Outgoing University of Cape Town (UCT) Chancellor Mrs Graça Machel – who will conclude her term at the end of this year – was honoured at a special graduation ceremony on 12 December 2019.

Machel presided over her last graduation ceremonies on Thursday, bringing to an end a tenure spanning two decades during which she has been more than a titular head for UCT but has also played a crucial ambassadorial and motherly role.

“I am not leaving UCT, I am taking UCT with me,” she said in her farewell speech delivered in front of approximately 300 graduates and many others in attendance.

Having served UCT for 20 years, Mrs Machel received a standing ovation from the congregation that packed the Sarah Baartman Hall when she ended her speech.

Read Mrs Machel’s farewell message to the UCT community.

View the moving tributes to Mrs Machel: