Ground-breaking XACT Model project set to revolutionise TB diagnosis and treatment
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10th June 2021
8 June 2021 | Issue 59
| There is a Setswana proverb that goes Motho ke Motho ka batho. In isiZulu, it goes umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu. As we commemorated Africa Month in May, we at the University of Cape Town (UCT) felt this spirit of ubuntu that is not limited to Batswana or AmaZulu or South Africans alone but Africans in general as a people who naturally prioritise the well-being of others and understand that we are, because of others and that in lifting others up, entire nations rise. It has been so heartwarming to see and experience this spirit of ubuntu in light of the recent fire tragedy that rocked our community. As profound as the loss has been, it can be said that as South Africans, and indeed Africans, we know how to show support and comradery, to stand in solidarity and pick one another up. Because of this support, Phase 1 of the Jagger Reading Room salvage project has been completed, and I would once again like to express my gratitude to all the volunteers who stepped in to help over the past month. As a leading university on the African continent, UCT continued to shine during the month of May, with our academics and students making strides in their respective areas of expertise. From Dr Chris Trisos, who co-authored a research paper on decolonising ecology, to Professor Harro von Blottnitz, who was elected as fellow of the South African Academy of Engineering, and Professor Keertan Dheda, who heads up the XACT model project, which has received a further R100 million in funding to kickstart the next multilayer phase of the project – the UCT flag was flown high. We congratulate these academics as they are the embodiment of excellence – one of the three pillars that are fundamental to UCT’s academic project. UCT student Tanner Gorille was also lauded by the Queen of England for his “lifesaving efforts” – we, as a university community, are immensely proud of this recognition. In a lecture befitting this year’s Africa Day theme – Africa’s arts, culture and heritage – Professor Muthama Muasya delivered his inaugural lecture, which was titled “Biodiversity studies in the Anthropocene: from species discovery in fragmented landscapes to unravelling the origin of iconic African flora”. The lecture showcased species discovery in the Cape flora and highlighted the evolution of the savannah – the cradle of humankind – and other iconic African flora. These inaugural lectures are not only held to commemorate the lecturer’s appointment to full professorship, but are also held to allow academics impart ideas from their research, to members of the wider university community and the general public. We thank Prof Muasya for his insightful lecture. As we head into the second half of 2021, with a COVID-19 third wave looming, I encourage you to continue adhering to all the health and safety protocols: wash and sanitise your hands; keep a distance of 1.5 m from others; and wear your face mask when out in public spaces. If you’re coming onto campus, please don’t forget to complete the UCT Daily Health Screening app. Stay safe and warm. Sincerely Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng Vice-Chancellor |
