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Partnership, mentorship and inclusion to take centre stage at UCT’s first joint inaugural lecture The most meaningful legacy is not what individuals achieve for themselves, but what they enable others to become. 15 Jul 2026 Media release
Geoengineering alone won’t save Africa from deadly heat, UCT study finds A new study led by researchers at the University of Cape Town (UCT) found that stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) – a technology designed to cool the planet by reflecting sunlight into space – could substantially reduce Africa’s soaring temperatures, but it would not be enough to shield the continent from the growing risks of heat stress. 14 Jul 2026 Media release
UCT helps South Africa defend CUCSA championship title University of Cape Town (UCT) staff and students recently played a pivotal role in helping Team South Africa retain the 2026 Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) games title, with UCT officials leading the national delegation and coaching championship-winning teams in Botswana. 14 Jul 2026 Media release
UCT professor shines light on fertility crisis in new documentary As fertility rates continue to decline worldwide and an estimated one in six people experience infertility during their lifetime, a University of Cape Town (UCT) academic is helping to bring greater attention to one of the emerging environmental factors linked to reproductive health. 14 Jul 2026 Media release
Parenting programmes reduce violence against teenage girls by over 60% – UCT study A University of Cape Town (UCT) study in collaboration with the University of Oxford has found that parenting programmes, when delivered at scale, cut physical abuse against girls by 65% and emotional abuse by 59%. Published in the journal BMJ Global Health , the study was conducted in eight African countries. 14 Jul 2026 Media release
UCT hotel earns top sustainability international recognition The University of Cape Town (UCT) has strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability after its Protea Hotel by Marriott Breakwater Lodge received the internationally recognised Green Key certification. 13 Jul 2026 Media release
Chief Justice Maya tells UCT conference judicial leadership will shape constitutional democracy As constitutional democracies around the world come under increasing pressure, South Africa's Chief Justice Mandisa Maya has called for courageous, independent and accountable judicial leadership to safeguard the country's constitutional future. 07 Jul 2026 Media release
UCT study identifies potentially active fault beneath Karoo shale gas target For decades, the Karoo has sat at the centre of South Africa’s shale gas debate. Supporters have argued that exploiting underground gas reserves could strengthen the country’s energy security and stimulate economic development. Opponents have warned about water contamination, biodiversity loss and the risks associated with hydraulic fracturing. 07 Jul 2026 Media release
UCT study finds traces of banned toxic chemicals in children’s products sold in SA Some children’s products sold in South Africa may contain traces of toxic chemicals that were banned globally years ago, a University of Cape Town (UCT) study published in the Heliyon journal has found. The study is titled “Legacy brominated flame retardants in children's products in South Africa: Evidence of toxic recycling in a global circular economy”. 06 Jul 2026 Media release
Our last drop? UCT brings experts together to rethink urban water futures The University of Cape Town (UCT) will host the 5th installment of its Collective Conversations on Science for Society series, titled “Rethinking water and waste in future cities,” on Monday, 27 July 2026 at Neville Alexander Building, Lecture Theatre 1, lower campus. 06 Jul 2026 Media release
UCT professor challenges bioethics to build a more just world Professor Jacinta de Vries, the founding director of the University of Cape Town's (UCT) EthicsLab , has challenged the field of bioethics to move beyond ethical critique and become a force for building a more just and equitable world. 01 Jul 2026 Media release
UCT para sport champion receives national honour for advancing goalball A University of Cape Town (UCT) researcher and para sport advocate has received national recognition for his outstanding leadership in developing goalball, reinforcing the university's commitment to advancing inclusion and creating opportunities through sport. 01 Jul 2026 Media release
UCT’s first-ever female engineering dean’s term ends After 10 years of service, Professor Alison Lewis is stepping down as dean of the Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (EBE) at the University of Cape Town (UCT). 31 Jul 2025 Media release
Multiple nominations for UCT in NSTF “Science Oscars” awards Several outstanding members of the University of Cape Town (UCT) community have been nominated for the 2024/2025 National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) NSTF–South32 Awards – widely regarded as the “Science Oscars” of South Africa. 30 Jul 2025 Media release
Africa takes the lead in blockchain education through UCT–UZH partnership In a groundbreaking partnership, the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the University of Zurich (UZH) joined forces to bring the renowned Deep Dive into Blockchain (DDiB) Summer School to African soil for the first time. Held from 30 June to 18 July, the DDiB Summer School took a highly interactive approach. 30 Jul 2025 Media release
UCT students fly SA flag high at UN sustainable development forum In a significant first for the University of Cape Town (UCT), four students represented South Africa at the 2025 United Nations High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF), held at United Nations (UN) Headquarters in New York. Their participation marked the first time in several years that a youth delegation formed part of South Africa’s official representation at the forum. 29 Jul 2025 Media release
Exotic plants fuel urban wildfire risk, UCT study warns A new study has revealed that certain exotic plant species commonly found in Cape Town’s urban spaces may intensify wildfire risks. Conducted in the aftermath of the devastating April 2021 Table Mountain fire, the research highlights how plant leaf traits, particularly in ornamental exotic species, influence how quickly and intensely vegetation can burn. 28 Jul 2025 Media release
UCT lecture to offer practical insights into having difficult conversations Associate Professor Loretta J Ross, a leading voice in human rights and social justice, will deliver the 59th TB Davie Memorial Lecture at the University of Cape Town (UCT) on Wednesday, 6 August 2025. This year’s lecture will be delivered online, with in-person screening in the New Lecture Theatre. 28 Jul 2025 Media release
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