Dr Max Price welcomes parents to campus

Vice-Chancellor Dr Max Price warmly welcomed new parents to the UCT community at the annual parent orientation that took place at Jameson Hall on Saturday 31 January and Monday 2 February 2015 – and encouraged them to get actively involved in the life of the university.

"We have all travelled many different routes to get to where we are now. Some of you are not only coming to UCT for the first time. The melting pot that is UCT, the experience that we are offering you and your sons and daughters, is what makes this such a rich place. And I hope that between us, we make this a better institution."

During his address, Price explained that part of the university's task is providing a safe space for debate, where students are exposed to a wide diversity of views and people, and are informed about the challenges we face at a national and global level. He congratulated parents on their children's achievement of getting in, and also thanked them for the sacrifices they've made in bringing them this far.

"We do not take for granted that you have chosen to send your children to UCT. We undertake on our part to make sure that they have a wonderful experience; that they have a lot of fun; that their minds are broadened; that their values are adapted and opened up; and that they become graduates that both you and UCT will be proud of in the future."

Watch the video excerpt or download the transcript of the VC's speech.