UCT food programme and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

To address student food insecurity, the University of Cape Town (UCT) runs an ongoing Food Sovereignty Programme. Read more about this and other recent developments on campus.

1. Contribute towards the Food Sovereignty Programme

Consider the challenge of studying while grappling with hunger. How sustainable would your focus be? Now, envision preparing for an examination under the same circumstances. Could we honestly expect such a student to tap into their full potential and excel? Unfortunately, this is the harsh reality facing many students in institutions of higher learning in South Africa, and UCT is not immune to this reality.

The UCT Food Sovereignty Programme has been in existence since 2018 as a response to food insecurity within the UCT student population. The programme provides a monthly grocery pack to supplement the food needs of the students who:

• are unfunded or under-funded, or experience periodic food insecurity
• do not live in a catering residence
• are currently registered.

Your small contribution towards this programme can make a difference.

• Sign up to make a small monthly donation (or direct EFT).

Please note that donations are tax-deductible. Ensure that you select the Food Sovereignty Programme under the heading ‘Projects’ so that your donation can be directed to this initiative.

For queries, please contact Nolindo Wabani or the Food Sovereignty Programme.

2. Trans-Gariep Inter-Institutional Undergraduate Leadership Programme

The Department of Student Affairs (DSA) invites all undergraduate students to join the Trans-Gariep Inter-Institutional Undergraduate Leadership Programme from Tuesday, 15 July to Saturday, 26 July 2025, for a transformative self-leadership journey.

• Read more about the programme.
• Apply to join.

Applications close on Sunday, 15 June 2025.

3. UCT Careers Service Guide 2025

The UCT Careers Service Guide 2025, themed “Our Digital Pulse,” takes a bold and timely look at how technology is reshaping the world, particularly the world of work. The guide is crafted to help UCT students navigate the evolving world of work. Packed with industry insights, practical advice and job listings from employers, it serves as a valuable resource for both students and graduates. The guide is divided into six chapters:

• Chapter 1: About Us – Learn about the UCT Careers Service Guide 2025 and how they can help you plan your career.
• Chapter 2: Our Digital Pulse – AI is changing the workforce at an unprecedented pace. Learn what this means for you.
• Chapter 3: Working World – Own the selection process with our curated guide on your CV, cover letter, interviews and more.
• Chapter 4: Entrepreneurship – Meet the innovative “studentpreneurs” that have made their mark at the EDHE Entrepreneurship Intervarsity.
• Chapter 5: Grad Gallery – Trailblazers who started at UCT and are now making a real difference in the world.
• Chapter 6: Employer Directory – Your pocket guide to industry leaders and the opportunities they offer.

4. Short courses in learning design

The Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) invites UCT staff and postgraduate students to enrol in flexible, online short courses aimed at enhancing your learning design skills. These courses are available through UCT’s The Learning Store.

Offered as part of the Blended and Online Learning Design (BOLD) short course programme, each course can be taken individually for professional development or combined towards the Postgraduate Diploma in Blended and Online Learning (PG BOLD), which will be launched in 2026.

• Read the full Campus Announcement: Short courses in learning design.
• Read more about the BOLD short course programme.
• For queries, please email PG Bold.

5. Exam support services offered by SWS

The Department of Student Affairs’ Student Wellness Service (SWS) continues offering a range of services during the ongoing examinations to ensure that students are adequately supported.

Students are reminded of the following available services:

• deferred examinations support
• SWS main clinic: Ivan Toms Building
• upper campus clinic
• counselling services
• pharmacy services
• alternative support services.

Please reach out if you would like to access any of these support services.

• Read the full Campus Announcement: Exam support services offered by SWS.

Communication and Marketing Department

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements