- UCT Day brought together students, alumni, and friends of the university to celebrate unity and raise funds for student bursaries and food security.
- The event featured diverse activities, including an Amazing Race.
- Participants left feeling connected and proud to be part of the UCT community’s mission for change.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) campus was abuzz with energy and excitement on Friday 25 October as students, staff, alumni, and friends gathered to celebrate UCT Day.
This annual event brought together the global UCT community to unite, have fun and, most importantly, raise funds for two vital student initiatives: the Unlocking Futures Bursaries and the Food Sovereignty Programme.
Held across both the Cricket Oval and the Kramer Law Building on middle campus, UCT Day offered a vibrant mix of sports challenges, cultural activities, and the chance to reconnect with the UCT spirit.
From fitness challenges to the thrilling UCT Amazing Race, participants had a wide range of activities to engage in, all while contributing to a worthy cause.Film lovers, including families, enjoyed the Alumni Film Festival, where Sunshine Cinema and the UCT Centre for Film and Media Studies partnered to showcase five locally-made films.
‘A treat’
“It was a treat to see such creativity come to life on screen, and I’m proud to be part of a university that encourages home-grown talent,” commented third-year film student Zola Dlamini.
One of the most anticipated events was UCT’s Amazing Race, which saw 25 teams navigating middle and lower campus in vibrant colours.
The competition, fueled by camaraderie and excitement, had participants tackling clues and challenges.
“It was such a rush My team was close to winning, but it was more about the experience and teamwork,” said engineering student Jamie Potgieter.
For history buffs, the Campus Tour led by UCT Emeritus Registrar Hugh Amoore was a fascinating journey through the university’s storied past, offering insights into historic landmarks like the War Memorial, the Louis Ahrens wing, and Jock Beattie’s grave.
The fun extended beyond intellectual and physical challenges
The overarching goal of UCT Day was to raise funds for the Unlocking Futures Bursaries and the Food Sovereignty Programme, with every ticket sold and every challenge completed contributing to these important initiatives.
Reflecting on the day, many students felt a deep sense of connection to their university. “It’s events like these that remind me why I’m proud to be a UCT student,” said final year Law student Chulumanco Stokwe. “We’re a global family, and today, we proved how powerful we can be when we unite for a common cause.”
As the sun set on UCT Day , the campus remained alive with the buzz of new friendships formed, connections rekindled, and, most importantly, a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the university’s future.
