Networking: VC Dr Max Price introduced himself to (from left) Andiswa Miza, Sylvia Paulson and Zandile Khuzwayo at a Staff Welcoming Function.

Vice-chancellor Dr Max Price hosted a staff welcome function on 7 April to receive new staff members, encouraging them to feel at home and to make UCT a better place of work.

Price said that the quarterly event, the first of its kind, had been designed to make new employees feel comfortable with approaching him with issues, and to help them network and make new friendships.

"A survey found that Cape Town companies can't recruit people from outside the city, particularly black Africans, because it is hard for them to integrate socially," he explained. "This is an issue UCT also has to deal with."

Price said the university valued the fresh perspectives that people bring from other institutions.

"I urge you to push those ideas, get people to listen to them, and help us to change the way we do things."

Price had further advice for the newcomers: break out of silos and join structures outside your departments, such as transformation and research committees, and so gain the full experience of life at UCT.

New staffer Zandile Khuzwayo said she believes that there are opportunities for growth at UCT; while Andre Smith said he "couldn't ask for anything better".

"My colleagues are supportive and are very nice and professional," he said.