UCT graduate Alide Dasnois has made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as the editor of the 133-year-old Cape Times newspaper.

Described as "an outstanding journalist" by Chris Whitfield, editor-in-chief of Independent Newspapers Cape, Dasnois replaces Tyrone August at the helm of one of Cape Town's biggest daily newspapers.

Dasnois, 59, completed her bachelor's degree in economics at UCT in 1970, and honours in the same field a year later.

"The challenge for us at the Cape Times is to ensure, despite all difficulties, that our paper continues to play its role in building democracy in South Africa, that many voices are heard, not just those of the powerful."