Welcome to the University of Cape Town News
Wamkelekile, Welkom
Wamkelekile, Welkom
Explaining the super-groups of humpback whales on the west coast of South Africa
Over recent years since 2011 and apparently at random, super-groups of humpback whales ( Megaptera novaeangliae ) ranging from 20 to 200 have been observed in the coastal region of the Southern Benguela current between St Helena Bay and Cape Point on the west coast. The sightings have been reported since then by several members of the public during the months of October, November and through to December.
22 Oct 2021
UCT Council approves in-principle a proposal on vaccination as condition of campus access
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Council has approved in-principle, to take effect as from 1 January 2022, a proposal requiring that all staff (as a condition of being able to perform their duties) and students (as a condition of registration) provide acceptable proof of having been vaccinated against COVID-19.
20 Oct 2021
Seabirds accumulate harmful chemicals in their bodies from eating plastic
A new study by an international team of scientists on plastic pollution, and its associated impacts on marine fauna due to chemical contamination, found that many seabirds are likely to accumulate harmful chemicals directly from eating plastic.
19 Oct 2021
Road impacts on ecosystems in sub-Saharan Africa
Sub-Saharan Africa is developing rapidly. With growing economies and increased trade, major road infrastructure plans have been developed for the region, which also hosts some of the world’s most unique and diverse ecosystems. A new study by researchers from the International Institute of Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria and the University of Cape Town (UCT) published in Environmental Research Letters , set out to analyse the impacts past road projects in the region have had on ecosystems inside and outside protected areas across sub-Saharan Africa.
19 Oct 2021
Climate change scientist bags award for expert role on Cape Town drought
Associate Professor Gina Ziervogel, a University of Cape Town (UCT) geographer and climate change adaption expert, has been presented with UCT’s 2020 Social Responsiveness Award for her role in providing expert advice on the City of Cape Town’s drought plans.
18 Oct 2021
SA energy sector has the highest carbon intensity of any G20 nation – Climate Transparency Report 2021
Despite an increased contribution from renewables, South Africa’s energy sector still has the highest carbon-intensity of any G20 nation due to its heavy reliance on coal, according to the latest assessment by Climate Transparency International .
15 Oct 2021
Cocooned: UCT study shows SA students poised for post-covid bounce back
Over 80% of South African students surveyed say they are ready to bounce back once the pandemic subsides. This is according to new research conducted by the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Liberty Institute of Strategic Marketing.
14 Oct 2021
Low mortality in COVID-19 patients with diabetes in CTICC field hospital - study
A University of Cape Town (UCT) study on the management of COVID-19 in people living with diabetes (PLWD) at a field hospital shows that despite their multiple comorbidities and increased risk of more severe COVID-19, their clinical outcomes were not significantly different to those of people living without diabetes and diagnosed with the virus.
12 Oct 2021
Child and adolescent mental healthcare still has many gaps
‘Keep separate facilities for children and adolescents with mental healthcare needs’. That’s the plea of University of Cape Town (UCT) PhD graduate Dr Stella Mokitimi this Mental Health Awareness Month, as she continues to advance this work at the primary level of healthcare.
12 Oct 2021
Scientists appeal for PrEP for pregnant and breastfeeding women at risk of HIV
Top medical scientists and epidemiologists are appealing to the national and provincial departments of health to urgently implement pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for pregnant and breastfeeding women at risk of HIV acquisition, in view of the persistent and unacceptably high rate of maternal HIV infection and transmission in the country.
11 Oct 2021
Education needed to improve low levels of climate change literacy in Africa
The average national climate change literacy rate (percentage of population that has heard about climate change and thinks that human activity is wholly or partly the cause of climate change) in Africa is only 37%, with vast differences among countries. This is according to a new study published in the journal Nature Climate Change by researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Connecticut (UConn).
07 Oct 2021