University of Cape Town
‘Let ubuntu guide you’
03 September 2024 | Story Niémah Davids. Photos Je’nine May. Read time 5 min.
“In your professional journey, as you move forward and venture into the world, let ubuntu guide your decisions and actions. As you build teams, build businesses and influence the economy, do so with a deep sense of responsibility to your community and the world,” University of Cape Town (UCT) Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Mosa Moshabela told graduates at the Spring graduation.
The event kicked off with the Faculty of Commerce’s morning ceremony on Monday, 2 September – the first of seven ceremonies, which will be held until Wednesday, 4 September. Graduation is a highlight on UCT’s academic calendar, and the morning ceremony was a jubilant, memorable affair as excited graduands and their loved ones packed the Sarah Baartman Hall to mark the end of years of sacrifice and hard work and toast the start of new beginnings.
The occasion set the tone for what’s expected to be a bumper season. UCT will cap a total of 2 079 graduands. The largest cohort belongs to Commerce (733), followed by Humanities (353), Health Sciences (317), Engineering & the Built Environment (279), Science (246), and Law (151). So, if you’re making your way to campus during the next few days, expect to find a celebratory buzz as graduands, their families, friends and the academics who have contributed to their success bask in the celebrations.
Make a positive impact
While presiding over his first graduation ceremony as VC of UCT, Professor Moshabela took a moment to congratulate the cohort on reaching this academic milestone. He also reminded them that despite many challenges, dedication, perseverance and hard work led them to graduation day.
As graduates prepare to step into the world of work, a world where success is measured by profits and numbers, Moshabela urged them to remember that true success lies in the positive impact they will have on other individuals’ lives.
“The mark of a great leader is not just in what you are going to achieve, but it will also be in how you uplift others along the way.”
“Your contribution to society is going to make all the difference. The concept of ubuntu, the belief that I am because we are, reminds us that individual well-being is deeply intertwined with the well-being of those around us,” he said. “The mark of a great leader is not just in what you are going to achieve, but it will also be in how you uplift others along the way.”
Build an equitable and just society
As UCT graduates, Moshabela said the cohort has the power to plant seeds that will sprout into opportunities and prosperity for future generations. And he encouraged them to use their knowledge to create wealth and to help build a more equitable and just society.
“You have a mammoth task ahead of you: to contribute to the economy, to innovate and to drive sustainable growth for our country, our continent and the world. Your insights and your expertise are needed now more than ever,” he said.
“Let your impact be felt across communities, industries and nations. The future is in your hands, and we have every confidence that you will rise to the occasion.
More reason to celebrate
During the Faculty of Health Sciences’ ceremony on Tuesday morning, UCT awarded an honorary doctorate to internationally acclaimed biostatistician and epidemiologist Professor Debbie Bradshaw. The university confers honorary doctorates on individuals who have excelled in their respective fields, and while doing so, have made a marked difference and contribution to the country, the continent and the world.
Professor Bradshaw is one of the country’s leading biostatisticians and epidemiologists and her contribution towards capacity building and developing the next generation of scientists in her field has been second to none. She has received a list of impressive awards, including the South African Medical Research Council’s highest accolade: the President’s Award for Exceptional Contributions to Medical Research.
Described as a champion of the people who speaks truth to power, Bradshaw has committed to improving the health and well-being of South Africans, including the most marginalised and vulnerable sector of society for almost half a century. In recognition of her service, she received a Doctor of Science (honoris causa) from UCT on Tuesday, 3 September.
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11th UCT Vice-Chancellor’s Installation Ceremony
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Council announced Professor Mosa Moshabela as the 11th vice-chancellor (VC) in May 2024. Professor Moshabela, who took office in August, was officially installed on 25 November 2024.
The Chair of Council of the University of Cape Town
Norman Arendse (SC)
announced that the university would host the ceremony at the Sarah Baartman Hall. The ceremony was co-hosted by UCT Chancellor
Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe
and was attended by invited guests, dignitaries from higher education and beyond, and invited members of the UCT community.
This event took place on Monday, 25 November 2024 at 10:00.
News from the day
On Monday, 25 November 2024, the University of Cape Town installed its 11th Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mosa Moshabela.
Announcements about the ceremony
About the VC
Professor Mosa Moshabela formally took up the UCT vice-chancellor position in August 2024.
Duly elected
On 24 May 2024, Norman Arendse (SC), the Chair of Council at UCT, was proud to formally announce that Professor Mosa Moshabela accepted an offer to become the university’s 11th vice-chancellor. This concluded a thorough and consultative six-month recruitment and selection process. He formally took up the UCT vice-chancellor position in August 2024.
Previous UCT Vice-Chancellors
UCT has had 10 permanent vice-chancellors and two acting in the interim between permanent VC appointments. This historical photo gallery includes the 12 leaders who have been at the helm of South Africa’s oldest university in their turn.
Vice-Chancellors in Conversation
UCT VC Professor Mosa Moshabela and former VC Dr Max Price recently engaged in a conversation about leadership, and confronted the challenge of creating unity, trust and collegiality in an institution.
In the News
Khusela Ikamva is aimed at restoring not only the physical forest that was damaged by the fires in April 2021 but also the cultural and spiritual connections that the UCT community shares with the natural fauna and flora.
09 Oct 2024 - 6 min read
Exec comms
Announcements to the UCT campus community
