It is with great delight that I share not one, but two incredible pieces of news: the University of Cape Town (UCT) has been announced as host for the Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit 2026; and the university has climbed from 180th to 164th on the latest THE rankings.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) has again affirmed its status as Africa’s top university, achieving a global rank of 164 in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WRU) 2026.

Vuyo Hlongwane’s Caelix, a renewable energy company that leverages economic drivers and pioneering technology to make an impact, has come up trumps at The Pitch UCT finals.

The University of Cape Town’s (UCT) International Office hosted the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program’s “Decade of Leadership Excellence” celebrations from 9 to 10 September.

On 13 December 2018, a message was delivered to the University of Cape Town (UCT) community. Part of the communication read, “Council made the historic decision to rename Memorial Hall after Khoi heroine Sarah Baartman.” The name replaced Jameson Memorial Hall, a long-standing designation.

The University of Cape Town (UCT) is ready to position itself well during a period of global uncertainty – not just as an institution that prides itself in excellence, but one that prioritises solving societal problems.

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.

UCT is acting proactively to safeguard this vital work. We are broadening our networks, seeking out new partners, and diversifying our funding sources to ensure that groundbreaking research continues—research that changes and saves lives across the globe.