Media communications University of Cape Town
Media communications
The media liaison office issues official media releases and statements to highlight some of the key university activities as well as developments around – among others – the executive, staff and students. The office also serves to connect the media with UCT academics and subject matter experts.
2026
Second quarter
UCT lecture explores how catalysis can drive a just and sustainable transition
12:18, 2 June 2026
Media release
Sightings of blue and fin whales on the rise in the South-East Atlantic
11:00, 1 June 2026
Media release
Study finds surveillance technologies can marginalise local communities
08:18, 1 June 2026
Media release
UCT study reveals hidden hiring bias locking black graduates out of jobs
12:55, 27 May 2026
Media release
UCT study reveals critical gaps in early cancer diagnosis across Southern Africa
08:25, 26 May 2026
Media release
UCT research centre secures SAHPRA licence to manufacture medical devices
12:04, 25 May 2026
Media release
UCT professor wins prestigious L’Oréal-UNESCO International Science Award
10:03, 25 May 2026
Media release
UCT scientist earns top Harvard Fellowship for groundbreaking stem cell research
08:06, 25 May 2026
Media release
UCT lecture to explore how universities can cultivate intellectual growth, belonging and transformation
14:22, 21 May 2026
Media release
UCT lecture highlights power of mathematical modelling in saving lives
11:49, 21 May 2026
Media release
UCT postgraduate student wins prestigious international scholarship
08:48, 20 May 2026
Media release
UCT researcher leads international effort to improve chronic disease care
14:02, 19 May 2026
Media release
UCT academics back national treasury’s 20% online betting tax proposal
11:57, 19 May 2026
Media release
UCT professor to explore how data shape public health decision-making
11:36, 8 May 2026
Media release
UCT and HyperionDev in partnership to expand access to future-focused skills
14:33, 6 May 2026
Media release
UCT researchers build multilingual AI system for SA’s official languages
15:21, 5 May 2026
Media release
UCT-led study reveals clues to the origin of the world’s largest diamonds
15:12, 4 May 2026
Media release
Former asbestos miners face elevated mortality decades after exposure, study finds
13:42, 4 May 2026
Media release
New AfriGen-D platform set to transform genomics research across Africa
15:15, 30 April 2026
Media release
UCT leads collaborative launch of music-based maternal mental health programme
14:03, 30 April 2026
Media release
UCT launches pioneering liver centre to transform patient care in SA
08:22, 28 April 2026
Media release
UCT researchers uncover molecular “switch” that fuels cancer progression
11:37, 22 April 2026
Media release
Where to next? UCT professor to reflect on the future of Jewish life in South Africa
10:54, 21 April 2026
Media release
More than 40% Capetonians face high air pollution risk – UCT study
13:28, 20 April 2026
Media release
UCT achieves 96% pass rate in accounting to secure top national rankings
10:17, 20 April 2026
Media release
Healthcare practitioners must understand the needs of the people they serve – UCT lecture
16:24, 16 April 2026
Media release
UCT study reveals illicit cigarettes dominate South Africa’s market
12:02, 16 April 2026
Media release
UCT researchers part of major global effort to fight fungal infections
12:45, 9 April 2026
Media release
First quarter
UCT professor calls for clearer legal principles to guide global tax reform
08:37, 31 March 2026
Media release
UCT co-led report paints a dull picture of stillbirths in Africa, calls for improvement
14:15, 30 March 2026
Media response
Chronic pain linked to disability in South Africa – UCT study shows
14:32, 26 March 2026
Media release
UCT to lead Africa's first higher education dedicated AI compute initiative
10:01, 26 March 2026
Media release
UCT study finds Uber and Airbnb centralise power, deepen inequality
12:18, 25 March 2026
Media release
Skin-lightening products linked to serious health risks and social pressures
08:29, 25 March 2026
Media release
Early mental health support urgently needed among young adolescents in schools – UCT study
14:01, 19 March 2026
Media release
UCT tax law expert to unpack landmark ruling shaping South Africa’s legal reasoning
09:08, 19 March 2026
Media release
UCT study pioneers microbiome-based treatment for bacterial vaginosis
12:16, 18 March 2026
Media release
UCT-led project supports highly growing number of adolescent mothers
12:05, 17 March 2026
Media release
UCT doctoral study unravels systemic drivers of corporate crime across South Africa and Germany
10:22, 17 March 2026
Media release
Iconic SA bird – Blue Crane – under threat from agricultural landscapes
14:26, 16 March 2026
Media release
UCT and global partners uncover vast hidden supercluster behind the Milky Way
08:28, 12 March 2026
Media release
UCT palaeontologists challenge method used to estimate age of crocodiles and dinosaurs
12:13, 10 March 2026
Media release
UCT-led study finds increase in plastic bottle pollution on Marion Island
13:01, 5 March 2026
Media release
How care is organised, experienced and governed amid social and economic change – UCT lecture
11:31, 3 March 2026
Media release
UCT’s newly launched Mathieu Rouault Research Centre: A living legacy for ocean science
14:36, 24 February 2026
Media release
UCT researcher secures global grant to test AI solutions for youth unemployment
14:03, 12 February 2026
Media release
SA food industry not taking enough action to address obesity and undernutrition
10:58, 12 February 2026
Media release
UCT and Services SETA turn the sod on new African Skin Health Institute
09:01, 12 February 2026
Media release
UCT student constructs three-bedroom home using soil and recycled waste
09:00, 11 February 2026
Media release
UCT study reveals major barriers to surgical care in peri-urban Cape Town
15:24, 9 February 2026
Media release
UCT experts propose narrower beer excise tax tiers to reduce alcohol harm
13:38, 9 February 2026
Media release
New genus of sea snail discovered in the Great African Seaforest
08:14, 9 February 2026
Media release
UCT study exposes major gap in access to gender-affirming healthcare in SA
12:52, 5 February 2026
Media release
UCT hosts heads of mission for discussion on future of education
12:01, 4 February 2026
Media release
Webinar: Are food companies doing enough to support healthier diets in SA?
11:41, 3 February 2026
Media release
UCT academic recognised globally for anti-corruption scholarship and ethics education
13:32, 2 February 2026
Media release
UCT study calls for urgent integration of mental health support into HIV care
08:22, 2 February 2026
Media release
UCT academic joins calls for Africa-led health research and development
14:25, 27 January 2026
Media release
TB harnesses part of immune defence system to cause infection, study finds
08:14, 26 January 2026
Media release
Humans use local dialects to communicate with honeyguides, UCT research shows
07:01, 20 January 2026
Media release
UCT-led study uncovers fossil ecosystem that helped kick-start life after global catastrophe
08:22, 19 January 2026
Media release
2025
Fourth quarter
Western Cape children face dual nutrition crisis, UCT study finds
10:34, 18 December 2025
Media release
UCT marine scientist awarded prestigious Prince Albert I Grand Medal
13:20, 15 December 2025
Media release
Ideas, culture and conversations take centre stage at UCT Summer School 2026
09:50, 4 December 2025
Media release
UCT lecture explores immunity and vaccine sovereignty in an age of outbreaks
15:12, 3 December 2025
Media release
UCT study highlights competing pressures shaping AI use in teaching
13:35, 3 December 2025
Media release
UCT hosts discussion on improving scientific communication and media reporting on marine resource management issues
09:29, 2 December 2025
Media release
UCT accelerates Africa’s genomics future with launch of pioneering short course
12:38, 1 December 2025
Media release
UCT takes top honours in South Africa’s inaugural Effie College Challenge
10:10, 26 November 2025
Media release
UCT at the forefront as NSTF introduces Research Software Awards
11:45, 25 November 2025
Media release
UCT brings science to the streets as women researchers take over the V&A Waterfront
11:57, 24 November 2025
Media release
UCT collaborates with SARAO as MeerKAT decodes interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS
10:10, 20 November 2025
Media release
UCT shines spotlight on SA–Italy partnership powering MeerKAT and SKA
14:55, 18 November 2025
Media release
Pesticide exposure affecting cognitive performance for children in agricultural areas
13:18, 18 November 2025
Media release
UCT’s excellence shines as two graduates named 2026 Rhodes Scholars
14:35, 13 November 2025
Media release
UCT GSB secures global top ten spot for shaping sustainable business leaders
12:10, 13 November 2025
Media release
Women scientists take the spotlight as UCT brings research to the public
11:07, 12 November 2025
Media release
UCT virologist to unpack the power of immunity in an age of outbreaks
08:23, 12 November 2025
Media release
UCT-led study finds four in five adults with TB have no symptoms
08:18, 10 November 2025
Media release
UCT professor charts a journey of science, service and mentorship in pathology
08:49, 7 November 2025
Media release
UCT celebrates 20 years of building vaccinology capacity across Africa
15:41, 6 November 2025
Media release
UCT to host Western Cape Built Environment Stakeholder Engagement Roadshow
10:54, 4 November 2025
Media release
UCT lecture to examine how regulatory frameworks influence perceptions of financial stability
08:32, 4 November 2025
Media release
UCT and Vaccines for Africa Initiative celebrate 20 years of African Vaccinology Training
11:45, 31 October 2025
Media release
Irma Stern’s journey continues: The collection prepares for a new home
15:25, 30 October 2025
Media release
UCT joins the fight to confront the silent crisis of stillbirths in Africa
08:00, 28 October 2025
Media release
UCT in landmark collaboration with CISPA to advance cybersecurity and AI research in Africa
09:33, 21 October 2025
Media release
UCT researchers reveal humidity’s deadly role in bird deaths during heatwaves
08:28, 15 October 2025
Media release
UCT analysis maps coal mine jobs most at risk in SA’s energy transition
15:05, 13 October 2025
Media release
UCT lecture to reflect on Africa, knowledge and the postcolonial university
08:32, 13 October 2025
Media release
UCT to host Africa’s first-ever Times Higher Education World Academic Summit
12:40, 9 October 2025
Media release
UCT researchers reshape the story of human evolution through the Taung Child
08:37, 9 October 2025
Media release
UCT researcher questions high-tech policing tools amid Cape Flats gun violence
14:12, 7 October 2025
Media release
UCT and Council for the Built Environment partner to reshape SA’s infrastructure
12:09, 7 October 2025
Media release
UCT Rowing Club makes history with third consecutive USSA Boat Race title
10:11, 7 October 2025
Media release
UCT launches African Hub to lead AI safety and governance debates
08:29, 7 October 2025
Media release
White eggs, black wombs: UCT lecture explores reproduction as a global marketplace
12:01, 6 October 2025
Media release
Methane emissions from coal mines may be far higher than official estimates
12:11, 3 October 2025
Media release
South African graduates face toughest path to adulthood yet, UCT report reveals
08:54, 3 October 2025
Media release
Surgical care is not a luxury; it is a human right – UCT virtual summit told
15:34, 2 October 2025
Media release
Einstein Cross opens a new window into studying dark matter in the distant Universe
11:04, 1 October 2025
Media release
Third quarter
UCT study explores the classic connection between infrared and radio light in galaxies
16:10, 30 September 2025
Media release
UCT strengthens global footprint with prestigious US Academy induction
08:15, 30 September 2025
Media release
UCT study highlights aviation legislation gaps that could impact flight safety
15:23, 18 September 2025
Media release
Digital divide contributes to lack of service delivery to poor communities – UCT study
12:41, 18 September 2025
Media release
UCT spin-off company selected into the prestigious Breakthrough Energy Fellows
10:42, 18 September 2025
Media release
Illicit cigarettes starve South Africa’s fiscus of billions, UCT academics argue
13:12, 16 September 2025
Media release
Unravelling cash-in-transit networks: Study reveals intricate underworld web
11:05, 15 September 2025
Media release
Political interference collapsing state-owned companies, UCT research warns
08:29, 15 September 2025
Media release
SA Constitution denies children explicit right to express themselves – UCT study
15:04, 11 September 2025
Media release
UCT lecture challenges Africa to make dignity central to universal health access
13:07, 11 September 2025
Media release
UCT academy graduates women living with multiple chronic conditions as health advocates
12:44, 11 September 2025
Media release
Perceptions of patient (un)worthiness exist among clinicians – UCT study
08:34, 11 September 2025
Media release
UCT study finds lack of trust in combating learners’ substance abuse
13:29, 10 September 2025
Media release
Schools’ sexual education needs support from other sectors – UCT study
08:29, 10 September 2025
Media release
UCT study finds that malnutrition and pneumonia are major contributors to infant mortality
14:58, 9 September 2025
Media release
Almost 2 500 students to be honoured at UCT’s Spring 2025 graduation
10:12, 9 September 2025
Media release
UCT graduand defies invisible disability to champion palliative care as a human right
09:20, 5 September 2025
Media release
From carer to advocate: UCT graduate champions disability inclusion
14:24, 4 September 2025
Media release
‘Black Tax’ – Blacks raised with a sense of responsibility for larger family, UCT study finds
12:04, 4 September 2025
Media release
UCT graduate traces and rewrites her Indian indenture ancestry in SA through art
09:30, 4 September 2025
Media release
From lockdown struggles to boat race glory: the rise of UCT’s student-athlete
14:01, 3 September 2025
Media release
UCT’s Professor Lubbe shares global innovations in head and neck surgery
15:40, 2 September 2025
Media release
More than half of adolescents in SA township show signs of anxiety, depression
15:12, 28 August 2025
Media release
Research provides insights into the Western Cape renewable energy skills
08:08, 28 August 2025
Media release
UCT’s Nxomani balances studies and sport as Springbok women’s team manager
13:53, 27 August 2025
Media release
UCT celebrates double win with prestigious Wellcome Trust awards
08:13, 27 August 2025
Media release
Mental disorders linked to shorter life expectancy in people with HIV
12:01, 25 August 2025
Media release
Groundbreaking study challenges long-held view of Cradle of Humankind’s ancient environments
07:48, 25 August 2025
Media release
Same platforms, unequal pay: How women are losing out in Africa’s gig work boom
09:19, 19 August 2025
Media release
Compassionate communication builds stronger, inclusive communities – UCT lecture
08:45, 14 August 2025
Media release
Men are dying younger worldwide – UCT researcher calls for policy overhaul
09:09, 13 August 2025
Media release
UCT professor challenges universities to rethink student support
09:20, 12 August 2025
Media release
Most African countries are not leveraging health taxes – new report suggests
13:23, 7 August 2025
Media release
Africa takes the lead in blockchain education through UCT–UZH partnership
09:24, 30 July 2025
Media release
UCT lecture to offer practical insights into having difficult conversations
08:31, 28 July 2025
Media release
Tiny drop, big hope: new blood test could make it easier to find TB in children
08:19, 24 July 2025
Media release
‘Losing a child to cancer a cardinal sin’ – UCT professor highlights collaboration in childhood cancer fight
14:48, 23 July 2025
Media release
UCT academic’s stint as Health Systems Trust CEO bridges gap between theory and practice
13:07, 23 July 2025
Media release
Renowned UCT professor elected Fellow of the British Academy for pioneering linguistic work
14:30, 21 July 2025
Media release
Research by UCT’s Figaji to transform brain injury treatment globally
11:43, 21 July 2025
Media release
UCT lecture examines the evolving interplay between technology and educational values
08:31, 21 July 2025
Media release
UCT expert helps expose global life-saving surgery crisis affecting 160 million people
15:40, 15 July 2025
Media release
UCT’s Klopper not intimidated by the big guys at world canoeing championships
12:27, 15 July 2025
Media release
UCT partnership with Paarl community builds R1m multipurpose sports field
08:27, 15 July 2025
Media release
South Africa’s disused coal mines could become sites of job creation – analysis
11:44, 14 July 2025
Media release
UCT professor to share insights on oncology services in middle-income settings
08:54, 14 July 2025
Media release
UCT breaks new ground with first SA sign language-accessible website in higher education
09:30, 9 July 2025
Media release
UCT researchers expose political interference and denial in urban water contamination study
15:10, 8 July 2025
Media release
Study finds high rates of long-term neuropsychiatric symptoms in COVID-19 survivors
15:55, 3 July 2025
Media release
UCT academic awarded prestigious fellowship for groundbreaking isiXhosa research
16:14, 2 July 2025
Media release
UCT report reveals hidden realities of family caregiving for the elderly
11:46, 2 July 2025
Media release
Second quarter
UCT to host over 70 universities in pan-African moot court competition
09:27, 26 June 2025
Media release
Books, bikes, and big dreams: UCT student heads to Triathlon World Champs
15:03, 23 June 2025
Media release
Academic calls for emotional leadership in healthcare amid budget cuts and burnout crisis
08:13, 19 June 2025
Media release
UCT academic honoured for lifesaving research on African adolescents
10:26, 14 June 2025
Media release
UCT astronomers to celebrate first light images of global astronomy and astrophysics facility
17:09, 13 June 2025
Media release
Using technology ethically can support equitable land reform and spatial justice – UCT lecture
13:13, 10 June 2025
Media release
UCT launches African Bioinformatics Institute to transform health and research across Africa
08:01, 9 June 2025
Media release
UCT-led study finds dehorning rhinos drastically reduces poaching in key African stronghold
14:05, 5 June 2025
Media release
UCT lecture explores the rich interplay between physical, social and intellectual boundaries
14:55, 2 June 2025
Media release
UCT professor to deliver visionary lecture on advancing African health education
11:11, 29 May 2025
Media release
UCT lecture unpacks how South African classrooms reinforce inequality
15:04, 28 May 2025
Media release
Double win for UCT GSB: Leading the way in transformative education and sustainability
13:45, 28 May 2025
Media release
UCT leads groundbreaking effort to combat drug-resistant malaria in East Africa
13:45, 26 May 2025
Media release
UCT medical graduate awarded prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship
12:57, 22 May 2025
Media release
UCT lecture delves into the role of teachers in disrupting entrenched social inequities
12:26, 19 May 2025
Media release
Alarming levels of loneliness found among South African adolescents – UCT study
15:05, 14 May 2025
Media release
UCT’s Professor Chibale elected to prestigious US National Academy of Sciences
14:47, 8 May 2025
Media release
UCT students to benefit from R2.5m Eskom/Mpumalanga Valves bursaries
13:37, 8 May 2025
Media release
UCT study reveals power of couple communication in transforming type 2 diabetes care
14:25, 16 April 2025
Media release
UCT medical graduate’s journey to excellence and leadership anchored by father’s sage words
14:08, 11 April 2025
Media release
UCT researchers sound alarm on teen vaping crisis, urge urgent implementation of Tobacco Control Bill
08:39, 11 April 2025
Media release
Host-parasite interactions drive the evolution of nestling ornamentation in birds – UCT research
13:30, 10 April 2025
Media release
UCT Climate Risk Lab reveals misplaced blame for climate crisis across Africa
12:01, 10 April 2025
Media release
First aid for kids’ kidneys: UCT professor champions African innovation
13:59, 9 April 2025
Media release
UCT study explores using seawater instead of drinking water to flush toilets
10:39, 9 April 2025
Media release
Shaping education: UCT lecture to explore how assessment drives learning and inspires pedagogical innovation
08:52, 7 April 2025
Media release
UCT to host conversation tackling practical imperatives of sustainable urbanisation for Africa
14:52, 3 April 2025
Media release
UCT’s award-winning student leader and aspirant neuroscientist opens doors for fellow students
14:02, 2 April 2025
Media release
UCT hosts groundbreaking hackathon to solve pressing health challenges
08:28, 2 April 2025
Media release
UCT hosts “South Africa at 30 years of democracy conference”: Exploring policy pathways for South Africa’s future
14:15, 1 April 2025
Media release
UCT research explores tobacco and alcohol consumption impact on household spending in South Africa
08:44, 1 April 2025
Media release
First quarter
Almost 6 000 students to graduate as UCT graduation gets under way
10:55, 31 March 2025
Media release
UCT professor’s lecture addresses institutional racism in higher education
12:01, 27 March 2025
Media release
UCT joins forces with French university to launch first dual degree programme in Africa
11:42, 26 March 2025
Media release
UCT lecture to address growing public health concern of kidney disease in adults and children
12:08, 24 March 2025
Media release
PEPFAR funding freeze will lead to 601 000 HIV-related deaths in SA, experts warn
13:25, 18 March 2025
Media release
Defending open society: UCT lecture confronts rising threats to democracy and justice
12:03, 18 March 2025
Media release
Landmark global summit advances commitment to social justice in open access publishing
09:00, 13 March 2025
Media release
UCT underscores commitment to multilingualism through new language policy
11:52, 12 March 2025
Media release
UCT study finds high prevalence of critical illness in African hospitals
08:25, 28 February 2025
Media release
South Africa’s working class grows despite economic challenges – UCT Liberty Institute report
13:36, 27 February 2025
Media release
BELA Act paves the way for decolonised, multilingual education in SA – UCT scholars
15:30, 19 February 2025
Media release
UCT PhD candidate appointed to PanSALB board to champion multilingualism
08:01, 17 February 2025
Media release
UCT’s Chibale honoured by two internationally acclaimed universities
13:54, 12 February 2025
Media release
UCT strengthens innovation partnership leadership with launch of UTF II
12:51, 6 February 2025
Media release
UCT’s proton therapy centre to be the hub of Africa’s clinical and research needs
08:27, 6 February 2025
Media release
UCT’s Goolam appointed as first African recipient of coveted Goldstein Science Policy Fellow
08:19, 29 January 2025
Media release
UCT appoints Bafana legend Morris as women’s football team coach
09:11, 28 January 2025
Media release
UCT to launch proposed proton therapy centre to boost cancer treatment
12:47, 27 January 2025
Media release
UCT contributes to groundbreaking discovery of cosmic beast by MeerKAT telescope
08:54, 21 January 2025
Media release
UCT students benefit from R1.7bn in 2024 funding, however financial needs remain
13:05, 10 January 2025
Media release
UCT academic leads global efforts in biodiversity and ecosystem services
12:50, 7 January 2025
Media release
UCT Professor honoured with OBE for groundbreaking infectious disease research
08:19, 7 January 2025
Media release
UCT-led study confirms four giraffe species, paving the way for urgent conservation efforts
13:16, 6 January 2025
Media release
UCT reaffirms commitment to campus maintenance amid social media speculation
09:09, 6 January 2025
Statement
Discover, learn, and be inspired: UCT Summer School 2025 offers world-class talent, free lectures and unique excursions
08:46, 6 January 2025
Media release