The Centre for Extra-Mural Studies in collaboration with IAPO hosted the inaugural astronomy tour for students from Hong Kong Metropolitan University from 21 to 30 May. The study tour was described by the Dean, Dr Benjamin Chan, as follows: ‘This proved to be a life-changing experience for them and I’m sure they will relish the study visit for many years to come.’ The tour included lectures and viewing and using telescopes both at UCT’s astronomy department and at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) in Observatory as well as in Sutherland where the students could view the night sky using the telescopes. Enrichment aspects of the tour included a visit to the Castle’s museums, the District Six Museum and a peninsula geology excursion.

Astronomy tour1
Astronomy tour2

 

Applied Complexity Science Graduation

The graduation of the third cohort of Applied Complexity Science students took place on Friday 11 July. It was a joyous occasion with 40 students graduating. The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mosa Moshabela presided over the graduation, giving a speech and handing out the certificates. Mr Tertuis Simmers, Minister of Western Cape Infrastructure, attended the event and gave an address, emphasising the importance of the application of the learnings of this course in the work of the Department of Infrastructure, Provincial Treasury, and the Department of Mobility. We look forward to the graduation of the fourth cohort in 2026. 

 

Applied-complexity-grad

 

Regular writing lecturer and author Sally Cranswick presented an online course, Creative writing. Writers from New York, Egypt, London, Cape Town and Joburg attended the course, which got excellent reviews as all Sally’s courses do. Look out for Sally’s next writing course that will be offered in person at Summer School in January.

Sally Cranswick

 

UCT annual Summer School 2026 Save-the-Date 

The annual Summer School programme will take place from 19 to 31 January 2026. 

It may seem in the distant future, but the 2026 programme has been planned. We invite all friends, alumni and the public to join us for what promises to be an exceptional programme made up of over one hundred lectures, courses, in-discussion sessions, campus tours, concerts, performances, excursions and the Distinguished Alumni lecture that will be given by Advocate Geoff Budlender. The annual Stuart Saunders lecture and Bongani Mayosi lectures have been incorporated into the programme and are open to all Summer School participants. There are too many highlights to mention, but here is a sneak preview of lecturers, including Iraj Abedian, William Gumede, Judge Suzannah Cowan, Jonny Steinberg, Marianne Thamm and Caryn Dolley. As always, the South African College of Music opera students will perform and there will be a jazz concert and a classical music concert. There will be something for everyone.