engaging with the development challenges facing society.

The launch on 26 March coincided with the release of the 2007 Social Responsiveness Report and was attended by, among others, representatives of the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape government, institutions that work with the higher education sector to address regional challenges.

A lot of work generated through UCT and other universities has been used to develop the Ikapa Elihlumayo (Developing Cape) white paper, which was released in January.

Professor Martin Hall, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, said one of the biggest obligations of public institutions is to help address development challenges facing South Africa, like poverty alleviation.

The website, which is an online version of the report, contains information that cuts across all respects of teaching and research.

The 2007 report showcases projects on burning issues such as refugee rights, African culture and heritage, and mathematics and science education.