University of Toronto Visit Reinforces International Partnership with UCT

The University of Cape Town (UCT) recently hosted Professor Joe Wang, Vice-President International from the University of Toronto, for a pivotal visit on Monday, 13 January 2025. This high-level engagement not only marked a significant step in strengthening the longstanding partnership between the two institutions, but also reaffirmed their mutual commitment to impactful collaboration.

Professor Wang met with the VC Prof. Moshabela to congratulate him on his appointment, express their support for the international partnership and discuss strategic initiatives.  Prof Moshabela warmly conveyed his strong support for the strategic collaboration and exciting possibilities in the future. Additionally, Professor Wang also engaged with Acting DVC Prof. Murugan about joint research that could be strategically strengthened. They also discussed the Healthy Futures Consortium, which is funded by the Mastercard Foundation and led by Associate Professor Tracey Naledi as Principal Investigator (PI) at the UCT Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), with the University of Toronto as the Secretariat to the constituent 9 higher education institutions.. Prof. Wang interacted with FHS Dean Prof. Lionel Green-Thompson and the Healthy Futures Collaborative PI about their exciting endeavour to strengthen health across Africa. He also engaged with the International Office Director Quinton Johnson, PhD about strategic internationalisation and partnership between the universities of Cape Town and Toronto. Whilst attending the OSUN conference, Prof. Wang also met with Prof. Faisel Ismail as Director at the UCT Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance. Furthermore, Dr. Angel Motsamai accompanied Prof. Wang as the University of Toronto liaison in South Africa.

The visit highlighted the importance of ensuring continuity in this strategic partnership. Simultaneously, the engagements explored opportunities for new and exciting endeavours, including the establishment of a Global Research Alliance between the Universities of Cape Town and Toronto as partners in the international U7+ network of world class institutions.