Spring 2025 graduation season

Dear colleagues and students

It is that time of the year again when we celebrate our students' hard work, dedication and sacrifices through graduation. From Monday, 8 September to Wednesday, 10 September 2025, the University of Cape Town (UCT) will host the spring graduations. Over eight ceremonies, we will celebrate the achievements of about 2 440 graduands across our faculties.

Graduation is always one of the most meaningful occasions in the life of a university. It is the culmination of years of study, dedication and resilience. For our graduands and their families, this moment represents more than completing a qualification; it is also the beginning of new opportunities and responsibilities. As writer and activist Arundhati Roy reminds us: “Another world is not only possible, she is on her way”. Each of our students who will cross the stage this September carries with them the possibility of that new world, built through knowledge, integrity and action.

• See the full schedule of Spring 2025 graduation ceremonies.

Graduation is also a time to recognise leaders whose work has shaped society and whose contributions extend beyond academia. During the spring ceremonies, UCT will confer honorary doctorates on four remarkable individuals:

• Mr Shuaib Chalklen: Doctor of Social Science (DSocSc) (honoris causa)
• Dr Mohammed D’Arcy: Doctor of Medicine (DMed) (honoris causa)
• Dr Sindiwe Magona: Doctor of Literature (DLitt) (honoris causa)
• Ms Luli Callinicos: Doctor of Social Science (DSocSc) (honoris causa)

Through their leadership, scholarship, creativity and commitment to justice, these individuals have expanded knowledge, defended human dignity, and inspired new generations. UCT is privileged to honour their contributions.

For those unable to attend the ceremonies in person at the Sarah Baartman Hall, all ceremonies will be live-streamed on the UCT graduation feature page, as well as on the university’s Facebook and X social media platforms, with recordings available on the UCT YouTube channel.

This year’s spring graduations will also mark a historic moment for the institution. On Wednesday, 10 September 2025 at 14:00, during the final graduation ceremony, UCT will formally commemorate the renaming of Sarah Baartman Hall.

• Read the VC Desk: UCT hosts official Sarah Baartman Hall renaming.

Sarah Baartman’s story has become the epitome of resilience in the face of dehumanisation and the long struggle to recognise the dignity of women and all people. This dedication ceremony is more than a renaming of a building; it is a symbolic act of remembrance, restitution and recognition of those whose lives were marginalised in our history.

The commemoration will include a special colloquium, scheduled for Thursday, 11 September 2025 at 18:00, titled “Honouring Sarah Baartman: Feminist Perspectives on Rights and Social Justice”. Limited seats are available should you wish to attend the colloquium.

• RSVP to attend the colloquium.

This commemoration takes place during Heritage Month, which immediately follows Women’s Month. It will serve as a moment for UCT to reflect on the values we uphold as an institution and the stories we choose to honour and carry forward.

To our graduands, I extend my warmest congratulations. This moment celebrates your effort, sacrifice and determination, and invites you to step into the world as ambassadors of UCT.

Your education equips you with knowledge and the responsibility to use it for the good of others. Your success is deeply connected to your communities, and your future contributions will be measured in your professional achievements and how you uplift those around you.

This milestone also carries deep significance for our entire community. Each graduation affirms the values of excellence, transformation and inclusivity that guide UCT. It is a reminder that education is not pursued in isolation, but supported by families, friends, staff and mentors who walk alongside our students.

I want to thank our staff for their tireless efforts, which make graduations possible and support our students on their journeys. To the families, guardians and friends who have stood by our graduates, this moment also belongs to you. Without your guidance, encouragement and sacrifice, many would not have reached the finish line.

As we gather for the Spring 2025 Graduation, let's celebrate our students’ accomplishments and UCT’s collective spirit. These ceremonies remind us of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance and community.

Congratulations once again to our graduands. May you go forth with confidence, integrity and purpose, knowing you are now part of a proud UCT tradition of excellence and service.

We look forward to celebrating with you during this special graduation season.

Sincerely

Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor

Read previous communications:

• From the UCT Executive
• Campus Announcements