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Wamkelekile, Welkom
Wamkelekile, Welkom
UCT young researchers selected for prestigious fellowship to contribute to Science in Africa
Four young researchers from UCT have been selected to form part of the 2020 cohort of Future Leaders – African Independent Research (FLAIR) fellows. These fellowships are awarded to talented African early-career researchers whose work is focused on solving the needs of the continent.
15 May 2020
COVID-19 disruption will lead to 28 million surgeries being cancelled worldwide – 146 000 in South Africa
Over 28 million elective surgeries across the globe could be cancelled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic – leading to patients facing a lengthy wait for their health issues to be resolved, a new study reveals.
14 May 2020
Racist social media remarks by UCT staff member unacceptable
The University of Cape Town notes and firmly condemns a series of social media remarks by a staff member of the institution. UCT deplores in the strongest way possible any act, conduct or statement of a racist nature by a university staff member or student. The university has a zero-tolerance stance towards racism and emphasises that racism– like all other forms of discrimination – has no place in the UCT community or anywhere else in our society.
13 May 2020
Discovery of rhodoliths: coral-like structures that offer food and shelter for marine animals
A team of scientists, including a group from UCT, have discovered a bed of rhodoliths – free-living, coral-like structures that offer food, shelter and nursery space for marine animals – in the newly proclaimed Amathole Offshore Marine Protected Area off South Africa’s east coast. This underwater environment is the first of its kind found in South Africa’s ocean.
13 May 2020
UCT student’s smart UVC sanitiser has multi applications
UCT electrical engineering student Rowyn Naidoo is finalising the design of an affordable, smart short-wavelength ultraviolet-C light system that disinfects surfaces, the air and large rooms – and even face masks, making them reusable. The research is in response to Professor Amit Mishra’s challenge to engineering students to design devices to help counter COVID-19.
12 May 2020
Inclusive new economy must prioritise citizens with disabilities
When President Cyril Ramaphosa detailed a R500 billion relief package for the nation under threat of COVID-19, he also said that government would take the opportunity to build an inclusive new economy. Riding on this are the hopes of thousands of citizens with disabilities – 7.5% of the population.
11 May 2020
The lockdown effects on sleep patterns and cognitive function
A consortium of researchers from UCT, Wits and Rhodes universities are investigating the effects of the lockdown on daily routine as it relates to lifestyle behavioural factors (sleep, physical activity, work, meal timing, screen time, etc) and associations with anxiety and depression.
11 May 2020
UCT’s contribution to expansion of South Africa’s social assistance programme during COVID-19
A University of Cape Town research into the socio-economic conditions of poor and vulnerable South Africans during the COVID-19 pandemic has been instrumental in convincing the government to expand the current social protection system.
07 May 2020
How stokvels manage their activities outside courts, UCT study finds
The South African stokvel sector is massive and controls vast financial resources. It holds an estimated R49.5 billion in member savings and has some 11.6 million participants. Stokvels are part of the informal economy and as such are largely beyond the reach of the law.
06 May 2020
Platform launched to help young mothers struggling during COVID-19
The Messages for Mothers platform launched by the Perinatal Mental Health Project is a one-stop online resource developed in response to COVID-19 and the lack of targeted messaging for vulnerable mothers who are concerned for their children, families and themselves.
05 May 2020