Dear Canadian Alumni and Friends,

Welcome to the Fall edition of the UCT Canada Alumni newsletter!

As the leaves fall and the year wraps up, I welcome the change in season with gratitude while reflecting on some wins that have colored UCT’s alumnae lives this year.

Across Canada and in various Irish pubs, alumni and friends came together to cheer the Boks during their rugby World Cup matches. We collectively yelled, bit our nails, and ultimately celebrated their quarter-final Rugby World Cup win over France on the 15th of October. This weekend we come again to support the Boks in their semi-final match against France this Saturday the 21st. Go Bokke!

With fellow Boks supporters at Hemingways pub 

 Cheering on the Boks on the big screen

Celebrating UCT Day while saying goodbye to summer!

In the same spirit of unity, UCT alumni and friends from around the world came together once again to celebrate the Inaugural UCT Day on the 6th of October 2023. Watch a recap of the campus festivities UCT Day celebrations.

Here in Toronto, we seized this opportunity to combine our celebrations by commemorating UCT Day and Heritage Day with an end-of-summer alumni picnic in the park. 

New friendships were forged, and old connections were rekindled amidst joyful moments and shared stories, all accompanied by fine South African wine, Nando's Chicken, Fizzers, and delicious Boerwors Rolls. The gathering truly reflected the diversity of UCT, showcasing a wide spectrum of the UCT journey, from an alumnus who attended the university in the 1960s to a tiny baby who may become a future student at the institution.

This event wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of  Nando's Canada and the Opimian Wine Club, who made our day truly exceptional and memorable with their outstanding food and South African wines! A special thanks to Baveena and Naazneen for volunteering on the day!

A gorgeous summer day for a picnic!

Some delicious South African wine selection courtesy of Opimian Wine Club

 Our delicious food from Nandos Canada Bay Street

Our Alumnae passed the vibe check with their matching blue tees!

UCT Canada Alumnae, Bokke the dog, and friends 

On Knowledge Generation: A report on the Africa Accelerating Conference 2023 by Samantha Mandigora.

On October 12th, 2023, I had the opportunity to deliver a keynote address at the Africa Accelerating 2023 conference hosted by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business and led by Garreth Bloor, a UCT alumnus and President of the Chamber. The theme of the day, "Knowledge Generation: The Role of the Chamber’s Institutional and Research Members across Africa," was a perfect topic for me to address with a few remarks.

In my opening remarks, I shared my thoughts on why knowledge generation is critical and the crucial role of research institutions such as UCT in developing this knowledge and the skills needed to advance economic growth across African states and in Canada.

I discussed the opportunities to leverage alumni who possess an understanding of both the Canadian market and country-specific African market knowledge. I referenced UCT’s Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance for their work in shaping the next policy experts through their policy academy, the Health Sciences Faculty for their cutting-edge research focused on TB vaccinations and new drug discovery, and the Law Faculty for their instrumental work in intellectual property rights and AI, with an African lens. I stressed the point that without leading and innovative institutions like UCT, 'growth' is not possible. This is why it is necessary to continue funding research and accelerator programs that encourage and showcase innovation within these institutions.

I concluded my remarks with a call to action, urging alumni to be a part of this African growth strategy by paying it forward through giving back to their alma mater. This would provide current students with the opportunity to earn degrees and use those skills to contribute to meaningful change as global citizens. It would also support further policy research and innovation, making funding available to advance its research expertise. Learn more about the Chamber here and watch a recap of the conference here. 

The conference concluded with a private networking reception that brought together conference delegates and UCT alumni.

Canada Alumni and friends

 Canada-Africa Chamber of Business leadership and team

UCT Canadian Alumnae paying it forward

Canadian alumni of UCT hailing from the SADC region united to establish a hardship fund, with the aim of providing assistance to SADC students facing financial difficulties during their academic journey. One of the fund's contributors shared their personal experience as a former UCT student.

"As a student at UCT, I experienced financial challenges that almost saw me not completing my studies. Thankfully, I had three UCT friends who came to my rescue and helped me pay for my fees. One of them gave me the money received from making the Dean’s List. I remember such kindness from these individuals, and the least I can do is pay it forward. I am truly grateful for the quality of education I received at UCT, and I want to help other SADC students realize their dreams. Thank you, UCT Canada, for providing this opportunity to give back and support SADC students."

This serves as a valuable reminder that even the smallest contributions are highly meaningful, especially when we consider the financial impact when converted from Canadian Dollars to South African Rand. To learn more about the donation process from Canada and explore the various causes you can support, please visit the following link here.

Upcoming Fall events 

November brings the eagerly awaited South Africa Film Festival (SAFF). This Canadian film festival celebrates the work of South African visual artists who share their stories through cinematography. The festival's proceeds support educational programming for underprivileged youth in South Africa, facilitated by the organization known as Education Without Borders (EwB). The founder of EwB and UCT alumnus, Dr. Cecil Hershler, along with his wife Ruth, established this organization in 2002 with a vision to address educational disparities in South Africa. Their commitment to this cause remains unwavering.

The festival is scheduled to take place from November 2nd to12th in Vancouver and Toronto, offering both virtual and in-person experiences. It will feature compelling documentaries, including "Category," a biography of South African athlete Caster Semenya, and "Girl Taken," a documentary based on a gripping story that once made headlines in South Africa: the abduction of a baby from a South African hospital in 1997 and her complex reunion with her birth mother 17 years later. You can learn more about the SAFF program here.

UCT in the news 

''Our Health, our wealth, in Africa, for Africa''

UCT's Faculty of Health Sciences participated in a higher education summit focused on a cooperative vision of health, well-being and empowerment, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness and with an official address by Associate Professor Lionel Green-Thompson, the dean of UCT’s Faculty of Health Sciences. The conference delved into the importance of strategic partnerships are instrumental to improving health systems in Africa. Read more about the conference here.

Elderly care and community-based support

For many of us in the diaspora with ailing parents and grandparents in Africa, this recent report, analyzed by Dr. Elena Moore, an associate professor of Sociology in the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Faculty of Humanities, on the availability and accessibility of community support services for elderly care in South Africa, is a sobering reality that many of us are coming to terms with. Essential services are not always accessible to elderly people with mobility challenges or to their caregivers, and this has an impact on their health and well-being. Read more on this report here.

Continuous learning opportunities through the UCT Summer School program

The University of Cape Town celebrates 100 years of lifelong learning for its adult community in 2024 – a remarkable achievement. Over the years people have travelled from all over the world and across South Africa to attend this flagship programme, often combining it with a visit to family and friends with an opportunity to listen to world class lecturers and thought leaders talk about their areas of expertise. The UCT Distinguished Alumni lecture will focus on the University of the Future (UoF) programme, and will be given by Professor Salome Maswime who is the Chair of the UoF programme. If you will be in Cape Town between 13 and 27 January, the summer School team looks forward to welcoming you to this annual festival of learning.

Should wish to find out more about this programme, please email Dr Medeé Rall at [email protected].

Expressing appreciation and recognition to those who proudly represent UCT in Canada

We proudly recognize two exceptional individuals who have consistently raised the UCT flag high in Canada. Their unwavering commitment and embodiment of the UCT spirit serve as a true testament to what it means to be UCT advocates. We'll have the privilege of getting to know a UCT Canada representative and a dedicated alumna based in Canada as they graciously share their inspiring UCT journey with us.

Di Stafford

(Di with Justin Beaver, her travel companion)

Tell us a bit about yourself, Di.

I am Diane Stafford and currently look after Financial Administration, Donations Processing and Stewardship for the UCT International Development & Alumni Office in Canada.  

What is your connection to UCT? Please share your journey to become a UCT representative in Canada.

"My life story is like a puzzle, with all the pieces fitting together – one leading onto the other. When I look back, I can see how it all clearly played out.

Having worked for a number of years at the National Botanical Institute in Kirstenbosch, I came into contact with high-level fundraising. When the UCT Development Office opened in the late 1990s, I applied for the position of Development Officer. There, I received my fundraising training, attending workshops whenever I could. I handled Individual and Bequest fundraising before moving to the Baxter Theatre, where I served as their Development Manager for six years. It was a very challenging yet exciting time for me.

When I delved into fundraising at UCT, I realized that it was all about marketing. So, as a mature student, I enrolled in night classes at Cape Tech to pursue their National Diploma in Marketing Management. This education proved immensely valuable during my time at the Baxter Theatre and when I returned to Canada to set up the UCT Canada office. I arrived as a 'missionary fundraiser,' armed with only a mailing list. Alumni Henry and Marcia Blumberg provided a soft landing for me, and Henry was instrumental in introducing me to how business operates in Toronto.

Throughout this journey, I've met many South Africans and UCT alumni across the country. It was an exciting 15 years. However, COVID-19 made me realize there was more out there. In June this year, I decided to step back, opening the way for a young alum to take the reins as Regional Director in Toronto. I moved to Nova Scotia in search of a quieter life, though I was quickly reminded that life had other plans. I am as busy as ever, keeping up with UCT and its alumni, while also building a vibrant social circle in the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia."

What are some memories that come to mind from your time at UCT?

"As an employee, and not as a student, I thoroughly enjoyed being on campus. Years before, in the late 80s, I had worked in the earlier version of the National Research Foundation’s Terrestrial Ecosystems branch office at the top of the Botany Building. It was a very different time and a very different atmosphere on campus."

When did you move to Canada, and what was your experience settling in as a newcomer.

"My daughters and I had briefly discussed a move to Canada when the opportunity in Toronto arose. It was a defining moment in my life when I typed the email and hesitated before pressing 'Send.' However, I did, and here we are. We always viewed the move as an adventure, embracing both the ups and downs along the way. We have all settled into our new life, with me as a returning Canadian (having left as a child) and my girls as new Canadians."

What is a challenge you faced or observed while at UCT that you believe to still be challenge for current students? 

"I have been a part of the UCT milieu since 1987 and was formally employed there in 1998. I have witnessed students passionately fighting for a cause, as I was in the midst of the 1987 student protests, where we dodged tear gas, encountered police with shamboks, and faced dogs on campus.

I returned post-1994, a time that brought about a sense of calm on campus, with students focusing more on their day-to-day lives. At the time, it seemed as though students had no pressing issues to vocally defend, and there were no raised voices in protest. However, all of that has changed in recent years, with students actively advocating for their right to redress the past, transform the campus, and access higher education. I now wonder if students will once again rally and raise their voices, not only on campus but also as they look beyond to address rising unemployment and the slow unraveling of the country's infrastructure."

What change do you hope to see or contribute towards as UCT continues to transform, as part of Vision 2030?

"With budget cuts consistently under consideration, I believe UCT faces a challenging task in continuing to produce top graduates. It will increasingly rely on alumni and the corporate sector for support to maintain its excellent international reputation. UCT consistently produces outstanding graduates who go on to succeed in life; I have witnessed this among alumni who have established themselves here in Canada. I hope that these alumni will continue to support their alma mater in the future."

Do you have any words of encouragement or advice you would like to impart to Canadian newbies, current students, or recent graduates?

"Having been a newbie myself (returning to Canada after 40 years away) and looking at life in general, I'd say, 'Hang in there, bite that bullet. It will get better. You will look back and think, 'Phew, I made it.' That time is but a drop in the ocean of your life."

What has encouraged you to give back to UCT and why do you believe it is important?

''Fundraising 101 – Always Believe in Your Cause. I gave, because I believe in the research, teaching and community outreach that is UCT – it changes lives.''

How has the brand UCT, the network, or the knowledge gained from UCT been instrumental in your personal and professional journey?

"In South Africa, UCT comes with solid credentials; the name opens doors. Not so much in Canada, where South Africa and Cape Town are relatively small on the map. It took a few months of searching for donors to realize that competing charities took center stage. Many people had very peculiar notions about Africa and were even unsure of South Africa's location. Raising funds from Canadians was challenging, especially if they had no connection to Africa or if their perceptions of Africa were limited to what they had seen on TV. However, over the past 15 years, I have witnessed a change, including increased government interest and a broadening of perspectives on Africa."

How can UCT alumni connect with you? I am at [email protected]

Cherish Ratisai

Tell us a bit about yourself, Cherish.

"My name is Cherish Ratisai, a UCT alum and an Intermediate Analyst (Investor Servicing & Reporting) at Northleaf Capital. I graduated in 2009 from the Faculty of Commerce with a Bachelor of Commerce degree, specializing in Economics & Finance."

What are some memories that come to mind from your time at UCT? 

‘’Sitting on Jammie stairs even for just a few minutes to take a pause to enjoy the view, spending time in the library on upper campus, filled with the joy of learning and spending Tuesday nights at the Ballroom and Latin Dance club. It was so much fun!’’

When did you move to Canada, and what has your experience been settling in as a newcomer?

"I moved to Canada in 2022, and my experience has been thankfully amazing. I experienced a slight culture shock when I moved to Cape Town for uni, so this time around, I made sure that I was mentally prepared. Along with some fortunate encounters, it has served me well so far, and I am looking forward to the next chapters."

How has the brand UCT, the network, or the knowledge gained from UCT been instrumental in your personal and professional journey? 

"The diversity at UCT early on made me appreciate and be open to all sorts of people. It set me up to enjoy the diversity in Toronto. It has been great connecting with people from UCT in my current organization and having people I can easily reach out to. I am grateful for the education I received because it made the skills, I acquired transferable, and I have fit well into Canadian society. The UCT network has also proven to be a great resource to grow my professional network here in Toronto." 

What is a challenge you faced or observed while at UCT that you believe is still a challenge for current students?

‘’My biggest challenge while at UCT was financial and there are still many students who struggle to be in university due to financial constraints.’’

What change do you hope to see or contribute towards as UCT continues to transform, as part of Vision 2030? 

"As the best tertiary institution on the African continent, I hope to see the university grow in producing groundbreaking research that provides solutions to the challenges on the African continent and the rest of the world. This requires dedication and resources. I hope to assist by contributing financially and in some aspects of the pressing issues that I find interesting."

Any words of encouragement or advice you would like to impart to Canadian newbies, current students, or recent graduates?

"To the newcomers in Canada, if you are here to stay, I encourage you to embrace it all, especially the weather - the fall, the winter, everything! It is beautiful if you choose to see it that way.

To current students and recent graduates, I say keep pursuing your deepest and most noble desires. If you continue to fuel that passion and stay focused, you will reap the rewards of staying true to yourself, finding meaning in what you do, and having the joy of giving life your very best. Consequently, you will be fulfilled and have no or minimal regrets later in life. Now, that is success!"

What has encouraged you to give back to UCT and why do you believe it is important?

"I believe that giving toward education is the right thing to do. Education plays a pivotal role in societies. The more people learn and understand the world we live in, the more likely they will come up with solutions to problems and contribute meaningfully to our communities. The global problems we are facing cannot be segregated by continent; they are all our problems. When we have more people putting their heads together and engaging, I believe solutions will manifest."

How can UCT alumni connect with you?

Through the LinkedIn profile that bears my name.

And a final word from me ....

I would like to express my gratitude to you my fellow alumni and friends, for your patience as I ease into this role while finding various ways to connect with you, for showing up to alumni events and for supporting my efforts to expand our alumni network in Canada. Please continue to do so and remember to tell a friend, to tell a friend to connect with me!

For those of you I am yet to meet, I look forward to connecting with you and getting to know you. I wish you all the best for the rest of the year.

Sam