Excellence at the University of Cape Town (UCT) goes far beyond our lecture halls, laboratories, and offices. Across national and international arenas, UCT staff, students, and alumni are making history and competing at the highest levels of global sport.
“Their achievements reflect the talent, discipline, and dedication that define our university community, reminding us that UCT produces leaders who excel in every sphere of society.”
— Professor Mosa Moshabela, Vice-Chancellor
Highlights at a Glance
| Trailblazer | Role / Discipline | Key Milestone / Achievement |
| Dr Zamambo Mkhize | Tennis (Masters) | #1 in SA (40+ category); representing South Africa at the ITF World Championships in Lisbon |
| Natasha Hofmeester | Rugby | Appointed as the first-ever Head Coach of the SA Schools Girls National Rugby Team |
| Dr Insaaf Levy | Rugby | First qualified medical doctor to cap for the senior Springbok Women’s team |
| Myuoor Pillay | Karate (Kata) | Silver medal at the FISU World University Championship Combat Sports in Brasília |
| Mark Bashe, Melissa Awu, Craig Zimri | Sports Leadership | Led Team South Africa to defend its title at the CUCSA Games with 29 Gold Medals |
Spotlighting Our Sports Stars
Dr Zamambo Mkhize: Hitting the Global Stage
Senior Lecturer in African Feminist Studies, Dr Zamambo Mkhize, has earned the #1 spot in South Africa for the women’s 40-and-over tennis category. She will represent Team SA at the ITF World Tennis Masters Tour World Championships in Lisbon, Portugal (2–15 August 2026), competing in both team and individual events. A former junior national player at 16, Dr Mkhize embodies the balance between academic rigour and elite athletics.
Natasha Hofmeester: Making Rugby History
UCT Women’s Rugby (Ikey Tigers) assistant coach and former Springbok player Natasha Hofmeester has been appointed Head Coach of the inaugural South African Schools Girls National Rugby Team. Having previously steered Western Province’s U18 girls, Hofmeester continues to blaze trails for young women in South African rugby.
Dr Insaaf Levy: A Doctor in the Springbok Jersey
UCT alumna and former Ikey Tigers player Dr Insaaf Levy has etched her name in the history books as the first qualified medical doctor to play for the senior Springbok Women’s rugby team. After completing her MBChB degree at UCT, she earned her first national cap against Madagascar at the Rugby Africa Women’s Cup.
Myuoor Pillay: World Championship Silver
Business Science student Myuoor Pillay brought home a silver medal in men’s team kata at the 2026 FISU World University Championship Combat Sports in Brasília, Brazil. Pillay adds this international podium finish to his growing list of Commonwealth, Southern African, and South African national titles.
Leading Team SA to Regional Glory at CUCSA
Three key UCT staff members helped Team South Africa successfully defend its title at the Confederation of Universities and Colleges Sports Association (CUCSA) Games in Botswana:
- Mark Bashe (Deputy Director of Sport & Recreation) served as Chef de Mission for SA’s 171-member delegation, leading the nation to 29 gold medals.
- Melissa Awu (UCT Sport Coordinator) managed the athletics team to a dominant 26-medal finish (including 13 golds).
- Craig Zimri (UCT Table Tennis Coach) guided the national table tennis team to a gold medal campaign.
