From the Vice-Chancellor
Appointment of Deputy VC: Teaching and Learning
14 November 2024
Dear colleagues and students
As part of our endeavour to ensure that there is stability at senior leadership level, I am pleased to announce that the University of Cape Town (UCT) Council has approved the appointment of Professor Brandon Collier-Reed as the new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC): Teaching and Learning, with effect from 1 January 2025.
This appointment marks a notable milestone as we continue to solidify the leadership team at UCT to ensure the continued success of our institution.
Professor Collier-Reed is a highly esteemed academic and leader who has dedicated almost three decades to UCT. He has held several key positions, including as professor and head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, deputy dean for undergraduate studies in the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment, and director of the Centre for Research in Engineering Education.
A proud UCT alumnus, Professor Collier-Reed received his BSc (Eng) in Mechanical Engineering in 1992, followed by an MSc in 1997 and a PhD in 2007. His extensive contributions to the South African Society for Engineering Education and the Engineering Council of South Africa are well known, where he has influenced national accreditation policy and led quality assurance teams locally and internationally.
Professor Collier-Reed’s research focuses on multilingualism, academic literacies and the impact of technology in teaching and learning – critical areas that resonate deeply with UCT’s commitment to enhancing the student experience. He was most recently announced among the recipients of the 2023 Distinguished Teacher Award.
With his profound expertise and deep commitment to the institution, we are confident that Professor Collier-Reed is the right leader to guide UCT’s teaching and learning strategies, and we look forward to the impact he will make in this new role.
I would also like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank Emerita Professor Linda Ronnie, who has served as acting DVC: Teaching and Learning since July 2023. Professor Ronnie has shown unwavering dedication during this time, and her leadership has been invaluable in maintaining continuity and excellence in our academic offerings. Prior to her, Professor Harsha Kathard held the position in an acting capacity from May 2022 to June 2023. We deeply appreciate their commitment and leadership, which have guided the university through periods of transition.
One of my priorities when I took over as vice-chancellor was to ensure that the key executive positions are filled with permanent appointments, in order to bring stability to the university and position us for long-term success. With Professor Collier-Reed’s appointment, we are furthering that goal. We continue working earnestly towards wrapping up the other ongoing recruitment processes.
On behalf of the entire university, I wish Professor Collier-Reed every success in his new position, and I am confident that he will serve UCT with distinction, bringing his wealth of experience and insight to this vital role.
Sincerely
Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor
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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
