Inaugural lecture by Professor Thiam and other updates

Dear colleagues and students

Professor Djiby Thiam will deliver his inaugural lecture as part of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Inaugural Lecture series on Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 17:00. Read more about this and other recent developments on campus.

1. Inaugural lecture by Professor Thiam (Faculty of Commerce)

Professor Thiam will present his inaugural lecture, “The economics of water and climate resilience: Lessons learned from African experiences”, on Thursday, 30 July 2026 at 17:00 SAST in the School of Economics Seminar Room, Level 4, School of Economics Building, middle campus.

Professor Thiam will explore the impact of water resource management on productivity in sectors such as agriculture and industry, as well as the challenges posed by water scarcity, environmental hazards and climate change. He will also consider how technology, institutions and public policy can support sustainable development, arguing for approaches that better reflect the realities and governance structures of Africa and the Global South.

He is a full professor of economics and the director of the Water and Production Economics Research Unit. An internationally recognised scholar in environmental and resource economics, his research focuses on water, agricultural and development economics. He has led major research collaborations in the continent and globally and advised organisations including the African Union, World Bank, African Development Bank and United Nations. His work continues to inform policy on water governance, climate resilience and sustainable development while supporting emerging scholars across Africa.

• Read the full VC Desk: Upcoming UCT inaugural lectures: July 2026.
• Register to attend the lecture

2. SRC and Faculty Council 2026 election season gets under way

The wait is over: the 2026 Students’ Representative Council (SRC) and Faculty Council (FC) election season has officially begun, with nominations now open.

Students who are ready to represent their peers, contribute to student leadership and help shape the future of student life at UCT are encouraged to put their names forward. Whether seeking to serve on the SRC or FC, student leaders play an important role in advocating for their peers, contributing to institutional decision-making and helping shape the student experience across the university.

Nomination deadlines:
• Faculty Council: 14 August 2026
• SRC: 21 August 2026

Students interested in nominating themselves or learning more about the process can visit the UCT Linktree for nomination forms, election regulations and other important election resources.

3. Celebrating sporting excellence at UCT

UCT continues to demonstrate that excellence extends beyond the lecture theatres, laboratories and offices. Several members of the UCT community recently represented or will be representing the university and South Africa with distinction on national and international sporting stages.

Dr Zamambo Mkhize, senior lecturer in the Department of African Feminist Studies, has been selected to represent South Africa at the World Tennis Masters Tour World Championships in Lisbon, Portugal, from 2 to 15 August 2026.

Natasha Hofmeester, assistant coach of the UCT Women’s Rugby team (Ikey Tigers), has been appointed the inaugural head coach of the South African Schools Girls national rugby team.

Three UCT staff members – Mark Bashe, Melissa Awu and Craig Zimri – also played key leadership roles in South Africa’s successful defence of its Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association Games title in Botswana.

UCT alumna and former Ikey Tigers player Dr Insaaf Levy has also made history as the first qualified medical doctor to represent the senior Springbok Women’s rugby team.

These achievements reflect the talent, discipline, resilience and commitment of UCT’s staff, students and alumni, and highlight the university’s contribution to high-performance sport and leadership. UCT congratulates all its sporting stars and wishes them continued success.

• Read the full VC Desk: Celebrating sporting excellence at UCT.

4. Attend the researcher induction session

The Research Contracts & Innovation, Research Office, International Grants Hub, Financial Accounting and Central Research Finance invite new academics, researchers and staff seeking a refresher to attend the Researcher Induction Session on 19 August 2026 from 10:00 to 14:30 at the Neville Alexander Building, lower campus.

This informative session will provide an overview of key research support services and processes at UCT, including National Research Foundation and University Research Committee funding opportunities, the Electronic Research Administration system, international funding support, research contracts, innovation and intellectual property, VAT considerations for research, and financial management throughout the grant lifecycle.

The programme is designed to help researchers navigate institutional processes, access funding opportunities, ensure compliance and make the most of the support available across the university.

• RSVP by Friday, 7 August 2026, to secure your seat.

5. New strategic partnership for Food & Connect  

The UCT community is advised that Tsebo Catering Solutions has become the majority shareholder in Food & Connect (F&C), establishing a strategic partnership to support the business's continued growth and success. UCT remains a shareholder in F&C.

This partnership will strengthen F&C’s procurement and supply chain capabilities, improve operational efficiency and support consistent, high-quality service delivery across campus.

As part of the partnership, selected F&C outlets will be refreshed over time, with improvements to layouts and facilities designed to enhance the customer experience. The familiar F&C brand and the staff members serving the UCT community will remain unchanged.

Properties and Services, together with F&C and Tsebo Catering Solutions, looks forward to the opportunities this partnership will create and to continuing to deliver quality, reliable food services to the UCT community.

6. Epic Job Expo: 4 August 2026

UCT Careers Service will host the UCT Epic Job Expo, a flagship recruitment event for students, on Tuesday, 4 August 2026 from 09:00 to 16:00 at the UCT Sports Centre. Students will have the opportunity to connect with leading organisations and explore a variety of bursaries, internships, graduate programmes and full-time career opportunities.

The Epic Job Expo is an opportunity for students at all levels of study to gain exposure to the world of work, connect with potential employers and access valuable career development resources. Students can engage directly with recruiters, attend the all-day CV Lab and participate in career conversations with industry professionals.

Attendees can also participate in the interactive Find the Future Force competition by locating hidden mascots throughout the venue and completing a short feedback survey. Participants stand a chance to win exciting prizes, including Beats by Dre headphones.

Whether you're searching for a graduate programme, an internship, bursary, vacation work opportunity or simply exploring your career options, the Epic Job Expo offers a unique opportunity to connect with employers and discover what's possible.

To make the most of the event:

• Read tips on how to prepare for the expo.
• Browse the career resources and job application booklet.

7. P7 and P8 parking areas reopened

The UCT community is advised that rehabilitation work on the P7/P8 parking slope has been successfully completed, and both parking areas were reopened on Monday, 27 July 2026.

Following the required safety assessments:

• The slope and parking areas have been confirmed as safe for use.
• Staff and students may park in the designated bays in P7 and P8.
• All users are requested to observe the applicable parking rules and signage.

The rehabilitation work was undertaken to ensure the long-term stability of the slope and the continued safe use of both parking areas.

Properties and Services thanks staff and students for their patience and cooperation throughout the project.

8. Important reminder: Tampering with safety and security equipment prohibited

The UCT community is reminded that tampering with, damaging, disabling, obstructing or interfering with any university safety or security equipment is strictly prohibited.

Safety and security systems are installed to protect people, property and UCT’s academic, research and operational activities. These systems include:

• CCTV cameras and associated equipment.
• Access control systems, card readers, turnstiles, gates, doors and booms.
• Emergency alarms, panic buttons and communication systems.
• Fire detection and suppression equipment.
• Emergency exits, emergency lighting and evacuation equipment.
• Intruder alarms, security sensors and other safety infrastructure.

Interfering with these systems may place members of the university community at risk and hinder emergency response efforts.

Any person found to have intentionally tampered with or damaged safety and security equipment may face disciplinary action, recovery of repair or replacement costs, criminal charges or civil action, where applicable.

UCT may use available evidence, including CCTV footage, access control records, witness statements and digital evidence, to investigate incidents and identify those responsible.

Staff, student contractors and visitors are requested to report suspected tampering immediately to Campus Protection Services on the 24-hour toll-free number 080 650 2222.

Protecting the campus is a shared responsibility, and the cooperation of all members of the UCT community is essential.

Communication and Marketing Department