Upcoming UCT inaugural lectures: September 2026

Dear colleagues and students

Universities are characterised by curiosity, rigorous inquiry and the willingness to challenge established thinking. One of the ways we celebrate these values at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is through the UCT Inaugural Lecture series, where newly appointed professors share the research journeys that have shaped their careers and the ideas that continue to influence their disciplines.

In September, we will host two inaugural lectures by professors Roman Roth and Mushi Matjila. These lectures by our distinguished academics demonstrate the diversity of scholarship at UCT, from the history of the ancient world to research that is improving maternal and reproductive health.

1. Professor Roman Roth (Faculty of Humanities)

Professor Roth will deliver his inaugural lecture, "Fighting for Mediterranean Empire: Rome and Her Italian Allies, 200–91 BCE", on Wednesday, 2 September 2026 at 18:00 SAST in Kramer Lecture Theatre 2, Kramer Law Building, middle campus.

In this lecture, Professor Roth will explore how Rome's Mediterranean empire was shaped not only by the Republic itself but also by its Italian allies, whose military and political contributions were critical to imperial expansion. By examining the relationship between Rome and these allied states, he will offer new perspectives on the forces that shaped one of history's most influential empires and highlight the important role that seemingly lesser-known actors can play in shaping global history.

Roth is a professor in the Classics Section of the School of Languages and Literatures at UCT.

He joined the university in 2008 after serving as a research fellow at Peterhouse, University of Cambridge, where he also completed his undergraduate studies, MPhil and doctorate. An internationally recognised historian of ancient Italy, his research focuses on the history and material culture of the Roman Republic. He has held prestigious fellowships from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Institute of Classical Studies at the University of London. His publications include the acclaimed monograph Styling Romanisation and several edited scholarly volumes. His inaugural lecture draws on research for his forthcoming book, The First Roman Empire: Frontiers, Foundations and the Transformation of Italy, 450–91 BCE.

• Register to attend the lecture.

2. Professor Mushi Matjila (Faculty of Health Sciences)

Professor Matjila will deliver his inaugural lecture, "Navigating Growth through the Support of Others: From Kiss-ing in the Placental Bed, through to Research Policy and Placenta Mediated Disorders", on Thursday, 17 September 2026 at 17:30 SAST in the New Learning Centre Lecture Theatre, Anatomy Building, health sciences campus.

Professor Matjila's lecture will reflect on the people, partnerships and experiences that have shaped his academic and clinical career. He will discuss his research on placental biology and pregnancy-related disorders, including preeclampsia, recurrent pregnancy loss and gestational diabetes, while sharing his work on kisspeptin and other molecules at the maternal-fetal interface. He will also reflect on his contributions to the national health research policy and outline the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology's vision of expanding access to quality healthcare for women. The lecture will conclude with the story behind the Human African Molecular PLacental REsearch PlaTform (HAMLET) and its contribution to advancing research on placenta-mediated disorders.

Professor Matjila is the head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at Groote Schuur Hospital. His clinical interests include high-risk obstetrics and reproductive medicine, while his research focuses on the molecular mechanisms underlying placenta-mediated disorders. He is the director and co-principal investigator of HAMLET and co-founder of the African Placental Network; and has served in several national leadership roles, including chair of the National Health Research Committee and member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Research for Health. He has also made significant contributions to postgraduate training, health policy and international research collaboration.

• Register to attend the lecture.

These inaugural lectures celebrate the achievements of our professors while reflecting UCT's commitment to advancing knowledge that benefits society. They remind us that excellent scholarship not only deepens understanding within academic disciplines but also contributes to solving complex challenges, informing policy and improving lives.

I encourage all members of our university community to attend these lectures, engage with the ideas being presented and join us in recognising the outstanding contributions of our colleagues.

Sincerely

Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor

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• From the UCT Executive
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