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Wamkelekile, Welkom
Wamkelekile, Welkom
Men are dying younger worldwide – UCT researcher calls for policy overhaul
Men across the world are dying younger and experiencing higher rates of illness than women, and it’s time for governments, global health agencies and funders to act decisively. That’s the message from a new Bulletin of the World Health Organization article authored by Dr Morna Cornell, an honorary research associate at the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Centre for Integrated Data and Epidemiological Research. She warns that men’s health has been systematically neglected for decades.
13 Aug 2025
Media release
Toxic tide: Hout Bay’s mussels reveal hidden pollution crisis
A new University of Cape Town (UCT) study has revealed that Hout Bay’s marine environment is seriously threatened by pharmaceutical and personal care product compounds (PPCPs) that persist and bio-accumulate in marine life, even kilometres away from pollution sources. The findings, published in Environments , raise urgent questions about sewage management, environmental monitoring and public health in one of Cape Town’s most iconic coastal areas.
12 Aug 2025
Media release
UCT professor challenges universities to rethink student support
In a bold call for transformation in higher education, University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Professor Arlene Archer will deliver her inaugural lecture on Tuesday, 12 August 2025, urging universities to move away from decontextualised models of student support that frame students as deficient.
12 Aug 2025
Media release
Most African countries are not leveraging health taxes – new report suggests
As Africa confronts a mounting public health crisis, a simple yet powerful solution is being left on the table: health taxes. While the continent battles the dual burden of rising noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and persistent infectious disease burden, most countries are not leveraging health taxes – excise duties on harmful products like tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks – to curb consumption, boost domestic revenues and protect overburdened health systems.
07 Aug 2025
Media release
UCT study finds SA’s transport system deepens inequality
A comprehensive new study by researchers at the University of Cape Town (UCT) has revealed that despite significant investments in public transport, South Africa’s transport system remains unjust – and its burdens fall heaviest on black communities, especially black women. The findings are published in the journal African Transport Studies .
04 Aug 2025
Media release
UCT Islam and gender scholar traces her academic journey from early social and gender justice activism
The quest for racial, economic, and gender justice was, from an early stage in her life, what she regarded as a religious obligation, and the anti-racist politics of progressive Muslim organisations strengthened her vision of Islam as a religion that was at once spiritually introspective and politically active.
30 Aug 2024
Media release
UCT leads Africa to the global stage through hosting of world epidemiology congress
The University of Cape Town (UCT) will spearhead Africa's role in global health by hosting the World Congress of Epidemiology (WCE2024) at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 24 to 27 September 2024. For the first time in the event’s history, this renowned gathering, organised by the International Epidemiological Association, will be held on African soil, with over 1 200 delegates expected to attend. The theme for this year’s Congress is “ Epidemiology and complexity: challenges and responses”.
30 Aug 2024
Media release
Concerning: study finds high levels of violence exposure in SA’s young children
A study by Lucinda Tsunga, a PhD graduand from the University of Cape Town (UCT), has described alarmingly high levels of violence exposure in young South African children. These findings carry significant implications for addressing the profound impact of violence exposure on young children in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
29 Aug 2024
Media release
UCT’s Global Surgery and Emergency Medicine divisions designated as WHO collaborating centre
The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) head of Division of Global Surgery Professor Salome Maswime has been selected to lead a newly-designated World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre, which will be crucial in supporting countries in moving their health systems towards universal health coverage.
28 Aug 2024
Media release
UCT to honour globally recognised biostatistician and epidemiologist
The University of Cape Town (UCT) will confer an honorary doctorate on Dr Debbie Bradshaw, a globally recognised biostatistician and epidemiologist who is regarded as South Africa’s foremost expert in the field, during the upcoming graduation season from 2–4 September 2024.
28 Aug 2024
Media release
Research finds early modern humans in Africa made glue from the leaves of diverse plants
Researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT) have found that in the Middle Stone Age, early Homo sapiens in South Africa used adhesive substances to attach stone tools to wooden handles and spears. Until now, it was thought that only trees of the genus Podocarpus were used to make these glues. This, on its own, is a spectacular finding, according to UCT and University of Tübingen’s Dr Patrick Schmidt, because Podocarpus conifers do not produce visible exudations of resin that could be used as adhesives.
27 Aug 2024
Media release
UCT researcher pioneers kidney genetics research in Africa with unyielding passion
Dr Khuthala Mnika, a researcher and lecturer in the Division of Human Genetics at the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Health Sciences, is passionately committed to pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the genetics of kidney disease in African populations. Her inspiring journey to this crucial work has been filled with challenges, but her dedication and enthusiasm have never wavered.
27 Aug 2024
Media release
UCT academic warns: barriers to HIV treatment access threaten SA’s fight against epidemic
South Africa's HIV epidemic is driven by people who face obstacles in obtaining treatment and struggle to adhere to their daily oral medication or remain in care. The lack of access to long-acting injectable for HIV treatments compounds this challenge. This alarming reality was underscored by University of Cape Town (UCT) Professor Catherine Orrell during her inaugural lecture on Thursday, 22 August.
27 Aug 2024
Media release
UCT’s African Brain Child team triumphs at National Research Foundation Awards
The University of Cape Town’s African Brain Child (ABC) team has been awarded the prestigious National Research Foundation’s (NRF) Science Team Award in recognition of its work extending the boundaries of scientific research in Africa and its positive impact on society. ABC is based at the Neuroscience Institute and the Red Cross Children’s Memorial Hospital
26 Aug 2024
Media release
Professor Plaatjies to reflect on his journey at upcoming inaugural lecture
The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Professor Dizu Zungula Mzikantu Plaatjies has been instrumental in the revival of the appreciation of the bow through his teachings at UCT and other institutions. As both a skilled bow maker and a talented player, his innovative musical style has created fascinating new instruments. On Wednesday, 28 August 2024, Professor Plaatjies will share his journey during his inaugural lecture titled “My Journey.”
26 Aug 2024
Media release