In conversation: Dr Loyiso Mzisi Mbabane (left) of the Walter Sisulu University in Butterworth, with the VC, Dr Max Price.

UCT's strategic role as a global player, the state of higher education amid the recent financial meltdown and the international university ranking system were among the topics that Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price tabled in his visit to Port Elizabeth, where he addressed UCT alumni on 14 July.

This talk was part of the Alumni Relations office's effort to introduce UCT alumni to Price's strategic goals - and his vision of UCT as an Afropolitan university and a global player in higher education.

"UCT as a global player positions us as an entity that knows more of our continent than any university - and we become the hub on the South that speaks to Africa and the rest of the world,'' he said.

He said UCT had to face its challenges head on, make the university a destination of choice for students, postdoctoral research fellows, staff, and researchers. The institution also had to retain experienced academics and meet the country's social and developmental needs.