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Warm Agulhas Current found to fuel Western Cape’s worst flood-producing storms For communities across the Western Cape, cut-off low weather systems are a familiar threat. They can dump torrents of rain in a matter of hours, flooding roads, damaging homes and infrastructure, and in worst cases, causing loss of lives. What scientists have long wanted to understand is why some of these storms turn so destructive, and r esearchers at the University of Cape Town (UCT) found that the answer lies far offshore, in the warm waters of the Agulhas Current. 20 Jul 2026 Media release

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 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

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