About: Chancellor of the University of Cape Town

The Chancellor of the University of Cape Town (UCT) is the ceremonial head of the university, representing it in the public sphere and conferring degrees in its name. The Chancellorship is a titular position; the chief executive of the university is the Vice-Chancellor. The current Chancellor, the sixth since UCT was elevated to university status in 1918, is Precious Moloi-Motsepe. She is succeeding Graça Machel, the wife of South African ex-President Nelson Mandela who served as chancellor from 1999 until 2019. If there are multiple nominations the Chancellor is chosen by an electoral college representing staff, students and graduates. Formerly Chancellors were appointed for life, but since 1999 they are appointed for a renewable ten-year term.