Cape Town:Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has congratulated the University of Cape Town (UCT) for reaching the 147th position in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027.
According to South African Government News Agency, UCT's rise from its previous joint 164th position marks a significant achievement, making it the highest-ranked university in sub-Saharan Africa. UCT shares the 147th spot with Case Western Reserve University in the United States, Sapienza University of Rome and Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa in Italy, and the University of Osaka in Japan.
Minister Manamela praised the efforts of UCT's academics, researchers, staff, and students for contributing to its international standing. He also commended UCT for hosting the first Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit on African soil, in collaboration with the University of Bristol. The event took place from September 29 to October 1, 2026, with the theme "Knowledge, justice and futures: Universities in the age of intelligence."
The summit facilitated discussions among global leaders from various sectors to explore the role of universities in shaping fairer, sustainable, and future-ready societies. Manamela highlighted the need for universities to remain autonomous while engaging with their communities, emphasizing the government's role in protecting academic freedom and fostering conditions for innovation and research.
He also acknowledged the achievements of other South African universities in the global rankings, stressing the importance of academic excellence and institutional efforts in maintaining international recognition. The Minister called for enhanced partnerships between universities and industry to create practical learning, employment, and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Moreover, Manamela urged investment in digital infrastructure and training to responsibly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) in education. He advocated for equitable international collaborations and joint research initiatives, aiming to leverage the potential of African universities in shaping the future of higher education.