November 28, 2023

Dear Canadian Alumni,

I am pleased to pen this message to you as Vice-Chancellor (Interim) of the University of Cape Town, Africa’s top-ranked university.

We have much to celebrate – from retaining our top ranking for research and academic excellence in South Africa, placing in the top 1.4% of universities globally according to the Centre for World University Rankings (CWUR), to international credit for our contribution towards TB vaccinations research.

During October, we honored seven UCT women academics and researchers who received South African Women in Science Awards (SAWiSA) for their exceptional research. We also celebrated the opportunity to advance groundbreaking research at UCT’s Holistic Drug Discovery and Development Centre (H3D) thanks to generous alumni like you, supporting new drug discoveries. Moreover, we consistently attract accomplished academics from diverse regions around the globe and maintain our standing as the favored institution for students pursuing excellence in research, teaching, and learning.

As I reflect on these wins and achievements, I think about UCT’s Vision 2030 and how these achievements embody UCT’s commitment to, ‘’unleashing human potential to create a fair and just society.’’
To me, this translates to providing an equal opportunity for access to quality education, support, and services for those who may otherwise be excluded from these opportunities. With this in mind, I would like to draw your attention to a few UCT initiatives that will benefit from your generosity and are instrumental to students unleashing their potential.

Many students with limited financial resources find themselves making a difficult choice between purchasing basic provisions or purchasing food and many students face hunger as a result. UCT’s Food Sovereignty Programme was created to address this challenge and supplies food and toiletry packs, as well as vouchers to students in need. Your donation to this program directly transforms an individual’s life, facilitating their academic journey toward success. In recent years, mental health conditions across our student population have increased markedly, resulting in more students needing assistance, and for longer periods of time. Your financial contribution towards the Student Wellness Service will help to increase accessibility to services that improve health outcomes and the well-being of students on campus.

Through your donation directed towards the Unlocking Futures Bursaries, support can be provided to students facing financial difficulties due to unforeseen circumstances, resulting in them not being able to graduate. In a similar light, Canadian Alumni recently launched a similar fund, the SADC Student Hardship Fund to support students from SADC countries who are facing financial challenges.

Supporting the Anti Gender Based Violence Programme makes it possible for survivors of GBV to find the resources for their healing journey through psychological services, a haven following emergency evacuation, and other resources to improve their wellbeing.

Consider contributing towards the 100UP Programme which supports youth from disadvantaged communities to attend university, or the Schools Improvement Initiative which addresses resource inequities within primary and secondary schools in disadvantaged communities. Please indicate your preference on the enclosed pledge form.

For long-term impact, consider leaving a gift in your will to sustain your support for UCT, its students, and its influence on families, communities, and the world at large. Di Stafford can confidentially assist with any queries or updates regarding this option and can be contacted at the email above.

Every dollar you contribute matters, and no amount is too small! Our students find themselves facing life’s challenges which in turn impacts their academic performance and mental health. Your financial support offers them hope with renewed possibility to achieve their potential. Your support is crucial and with your assistance, UCT can continue excelling in research, fostering innovation, transforming lives, and establishing sustainable initiatives for these future leaders.

Thank you once more, and if we haven’t had the chance to meet, I look forward to meeting you during my visit to Canada. Together, WE ARE UCT!

Sincerely,

Emer Prof Daya Reddy
Vice-Chancellor Interim