University of Cape Town
‘The Great Executive Showdown’: A day of fun at UCT’s fundraising challenge
30 October 2024 | Story Iman Latief. Photos Lerato Maduna. Read time 3 min.
On a sunny Friday afternoon at the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Cricket Oval, a spirited atmosphere enveloped the field as the UCT Development and Alumni Department (DAD) hosted the second inaugural UCT Day, a fun-filled fundraising event in support of key student support initiatives.
This year, the spotlight was on a most unusual spectacle: university executives trading their polished suits for athletic gear, diving headfirst into a series of hilariously challenging games alongside students and staff. The juxtaposition of serious leadership and spirited fun was a sight to behold, and laughter echoed across the grounds as the usually buttoned-up administrators took on inflatable obstacles, electronic bulls, and tug-of-war ropes.
As the event kicked off, the air buzzed with excitement. The inflatable obstacle course loomed large, a bright and colourful contraption that promised both chaos and camaraderie. Executives who typically dominated boardroom discussions were now eyeing the inflatable walls with a mix of determination and trepidation.
With a starting whistle, they were off! The sight of university leaders bouncing clumsily through inflatable tunnels and tumbling over barriers was nothing short of comical. Spectators – students, and staff – could hardly contain their amusement, cheering on the executives as they navigated the course with varying degrees of success.
Testing mettle
Next up was the electronic bull ride, a challenge that further tested their mettle and balance. The competitors climbed aboard the mechanical beast, determined to outlast each other in a battle of wills. One by one, they were flung off, laughter erupting from the crowd with each dramatic dismount. It was a joy to see these leaders exchanging competitive jabs and encouragements, showing that even the most accomplished of academics and leaders can also have a little fun and laugh at themselves.
The grand finale of the day was a classic tug-of-war. With ropes in hand, teams formed, blending students with executives to create a unified front against the opposing team.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the participation of the vice-chancellor, Professor Mosa Moshabela, who has only recently stepped into his role at UCT. With an infectious enthusiasm that quickly endeared him to the crowd, he embraced the challenge with a mix of determination and good humour.
One could only imagine the conversations he had had during his onboarding, likely filled with discussions about strategy and academic initiatives, not inflatable obstacles and mechanical bulls. Yet, here he was, laughing and cheering alongside students, clearly relishing the chance to connect with the university community in such an unconventional setting. His willingness to jump into the fray signalled to all that he was ready to lead with a sense of fun and camaraderie, proving that even the most serious of roles can embrace a bit of whimsy.
Ultimately, the day was not just about raising funds; it was about fostering community and breaking down barriers. Watching the university executives shed their formal personas in favour of playful competition was a reminder that leadership isn’t just about gravitas – it’s also about connection, humour, and the ability to embrace the unexpected.
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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, will be officially installed on 25 November 2024.
The Chair of Council of the University of Cape Town
Norman Arendse (SC)
is pleased to announce that the university will host this ceremony at the Sarah Baartman Hall. The ceremony will be co-hosted by UCT Chancellor
Dr Precious Moloi-Motsepe
and will be attended by invited guests, dignitaries from higher education and beyond, and invited members of the UCT community.
This event will take place on Monday, 25 November 2024 at 10:00.
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
