Inaugural lecture by Professor Hoadley and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

Professor Ursula Hoadley will deliver her inaugural lecture as part of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Inaugural Lecture series on Wednesday, 21 May 2025. Read more about this and other recent developments on campus.

1. Inaugural lecture by Professor Ursula Hoadley

On Wednesday, 21 May 2025 at 18:00 SAST, Professor Hoadley will present a lecture titled “Life in Classrooms: Understanding interruption and enhancement through pedagogy”* in the Mafeje Room, Bremner Building, lower campus.

With nearly three decades of research behind her, Professor Hoadley will offer a compelling exploration of the everyday dynamics of classroom life, especially in contexts shaped by poverty and inequality. Her lecture will examine how teachers navigate their roles amid these challenges, and how their pedagogical choices respond to and push back against systemic pressures and evolving curriculum frameworks.

As a professor of curriculum studies in UCT’s School of Education, Professor Hoadley has spent her career examining the complex relationship between pedagogy, curriculum and social justice. Her research, which spans South Africa and the broader African continent, has earned her international recognition, particularly in early grade reading and structured instructional practices.

• Register to attend the lecture.

The other lecture in the UCT Inaugural Lecture series scheduled for May will be presented by Professor Jacqueline van Wyk on Thursday, 29 May 2025.

• Read the full VC Desk: UCT inaugural lectures for May 2025.

*Please note that the lecture title has changed from “Looking in Classrooms: Understanding Teachers’ Work in Challenging Contexts” to “Life in Classrooms: Understanding interruption and enhancement through pedagogy”.

2. UCT navigating US-related funding challenges

In response to the recent – and ongoing – developments affecting research funding from US federal agencies, UCT has taken immediate, structured action at multiple levels to assess, respond to, and mitigate the risks.

On 7 February 2025, the White House issued an Executive Order signalling the termination of aid and assistance to South Africa.

UCT currently holds a portfolio of 178 US federal funded awards comprising both direct awards to UCT and subawards from collaborating institutions in the US.

The university’s action plan includes conducting a comprehensive assessment and impact modelling; and setting up a dedicated task team that has been working with principal investigators, finance staff, Human Resources advisors and Faculty of Health Sciences leadership to develop tailored mitigation plans.

In partnership with Universities South Africa and together with other affected South African universities, UCT submitted a formal and comprehensive proposal to the National Treasury. This proposal is based on detailed project-level data and is aimed at protecting critical research capacity, retaining staff and postgraduate fellows, and safeguarding national health priorities. The proposal is now under consideration by government stakeholders.

UCT is working proactively to reduce reliance on US federal funding by identifying and securing alternative sources of support. In supporting staff and students, UCT is undertaking institutional scenario planning, which includes various specific measures.

• Read the full DVC Desk: UCT navigating US-related funding challenges.

3. Developments around UCT Fund Inc.

UCT is a proudly South African institution with a global footprint. The university’s operations extend to other regions through formal entities operating in Australia, Canada, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States.

UCT has issued communication sharing recent development around the UCT Fund Inc., a registered non-profit organisation in the US which supports the university through fundraising and donor engagement. The UCT Fund Inc. has, as a precautionary and temporary measure, suspended certain activities with effect from 14 May 2025.

This action follows concerns raised by some alumni around the hosting of speakers allegedly linked to organisations designated as Foreign Terrorist Organisations under US law, particularly related to the past Israel Apartheid Week events.

In response to these concerns, the UCT Fund Inc. board has requested the university to initiate a formal inquiry.

• Read the full VC Desk: Developments around UCT Fund Inc.

4. ICTS scheduled maintenance on Sunday, 25 May

The UCT community is advised that Sunday, 25 May 2025, will be an ICTS scheduled maintenance slot from 08:00 to 17:00. Please note that this slot starts an hour earlier than usual.

Unless advised to the contrary, do not expect any on-premise ICT services to be available for the duration of the maintenance slot. However, cloud-based services (including Amathuba, email, Microsoft 365 services and ServiceNow) are not impacted and can still be accessed.

Please remember to consult the scheduled ICTS maintenance slots page before planning any teaching, conferences, meetings, etc. that require ICT services.

For more information, read the article on why ICTS schedules regular monthly maintenance slots.

5. Step into leadership – from day one

Are you a first-year student eager to make the most of your university journey? The First-Year Foundational Leadership Programme is your opportunity to explore what it means to lead – beyond titles, beyond the lecture hall and beyond traditional expectations.

This eight-session learning experience is designed specifically for first-year students who may be new to university life and unsure of where they fit into the leadership landscape. You don’t need to have held a leadership role before – just bring your curiosity and your voice.

Through engaging workshops, excursions and thought-provoking sessions, you’ll uncover diverse leadership paths – from art and activism to financial literacy, spirituality, sustainability and beyond.

You’ll discover how to lead with purpose, empathy and imagination, in ways that are authentic to you.

This eight-session programme will incorporate the following themes:

• Introduction to leadership
• Financial literacy
• Design thinking for success
• Spirituality and culture
• Environmental sustainability
• Social responsiveness and community outreach
• Art and leadership
• Mental health and wellbeing

Applications close on 13 June 2025.

• Apply online.

6. Temporary closure of Rugby Road

Please note that Rugby Road on upper campus will be closed on Saturday, 24 May 2025 for essential construction work related to the Oval Substation project. The road will be barricaded from 08:00 to 16:00, and signage will be in place.

For the duration of the road closure, the UCT Shuttle will go to North and South stops – but not via Madiba East.

7. First Annual UCT Well-Being and Flourishing Conference

UCT is calling for abstracts for the first Annual UCT Well-Being and Flourishing Conference, scheduled for Tuesday, 9 September 2025 at the UCT Graduate School of Business.

This inaugural event marks the official launch of the Centre for Well-Being and Flourishing, a new institutional hub aligned with Key Strategic Area 7 of the Department of Student Affairs, which focuses on student success. The centre represents a strategic shift in how UCT defines student and staff success.

The theme for the 2025 conference is: “Flourishing Futures: Advancing Well-Being in South African Higher Education”. This conference is a signal of intent. It is an invitation to define the future of flourishing in higher education – grounded in evidence, informed by lived experience and led by a university committed to meaningful change.

• Read the full DVC Desk: First Annual UCT Well-Being and Flourishing Conference.
• Make a submission.

Submission deadline is Tuesday, 10 June 2025

8. UCT online PhD Preparedness Programme

Are you considering doing a PhD? Are you unsure what that journey would look like in the current academic environment?

The Faculty of Health Sciences will host a 12-week online PhD Preparedness Programme from Monday, 14 July to Wednesday, 17 September 2025 for those who want to consolidate or gain insight into academic, research and thesis writing skills.

Programme participants come from various disciplines and fields of study and are not limited to prospective UCT PhD students. This provides a community of participants who often maintain connections in informal support groups throughout their PhD journey.

• Register for the programme.

The closing date for applications is Monday, 30 June 2025.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements