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University of the Western Cape

The University of the Western Cape is a national university, alert to its African and international context as it strives to be a place of quality, a place to grow. It is committed to excellence in teaching, learning and research, to nurturing the cultural diversity of South Africa, and to responding in critical and creative ways to the needs of a society in transition.

Drawing on its proud experience in the liberation struggle, the university is aware of a distinctive academic role in helping build an equitable and dynamic society. In particular it aims to: advance and protect the independence of the academic enterprise.

Design curricular and research programmes appropriate to its southern African context.

Further global perspectives among its staff and students, thereby strengthening intellectual life and contributing to South Africa’s reintegration in the world community.

Assist educationally disadvantaged students gain access to higher education and succeed in their studies.

Nurture and use the abilities of all in the university community.

Develop effective structures and conventions of governance, which are democratic, transparent and accountable.

Seek racial and gender equality and contribute to helping the historically marginalised participate fully in the life of the nation.

Encourage and provide opportunities for lifelong learning through programmes and courses.

Help conserve and explore the environmental and cultural resources of the southern African region, and to encourage a wide awareness of these resources in the community.

Co-operate fully with other stakeholders to develop an excellent, and therefore transformed, higher education system.

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Displaying 81 - 100 of 325 articles

South African president Cyril Ramaphosa (L) is congratulated by leader of the Inkatha Freedom Party Mangosuthu Buthelezi (R) after being elected president of South Africa during the swearing in of new members of the National Assembly. Nic Bothma

Post-election pact failure: echoes of fraught history between South Africa’s ANC and Inkatha

The failure of the 2021 post-election deal is a missed opportunity for the African National Congress and Inkatha to work together.
Inkatha leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, former South African President FW de Klerk and Nelson Mandela after signing a peace pledge ahead of the first democratic elections in 1994. Keith Schamotta/AFP via Getty Images

New book on South Africa’s history puts black people at the centre, for a change

This history covers twelve decades, from the surrender of Boer guerrillas in the Second Anglo-Boer War in 1902 to the July 2021 looting spree and violence.
Through their vaccination choices, parents are often communicating not just what they think, but also who they are. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Unpacking parents’ reasons for not vaccinating their children: why it matters

Vaccination uptake is influenced by many factors and carries a variety of meanings – social, political, economic, ideological, moral as well as biological.
Food insecurity is a daily reality for millions of South Africans. Community organisations can help. Dino Lloyd/Gallo Images via Getty Images

Civil society groups can help fix South Africa’s food system if they’re given a seat at the table

These organisations are ideally placed to contribute their fine-grained local knowledge. They intimately understand the specific needs of the most vulnerable in their communities.

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