Inaugural lecture by Professor Roth and other updates

26 August 2026

Dear colleagues and students

The next lecture in the University of Cape Town (UCT) Inaugural Lecture series will be delivered by Professor Roman Roth on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. Read more about this and other recent developments on campus.

1. Inaugural lecture by 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 Roman Republic, but also by its Italian allies, whose military and political contributions were central to Rome’s expansion. By examining these relationships, he will offer fresh perspectives on the forces that shaped one of history’s most influential empires and the often-overlooked actors who helped shape its course.

Roth is a professor in the Classics Section of UCT’s School of Languages and Literatures. He joined UCT in 2008 after completing his undergraduate studies, MPhil and doctorate at the University of Cambridge. An internationally recognised historian of ancient Italy, his research focuses on the history and material culture of the Roman Republic. His publications include Styling Romanisation, and his inaugural lecture draws on research for his forthcoming book, The First Roman Empire: Frontiers, Foundations and the Transformation of Italy, 450–91 BCE.

2. Apply now for the 2027 Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme

Applications are now open for the 2027 intake of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme at UCT. In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, UCT provides scholarships and comprehensive support to academically talented young people who face significant social and economic barriers to accessing higher education. The programme is available to students applying for their first bachelor’s degree or an eligible postgraduate diploma, honours or master’s degree at UCT.

The programme is more than a scholarship. It provides a supportive community where scholars can pursue a world-class education, develop their leadership potential and build skills for the world of work. Successful applicants receive support for the full duration of their programme, including tuition fees, a laptop, accommodation, living expenses, medical aid, a study visa where applicable and annual travel to and from UCT. Scholars also benefit from academic support and mentoring, leadership development, career readiness and entrepreneurship development, internships, community engagement and access to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme Alumni Network.

Applicants must be citizens of an African country, including South Africa, demonstrate academic talent and leadership potential, face significant social and economic barriers to higher education, and be committed to contributing to their communities. Applications are particularly encouraged from young women, young people living with disabilities, refugees and forcibly displaced young people. Applicants must first apply for admission to UCT, followed by a separate application to the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme.

The programme application deadline is 30 September 2026 for bachelor’s degree applicants and 31 October 2026 for eligible postgraduate applicants.

3. Reminder: 60th TB Davie Memorial Lecture by Professor Ramose

Professor Mogobe Bernard Ramose will deliver the 60th TB Davie Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, 26 August 2026 at 18:00 in the New Lecture Theatre on upper campus.

RSVP for the lecture.

A leading South African philosopher and internationally recognised scholar of African philosophy, Professor Ramose is widely known for his work on ubuntu, justice, reconciliation, sovereignty and human dignity. He is currently a research professor at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and a researcher in the Faculty of Law at the University of Pretoria.

Professor Ramose’s lecture, “Spes bona through ‘the Cape of Storms’”, will consider the historical and philosophical significance of the Cape – from Bartolomeu Dias’s original reference to the “Cape of Storms” to its later designation as the “Cape of Good Hope”. He will also reflect on the meaning of UCT’s motto, Spes Bona, or “Good Hope”.

The lecture is open to the UCT community and members of the public.

It commemorates Thomas Benjamin Davie, who served as the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Vice-Chancellor from 1948 to 1955 and was a committed advocate for academic freedom. Established by UCT students and organised annually by the Academic Freedom Committee, the lecture offers a platform for prominent scholars and thinkers to engage with questions of academic freedom and wider issues of freedom in South Africa and around the world.

Read the full VC Desk: TB Davie Memorial Lecture by Professor Ramose.

4. Staff members reminded to confirm their demographic data

In line with the Employment Equity Act and the reporting requirements of the Department of Employment and Labour, UCT is required to conduct an analysis of its workforce profile according to race, disability, gender and nationality.

To ensure that the information provided to the department is accurate, staff members are required to verify the demographic data submitted to Human Resources at the time of their appointment to UCT.

Access the Employment Equity Self Declaration (EEA1).

Staff are reminded to complete the form by Thursday, 27 August 2026. This process should take no more than five minutes.

Read the full DVC Desk in English, Afrikaans or isiXhosa.

5. Be part of the ongoing Student Entrepreneurship Week 2026

Students are reminded to join Student Entrepreneurship Week 2026, a faculty-focused programme designed to help students explore what an entrepreneurial mindset looks like across different academic disciplines.

Whether you see yourself as a future founder, freelancer, consultant, innovator, creative professional, researcher or changemaker, this programme offers practical insights into how your studies can connect to opportunity, enterprise and impact.

Student Entrepreneurship Week 2026 commenced on Monday, 24 August and will continue until Thursday, 3 September 2026 at various faculty and campus venues, including Leslie Social, P.D. Hahn Building, Leslie Commerce, Snape LT1, Francis Ames, MU1 and selected off-campus ecosystem sites.

Sessions include talks, panels, workshops, site visits and opportunities to engage with UCT’s broader entrepreneurship ecosystem. The programme also includes optional ecosystem experiences such as visits to spaces including d-school Afrika, Artscape, GSB Solution Space, Novoccino, a 3-D printing UCT Entrepreneur Alumni business, and other innovation-linked environments.