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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 brings global legal leaders together to shape the future of constitutional democracy As South Africa marks three decades of constitutional democracy, the University of Cape Town (UCT) will host leading judges, legal scholars and practitioners from around the world to examine the future of public law and democratic governance. 30 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT-led study finds planting trees in savannas can do more harm than good A University of Cape Town (UCT)-led study has found that planting trees in African savannas may undermine biodiversity without delivering the expected gain in carbon storage. The study, led by Dr Heidi-Jayne Hawkins of UCT’s Department of Biological Sciences and Conservation South Africa , found that grasses, not trees, are responsible for most of the carbon stored in a sandy African savanna soil. The findings challenge the common belief that increasing tree cover will always lead to more carbon being locked away underground. 30 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT public health experts join national call to protect refugees and migrants A group of South African public health workers, academics, researchers, healthcare practitioners – including some from the University of Cape Town (UCT) – and concerned individuals has called upon government to protect refugees and migrants from violence, intimidation and harassment – including the full and visible enforcement of existing court orders and the law in a petition with over 460 signatories released on Monday, 29 June 2026. 30 Jun 2026 Media release

Babies exposed to polluted air before birth face greater risk of breathing problems Pregnant women exposed to indoor air pollution and tobacco smoke may be putting their babies at greater risk of poor growth and breathing difficulties at birth, according to research by pediatricians at the University of Cape Town (UCT). 24 Jun 2026 Media release

Six hours in pain: Cape Town study highlights opportunities to improve trauma pain management For thousands of South Africans arriving at emergency centres after experiencing violence and severe injuries, surviving the trauma is only the beginning. Trauma remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, with South Africa alone witnessing over 60 000 trauma-related deaths annually. Up to 70% of trauma patients in the prehospital setting and 91% in the emergency centres setting experience pain, making it a significant public health concern. 24 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT hosts global mental health symposium The University of Cape Town (UCT), in collaboration with the Worldwide Universities Network (WUN), the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) and the ASEAN University Network (AUN), is hosting the WUN Global Mental Health Symposium 2026 . 23 Jun 2026 Media release

Four UCT rowers selected for national camp Four University of Cape Town (UCT) student-athletes have been selected for South Africa's first Coastal and Beach Sprint Rowing national testing and selection camp, placing them on the pathway to international representation in 2026. 22 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT study finds painkillers, pesticides and metals in False Bay waters False Bay’s waters and sediments contain a cocktail of pharmaceuticals, pesticides and metals linked to urban development, wastewater discharges and harbour activities, according to a new study led by researchers from the University of Cape Town (UCT). 22 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT-hosted institute celebrates a decade at the forefront of South Africa’s astronomy revolution The Inter-University Institute for Data Intensive Astronomy (IDIA) , hosted at the University of Cape Town (UCT), has marked its tenth anniversary, celebrating a decade of building the infrastructure, expertise and partnerships that are enabling South Africa to play a leading role in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) era of data-intensive astronomy. 22 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT lecture to explore ethics as a tool for worldmaking At a time when technological innovation is reshaping society at unprecedented speed, University of Cape Town (UCT) Professor Jantina de Vries will, during her upcoming UCT Inaugural Lecture, make the case for ethics as a practical tool for worldmaking, one that can help guide scholarship towards more just and inclusive outcomes. 19 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT researcher maps out blueprint for greener industrial future What if one of the world’s most influential yet least visible scientific processes could help solve some of the biggest challenges facing humanity? A University of Cape Town (UCT) lecture by Professor Nico Fischer explored how advances in catalysis could drive cleaner industries, alternative energy systems and a transition away from fossil resources while supporting economic inclusion and sustainable development. 17 Jun 2026 Media release

UCT researcher committed to developing first human lung challenge model of its kind University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Professor Keertan Dheda regards the Order of Mapungubwe recently bestowed on him as recognition for his commitment to developing the world’s first human lung challenge model for tuberculosis (TB) using live Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) directly in the human lung. 11 Jun 2026 Media release

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