UWC School of Public Health

28/08/2026

UWC School of Public Health's Michelle De Jong at the AI Colloquium 2026: Ethical Use of AI in Teaching, Research, Administration, and Community Engagement

27/08/2026

A School Meal Should Never Make a Child Sick
For millions of South African learners, a school meal is an essential part of the school day — but that meal must also be safe. A recent Sunday Times report highlights concerning gaps in food safety across the National School Nutrition Programme, with UWC School of Public Health PhD candidate Asanda Getyeza-Ntswam warning that the consequences can extend far beyond compliance. Her contribution highlights why protecting children’s health requires attention not only to nutrition, but to the entire food system that delivers it.
A school meal is more than a plate of food: for millions of learners, it is an essential part of the school day and a support for health, learning and development. Yet a Sunday Times report highlights worrying gaps in food safety across South Africa’s National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).
The report draws on concerns raised by Asanda Getyeza-Ntswam, a PhD candidate at UWC’s School of Public Health, who warns that unsafe food practices can have serious consequences for children. While the NSNP reaches millions of learners daily, compliance with food safety requirements varies between provinces and schools. The challenge is therefore not simply about whether suppliers are appointed, but whether the entire food system, from preparation and storage to transport, infrastructure, inspection and oversight, works safely.
For public health, this is a reminder that nutrition programmes must protect both access to food and the safety and quality of what children eat.
Listen to Asanda's interview on Cape Talk

Asanda Getyeza-Ntswam, Public Health expert and Phd candidate at th...

27/08/2026

Webinar Series
Shaping the Future DHS Leader
Register https://uwc.zoom.us/meeting/register/6T_h0h9BTwOArxCHFqooJw #/registration

27/08/2026

Beyond 30 June: Repatriation Process and the Future of Migrants and Refugees in South Africa
Building on the first symposium, the second symposium, held on 24 August 2026, brought stakeholders together to reflect on the repatriation and humanitarian response, discuss key gaps and challenges, and explore practical ways to address injustices affecting refugees and migrants in South Africa. https://soph.uwc.ac.za/news/beyond-30-june-repatriation-process-and-the-future-of-migrants-and-refugees-in-south-africa/

24/08/2026

On Friday, 28 August 2026, the University of the Western Cape will honour Advocate Adila Hassim SC with a Doctor Philosophiae, honoris causa, at the 2026 Honorary Doctorate Celebration.

Adv Hassim is a distinguished public-interest advocate and human rights activist whose career spans more than two decades. She has dedicated her work to advancing constitutional rights, access to healthcare and social justice. She co-founded SECTION27 and served as its Director of Litigation, advocating for communities and families in significant public-interest matters.

24/08/2026

Symposium in progress!
Beyond 30 June: Repatriation process and the Future of Migrants and Refugees in South Africa
Building on the first symposium held on 19 June 2026, which sought to address misinformation about refugees and migrants in South Africa, encourage dialogue on constructive ways forward, and oppose violent responses, this second symposium aims to provide a platform to:
Reflect on the experiences of various stakeholders involved in the repatriation process and the humanitarian response.
Discuss the gaps and challenges in responding to the humanitarian crisis and identify practical strategies to address the injustices experienced by refugees and migrants.

Building on the first symposium held on 19 June 2026, which sought to address misinformation about refugees and migrants in South Africa, encourage dialogue on constructive ways forward, and oppose violent responses.

21/08/2026

GHM & HSG Guiding Research Special Series | Gender, Inclusion and the Future of Health Systems (Coming Soon)
In this episode of Guiding Research, Dr. Sam Oti, Senior Programme Specialist at Canada's International Development Research Centre (IDRC), speaks with Professor Asha George, health systems researcher at the University of the Western Cape, South Africa.

How can digital innovation strengthen primary health care at scale? Lessons from global public-private partnerships on trust, governance, sustainability and public value.

21/08/2026

A Special Podcast Series: Exploring the ideas shaping the future of health systems
Guiding Research is a special podcast series from Global Health Matters and Health Systems Global (HSG), bringing together leading researchers and practitioners to explore the ideas shaping the future of health policy and systems research.
Through one-on-one conversations, the series explores the themes of the Health Systems Research (HSR) 2026 Symposium and considers how research, evidence and experience can help build stronger, more equitable, resilient and sustainable health systems. Episodes will be released monthly in the lead-up to HSR2026.

The Guiding Research podcast explores key issues shaping the future of health systems research and policy.

21/08/2026

UWC School of Public Health's Ziyanda Mwanda-Vacu and Prof. Brian van Wyk attended the 4th Edition of the Blended Learning Workshop with AI-Integration – “Get Started, Keep Moving”.

Hosted by: Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta (Indonesia) Face-to-Face 06-10 July, 2026