Talking change: Prof Venansius Baryamureeba, vice-chancellor of Makerere University in Uganda. Access to universities, undeveloped distance education programmes and the shortage of resources and qualified staff are just some of the issues facing higher education in Africa. This is the opinion of Professor Venansius Baryamureeba, the vice-chancellor of Makerere University in Uganda, who spoke at a public seminar titled Transformation of Universities in Post-Colonial Contexts, co-hosted by UCT … [Read more...]

Enabling learning: Attending the launch of the Dell Young Leaders programme on 22 April were (from left) Tamara Esau, Janet Mountain, Caitlin Baron of the Dell Foundation and Dr Jim McNamara. Twenty-five new UCT students will be fully supported by the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation through their Dell Young Leaders programme, which they are introducing to South Africa. But the support isn't purely financial. The programme takes a 'wrap-around' approach, equipping students to graduate, gain … [Read more...]

Dissecting propaganda: Professor Milton Shain, director of the Isaac and Jessie Kaplan Centre for Jewish Studies and Research delivered GIPCA's Great Texts/ Big Questions lecture on 22 April. Warrant for Genocide: The Protocols of the Elders of Zion was Professor Milton Shain's topic for UCT's Gordon Institute for Performing and Creative Arts (GIPCA)'s Great Texts/ Big Questions lecture on 22 April. Shain examined the history of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, and the "warm reception it … [Read more...]

Good will: Assoc Prof Ulrike Rivett speaks of her group's part in a water-testing project. The Faculty of Engineering & the Built Environment (EBE) has pioneered a programme to promote research and knowledge creation that will make a real difference to South Africa's poor and vulnerable communities. The EBE Initiative for Public Good was launched on 21 April and outlined bold plans for the faculty to produce new research that will contribute to the developmental needs of the country. … [Read more...]

Continuing education: Humanities dean Prof Paula Ensor congratulates Paul Thebus of Grassy Park High, one of 48 teachers who received certificates for completing the Schools Development Unit's new short courses, aimed at developing educators. In a milestone for the Faculty of Humanities on 22 April dean Professor Paula Ensor presented certificates to the first 48 teachers who completed the faculty's first certified short courses. The six courses covered new aspects of the grades 10 to 12 … [Read more...]