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Wamkelekile, Welkom
Wamkelekile, Welkom
Most African countries are not leveraging health taxes – new report suggests
As Africa confronts a mounting public health crisis, a simple yet powerful solution is being left on the table: health taxes. While the continent battles the dual burden of rising noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and persistent infectious disease burden, most countries are not leveraging health taxes – excise duties on harmful products like tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks – to curb consumption, boost domestic revenues and protect overburdened health systems.
07 Aug 2025
Media release
UCT study finds SA’s transport system deepens inequality
A comprehensive new study by researchers at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has revealed that despite significant investments in public transport, South Africa’s transport system remains unjust – and its burdens fall heaviest on black communities, especially black women. The findings are published in the journal African Transport Studies .
04 Aug 2025
Media release
Multiple nominations for UCT in NSTF “Science Oscars” awards
Several outstanding members of the University of Cape Town (UCT) community have been nominated for the 2024/2025 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) NSTF–South32 Awards – widely regarded as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa.
30 Jul 2025
Media release
Africa takes the lead in blockchain education through UCT–UZH partnership
In a groundbreaking partnership, the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Zurich (UZH) joined forces to bring the renowned Deep Dive into Blockchain (DDiB) Summer School to African soil for the first time. Held from 30 June to 18 July, the DDiB Summer School took a highly interactive approach.
30 Jul 2025
Media release
UCT students fly SA flag high at UN sustainable development forum
In a significant first for the University of Cape Town (UCT), four students represented South Africa at the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), held at United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York. Their participation marked the first time in several years that a youth delegation formed part of South Africa’s official representation at the forum.
29 Jul 2025
Media release
Exotic plants fuel urban wildfire risk, UCT study warns
A new study has revealed that certain exotic plant species commonly found in Cape Town’s urban spaces may intensify wildfire risks. Conducted in the aftermath of the devastating April 2021 Table Mountain fire, the research highlights how plant leaf traits, particularly in ornamental exotic species, influence how quickly and intensely vegetation can burn.
28 Jul 2025
Media release
UCT lecture to offer practical insights into having difficult conversations
Associate Professor Loretta J Ross, a leading voice in human rights and social justice, will deliver the 59th TB Davie Memorial Lecture at the University of Cape Town (UCT) on Wednesday, 6 August 2025. This year’s lecture will be delivered online, with in-person screening in the New Lecture Theatre.
28 Jul 2025
Media release
Tiny drop, big hope: new blood test could make it easier to find TB in children
In an important breakthrough that could transform how childhood tuberculosis (TB) is diagnosed, scientists have identified a small set of blood proteins that accurately signal TB disease in children, even in the absence of reliable sputum samples. Published in Nature Communications , the research led by a global team of scientists, including experts from the University of Cape Town (UCT), paves the way for a fast, non-invasive test that could save thousands of young lives.
24 Jul 2025
Media release
‘Losing a child to cancer a cardinal sin’ – UCT professor highlights collaboration in childhood cancer fight
In his recent inaugural lecture, the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Professor Alan Davidson shared six principles that reflect what has made his collaborative work in paediatrics rewarding. The lecture focused on the topic “It Takes a Team: Advancing Paediatric Oncology Through Collaborative Care” .
23 Jul 2025
Media release
UCT academic’s stint as Health Systems Trust CEO bridges gap between theory and practice
Professor Salome Maswime, head of the Global Surgery Division at the University of Cape Town (UCT), was seconded for three months as the Chief Executive Officer of the Health Systems Trust (HST). The HST is a non-governmental organisation formed at the dawn of South Africa’s democracy to improve access to healthcare and health outcomes in South Africa and beyond. The secondment has been beneficial to HST, Maswime and UCT; and had a positive impact on Soth Africa and the continent at large.
23 Jul 2025
Media release
Renowned UCT professor elected Fellow of the British Academy for pioneering linguistic work
Renowned linguist and emeritus professor at the University of Cape Town (UCT), Rajend Mesthrie, has been elected a Fellow of the British Academy, one of the highest honours for scholars in the humanities and social sciences. Mesthrie is part of the 58 UK fellows, 30 international fellows, and four honorary fellows that have been elected to the Fellowship this year.
21 Jul 2025
Media release
Research by UCT’s Figaji to transform brain injury treatment globally
The groundbreaking research by University of Cape Town’s (UCT) paediatric neurosurgeon, Professor Anthony Figaji – who has been awarded the prestigious Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship – has the potential to transform the understanding and treatment of brain injury not only in Africa but globally too.
21 Jul 2025
Media release
UCT lecture examines the evolving interplay between technology and educational values
Professor Dick Ng’ambi, professor in the School of Education at the University of Cape Town (UCT), will present his lecture, “Technology changes what matters – what matters changes technology,” on Friday, 25 July 2025 at 17:30 SAST in Lecture Theatre 1, Neville Alexander Building on lower campus.
21 Jul 2025
Media release
UCT introduces AI in Education Framework
With the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies starting to reshape teaching and learning at universities, the University of Cape Town (UCT) is committed to providing an enabling environment and systematic approaches to shape and support staff and students in responsible and ethical use of AI.
16 Jul 2025
Media release
UCT expert helps expose global life-saving surgery crisis affecting 160 million people
The University of Cape Town (UCT) is at the forefront of a major international push to address a global surgical care crisis that is leaving over 160 million people without access to life-saving procedures each year. A new study , Surgical Health Policy 2025–2035: Strengthening Essential Services for Tomorrow’s Needs , published on Monday, 14 July 2025 in The Lancet , shows the world is far off-track in meeting targets for safe, affordable surgical care for all.
15 Jul 2025
Media release
UCT’s Klopper not intimidated by the big guys at world canoeing championships
University of Cape Town (UCT) first-year student and under-23 canoe sprint world championships contender, Jordan Klopper, is not intimated by competing against seniors at the 2025 International Canoeing Federation’s (ICF) junior and U23 canoe sprint world championships, scheduled for 23–27 July 2025 in Portugal.
15 Jul 2025
Media release