A few hours before President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the State of the Nation Address on 7 February 2019, mission representatives from nearly 60 countries gathered at the official residence of UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng for the 3rd Annual Heads of Mission Breakfast. View the image gallery.

Phakeng outlined her vision for the university, which rests on the intertwining principles of excellence, transformation and sustainability, and emphasised the need for focused collaboration.

Dr Russell Ally, executive director of the Development and Alumni Department, noted that key projects at UCT needed funding support to realise their goals, notably the newly inaugurated Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance. A cohort of academics and project leaders were also in attendance to engage and explore ways the university can strengthen ties with the international community.

Outgoing director of the Mandela School, Professor Alan Hirsch, introduced his successor, Professor Faizel Ismail, who spoke briefly on his plans for the school. Ismail would have been well known to some of the delegates, having joined UCT after a distinguished career as a trade negotiator, including 10 years as South Africa's ambassador to the World Trade Organisation.

Professor Faizel Ismail addresses the Heads of Mission breakfast on 7 February 2019.