The Executive Director’s Office within the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) at UCT champions student support, leadership, and development. The Office oversees vital student services, including Student Development, Undergraduate Funding, etc.
Inspiring students to flourish by liberating their souls for student wellbeing and academic success through 3Ps and 3R’s.
The Executive Director’s Office in the DSA leads with a vision to foster student growth, resilience, and academic success. Through strategic human-centred initiatives, we create a spaces where students flourish.
About Executive Director's Office
Welcome to the Department of Student Affairs
Over the past nine years, from the transformative FeesMustFall movement to the unprecedented challenges of Covid-19, one message has emerged: uncertainty is an inevitable part of our shared journey. At UCT Department if Student Affairs (DSA), we view this uncertainty not as a hurdle, but as an invitation for growth. Embracing moments of discomfort allows us to change, adapt, and ultimately thrive.
Covid-19 reminded us of our shared humanity, highlighting that we’re interconnected regardless of class, power, or privilege. In this spirit, the DSA is committed to fostering a community where we recognise each other as people first, united in our differences and strengths.
DSA strives to build a social compact which is based on shared values that guides our collective actions and hold shared values that guides our actions and holds us accountable. This social compact is based on kindness and compassion for self and others which is a precursor for social cohesion for the UCT community as a whole by creating an environment where everyone can have and a sense of belonging.
- Mr Pura Mgolombane; Executive Director, DSA
Our vision and value
Creating an environment where every interaction is a humanising encounter, nurturing the spirit and fostering a deeper connection in our shared journey.
Purpose
To provide students and DSA staff with transformative spiritual and emotional human encounters, fostering empowerment, personal growth, and academic success.
Strategic Intention & 3Ps
Inviting the UCT Community to grapple with the 3Ps:
- Humanising Pedagogy
- Pedagogy of Discomfort
- Pneumotological Pedagogy
Motto & 3Rs
Rekindle Dying Embers - Rehabilitate & Radiate the Soul for Mutual Healing & Human Flouring
The DSA key strategic areas (KSAs) are vehicles through which the DSA intends to realise its vision and to humanise the DSA Strategic Framework 2035, the DSA Culture and hopefully the UCT institutional culture.
KSA 01: Grow a Culture of Ethical Self-Organisation
Foster a community where students take ownership of their actions, guided by ethical principles and self-responsibility. Our aim is to empower individuals to lead with integrity and accountability.
KSA 02: Develop a System of Integrated, Responsive, and Agile Support
Create a dynamic support system that responds swiftly to student needs, integrating resources across departments to provide adaptable, holistic assistance for student success and well-being.
KSA 03: Academy for Leadership Development
Empower future leaders through the Academy for Leadership Development, offering transformative training and mentorship that fosters resilience, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to positive societal impact.
KSA 04: Transform the Environment through Social Cohesion and Social Justice
Foster a supportive environment grounded in social cohesion and justice, empowering students to champion inclusivity, equity, and meaningful community engagement for lasting societal transformation.
KSA 05: Create Humanising Student Experiences
Design student experiences that emphasise respect, empathy, and personal growth, nurturing a campus environment where every individual feels valued, understood, and empowered to flourish.
KSA 06: Advance Health-Promoting Practices
Promote health-focused initiatives that support student well-being, resilience, and balanced lifestyles, creating a foundation for both academic success and personal fulfilment.
KSA 07: Student Success & Well-Being
Empower students to thrive academically and personally through comprehensive support systems, fostering resilience, well-being, and a balanced path to success.