Higher Education and Training Minister Buti Manamela has congratulated the University of Cape Town (UCT) on its rise to 147th place in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2027.
The university is the highest-ranked university in sub-Saharan Africa, climbing to joint 147th position from its joint 164th position last year. The university is ranked 147th with four other universities, including Case Western Reserve University in the United States, Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa in Italy, and the University of Osaka in Japan.
The university now officially retains its position as Africa’s highest-ranked university.
“Its return to the global top 150 is a significant achievement for UCT and South African higher education,” Manamela said.
The Minister also acknowledged the contribution of the academics, researchers, staff and students to its international standing.
The Minister also commended UCT for hosting the first Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit (WAS) on African soil, in partnership with the University of Bristol.
Higher education summit
Manamela also commended UCT for hosting the first Times Higher Education (THE) World Academic Summit (WAS) on African soil, held in partnership with the University of Bristol.
The three-day summit was held from 29 September to 1 October 2026, under the theme: “Knowledge, justice and futures: Universities in the age of intelligence”.
The summit brings together global leaders in higher education, research, policy, business and civil society to explore how universities can harness intelligence – human, artificial and collective – to shape fairer, more sustainable and future-ready societies.
“I congratulate Professor Mosa Moshabela, the university’s leadership, staff and students.
“This achievement reflects the sustained work of a university community whose contribution reaches well beyond its campus. UCT has also done our country and continent proud by bringing this important global conversation to Africa,” Manamela said.
The Minister participated in discussions at the summit, focusing on the relationship between government and universities, international collaboration, artificial intelligence (AI), and the responsibility of higher education institutions to expand opportunities.
Addressing delegates, Manamela said universities must remain autonomous while being deeply engaged with the communities they serve.
“Government must protect academic freedom and create the conditions for teaching, research and innovation to flourish.
“Together, we must ensure that this work improves people’s lives,” the Minister said.
Manamela also acknowledged the progress made by other South African universities in the latest global rankings and highlighted the role of academic excellence and sustained institutional efforts in maintaining the country’s international standing.
The Minister commended the university’s excellent work and the conditions that make good work possible.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that a young person’s background does not determine their access to quality education and that the knowledge produced in our universities helps us confront unemployment, poverty and inequality,” Manamela said.
He called for stronger partnerships between universities and industry to expand practical learning, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
The Minister emphasised the need to equip students and lecturers on how to use artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly, supported by investment in digital infrastructure, connectivity and training.
Delegates were encouraged to translate the summit’s discussions into equitable partnerships, joint research and opportunities for students and academics across Africa.
“International collaboration must involve a real exchange of knowledge and opportunity. African universities have much to contribute.
“We must help shape the future of higher education,” Manamela said. – SAnews.gov.za
