University of Cape Town
VC’s Reflections on One Year in Office

Reflecting on a year in office

01 September 2025 | Words Staff writer.

In August 2024, Professor Mosa Moshabela took office as the 11th vice chancellor (VC) of the University of Cape Town (UCT), beginning a journey marked by people-centred leadership, collaboration, and engagement.

As we reflect on his first year, this photo essay captures the moments that defined his tenure thus far, his interactions with UCT’s diverse stakeholders – from students and faculty to staff and alumni – as well as the international collaborations that have broadened the university’s global footprint.

From hosting international dignitaries to attending key global conferences, Professor Moshabela’s first year has been a whirlwind of connectivity and leadership. This photo essay also showcases his dedication to building meaningful relationships, advancing academic excellence, and fostering a sense of community at UCT. As the university navigates a rapidly changing world, his leadership is shaping the future of higher education, both locally and internationally.

The University of Cape Town welcomed VC Prof Mosa Moshabela as the 11th VC
The University of Cape Town welcomed VC Prof Mosa Moshabela as the 11th VC. Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

Bryant University visit
Bryant University visit. Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

In April 2025, Prof Mosa Moshabela launched the Collective Conversations Series – an initiative aimed at creating a space for dialogue, bringing together diverse voices from across society to co-create knowledge and develop solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time. Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

VC’s visit to Hong Kong. Photo Supplied.

 

After 11 years, the Ikey Tigers brought the title home. The VC was there to witness the joyous moment. Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

Prof Mosa Moshabela officiated the graduation ceremonies
Photo Nasief Manie.

 

Photos Lerato Maduna.

 

Graduation stakeholder lunch
Graduation stakeholder lunch. Photo Robin Thuynsma.

 

The VC hosted a series of inaugural lectures, and Prof Shose Kessi’s was one of those
The VC hosted a series of inaugural lectures, and Prof Shose Kessi’s was one of those. Photo Je'nine May.

 

Prof Mosa Mashabela hosted the VC’s Scholarship luncheon to celebrate the achievements of a select group of first-year students who received the scholarship
Prof Mosa Mashabela hosted the VC’s Scholarship luncheon to celebrate the achievements of a select group of first-year students who received the scholarship. Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

Prof Mosa Moshabela addressing the Cape Town Press Club patrons and guests on the topic that centred around issues of sustainability and a future-focused agenda. Photos Lerato Maduna.

 

Attending the NAPP event. Photos Je'nine May.

 

In March 2025, Sabelo Mcinziba took the VC on a “decolonial” walking tour around the City of Cape Town
In March 2025, Sabelo Mcinziba took the VC on a “decolonial” walking tour around the City of Cape Town. Photo Nasief Manie.

 

Prof Mosa Moshabela attended a wreath-laying ceremony for the commemoration of the sinking of the SS Mendi that occurred on 21 February 1917
Prof Mosa Moshabela attended a wreath-laying ceremony for the commemoration of the sinking of the “SS Mendi” that occurred on 21 February 1917. Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

The Ikeys launched their FNB Varsity Cup rugby campaign for 2025, combined with the supporters’ T-shirt reveal
The Ikeys launched their FNB Varsity Cup rugby campaign for 2025, combined with the supporters’ T-shirt reveal. Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

The VC attended the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Proton Therapy Initiative in 29 January 2025
The VC attended the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Proton Therapy Initiative in 29 January 2025. Photo Je'nine May.

 

VC Prof Mosa Moshabela and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Transformation, Student Affairs and Social Responsiveness Prof Elelwani Ramugondo; welcomed parents, guardians, and sponsors of first-year students. Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

Prof Mosa Moshabela hosted the Council year-end function, combined with the farewell to former registrar Royston Pillay and Prof Linda Ronnie. Photo Je’nine May.

 

The VC receives His Majesty King Vulikaya Sigcawu
The VC receives His Majesty King Vulikaya Sigcawu. Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

Prof Mosa Moshabela hosted UCT’s Annual Staff Awards held at the Baxter Theatre Concert Hall on the 27 November 2024
Prof Mosa Moshabela hosted UCT’s Annual Staff Awards held at the Baxter Theatre Concert Hall on 27 November 2024. Photos Je’nine May.

 

Prof Mosa Moshabela was officially installed as the 11th vice-chancellor of UCT
Prof Mosa Moshabela was officially installed as the 11th vice-chancellor of UCT  on 25 November 2024. Photos Lerato Maduna.

 

The retirees’ dinner. Photos Je’nine May.

 

Fun was had at UCT Day
Fun was had at UCT Day 2024 Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

The VC attended Prof Sudesh Sivarasu’s inaugural lecture
The VC attended Prof Sudesh Sivarasu’s inaugural lecture. Photo Nasief Manie.

 

Prof Mosa Moshabela with former SRC president Hlamulo Khorommbi at the outgoing SRC farewell dinner
Prof Mosa Moshabela with former SRC president Hlamulo Khorommbi at the outgoing SRC farewell dinner. Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

Students who ran calls for the UCT day phonathon were excited when Prof Mosa Moshabela joined them to fundraise for students’ funding
Students who ran calls for the UCT Day 2024 phonathon were excited when Prof Mosa Moshabela joined them to fundraise for students’ funding. Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

Students who ran calls for the UCT day phonathon were excited when Prof Mosa Moshabela joined them to fundraise for students’ funding
The VC attended the UCT Student Leadership Awards held at the d-school Afrika in October 2024. Photo Je'nine May.

 

Prof Mosa Moshabela had an open conversation with former VC Dr Max Price
Prof Mosa Moshabela had an open conversation with former VC Dr Max Price. Photo Lerato Maduna.

 

...
Stella Clarke awards. Photo Lerato Maduna.

Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.

Please view the republishing articles page for more information.

Vice-Chancellor’s Reflections on One Year in Office

Vice-Chancellor (VC) Professor Mosa Moshabela has been in office for one year. He marks this milestone by reflecting on his year in a candid interview with seasoned journalist Nikiwe Bikitsha, and sharing his Strategy 2030 plans to underscore the university’s Vision 2030 ideals.

Vice-Chancellor Moshabela in the news during his first year


Vision 2030 Logo
 
TOP