December 2024
Dear Alumni
A well-known African proverb states: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”. This came to mind on the day I commenced my term as Vice-Chancellor at the University of Cape Town earlier this year. Following the challenges the university has faced in recent years, we can only “go far” by uniting and going together, and I am therefore writing to you to invite you to join with your fellow alumni around the world in support of your alma mater.
I have been humbled and overwhelmed by the support and goodwill extended to me since I arrived on campus in August, and invigorated by the commitment across this vibrant community to moving forward together and ensuring that UCT continues to thrive.
We remain the highest-ranked university in Africa in five major world university rankings; our global research ranking climbed by nine places to 116th globally and we continue to attract talent from every corner of the globe. Over the last year, our academics and students have continued to be internationally recognised with prestigious awards and prizes: accolades such as the New Frontiers Award, aimed at supporting and reinvigorating South Africa’s reputation for research excellence, which was presented to a UCT physicist who is working to develop ways of making cancer screening cheaper and more effective. Elsewhere on campus, UCT’s African Climate & Development Initiative has launched the People in Nature & Climate (PiNC) Lab, a new nature-based, solutions-focused research group which aims to tackle some of the continent’s most pressing societal and environmental challenges by exploring how nature can be used to promote both human and ecosystem health while adapting to and mitigating climate risks across Africa.
These are but two examples of the innovative Africa centred research with global impact that is being undertaken across UCT.
However, as we celebrate these achievements, we must also care for those students who are starting their journey at UCT and ensure they have the opportunity to unleash their potential. Wherever you locate yourself within the UCT ecosystem, everyone can understand the challenges that compromise student success. I am therefore asking you today to help us guarantee a pipeline of leaders, innovators, pioneers and change-makers at UCT by making a contribution to one of our current top priority projects:
The Unlocking Futures Bursary Fund
This Fund aims to help those who are facing financial difficulties due to an unforeseen change in family circumstances or as a result of reductions in the funding provided by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme. Every year many students complete the full academic requirements but find themselves inescapably in debt and unable to graduate. They have worked hard and deserve the bright future that a UCT qualification will give them.
In 2024, nearly 33% of our South African undergraduates are facing fee debt which will impact their ability to graduate. Donations from UCT alumni around the world will enable these students to pay their fee debt, graduate and enter the world of work – as much needed doctors, teachers, lawyers and engineers.
“Your generous donation has [allowed] me to focus on my studies without the constant worry of outstanding fees. Your support is a beacon of hope and encouragement” – Unlocking Futures Bursary recipient 2023
The Food Sovereignty Programme
Hunger is a disruptor. It can rob students of the focus and energy they need to succeed in their studies, affecting their academic journey. Too often the funding the poorest students receive does not completely cover their needs, and they have to choose between eating and essential toiletries. Established to combat food insecurity on campus, this Programme aims to provide those in need with toiletry packs and vouchers which can be used at the food outlets on campus. In 2023 the programme assisted between 400 and 1,000 students every month but is entirely dependent on the goodwill of students, staff, alumni and donors for its ability to continue. Your donation to this Programme will have a direct impact on an individual’s life, supporting their journey to academic success.
“I honestly do not know how I could have survived this academic year without your support. You are changing lives and you’ve impacted mine in ways no-one can imagine!” – Food Sov. Programme Student, 2023
Alternatively, if you would prefer to direct your support to the UK Alumni Bursary Fund which assists both undergraduate and postgraduate students with fees and living expenses, the 100UP Programme which helps young people from disadvantaged communities access university, or perhaps UCT’s Opera School, please do let us know.
No amount is too small to make a difference. Your contribution, no matter what the size, will have an impact.
Tax deductible donations can be made online at www.ucttrust.org.uk. If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact Angela Edwards at uct-trust@tecres.net. You may also wish to consider leaving a bequest to UCT – simply contact us and we will send you more information on how you can do this tax efficiently through the UCT Trust.
I have started this journey, not only full of optimism and hope for UCT, but also confident that I will be able to draw from the collective strength of all of you in the UCT community. Let us now invest in our students’ dreams, and demonstrate through our collective action that “Together, we are UCT”.
On behalf of everyone at UCT, but especially our students, thank you for your support.
Yours sincerely
Professor Mosa Moshabela
Vice-Chancellor
