While UCT performs very well by most teaching and research indicators, the current model of the university is not sufficiently responsive to the needs of a new generation of diverse students and academics who are eager to respond to the world’s challenges. Despite its location in Afrika, UCT’s Afrikan roots are not sufficiently valued and foregrounded in its global performance as a research university or in its curriculum.
UCT has greater potential to innovate in teaching, research and social engagement than it is currently achieving. The COVID-19 crisis has shown our capacity to lead with innovative responses and imagination. We want our academic work, our research projects, our colleagues and our students to find their way into our local communities and across our country, continent and world to create positive social change and a sustainable world in which we all can live.
We believe that each one of you in this university community should be making a meaningful contribution to creating our new strategy, and our hope is that you will join us on this journey as we develop our bold new vision for 2030.