UCT promises divestment update

Is UCT implementing its commitment to divest its considerable assets from fossil fuels? The question was asked at our recent AGM, and now we have an update.

Last week, our divestment campaigners Sandrine Mpazayabo, Steph Cookson and David Le Page, with Green Campus Initiative, met UCT vice chancellor Mosa Moshabela and some others, including the acting chief financial officer (CFO), interim registrar, chair of the University Panel for Responsible Investment, and some communications representatives.

“The tone was amicable, and there were several outcomes based on our requests,” Sandrine reports.

In short, UCT remains committed to the decision, is working on an update for the public, and has committed to providing this before the end of the year. Happily, the VC also voiced his support for our proposal for a university Climate Leadership Summit, although the onus lies with us to liaise with academics and other stakeholders to organise the event.

“We feel that we are slowly but surely making progress, and thank you for all your support in this campaign,” said Sandrine.

What do we mean by “university climate leadership”? We mean that as institutions providing insights from research, “thought leadership”, and with a mission and tradition of pursuing social justice (at least here in South Africa), universities can and should become outspoken public climate communicators, educating citizens on the causes, seriousness and opportunities of the global fossil fuel regulatory crisis AKA climate change.

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