In quotes: UCT VC’s 12 months in office

01 September 2025 | Story Kamva Somdyala. Photos Lerato Maduna. Read time 4 min.

University of Cape Town (UCT) Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela marked one year as the leader of the institution in August.

The 12 months have been characterised by settling in, meeting stakeholders, speaking widely and charting the way forward for UCT. When he gave his installation address on 25 November 2024, he had been in the job for 16 weeks.

“Rays of sunshine came when I engaged with students living in our residences, during their year-end academic, leadership and sports excellence awards dinners; when we hosted distinguished and related teachers’ awards; when we enjoyed music at the Baxter Theatre; when we celebrated long service awards and celebrated with those who retire at the end of 2024,” he said at the time.

The VC presides over a graduation ceremony.

UCT News has been able to follow Professor Moshabela through several engagements across multiple sectors of the UCT community.

Click and drag – or swipe – the quote slides to see more quotes.

The VC out and about during UCT Day in 2024.

‘The future is yours to shape’
“The principles that you have learned at UCT; those of critical thinking, ethical leadership, innovative problem-solving as well as ubuntu will guide you as you navigate this dynamic environment. The world needs you to be bold, but adaptable and committed to positive change. Your education here has prepared you to be agents of UCT’s values, particularly those of excellence.”

The VC provides a message to UCT graduates during the autumn graduation season, April 2025.

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A celebration of excellence
“We want to ensure that you succeed. We want you to grow into leaders. We want you to become the best version of yourself. We have welcomed about 4 500 first-year students to UCT, but today, 26 of you are here because of your exceptional achievements.”

Speaking at the Vice-Chancellor’s Blue Carpet Scholarship Luncheon, March 2025.

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Preparing UCT’s future
“What makes UCT is its people, and we are really lucky we get the cream of the crop and attract the best talent from all over the world. So, when we talk about an enabling environment for our talent, we have to think about the fact that if we don’t succeed, we will lose talent.”

Presenting at the Cape Town Press Club, March 2025.

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Excitement as UCT welcomes more than 4 000 first-years
“We train our students to be the best of the best, not just nationally but internationally. We value excellence, and while our students are talented, smart, and gifted, we also put pressure on them.”

Remarks to parents and students at the Sarah Baartman Hall, February 2025.

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Talking UCT legacy with VC
“There is a great deal of public interest that exists around UCT. There is a lot of accountability that is expected of people at UCT. We have great influence, not only in the country, but the world over and that to me is an important lesson.”

The VC presented a lecture during the Summer School Series, January 2025.

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UCT celebrates and honours retirees
“Those who have given their heart and soul to UCT remain [the] guardians of this institution. I want them to know that should they ever have insights to offer, they have an open door.”