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Wamkelekile, Welkom
Wamkelekile, Welkom
Predominant use of English denies speakers of African languages access to privileges in South Africa
The increased economic benefits associated with English-language usage continues to undermine efforts to elevate African languages’ status, and this linguistic hegemony has created a situation where speakers of the nine official African languages are denied access to social, economic and political developments in the country, a clear violation of the language rights enshrined in the Constitution of South Africa.
15 Jul 2021
Raising awareness about early antenatal care in Cape Town communities
The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) School of Public Health and Family Medicine (SPHFM) has started a new health promotion campaign to raise awareness about the importance of early antenatal care, focusing on various communities around Cape Town.
14 Jul 2021
Scoring 8% in first maths test no deterrent to engineering graduand
When Wesley Chen scored 8% on his first maths test in his first year as a chemical engineering student at the University of Cape Town (UCT), he was shocked; but he was not surprised. M aths had never been his strong suit. Scoring a below-average grade in the subject in high school had meant he was unable to pursue his childhood dream to study medicine.
13 Jul 2021
People with diabetes at risk of severe COVID-19, study confirms
A recent study from the University of Cape Town (UCT) confirmed that people living with diabetes (PLWD) are at an increased risk of severe COVID-19 (hospitalisation and mortality). The findings are published in the journal for Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice .
13 Jul 2021
Only R500 in her pocket and determination: cum laude graduand triumphs
Growing up in rural Namibia, Aune Angobe had never used a computer before she enrolled at university. And prior to her master’s studies at the University of Cape Town (UCT), she had never travelled south of Windhoek. But nurtured by the “tender care” of her grandparents over many years, Aune said, she’s learnt the value of education – and opportunity.
12 Jul 2021
UCT civil engineering master’s graduand breaks finish line in 18 months
University of Cape Town (UCT) graduand Daniel de Oliveira is one of hundreds of students who will be honoured at UCT’s mid-year virtual graduation ceremonies between 12 and 19 July. He will receive his MSc Civil Engineering (cum laude) having completed his course in just 18 months, even though COVID-19 limited his access to laboratories.
09 Jul 2021
Ships illegally dumping plastic bottles on South African beaches - study
A new study by researchers at the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) FitzPatrick Institute of African Ornithology and Nelson Mandela University found that ships are a major source of plastic bottles littering South African beaches. The findings, just published in the journal Environmental Pollution , also show that some bottles drift across the Indian Ocean from countries in southeast Asia, especially Indonesia.
09 Jul 2021
Top maths and computer science boffin graduates at 19
Kialan Pillay is graduating with a first‑class bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematical statistics from the University of Cape Town (UCT) at just 19 years old, having finished his high school career as the top matriculant in KwaZulu‑Natal at just 15 years old.
08 Jul 2021
UCT to honour class of graduates who will forever be an example of strength
The University of Cape Town will honour “students’ remarkable resilience” in the face of COVID-19 challenges as well as three distinguished individuals – Guy Harris, Dr Norbet Ndjeka and Dr Yogapragasen Pillay – next week.
08 Jul 2021
Overcoming anxiety and depression to graduate in chemical engineering
On 13 July, Tinéo Galela will graduate virtually with her BSc in chemical engineering from the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (EBE). Graduation marks the culmination of a few years of sacrifice, sleepless nights, and nail‑biting moments. It signals the start of the rest of her life; and the university she has come to know and love has set a strong foundation for what’s to come.
08 Jul 2021
UCT legal expert appointed to national matrimonial property law committee
Associate Professor Waheeda Amien, an academic in the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Law, has been appointed to serve as a member of the South African Law Reform Commission’s (SALRC) Advisory Committee on the Review of Aspects of Matrimonial Property Law.
07 Jul 2021
First of its kind study shows new approach needed to combat HIV-related stigma in South Africa
Globally, external HIV-related stigma is a major threat to all HIV prevention, care and treatment interventions – including the recently launched Universal Test and Treat strategy in South Africa and the 90-90-90 targets set by UNAIDS for the global response by 2020 (the 90-90-90 targets are put in place to track the progression from HIV testing to durable viral load suppression among people living with HIV).
07 Jul 2021
Infants who are born HIV exposed but uninfected weigh less on average
A study involving a group of University of Cape Town (UCT) researchers found that infants who were HIV-exposed but uninfected and born to women living with HIV, had lower mean standardised weight and length at birth compared to infants who were born to HIV-uninfected women, or infants HIV-unexposed uninfected.
06 Jul 2021
National accolade for senior UCT water researcher
The Water Institute of South Africa (WISA) has awarded a prestigious Senior Fellow Membership to Dr Kirsty Carden, interim director of the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Future Water Institute (FWI). Dr Carden is an applied scientist in civil engineering, and the fellowship honours her 34-year-long career and many contributions to the country’s water sector.
01 Jul 2021