UWC is a research-led university responsive to the needs of a changing world through excellence in learning, teaching and research, and the generation and application of new knowledge.
Firmly anchored in its local and sub-regional context and inspired by its distinctive academic role in building a more equitable and dynamic society, the University continues to empower its students, staff and partners to advance its mission of serving the greater public good and searching for humane and sustainable solutions to the challenges of our time. This is pursued through high academic standards, intellectual rigour and productive partnerships and networks beyond the confines of disciplinary and geographic boundaries.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR
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Welcome to this important day in the life of the University of the Western Cape. Today we celebrate you, our graduands, and we honour the discipline and perseverance that have brought you to this point. We also acknowledge those who have supported you along the way, especially your parents, guardians, families, friends and loved ones. Reaching this day has taken sacrifice and determination. For many of you, the journey has not been easy. There were pressures and moments of uncertainty. But you continued, and today we recognise what you have achieved.
You enter the world at a time of great complexity. Across the globe, many societies are living with conflict and socioeconomic strain. Many are also affected by division. Here in South Africa, we continue to face inequality, unemployment and the unfinished work of building a more just and inclusive society. These issues influence the daily lives of millions of people, especially those who continue to live on the margins. Yet there is still hope for humanity in those who continue to care for others and for the world we share.
That is why your education is so important. It is indeed for personal advancement, but it is also for service. It is part of the work of restoring dignity and widening opportunity. It is also for helping to build communities in which people can live with hope. Your degree is an achievement to be proud of, but it also comes with responsibility. As UWC graduates, you are part of a university guided by courage and critical thought. It is also a university with a strong sense of social purpose. Whatever path you follow from here, I hope that will remain with you. Use what you have learned with integrity. Do so with generosity and a clear sense of justice.
Ubuntu recognises that our lives are bound up with those of others. In a time when many people still feel excluded or unheard, that understanding still holds. The world needs graduates who are capable and thoughtful about how they use their knowledge and how their choices affect others. Congratulations on all that you have achieved. May you go forward with confidence and a sense of responsibility to others. God bless.
Welkom by hierdie belangrike dag in die lewe van die Universiteit van Wes-Kaapland. Vandag vier ons julle, ons gegradueerdes, en ons eer die dissipline en deursettingsvermoë wat julle tot op hierdie punt gebring het. Ons erken ook diegene wat julle langs die pad ondersteun het, veral julle ouers, voogde, families, vriende en geliefdes. Om hierdie dag te bereik, het opoffering en vasberadenheid geverg. Vir baie van julle was die reis nie maklik nie. Daar was druk en oomblikke van onsekerheid. Maar julle het voortgegaan, en vandag erken ons wat julle bereik het.
Jy betree die wêreld in ’n tyd van groot kompleksiteit. Regoor die wêreld leef baie samelewings met konflik en sosio-ekonomiese druk. Baie word ook deur verdeeldheid geraak. Hier in Suid-Afrika staar ons steeds ongelykheid, werkloosheid en die onvoltooide werk om ’n meer regverdige en inklusiewe samelewing te bou in die gesig. Hierdie kwessies beïnvloed die daaglikse lewens van miljoene mense, veral diegene wat steeds op die kantlyn leef. Tog is daar steeds hoop vir die mensdom in diegene wat steeds omgee vir ander en vir die wêreld wat ons deel.
Daarom is jou opleiding so belangrik. Dit is inderdaad vir persoonlike bevordering, maar dit is ook vir diens. Dit is deel van die werk om waardigheid te herstel en geleenthede te verbreed. Dit is ook om gemeenskappe te help bou waarin mense met hoop kan leef. Jou graad is ‘n prestasie om trots op te wees, maar dit kom ook met verantwoordelikheid. As UWK-gegradueerde is jy deel van ’n universiteit wat gelei word deur moed en kritiese denke. Dit is ook ’n universiteit met ’n sterk sin vir sosiale doel. Watter pad jy ook al van hier af volg, hoop ek dit sal by jou bly. Gebruik wat jy geleer het met integriteit. Doen dit met vrygewigheid en ‘n duidelike sin vir geregtigheid.
Ubuntu erken dat ons lewens verbind is met dié van ander. In ’n tyd wanneer baie mense steeds uitgesluit of ongehoord voel, geld daardie begrip steeds. Die wêreld het gegradueerdes nodig wat bekwaam en bedagsaam is oor hoe hulle hul kennis gebruik en hoe hul keuses ander beïnvloed. Baie geluk met alles wat jy bereik het. Mag jy vorentoe gaan met selfvertroue en ’n gevoel van verantwoordelikheid teenoor ander. God seën.
AARTSBISKOP THABO MAKGOBA
KANSELIER
UNIVERSITEIT VAN WES-KAAPLAND
Dear Graduands,
MESSAGE FROM THE RECTOR
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Few moments in university life speak more clearly to the purpose of higher education than graduation. It is a time to celebrate achievement. It is also a time to recognise discipline and perseverance, and to acknowledge the support of families, friends, lecturers and mentors who have walked this journey with you.
Your graduation comes at a time when South Africa, and the world, continue to face serious challenges. We are living through a period of socioeconomic pressure and technological change. It is also a period affected by conflict, persistent inequality and climate instability. We are living through a complex time in which public trust and social justice remain urgent concerns. These realities form part of the world you are entering as graduates. Amid these issues, it remains possible to act with purpose and to help build a better future.
For that reason, your qualification is significant both as a personal achievement and as a public good. A university education equips you with knowledge and skills. It also develops your judgement, your ethical sense and your capacity to work with others in addressing the challenges of our time. At UWC, we believe that higher education should prepare graduates who can think critically, act responsibly and contribute meaningfully to society.
You have reached this day through sacrifice and determination. Many of you had to overcome various obstacles. That experience will have influenced what you know and who you are becoming. The strength you have shown in completing this journey will serve you well. As UWC graduates, I hope you will take with you a strong sense of social purpose and thoughtful engagement. Use your education with purpose and in ways that widen opportunity for others. In a society still facing deep inequality, that responsibility should be taken seriously. Congratulations on your achievement. We wish you every success in the years ahead.
PROF ROBERT J. BALFOUR RECTOR AND VICE-CHANCELLOR UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
Min oomblikke in die universiteitslewe spreek duideliker tot die doel van hoër onderwys as graduering. Dit is ’n tyd om prestasie te vier. Dit is ook ’n tyd om dissipline en deursettingsvermoë te erken, en om die ondersteuning van families, vriende, dosente en mentors wat hierdie reis saam met jou gestap het, te erken.
Jou graduering kom in ’n tyd wanneer Suid-Afrika, en die wêreld, steeds ernstige uitdagings in die gesig staar. Ons leef deur ’n tydperk van sosio-ekonomiese druk en tegnologiese verandering. Dit is ook ’n tydperk wat geraak word deur konflik, aanhoudende ongelykheid en klimaatsonstabiliteit. Ons leef deur ’n komplekse tyd waarin openbare vertroue en sosiale geregtigheid dringende bekommernisse bly. Hierdie realiteite vorm deel van die wêreld wat jy as ’n gegradueerder betree. Te midde van hierdie kwessies bly dit moontlik om doelgerig op te tree en te help om ’n beter toekoms te bou.
Om daardie rede is jou kwalifikasie betekenisvol, beide as ’n persoonlike prestasie en as ’n openbare bate. ’n Universiteitsopleiding rus jou toe met kennis en vaardighede. Dit ontwikkel ook jou oordeel, jou etiese sin en jou vermoë om met ander saam te werk om die uitdagings van ons tyd aan te spreek. By UWK glo ons dat hoër onderwys gegradueerdes moet voorberei om krities te kan dink, verantwoordelik te kan optree en betekenisvol tot die samelewing kan bydra.
Julle het hierdie dag deur opoffering en vasberadenheid bereik. Baie van julle moes verskeie struikelblokke oorkom. Daardie ervaring sal beïnvloed het wat julle weet en wie julle word. Die krag wat julle getoon het om hierdie reis te voltooi, sal julle goed te pas kom. As UWK-gegradueerdes hoop ek dat julle ’n sterk gevoel van sosiale doel en nadenkende betrokkenheid sal saamneem. Gebruik julle opleiding doelgerig en op maniere wat geleenthede vir ander vergroot. In ’n samelewing wat steeds diep ongelykheid in die gesig staar, moet daardie verantwoordelikheid ernstig opgeneem word. Baie geluk met julle prestasie. Ons wens julle alle sukses toe in die jare wat voorlê.
PROF ROBERT J. BALFOUR
REKTOR EN VISEKANSELIER
UNIVERSITEIT VAN DIE WES-KAAPLAND
AND FIGURES
UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
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SUCCESSRATE
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HISTORIC MILESTONES
UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
1960: The University College of the Western Cape opens its doors.
1970: The institution gains independent university status and is allowed to award its own degrees and diplomas.
1975: Prof Richard van der Ross is appointed as UWC’s first black Rector.
1978: UWC’s Cape Flats Nature Reserve is declared a National Monument (now known as a provincial heritage site).
1987: New Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jakes Gerwel, declares UWC as the ‘university of the left’. The University deracialises and opens its doors to African students.
UWC inaugurates its longest-serving Chancellor, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who would serve for more than 25 years.
1990: UWC becomes the first university to award the late President Mandela an honorary doctorate upon his release from prison.
1994: Many academics from UWC join President Mandela’s government and are appointed to ministerial and advisory positions, including its Rector, Prof Gerwel, who became the Director-General in the Presidency.
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1994: UWC’s leadership takes part in writing the higher education policy for the incoming government. The South African interim Constitution and final Constitution are drafted at UWC.
1995: UWC launches its first website – joining the internet age before other universities in the Mother City.
UWC launches the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) to engage in research, training, policy development and advocacy in relation to land reform, rural governance and natural resource management.
2002: Under the leadership of Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Brian O’Connell, UWC successfully resists being merged. Instead, its Dentistry Faculty is merged with that of the University of Stellenbosch, making UWC the only dentistry faculty in the Western Cape.
2010: 10 SARChI chairs awarded to UWC, the highest number awarded to any university in SA that year (as of 2018, UWC hosts 17 SARChI Chairs).
2012: UWC launches its Technology Transfer Office to help promote the development and protection of the intellectual property of the University’s research community, staff and students.
HISTORIC MILESTONES
UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
2012: UWC is declared Africa’s Greenest Campus in the inaugural African Green Campus Initiative Challenge.
2013: UWC signs the Berlin Declaration on Open Access in the Sciences and Humanities, joining hundreds of institutions around the world dedicated to supporting the principles of open access and working to achieve openness in publicly funded projects.
2015: Prof Tyrone Pretorius is inaugurated as the new Rector and Vice-Chancellor.
2016: UWC’s Centre for Humanities Research is awarded the Flagship on Critical Thought in African Humanities by the NRF.
UWC is ranked number 1 in Physical Science – not just in South Africa, but for Africa as a whole – in the 2016 Nature Index.
2017: A group of UWC students, led by Prof Nico Orce, conduct the second major African-led experiment at the CERN laboratory in Switzerland.
UWC’s former Vice-Chancellor, Prof Brian O’Connell, receives the National Research Foundation’s highest honour, the NRF Lifetime Achievement Award.
2018: The Faculty of Dentistry launches a state-of-the-art video conferencing system that allows students to watch live surgeries in class or at home – a first for South Africa.
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2018: UWC Choir made its debut at the World Choir Games. The choir came first in its category, bringing home the gold medal and the titleWorld Champions.
2019: UWC Rugby makes its historical debut in the Varsity Cup, by becoming the first team from an historically disadvantaged institution to qualify for the competition.
2020: UWC’s South African National Bioinformatics Institute (SANBI), in collaboration with researchers from the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD), sequenced the first SARS-COV-2 genome in South Africa, providing a genetic “fingerprint” helped us understand - and contain - the spread of COVID-19.
UWC celebrates its 60th anniversary.
2022: Professor Russell H Kaschula is appointed as the Research Chair in Forensic Linguistics and Multilingualism – a first in Africa.
The UWC Main Hall is renamed the Jakes Gerwel Hall to honour this iconic leader.
2023: Professor Marion Keim is appointed as the UNESCO Chair for Sport, Development, Peace and Olympic Education – the first ever awarded UNESCO Chair in Sport in Africa
HISTORIC MILESTONES
UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
2023: Four significant infrastructure projects are completed in 2022 and 2023, including the Education Faculty building on the main campus, the 2700-bed Unibell Residence complex in Belhar, the Centre for Humanities Research building in Woodstock, and the UWC Innovation Hub in Parow.
2024: The first year of the full implementation of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Programme, which provides full bursaries to 250 undergraduate and 250 Master’s students as part of a seven-year agreement.
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2024: UWC is the first and only university team to compete in the inaugural CAF Women’s Champions LeagueAfrica’s premier club competition for women’s football.
2025: Prof Robert John Balfour is inaugurated as the 8th Rector and Vice-Chancellor
OFFICE BEARERS
OF THE UNIVERSITY OF THE WESTERN CAPE
CHANCELLOR
The Most Reverend Dr TC Makgoba (PhD, Doctorate of Divinity: Hon. Causa)
CHAIR OF COUNCIL
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Ms X Mpongoshe (Dipl. Juris, B. Proc, Cert in Compliance Management, Cert. CRO (Euromoney London))
RECTOR AND VICE-CHANCELLOR
Prof R Balfour (BA, BA (Hons), HDE, MA, PhD)
VICE-RECTORS AND DEPUTY VICE-CHANCELLORS
Prof MK Ralarala (HDE (Arts), BA (Hons), MA, DLitt, PhD)
Prof P Baker - Acting (BSc, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD)
Prof M Madiba (BA (Paed), B.Ed (Hons), B.Ed (Hons), BA (Hons) (English), MA Linguistics (Applied Studies), PhD)
REGISTRAR
Dr N Lawton-Misra (BA, BEd, MEd (Educational Psychology), PhD (Educational Psychology))
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
Mr ME Magida (BProc, LLB, LLM)
Mr M Regal (BCom (Hons), CA (SA), M Dev Studies)
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Prof F Moola (BA Hons, MA, PhD)
DEANS
Prof A Padmanabhanunni (BA Hons (Psych), MA (Counselling Psych), PhD)
Prof V Yengopal (BChD, BSc (Hons), PGDip, MChD, PhD)
Prof MV Esau (BAdmin, BAdmin (Hons), MAdmin, PhD)
Prof R Govender (BSc; BSc Honours (Mathematics); MEd and PHD (Mathematics Education))
Prof JR De Ville (BCom, LLB, LLD)
Prof D Holgate (BSc, BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD)
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FACULTY OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES FACULTY OF ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
ORDER OF PROCEEDINGS
1. Academic Procession
(THE AUDIENCE IS REQUESTED TO STAND AS THE PROCESSION ENTERS THE HALL)
2. The Chancellor / Vice-Chancellor constitutes the congregation
3. National Anthem
4. Address: SRC
5. Address: Rector and Vice-Chancellor
6. Item in song
7. Presentation of Graduands to the Chancellor / Vice-Chancellor
8. The Chancellor / Vice-Chancellor dissolves the congregation
9. The Academic Procession leaves the hall
NB: THE AUDIENCE IS REQUESTED TO REMAIN STANDING UNTIL THE PROCESSION HAS LEFT THE HALL.
Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso, O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho, O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso, Setjhaba sa South Afrika – South Afrika.
Uit die blou van onse hemel, Uit die diepte van ons see, Oor ons ewige gebergtes, Waar die kranse antwoord gee,
Sounds the call to come together, And united we shall stand, Let us live and strive for freedom, In South Africa our land.
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
DOCTOR’S DEGREES
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
TOMIWA TEMITAYO ADELEKE
Department: STATISTICS AND POPULATION STUDIES
Supervisor: PROF N STIEGLER
Thesis:
A comparative analysis assessing the standard of living of the French community in South Africa between 2013 and 2022
Description:
This study provides the first empirical and longitudinal analysis of French migrants in South Africa. The research, based on unique surveys on the French community abroad, applies descriptive, comparative and logistic regression analyses to examine the profile of French living in South-Africa. Results show that French migrants are highly educated, strongly integrated into the labour market and contribute to income generation, knowledge transfer and human capital development in South-Africa, supporting the goals of the South-African National Development Plan 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals. However, declining confidence in security and economic stability risks skilled out-migration, highlighting the need for stronger migration governance and bilateral cooperation.
ADETUTU NIKE AKINNUWESI
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIOINFORMATICS INSTITUTE
Supervisor: DR R CLOETE
Co-supervisor: PROF S EGIEYEH
Thesis:
Metabolic Pathway Analysis to Identify Choke Point Enzymes in Multidrug Resistance (MDR) Tuberculosis for Structure Based Drug Design
Description:
In South Africa, Tuberculosis remains one of the major causes of death from a single infectious pathogen, namely Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb). This is because of mutations in the key genes of the bacterium that render drugs less effective, and therefore, there is the need to identify novel drug targets, as well as drugs. Mrs Adetutu Akinnuwesi’s research has identified five key choke point enzymes as putative drug targets in the genome of M.tb using a innovative subtractive genomics approach, which has been published. She then proceeded to interrogate two of the protein targets and identified 27 interesting molecules from her in silico work, and are being investigated experimentally for bactericidal activity. This works contributes to the existing body of knowledge on M.tb drug target identification and novel drugs to treat Tuberculosis infections.
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
DOCTOR’S DEGREES DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
MONICA MANUELA CORREIA
Department: EARTH SCIENCE
Supervisor: PROF T KANYERERE
Co-supervisor: PROF N JOVANOVIC
Thesis:
Investigation of impacts of climate and land cover change on groundwater depth in Breede-Gouritz Water Management Area, Western Cape, South Africa
Description:
The candidate conducted an integrated assessment of climate and land cover change impacts on groundwater depth dynamics thereby advancing the science of hydrogeology by showing that groundwater sustainability in semi-arid regions is controlled by climate-driven evapotranspiration, with land cover acting as critical modifying factor. Mechanisms controlling groundwater depth fluctuations under interacting hydro-climatic and anthropogenic drivers remain unresolved. Integrated hydroinformatics and statistical framework were used to generate results. The novelty of the stydy included integrating digital hydrogeological tools, statistical modelling and remote sensing and publising results in reputable journals including providing replicable framework beyond the study area remain unique.
ELIZABETH AVOSUAHI DANIA
Department: STATISTICS AND POPULATION STUDIES
Supervisor: DR P NSENGIYUMVA
Thesis:
The factors associated with women’s access to water for household use in sub-Saharan Africa: a comparison between Burundi and Nigeria
Description:
This study examined the factors associated with women’s access to water for household use in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using DHS secondary data, the study performed logistic regression to identify socioeconomic and sociodemographic factors contributing to access to water. Findings revealed that women in urban areas, with secondary or tertiary education within high socioeconomic standard were more likely to access water from improved sources, whereas rural women relied on unimproved water sources and travel longer distance to fetch water. The study contributes to understanding socioeconomic and sociodemographic intersect with water access in Burundi and Nigeria. These findings can inform policies, government, NGOs to improve water accessibility and women empowerment to achieve SDG 5 and 6.
2026
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
DOCTOR’S DEGREES
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
PAMELA WENDY JAMES
Department: STATISTICS AND POPULATION STUDIES
Supervisor: PROF S APPUNNI
Thesis:
The experiences of African female migrants in South African public health facilities: a multivariate analysis
Description:
This study explores the experiences of African female migrants using public health facilities in South Africa. Migration is a common global phenomenon, and many migrants in South Africa are women from other African countries. Some have legal documents, while others do not. These women often face challenges when trying to access healthcare services, including language barriers, stigma, and issues related to their migration status. The study used a quantitative approach and collected primary data through a structured survey. The findings identify important barriers to healthcare access and highlight the need for fair and inclusive health services. The results can support monitoring and evaluation and help policymakers, stakeholders, and programme managers improve healthcare services for migrant women.
CÉCILE MARIE ANNE JOUANNE
Department: CHEMISTRY
Supervisor: PROF P BAKER
Co-supervisor: DR F NTUMBA
Thesis:
PolyHIPE as a swiss-army-knife: development of functional and highly porous materials towards energy and sensing driven applications
Description:
Ms Jouanne’s research addresses the global demand for sustainable energy solutions by investigating the versatile design of PolyHIPEs highly porous, emulsion-templated polymers— positioning them as a Swiss-army-knife for sustainable technology. By precisely engineering the internal architecture and surface chemistry of these materials, Ms Jouanne developed innovative platforms for high-performance energy storage and catalysis. This research provides a critical roadmap for tailoring porous structures to meet specific energy demands, bridging the gap between fundamental polymer science and practical engineering solutions. The findings offer a transformative approach to creating lightweight, functional materials that enhance efficiency in green energy applications, marking a significant contribution to the field of advanced materials.
The degree is jointly conferred by the University of the Western Cape and CY Cergy Paris University.
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
DOCTOR’S DEGREES DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
THANDO JUQU
Department: CHEMISTRY
Supervisor: DR N ROSS
Co-supervisor: DR K POKPAS
Thesis:
Functional nanomaterial for sustainable paper-based Na-ion battery systems for emerging applications
Description:
Rising global energy demand has intensified the need for sustainable and cost-effective energy storage technologies. Paper-based electrochemical devices are attractive alternatives to conventional systems because of flexibility, biodegradability, and low-cost fabrication. In his PhD dissertation, Mr. Juqu advanced the development of nanostructured Nickel- and Yttriumdoped NaFePO cathode material for paper-based sodium-ion batteries (SIB). His work revealed the synergistic effects of dual doping and the paper substrate, providing insight into the chemical mechanisms that underpin the improved electrochemical performance. The device shows potential for portable, wearable, and flexible electronics, contributing to sustainable energy storage technologies with reduced environmental impact.
NIAN MA
Department: EARTH SCIENCE
Supervisor: PROF Y XU
Thesis:
Utilising Reclaimed Water to Enhance the Sustainability of the Water Environment in Valley Urbanization in Chongqing
Description:
The thesis is about Utilising Reclaimed Water to Enhance the Sustainability of the Water Environment in Valley Urbanization in Chongqing. It proposes a comprehensive assessment framework that integrates four interrelated dimensions: water resources management, water quality protection, aquatic ecosystem health, and carbon emissions mitigation. The framework’s conceptual foundations and methodological innovations are derived from the author’s extensive professional experience as a municipal water infrastructure engineer.
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
DOCTOR’S DEGREES
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
BOITUMELO MAFALO MABAKACHABA
Department: PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
Supervisor: PROF M MAAZA
Co-supervisor: PROF S HALINDINTWALI
Thesis:
Isothermal Modelling and Performance Optimization of 1D VO2-based Gas sensors
Description:
In her thesis, Boitumelo succeeded engineering a multi-functional nano-scaled gas sensor for the detection of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and volatile organic compound (VOCs) including but not limited to benzene (C6H6). The Magnesium doping sensing capabilities of V1− xMgxO2-based materials were evaluated for NO2 & C6H6 at ppm levels under various environmental conditions. For NO2, 2% Mg-doped sensor demonstrated superior response, a nearly 60% response enhancement at 120°C for 80 ppm NO2, nearly double the response of pristine samples. The combined experimental analysis and computational modeling confirmed that charge transfer processes play a crucial role in the sensing response & demonstrates that Mg doping is an effective strategy for tuning the structural and functional properties of VO2 nanorods for targeted gas sensing applications.
THENDO INNOCENT MABUDA
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF A MADIEHE
Co-supervisors: DR N SIBUYI, DR K GABUZA
Thesis:
An aptamer-based targeted drug delivery system for the treatment of CD44overexpressing metabolic diseases in vitro
Description:
Mr Mabuda developed an innovative aptamer-targeted drug delivery systems for treatment of obesity and metabolic disease-associated steatotic liver disease. These diseases are the fastest-growing health challenges globally. He used advanced computational modelling to identify aptamers that recognise disease-specific biomarkers, and engineered novel aptamer–drug conjugates that enabled delivery of small therapeutic molecules directly to diseased cells, while minimising adverse effects on healthy cells. This approach could mitigate off-target side effects observed in conventional therapy, and highlights the promise of treatment of complex metabolic diseases. His work won him a best oral presentation at national conferences, and this approach has been published in a high impact factor journal.
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
DOCTOR’S DEGREES DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
JUNAID MIA
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF M KEYSTER
Co-supervisor: PROF N LUDIDI
Thesis:
Isolation and characterisation of plant growth promoting endophytic bacteria from marama bean for enhanced drought stress tolerance in soybean
Description:
Junaid’s doctoral research advances our understanding of how plant-associated microorganisms shape resilience to drought. Through the study of endophytic bacteria from the droughttolerant Marama bean, this work demonstrates that microbial partners can actively influence soil water potential while enhancing the availability of essential nutrients. These findings reveal an overlooked dimension of plant-microbe interactions, positioning soil microorganisms not merely as inhabitants of the rhizosphere but as active contributors to the regulation of soil water dynamics. By illuminating this hidden microbial role, this research opens new avenues for microbiome-based approaches to strengthening agricultural sustainability in an increasingly water-limited world.
CANDIDAH NEPHAWE
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
Supervisor: PROF M AUCAMP
Co-supervisor: DR N PRINGLE
Thesis:
Natural deep eutectic solvents as solubilisers for nevirapine
Description:
Candidah’s study investigated natural deep eutectic solvents (NADES) as child-friendly delivery systems to improve the solubility and palatability of nevirapine (NVP). Poor aqueous solubility and bitterness of this antiretroviral drug limit its effectiveness and adherence. Various naturally derived compounds were combined and screened using various analytical techniques. Citric acid-based NADES, particularly the system formed from glucose:citric acid, showed significant solubility enhancement, enabling delivery of a 50 mg dose in 1 ml instead of 5 ml. Results confirmed pH-dependent solubility and strong hydrogen bonding in effective systems. The study demonstrates NADES as promising, non-toxic alternatives for optimised and palatable pediatric formulations.
2026
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
DOCTOR’S DEGREES
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
EVAN DAVID VISSER
Department: CHEMISTRY
Supervisor: PROF L KHOTSENG
Co-supervisor: DR N SEROKA
Thesis:
Hybrid supports for platinum electrocatalysts: a study of the performance of hybrid supported platinum electrocatalysts in direct methanol fuel cells
Description:
This body of research explored the development of advanced carbon-based catalyst support materials for direct methanol fuel cells. The work focused on synthesising nanocomposite materials combining graphene-derived nanostructures with biomass-derived activated carbon, employing a holistic redesign of electrode synthesis focusing on the catalyst-support interrelationship. During his studies, Mr Visser published four peer-reviewed manuscripts and two book chapters, with two additional manuscripts currently under review. He has mentored eight fellow researchers and led Team UWC to victory in the inaugural South African SDG Challenge (2022). In recognition of the exceptional quality, scope, and impact of his research, his Master’s degree was upgraded to a Doctor of Philosophy.
NOLOYISO VONDO
Department: STATISTICS AND POPULATION STUDIES
Supervisor: PROF N STIEGLER
Co-supervisor: DR O KANAYO
Thesis:
Determinants of healthcare services in South Africa: a demographic analysis
Description:
This study provides a robust national analysis of healthcare access inequalities in South Africa using data from the South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey. Employing univariate, bivariate and multivariate analyses, it reveals a deeply unequal dual health system. Younger, unemployed and less-educated population relying on public facilities face overcrowding, staff shortages and long waiting times, while private healthcare serves higher-income groups with medical aid. Despite covering only 16% of the population, the private sector absorbs half of national health spending. Findings highlight how socioeconomic, sub-population and spatial inequalities continue to shape healthcare access, with major implications for equitable health and development.
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
MASTER’S DEGREES 2026
MASTER OF CLINICAL PHARMACY
HUMAN ELIZE
Thesis:
Understanding Blood Glucose Documentation and Monitoring Practices in a Western Cape Public Sector Hospital: A Retrospective Folder Review and Survey of Healthcare Professionals
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
Supervisor: DR J MCCARTNEY
Co-supervisor: MRS N KEULER
WATT ERIN MICAELA
Thesis: A retrospective analysis of post-operative opioid prescribing in a private hospital in South Africa
SCHOOL OF PHARMACY
Supervisor: MR E UPTON
Co-supervisor: MRS N KEULER
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE
MAQUNGO LWAZIKAZI
Thesis:
Testing the vibrational nature of 100Ru
Department: PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
Supervisor: PROF S TRIAMBAK
Co-supervisor: PROF P GARRETT
MOHAMED AZHAR
Thesis: Mesoporous ZnO/TiO2 nanowire heterojunction photo-anodes for quantum dot-sensitised solar cells
Department: PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
Supervisor: DR F CUMMINGS
MDWADUBE MFUNDO
Thesis: The MeerKAT Faint Radio Source Population
Department: PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY Supervisor: PROF M VACCARI
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
MASTER’S DEGREES 2026
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NANOSCIENCE
HEYNS LARA ZANELE
Thesis:
Polyglycan and polypeptide nanoelectrochemical detectionstrategy for urinary MTB-biomarkers at a graphene electrode - an exploratory models study
Department: CHEMISTRY
Supervisor: DR T WARYO
Co-supervisor: PROF E IWUOHA
NAICKER OWEN ASHLEY
Thesis:
Green synthesis of Biliverdin nanoparticles using Pelargonium sidoides green extract and their antibacterial activities
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF T MULAUDZI-MASUKU
Co-supervisors: DR A HITZEROTH, PROF R AJAYI
PHOLOANA MAPHIA GIFT
Thesis:
Fabrication of Ag-loaded CeO2/CuObased sensor for the detection of methane gas at low temperatures
Department: PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
Supervisor: DR G MALGAS
Co-supervisor: PROF D MOTAUNG
MAZAMELELA YOLISA
Thesis:
Olefin Oligomerization over Nanostructured ZSM-5
Department: CHEMISTRY
Supervisor: DR M MDELENI
Co-supervisor: DR E MOHIUDDIN
NKOMANA WENDY
Thesis:
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using cowpea pods aqueous extract and the evaluation of the anticancer effects in vitro
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF A MADIEHE
Co-supervisor: DR N SIBUYI
SIBIYA MZIWANDILE
Thesis:
Preparation and Characterization of TiO2-MWCNT Hybrid and TiO2-Fe2O3MWCNT Trihybrid Nanofluids
Department: PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY
Supervisor: PROF S HALINDINTWALI
Co-supervisors: PROF L REDDY, DR O NEMRAOUI
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
MASTER’S DEGREES 2026
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NANOSCIENCE
SMERDON NICHOLAS JAMES
Thesis:
Core-shell Fe@Au nanoparticle-amplified electrochemical genosensor procedure for the MTB IS6110 insertion gene
Department: CHEMISTRY
Supervisor: DR T WARYO
SOLOMON LYLE TABEAL BENEDICT
Thesis:
Synthesis of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) containing liposomes and its possible applications in the treatment of prostate cancer
Department: MEDICAL BIOSCIENCES
Supervisor: PROF R HENKEL
Co-supervisor: PROF G GONZALES
TITUS NIC-QUINLYN
Thesis:
Nanomaterial-Functionalized Nanobody Sensing Platforms for Electrochemical Respiratory Virus Monitoring
Department: CHEMISTRY
Supervisor: DR K POKPAS
Co-supervisors: DR S DOUMAN, PROF M JAHED
2026
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
AROONSLAM MISHIKA
Thesis:
Investigating the Plant Growth Promoting and Biocontrol Properties of Actinobacteria Associated with Indigenous Plants
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF B KIRBY
DOMTCHOUANG FEUZ ROSETTE RAISSA
Cum Laude
Thesis:
Molecular response of Macrophages treated with specialised metabolites from Mycobacteria, Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF A KLEIN
Co-supervisors: PROF M KEYSTER, DR K NYAMBO, PROF V MAVUMENGWANA
HOFFMEESTER LAZZLO JOHN
Thesis:
Improving secretion and stress tolerance in yeast strains engineered for consolidated bioprocessing with cellsurface adhered cellulase activities
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF R DEN HAAN
BEGG AALIYAH
Thesis:
Differences in genetic structure between the Nguni-speaking population and other Southern African Bantu-speaking populations
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF M D’ AMATO
Co-supervisors: DR M KASU, DR R DANIELS
FORTUIN CAILYN JOY
Magna Cum Laude
Thesis:
Analysis of the nodulated rooibos root metagenome using MinION sequencing
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: DR U HESSE
KANYERERE ALICE
Thesis:
Physiological and biochemical response of Amaranthus caudatus genotypes under drought stress
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF T MULAUDZI-MASUKU
Co-supervisor: DR A MULIDZI
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
MASTER’S DEGREES 2026
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
KOTA BUSISIWE
Thesis:
The application of actinobacterial extracts for plant growth promotion
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF B KIRBY
ROOMANAY MUIZZ
Cum Laude
Thesis:
Evaluating the antifungal potential of 8-Hydroxyquinoline against Fusarium proliferatum
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF A KLEIN
Co-supervisors: PROF M KEYSTER, DR A DANIEL
NTOYI PHILA-SANDE PRUDENT
Thesis:
Investigating the effect of water stress on the growth and chemical composition of Pelargonium sidoides
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF T MULAUDZI-MASUKU
Co-supervisors: DR A MULIDZI, DR M LEWU
SMITH CHELSEY
Thesis:
Exploring the Role of Methylglyoxal in Marchantia polymorpha under Cadmium Stress
Department: BIOTECHNOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF M KEYSTER
Co-supervisors: PROF A KLEIN, DR L NIEKERK
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
MASTER’S DEGREES 2026
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MEDICAL BIOSCIENCE
ADAMS ETHAN BRYAN
Cum Laude
Thesis:
Developing a high throughput screening assay for the discovery of SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitors
Department: MEDICAL BIOSCIENCES
Supervisor: PROF M SHAW
FICK KELLY NICOLE
Cum Laude
Thesis:
A Comparative In Vitro Simulation of Recreational and Addictive Methamphetamine
Use on Blood-Brain Barrier Endothelial Cells: Effect on Barrier Integrity, Structure, Metabolism and Function
Department: MEDICAL BIOSCIENCES
Supervisor: DR C WILLEMSE
Co-supervisor: PROF D FISHER
ROHMAN TANYA
Cum Laude
Thesis:
Exploring South African honey: a focus on chemical composition and antimicrobial activity against pathogenic organisms
Department: MEDICAL BIOSCIENCES
Supervisor: DR P ABRANTES
Co-supervisor: PROF C KOTZE
BRINDERS KYLE ALAN
Cum Laude
Thesis:
A Comparative In Vitro Simulation of Recreational and Addictive Methamphetamine Use on Blood-Brain Barrier Endothelial Cells:Effect on Barrier Integrity, Structure, Metabolism and Function
Department: MEDICAL BIOSCIENCES
Supervisor: DR K MAKHATHINI
Co-supervisor: PROF D FISHER
PARKER-MANSOOR SABREEN
Thesis:
Cardiometabolic risk factors present in pubertal adolescents in association with perinatal nicotine exposure and rapid weight gain: comparison study
Department: MEDICAL BIOSCIENCES
Supervisor: DR J DE SMIDT
ROMAN KAYLEIGH
Cum Laude
Thesis:
The in vitro effect of SARS coronavirus 2 co-infection on lytic reactivation of an oncogenic herpesvirus
Department: MEDICAL BIOSCIENCES
Supervisor: PROF M SHAW
Co-supervisor: DR B GORDON
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
MASTER’S DEGREES 2026
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MEDICAL BIOSCIENCE
SASMAN SASHA-LEE
Thesis:
Exploring the In Vitro Effects of Chronic Methamphetamine Exposure on Selected Cancer Cell Lines
Department: MEDICAL BIOSCIENCES
Supervisor: DR C WILLEMSE
Co-supervisor: PROF D FISHER
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CHEMICAL SCIENCES
FELENI GWIBAKAZI ABENA
Summa Cum Laude
Thesis:
Lanthanide-doped bimetallic MXene anode materials for high-performance sodium-ion batteries
Department: CHEMISTRY
Supervisor: PROF E IWUOHA
Co-supervisors: PROF X PENG, DR M NDIPINGWI
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
DREYER KEZIA URIEL PHILLIPA
Thesis:
Evaluation of carbon stocks and associated threats at the Berg River Estuary
Department: BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF A RAJKARAN
Co-supervisor: PROF J ADAMS
GEORGE ZENZE MAGGY
Thesis: Plastisphere - Diatom communities on plastic substrata along the urbanised Nahoon Estuary, South Africa
Department: BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF A RAJKARAN
Co-supervisor: MS S HALSE
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
MASTER’S DEGREES
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
NERO TASHREEQAH
Thesis:
Movement and deposition of biological and man-made materials through an abalone farm
Department: BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF A RAJKARAN
Co-supervisor: MS S HALSE
THIBELI NTHABISENG
Thesis:
The effects of diet on the lipid content and fatty acid composition of the cultured sea urchin Tripneustes gratilla gonads
Department: BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF G MANEVELDT
Co-supervisors: PROF D BEUKES, DR M CYRUS
VIMBI TEMBELA
Thesis:
The role of disturbances in shaping the microbial communities at Wavecrest and the Nahoon Estuary in the Eastern Cape
Department: BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
Supervisor: PROF A ENGELBRECHT
Co-supervisor: PROF A RAJKARAN
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
AGENBAG STEPHANIE ANDREA
Thesis:
Using digital forensics for Android smartphone devices to aid criminal investigations
Department: COMPUTER SCIENCE
Supervisor: DR A HENNEY
Co-supervisor: DR H MEYER
BISEN VINOD
Thesis: A Comparative Analysis of Deep Learningbased Solutions for Image-based hCAPTCHA Challenges
Department: COMPUTER SCIENCE
Supervisor: DR O ISAFIADE
Co-supervisor: PROF C NYIRENDA
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
MASTER’S DEGREES 2026
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
LYNER CHANTAL
Thesis:
Data privacy and security in health information systems: investigating strategies and techniques within South Africa’sregulatory environment
Department: COMPUTER SCIENCE
Supervisor: DR A HENNEY
SOBANTU SIVE
Cum Laude
Thesis:
Exploring RFM model and fuzzy c-means clustering in dynamic customer segmentation
Department: COMPUTER SCIENCE
Supervisor: DR O ISAFIADE
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MATHEMATICAL SCIENCE
MAKEMBELE CHERUBIN
Summa Cum Laude
Thesis:
The Annihilating-ideal Graph of a Commutative Ring with or without S-vertices
Department: MATHEMATICS AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS
Supervisor: PROF E MEHDINEZHAD
MAVUSO QINISO MAXWELL
Cum Laude
Thesis:
Local connectedness and connectedness im kleinen in the hyperspace of a metric space
Department: MATHEMATICS AND APPLIED MATHEMATICS
Supervisor: PROF P PILLAY Co-supervisor: PROF D HOLGATE
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
MASTER’S DEGREES 2026
MASTER OF SCIENCE IN BIOINFORMATICS
FRANCIS KRIHESKA
Thesis:
Investigating the role of HLA class-1 polymorphisms within the Sub-Sahara African population, in the emergence, frequency, and persistence of SARSCoV-2 variants
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIOINFORMATICS INSTITUTE
Supervisor: DR N NGANDU
Co-supervisors: PROF B FIELDING, DR G HARKINS
GOUNTIN HWENUDE JUDICAELLE CHANCE
Magna Cum Laude
Thesis: Identification of operons in Clostridium difficile
SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL BIOINFORMATICS INSTITUTE
Supervisor: PROF A CHRISTOFFELS
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
HONOURS’ DEGREES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
CHASE DAKARA Cum Laude
ABRAHAMS SHURAIGH
BOOYSEN LUCIANO EDWIN
DAWNAY
EBRAHIM ZAKIYYAH
FARLANE LEVY MOLAHLEHI
FEBRUARY KAUTHAR FLEURS CHARL
HUMA PRECIOUS KOKETSO
JAFTHA MIKAYLA
LAISAI MATTHEW KENNETH
MAGAHLE MMATHAPELO NICOLETTE
MAMATSIARI NOMAKHOSAZANA PRINCESS
MANGESI ZENANDE
MGANTO-KHUSELO ZANELE
MOGWADUBA LINDOKUHLE
MZANTSI CHUMISA
NCOKO ITUMELENG
NEWMAN
MAXWELL MASON
NGALONKULU SIMAMKELE KHANYISILE
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
HONOURS’ DEGREES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
PATIDAR BHAVIKA
SHANDU SIQALALA LAPEARL
MYEYE ANELE
SHEZI KHANYISILE YOLANDA
STUURMAN OLWETHU
WENN SHIVAAN
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN APPLIED GEOLOGY
FOMOKHWE LUYOLO
KASAMBAYI DELAPAIX
LOTT TAFFI CASSIDY
MASANGO BANELISIWE
MAWASHA SETLABOSWANA
VANESSA PALESA
MJINDI UKHANYO
MPONGWANA SANELISIWE
NGOBENI KOKETSO EVENCE
POOPEDI MOSIMA RENEILWE
QIBI EMMANUEL
SATHEKGE THATO
THINANE NEO RELEBOHILE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE
ADAMS ZADE
KHOZA NDZALAMA SHAUN
MAKWELA MOORANE EMILY
MOHLOMI NEO
NAKETSANA TOPOLLO
PETERSEN MOEGAMAT ANEES
SOKWELETI SIYABULELA
TSOSANI PALISA OCTAVIA
ZONDO ALUNGILE
ZUMA MNQOBI
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
SAMUELS KEZIA
Cum Laude
CENGIMBO AKHO PHUMELELA
MATHONSI SAMKELISIWE LUNGILE
MAY KOEBRA
MCCOMB JODY
NDLHOVU HLANHLA CALVIN
NGWEDLA SINOKULAKHA
NGWENYA SHANE SIFISO
NOSI HLOHONOLOFATSO
RISPEL DAVID
RUTLOKOANE PHEMELO MOJALEFA
SEBOTSANE KEITUMETSE
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
HONOURS’ DEGREES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN CHEMISTRY
BOOYSEN VINNEKE
JULIES JADE
MBHUNGELE NCOBILE
MOHALE MOROATSHEHLA
MOHLARHI ALICIA
MTYHWASHELE ZIMKHITHA
NKOHLA MESULI
SAMSON MATTHEW
SCHOEMAN SETH
SIWA LUKHANYO
SOTHUKO KARABO
SULLIMAN BASHEERAH
TSHOKOTSHA ABONGILE
TSOTETSI MFALADI
VAN ZYL JACO
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN MATHEMATICS
BANGANI AYANDA
KEKANA VIOLET
MADI MIMI
MAKALUZA IMONGE MIHLA
MANZINI BUSI
MBALO VUYO EPHRAIM
NDIKINDA OKUHLE
NOTYESI LULUTHO INGA
SELOKELA KGAOGELO ELVIS
XANASI ATHULE
YOLELO ABONGILE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN STATISTICAL SCIENCE
BAKHWAHLA MAWETHU LIPHO
HYMAN JOSHUA DANIEL
LINGANI ZIMI
MKHARI DUNCAN MOKOENA MAHLATSE CJ
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE HONOURS IN POPULATION STUDIES
MBUZELI RICHARD DEAN
Cum Laude
CHASO AYANDA
HITILANA SIYASANGA
MABOPHE KAMVA OLONA
MTSHWENI YOLISWA KYLA
NONKONYANA THELA
SCHROEDER GAIRODIEN
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
HONOURS’ DEGREES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
CASSIEM FAAKHIRAH
Magna Cum Laude
GOVENDER CUAN
Magna Cum Laude
NAIDOO THARESHA
Magna Cum Laude
PARKER AMEERA
Magna Cum Laude
SOCI VIWE
Magna Cum Laude
ABRAHAMS IMRAH
Cum Laude
BANDA ESTHER
Cum Laude
CORNELIUS ABDUD-DAYAAN
Cum Laude
HAMIED HUDA
Cum Laude
MATTHYSEN SUNELL
Cum Laude
MOKOENA MOTSHABI ANNA
Cum Laude
PINGA INNOCENT
Cum Laude
SEWPARSAD SHREYA
Cum Laude
THSEMBEYI ASANELE PRECIOUS
Cum Laude
ALEXANDER ADRIAAN JOHN AZIZ QAAILAH
BANDA WANDISILE
NOMPUMELELO
BEJA AMUKELA IFEOMA
BENGE LUKHO
BOOSHUM SAJEEL
CHAUKE NHLAMULO EUGENE
COKI ZILUNGILE
DOMBO ROFHIWA
DRAKE FAIZEL
DUBE OLWETHU CWAYITA
FREDERICKS DAYLE LINDSAY
GALESITOE OAGILE MMARONA
HELDSINGER CAYLA
HOKOMAN THAPELO
ISAACS SAABIRAH
ISMAIL QUDSIYAH
JACOBS SHAYNE
JAFFER IRSHAAD
JALI SIYABONGA SIYANDA
JOHNSON OBIANAUJU RXONGILE JOSEPHINE
JULIUS BRONWYN KIRSTEN
KUBHEKA XOLILE LESEGO ZANDILE
LINDANI SAKHUMZI
LUBAMBA TINA
LUKUZELA SIPHOKUHLE
MADE HLANGANANI JONGIKHAYA
MAGOMA MULANGA
MAHLALELA NOMBEPHO SURPRICE
MAKONDO NHLOHLORHI PARDON NCHOCHO
MASUKU THABANG
MATHEBULA THANDO
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY
MATHONSI ASANDA
MBATHA LUSANDA
SIBONGAKONKE
MBODLELA TAMIA
MBUTHU ANATHI LONWABO
MCITEKA OLWETHU INATHI
MDISHWA LINAMANDLA
MHLANJWA MKUSELI
MLENZANA BONGOLETHU
MOIDEEN MUHAMMAD IDREES
MOKOKA KAGISO
MOLAMO KHUDUANE MALEBO
MOTAU PRECIOUS GUGU
MTETWA SIMFUMENE MBULELO
MWELASE AMANDA SPHOKAZI
MYENI LANGELIHLE FEZEKA
NAIDOO JAMIE-LEE
NGCOBO APHIWE NADIA
NGOYI SIPHESIHLE
NGUBO MLUNGISI
NKANGUNE ANOXOLO
NXUMALO MKHULEKO HLOBISILE
NXUMALO SIDUDUZIWE
NYANGINTSIMBI OKO QAQAMBILE
PEREIRA NELSON BAFANA
PHIRI REGINA
PLATYI S THABILE SANELE ROSS LIAM
SAMAAI YUSHA
SESMAN SINOVUYO
SHUBE THANDO
SIBALI MTHA
SOLOMONS MYISHA
STRYDOM AMARIS GERTIN
TISEKER FATIMA
TLHARIPE KGOSIETSILE GEORGE
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOLOGY
KHALANE RELEBOHILE CORNELIA
Cum Laude
MBEDZI MATODZI
Cum Laude
SIKHOSANA LINDOKUHLE
Cum Laude
ADRIAANSE DHAYNA
BANGANI MAWETHU
BHOKIYA SINAZO
BUTHELEZI NKOSINGIPHILE PETUNIA
DAVIDS CAIDEN CANDICE
KHAN MOEGAMAT AAMIR
KHANYASE LINDOKUHLE LINDY FEZEKA
KHWINANA MATHAPELO MALOSE EMMA
KUNENE NTANDOYENKOSI
LUSHABA ANELE PRINCESS LUVHENGO PFARELO
MABASA LANGUTELANI BEATRICE
MAHLANGU NOMCEBO HLENGIWE
MAPHUMULO ASIBONGE ASANDA
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN APPLIED GEOLOGY
MASUOA LIYEMA
MATLHOLOE KAMOGELO
MATYHOLO YOMELELA
MBULAWA LULAMELA
MODISE TSHIAMISO PULENG
MOLOI SIYABONGA
MONYAMANE DIKOTI LEBOGANG
MONYETSANE MAMOEKETSI
MOTLHABANE TUMELO
MTUZULA ALUNCEDO
NGCONGO ZAMANTULI
NGIBA FUNDANI ANDILE
NONGQWULA SIMPHIWE LINDOKUHLE
NYONGWANA MLUNGISI
PATULENI MIRANDA
PHUKANE THAKGATSO
PHUTI LINDOKUHLE ANTONY
QULU BUKHO
SEIPELO GONTSE
REALEBOGA
SEPTEMBER WREN NINO
SOMAGAXA ASENATHI
SOTENJWA ZUKISWA
TUTU LISA
VALENTINE DANIEL
VAN DER POLL ROMERO PETER
VAN VOLLENHOVEN LUDFI
VIANA REGAN FRANCOIS
ZONDI ANELE
ZONDI SIPHESIHLE NOMPILO
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
BUTHELEZI KWANDA THEMBELIHLE
Cum Laude
APRIL CHELSEA JOEY
BELL ETHAN
BRAAF MUSLIMAH
CARELS AIDEN
CLAASEN DEMI-LEIGH
DLELAPANTSI LIYASAKHA
DLUDLA LWANDILE
EFFENDI BILQEES
FRANTZ REECE
HARRIS THAAKIYAH
JARVIS KEANAN JOHN
JIJANA NALEDI KHANYA BUHLE
JOHNSON IHTISHAAM
KARRIEM ANISAH
MADIKWA VUYO
MATTHEW ALEXANDER CONNOR
MBATHA NONDUDUZO
MC INTYRE
CASSIDY ERIN
MOTLOUTSI KATLEGO
MVINJELWA SIPHOSETHU PENELOPE
NDUVHENI NDIMUHULU
NETSHIVHAMBE ZWIVHUYA
NOGUTSHA ALUNCEDO
NTSANGANI LINAMANDLA
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
NTSIKO EMIHLE
PHOCHANA TALAMO
QEQE SIPHIWUTHANDO
RATSHEFOLA KEABETSOE TSHENOLO
SALIE ANAAS AHMAD
SELAE TSANGWANE SHANTEL
SHAMBARE CHIDO MICHELLE
STRYDOM HB MULLER
WAGLAY AMEERA
WILLIAMS CHEYNNE ELIZABETH
XIMBA SINDISWA SILINDILE
XUBA MAFUZA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CHEMISTRY
DLUDLA HAPPINESS VIVIAN
Magna Cum Laude
ABRAHAMS TRISTAN
ADAMS CAYDEE MICHE
AFRICA ZAINAB HALEEMA
BENI SIYANDA
BORCHJES AIDAN
DE ANDRADE RODRIGO
GAETHUSE OTSILE
GATEBE THATO
GROOTBOOM SARAH-JANE AMBER
HANNELORE
JONGA UNATHI GCINA
JOUBERT AYDEN
KHOLISILE ANATHI EUNICE
KUBHEKA NOMTHANDAZO
LEVENDAL CHAD
LUNINGO YONELA
MALEBO BOITUMELO PORTIA
MAQOQA DOCTOR
MASETI SIPHESIHLE
MASOED TAHIRA
MDLULI NHLAKANIPHO
MNYILA KANYA
MODISE REBECCA MPHO
MOFOKENG LIZIE SAMANTHA
NDLOVU ZANELE PRECIAS
NGXONGO NOXOLO NOMBULELO WENDY
NKADIMENG REATILE
NKAMBULE ORATILWE
NOBADULA SINOVUYO THANDO
NOBOKWANA SIPHESILE
PHIRI JAMINAH RUTH
PUDINI ZINTLE
TLHAKWE KUTLWANO BRENDON
WELLS LOGAN
ZAMISA NOBUHLE PRETTY
ZWANE UNATHI
FACULTY OF NATURAL SCIENCES
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICAL SCIENCES
CHARLES CLAYTON
CHRISTOPHER
Magna Cum Laude
MASINA SAMKELO
Cum Laude
BASHOLO KEKELETSO UNATHI
DINDILI NTANDO
DUBE THATO KAVEN
GABRIEL KIARA KEREN
GUMEDE MTHANDAZO
JONES SKYE
KHOSANA KHANYA SHAMIE
MANAKANA KGAUGELO VICTOR
MBEJE MTHETHELELI SIMPHIWE
MFUNDISI ZENANDE
OOMPIE DEAN
PONYA TEBOHO
PRENS DRESHAAN
RADEBE MBALI
RATOMBO ONDISAHO
SATHYAN SREYAMS
SITHOLE SAM RUBAN
SOFUTHE MZOMHLE
TOMOSE AKHONA
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PHYSICS
VAN HEERDEN AIDEN GABRIEL
PHILLIP
Magna Cum Laude
CHETTY CONNOR
Cum Laude
HANISE ONGEZIWE SISIPHO
LERIBA KAMOHELO
LUZIPHO SESETHU
MDAKANE SIBONGILE PATIENCE
MOLIMO PEACE KHUTSO
MTAMO MBELUKAZI
MUTHALEDI KHUMBELO
NDINISA THABISO
NJEMLA EYETHU
ZINDELA ASIVE
HONORARY DEGREE AWARDEES
1983
S. Motsuenyane, Doctor Commercii
M.C. O’Dowd, Doctor Commercii
1984
E. Theron, Doctor Legum
1987
B. Breytenbach, Doctor Litterarum
R.E. van de Ross, Doctor Educationis
1989
J.C. de Villiers, Doctor Scientiae
G.A.M. Mbeki, Doctor Philosophiae
1990
N.R. Mandela, Doctor Legum
O.R. Tambo, Doctor Legum
1991
R.E. Alexander, Doctor Commercii
G.S. Machel, Doctor Legum
D. Mitterand, Doctor Litterarum
D. Zihlangu, Doctor Educationis
1993
G. Boonzaaier, Doctor Litterarum
B. Head, Doctor Litterarum (posthumous)
A. Ibrahim, Doctor Litterarum
E. Mancoba, Doctor Litterarum
1995
G.J. Gerwel, Doctor Educationis
P.M. Sonn, Doctor Legum
1996
G.H. Brundtland, Doctor Legum
T.N. Chapman, Doctor Commercii
J.J.F. Durand, Doctor Philosophiae
P. Gorvalla, Doctor Commercii
HEADER SUB-HEADER
1997
B. Davidson, Doctor Litterarum
E.L. King, Doctor Theologiae
I. Mohamed, Doctor Scientiae
F.B. Naude, Doctor Theologiae
J.N. Scholten, Doctor Legum
R. Turner, Doctor Educationis
1998
J. Derrida, Doctor Litterarum
M. Nuttall, Doctor Theologiae
M.A Oduyoye, Doctor Theologiae
J. Reddy, Doctor Educationis
2001
V.H. Faigle, Doctor Theologiae
G. ‘t Hooft, Doctor Scientiae
P.N. Langa, Doctor Legum
A. Small, Doctor Litterarum
2002
W.H. Gray III, Doctor Philosophiae
C.L.R.Hirschsohn, Doctor Philosophiae
T. Manuel, Doctor Commercii
D. Philip, Doctor Litterarum
M. Philip, Doctor Litterarum
D.M.B. Tutu, Doctor Legum
2003
K. Mokhele, Doctor Scientiae
T. D. Fredericks, Doctor Educationis
P.D. Uys, Doctor Educationis
2004
K. Asmal, Doctor Legum
E. de Keyser, Doctor Commercii
G. Fitzgerald, Doctor Litterarum
A. Omar, Doctor Legum (posthumous)
A. Sachs, Doctor Litterarum
A. Sisulu, Doctor Curationis
W. Sisulu, Doctor Legum (posthumous)
HONORARY DEGREE AWARDEES
2005
A. Achmat, Doctor Philosophiae
C.J Bundy, Doctor Philosophiae
E.K.M. Dido, Doctor Litterarum
T. Jones, Doctor Philosophiae
J. Fagan, Doctor Legum
I. Mahomed, Doctor Legum (posthumous)
2006
F. Ginwala, Doctor Administrationis
2007
E. Abrahams, Doctor Philosophiae
E. Braune, Doctor Philosophiae
A. Chaskalson, Doctor Legum
D. Jordaan, Doctor Philosophiae
R. Kadalie, Doctor Litterarum
P. Mlambo-Ngcuka, Philosophiae Doctor
Y. Mokgoro, Doctor Legum
V.G. Shubin, Doctor Philosophiae
2008
W.E. Morrow, Doctor Educationis
2009
P. Govender, Doctor Legum
2010
A. Adebajo, Doctor Philosophiae
M.S. Dien, Philosophiae Doctor (posthumous)
B.L. Fanaroff, Doctor Philosophiae
P. Olumfemi-Kayode, Doctor Philosophiae
R. Simonsen, Doctor Philosophiae
P.K. Tergat, Doctor Philosophiae
D. Tulu, Doctor Philosophiae
2011
S.B. Biko, Doctor Philosophiae (posthumous)
S.B.A. Isaacs, Doctor Educationis
P. Magrath, Doctor Litterarum
M. Shear, Doctor Philosophiae
M. Temmerman, Doctor Philosophiae
R.B. Wolf, Doctor Philosophiae
2012
B. Gawanas, Doctor Legum
E. Moosa, Doctor Legum
R.E. Reddock, Doctor Philosophiae
H. Shaper, Doctor Philosophiae (posthumous)
A. Sheiham, Doctor Philosophiae
2013
H. Howa, Doctor Philosophiae
T. Jones, Doctor Philosophiae
J. Matthews, Doctor Philosophiae
G. Merino O.P, Doctor Theologiae
2014
A. Haron, Doctor Philosophiae (posthumous)
2015
A. Jedaar, Doctor Philosophiae
2016
H. Adams, Doctor Philosophiae
F. Robertson, Doctor Philosophiae
M. Tsedu, Doctor Philosophiae
2017
M. Lapsley, Doctor Philosophiae
2018
Z Skweyiya, Doctor Philosophiae (posthumous)
2021
Z. Wicomb, Doctor Philosophiae
A.A. Boesak, Doctor Philosophiae
W. Kentridge, (jointly awarded with Vrije Universiteit Brussel and Ghent University)
2022
K.K. Prah, Doctor Philosophiae
I. Sooliman, Doctor Philosophiae
HONORARY DEGREE AWARDEES
SUB-HEADER 1983-2024
2023
C. Hani, Doctor Philosophiae (posthumous)
D.E. Moseneke, Doctor Philosophiae
S.Z. Zotwana, Doctor Philosophiae
2024
M.Y. Choi, Doctor Philosophiae
H. Kummeling, Doctor Philosophiae
C. Pauwels, Doctor Philosophiae (posthumous)
2018
Ebrahim Rhoha
2021
AB Mahomed
Derek Joubert
Peter Takelo
HEADER SUB-HEADER 2018-2024 GOLD MEDALISTS
2022
Sean Patrick Lance
Peter Wilson
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
2024
Albert Lois Sachs
UWC GRADUATION ATTIRE
MEANING AND SYMBOLISM
HEADER SUB-HEADER
The three proteas symbolise Teaching, Culture and Education.
The stepped pattern represents the steps that lead to the Greek temple. This is the international symbol for academia and our recognition that we are a part of it.
The laurel leaves indicate competition and victory.
The diamond-shaped protea petal represents strength of character, ethics and faithfulness to oneself and others.
The continuous pattern that extends from the front to the back speaks to Respice Prospice, which means to look back, to look forward. Take what is good from the past and build the future.
The beaded effect is meant to reflect African craft and creativity.
The colours that make up the band are derived from those that represent the seven Faculties that make up the University.
CAP Black John Knox cap with silver tassel.
Peony red edged with silver trim.
THE CAP
Black John Knox cap with gold tassel. BACK OF THE YOKE
Black edged with gold trim.
THE SLEEVE
Open sleeves, looped up with gold cord and lined with gold satin.
THE GOWN
Black with full facings of gold and trimmed yoke.
Black John Knox cap with silver tassel.
Black edged with silver trim.
SLEEVE
Open sleeves, looped up with silver cord and lined with empire blue satin.
GOWN
Black with full facings of empire blue.
GRADUATION ATTIRE
AND HOODS GOWN
1 THE GOWN
Black (all degrees, diplomas and certificates, except Doctoral degrees)
Arts and Humanities
Community and Health Sciences
Dentistry
Economic and Management
Sciences
Education
Law
Natural Sciences
THE MOTIF
Black, edged with symbolic print in the Faculty colour.
THE COWL
Trimmed based on the type of qualification being conferred.
THE NECKBAND
The neckband emblazoned with the protea in the Faculty colour.
THE HOOD
Full hood in black.
2
CERTIFICATES AND DIPLOMAS
(NQF LEVEL 5 AND 6)
Black, with gold and blue strips.
GRADUATION ATTIRE
HOODS
3 BACHELORS
(NQF LEVEL 7)
Black, edged with symbolic print in the Faculty colour; the neckband emblazoned with the protea in the Faculty colour.
Degrees: BA, BSc, BCom, BAdmin, BA (SRES), BSc (Complementary Health Sciences), BOH, PGCE
5
ADVANCED BACHELORS
(NQF LEVEL 8)
Black, edged with symbolic print in the Faculty colour and trimmed on the cowl with cord in platinum colour; the neckband emblazoned with the protea in the Faculty colour.
Degrees and Diplomas: All Honours degrees and Postgraduate Diplomas
4
PROFESSIONAL/SENIOR BACHELORS
(NQF LEVEL 8)
Black, edged with symbolic print in the Faculty colour and trimmed on the cowl with cord in gold colour; the neckband emblazoned with the protea in the Faculty colour.
Black, lined with the Faculty colour, edged with symbolic print in the Faculty colour and trimmed on the cowl with cord in the Faculty colour; the neckband emblazoned with the protea in the Faculty colour.
