UCT wins dual honours at 2025 SAGEA Awards

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has been recognised as a leader in graduate employability, taking home two top honours at the 2025 South African Graduate Employers Association (SAGEA) Awards.

UCT’s Careers Service was recognised with “Best Careers Service” and “Best Career Fair” awards, cementing the university’s position as a frontrunner in preparing students for the world of work.

The awards were announced on 13 November at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held at the Riverside Sun Hotel in Vanderbijlpark. The awards are determined through peer reviews and candidate survey responses, making them an honest reflection of best practice and real-world student experiences.

Leading the way in graduate employability

“These awards recognise the dedication and innovation of our entire careers team,” said Nawaal Boolay, the head of Graduate Development & Employability at Careers Service. “Our mission is to ensure every UCT student is equipped not just with academic excellence, but with the connections, confidence and practical skills needed to thrive in the world of work.”

UCT’s Careers Service provides comprehensive support spanning career consulting, skills development workshops, entrepreneurship development, employer engagement and innovative programming designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry. The university’s Epic Job Expo has become a flagship event, attracting leading employers and providing students with unparalleled access to graduate opportunities across multiple sectors.

A commitment to student success

The dual win underscores UCT’s commitment to not only educating students but ensuring they successfully transition into the workforce. With youth unemployment and talent pipeline development remaining critical concerns in South Africa, these awards highlight the university’s significant impact on graduate futures.