Dr Mercy Brown-Luthango, the new Scholarship and Social Impact Manager, at the Development and Alumni Department

Dr Mercy Brown-Luthango has stepped into the role of Scholarship and Social Impact Manager at the Development and Alumni Department at University of Cape Town (UCT), bringing with her nearly three decades of experience in research, teaching and applied social justice work.

After 17 years as a researcher and convenor of a professional master’s programme, she describes the decision to apply for this position as significant.

“Applying for this position was not an easy decision,” she said. “But in many ways, my background, my ideals and the different roles I have held have prepared me for this.”

Born and raised in a working-class community in Mossel Bay, Dr Brown-Luthango is the first — and only — one among her six siblings to obtain a university degree. Her family home remains in the same neighbourhood, and she has seen how social and economic challenges have intensified over time.

“I have always believed that scholarship for its own sake is an indulgence,” she affirmed. “Given the scale of the developmental challenges we face, universities have a responsibility to ensure that scholarship contributes to social change.”

Brown-Luthango holds a DPhil in Sociology and has worked across academia and the NGO sector on issues ranging from migration and land access to affordable housing and urban development. Her work has consistently focused on justice, equity and inclusion, and on understanding the role of institutions in advancing these goals.

Central to her approach is collaboration. She emphasised the importance of co-producing knowledge with partners beyond the academy, particularly those most affected by inequality and exclusion.

“Universities are privileged spaces. We need to think carefully about how we use our resources and expertise to respond to societal challenges.

“We cannot do this work on our own. Partnerships are essential.”

She acknowledges the contribution of her predecessor, Dr Medee Rall, who led the portfolio for many years until her retirement.

“Dr Rall has left an extraordinary legacy. She has ensured that Summer School remains relevant and engaging, and has built strong relationships with alumni, funders and the broader UCT community.”

In her first year, Brown-Luthango intends to focus on listening and learning. “There is already excellent work being done. I want to engage with staff, alumni and funders to understand what is working well and where we might extend our reach.”

While not anticipating sweeping changes, she is interested in expanding access and participation.

“A lot of important work is already happening. The question is how we might open up opportunities further; how we might make the circle bigger.”

This includes thinking about access not only in physical terms, but also in how knowledge is communicated. She is particularly interested in the idea of lifelong learning and how it might extend beyond traditional alumni audiences, including UCT retirees and others who have contributed to the university in different capacities.

She is also keen to explore additional offerings such as short courses, events and other learning opportunities that may appeal to a broader range of constituencies.

Having worked in interdisciplinary and soft-funded environments, Brown-Luthango understands the critical role of donors and external partners.

“Stewarding these relationships carefully is key,” she says.

She also speaks warmly about working with students. Her message to students who benefit from scholarships and related initiatives is direct: “Students bring energy and a willingness to ask difficult questions. Conversations across generations are important for strengthening social impact.

“You have much to offer. This is the time to get involved and contribute beyond your degree.”