A UWC COVID-19 Advisory Team consisting of university management, officials and medical experts is closely monitoring and following recommendations from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases, the National Department of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other official sources.
South Africa went into total lockdown towards the end of March 2020. This meant that the University was unable to host an on-campus Annual Open Day in May 2020.
As a response to these unprecedented circumstances, the UWC has subsequently embarked on a number of virtual Open Days taking place over six Saturdays from 12 September to 17 October 2020.
UWC has devised a comprehensive plan to ensure that students complete the 2020 academic year. However, our research revealed a harsh reality - 30% of our 24,000-strong student body did not have access to devices like laptops, or even to data, while on lockdown at home.
The University of the Western Cape boasts outstanding alumni who have made an impact on society.
Professor Jakes Gerwel
The late Professor Jakes Gerwel led UWC as the Rector and Vice-Chancellor between 1987 and 1994. He was committed to a non-racial, non-sexist and democratic society, and pursued a life-long dedication to education, anti-racism and political freedom. His appointment as the Director-General in the Presidency of Nelson Mandela, therefore came as no surprise.
Dr Franklin Sonn
Well-known educational academic and community figure, Dr Franklin Sonn is widely regarded as one of the stalwarts in the fight against Apartheid education and keeping alive the vision of a democratic future. He completed a BA degree and BA (Hons) at the University of the Western Cape in the late 1960s.
Prof Brian O'Connell
Professor Brian O'Connell served as the UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor from 2001 to 2014 and is known to many as one of the most influential leaders in the history of the University.
Lilian Barnard
UWC prides itself on providing young women with the skills needed to change the world - women like Lillian Barnard, ICT legend and Microsoft South Africa's Managing Director.
Thembi Kgatlana
UWC alumna, Banyana Banyana striker became the first South African to score a goal at the FIFA World Cup in 2018. In 2019 She was crowned the African Women's Footballer of the Year and won Goal of the Year at the Confederation of African Football Awards.
Academic Project
Community Engagement
During the lockdown, UWC’s Community Engagement Unit partnered with Change Agents South Africa to provide relief to communities in need.
The senior certificate exams kicked off this week - and parents, learners and teachers alike are wondering how to handle the COVID-19 disruption. UWC’s Prof Rouaan Maarman has answers to some of our most pressing questions.
